Shez had never intended to drink while being a single parent—it just evolved that way. Growing up in an environment filled with alcohol, she learned early that drinking was the solution to life’s challenges. As a flight attendant, it was part of her professional routine. As a mom, it turned into her refuge. However, when she started drinking in front of her team and waking up with no recollection of the night before, she understood that it was time for a change. Through This Naked Mind, she discovered the resources needed to stop drinking and take her life back.
Like Cheese and Crackers
I come from a long lineage of drinkers. My grandmother? She ended up drinking methylated spirits. My mother? She practically raised me in a bar; I was perched on a barstool while I sat on the floor—essentially in the ashtray—because children weren’t allowed at the counter. My childhood was filled with chaotic parties, with kids crammed into one room as adults drank, fought, and passed out wherever they fell. Waking up to find a house full of half-dressed strangers? Just another day.
With that kind of upbringing, it’s no surprise that alcohol became part of my life early. I had my first drink at 14, sneaking sips when no one was watching. By the time I became a flight attendant, drinking was a regular part of work. Aviation and alcohol go hand in hand—every layover, overnight stay, and post-flight chat took place at a bar. It didn’t matter if it was 5 PM or 5 AM; someone always said, “Just one more.” And I always went along with it.
When “Just One More” Became Too Many
Alcohol served as my crutch, my comfort, my escape route. Stress, sadness, anger—whenever I felt something, I reached for a drink. But it wasn’t merely an occasional indulgence; it was a lifestyle that spiraled into a problem.
Upon moving from flight attendant to management, the pressure intensified. I found myself excessively drinking in front of my staff. I’d wake up with absolutely no memory of my actions from the night before. Embarrassment and shame became my new companions. I attempted to limit my drinking—no alcohol during weekdays, no drinks before dinner—but it always led me back to consuming a bottle and a half of wine every night. If I entertained guests, it was often two bottles.
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The most painful aspect? I knew better. I had quit smoking 22 years ago—something I once thought impossible. I had thoroughly researched effective quit-smoking programs and found success with Allen Carr’s method. So why was I struggling with alcohol?
Drinking as a Single Parent: The Wake-Up Call
At 62 years old, I am a single mother to three wonderful kids—13-year-old twins and a 15-year-old son. One day, I had to confront the fact: my drinking as a single parent wasn’t just affecting me. It impacted them too.
For years, I was physically there but emotionally absent. I felt drained, foggy, and guilty. I wasn’t taking them out, nor was I engaged in their lives as they deserved. I told myself I was a “fun mom,” yet the truth was I was just a mom with a wine glass always in hand.
This realization drove me to a late-night search online. I needed assistance. That’s when I discovered This Naked Mind authored by Annie Grace. I had previously enrolled in The Alcohol Experiment multiple times, hovered in the Facebook group, even joined Fixation to Freedom—but nothing truly resonated with me. Then I got the audiobook. It turns out, reading isn’t my strong suit anymore, but listening is. What I heard transformed everything.
Find What Works For You!
Are you ready to discover what suits you? At This Naked Mind, we understand that everyone’s journey is unique! Choose your path and embark on the road to freedom!
You can:
Download the first 40 pages of This Naked Mind completely free!
Join the Alcohol Reset Challenge to experience the most transformative 5 days of your life!
If you’re considering a break from alcohol and seeking support and guidance, The Alcohol Experiment is here to help!
Seven Days Sober and a Lifetime to Go
Just last week, I celebrated my 62nd birthday. For the first time in what seems like ages, I’ve been sober for seven days. Seven days might not seem like much to some, but for someone who’s never truly known adult life without alcohol (except during pregnancy), it’s significant.
I’m finally engaged with my kids. I’m present. I’m listening—not with a foggy mind or distracted by thoughts of my next drink, but genuinely listening. The guilt is fading, the energy is coming back, and for the first time in years, I look forward to the future.
Drinking as a single parent reduced me to just surviving. Achieving sobriety now makes me feel like I’m truly living.
If you find yourself thinking, It’s too late for me, trust me—it isn’t. Regardless of how many attempts you’ve made or how deep you feel you are, there is a way out. And it’s truly worth pursuing.
So, if you spot me at a barstool now, I’ll be the one sipping soda water, raising a glass to freedom.
It’s Never Too Late to Change
If you’re questioning your drinking, that’s already a significant step. Don’t judge yourself, and don’t let anyone make you feel abnormal for choosing a life without alcohol. Because honestly—what’s “normal” about consuming something that makes us forget, regret, and repeat?
If I can overcome this challenge, so can you.
Share Your Story
Did our books, the app, the podcasts, or any other program from This Naked Mind assist you in stopping drinking as a single parent? We invite you to share your story here and inspire others on their journey!