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Have you ever thought about how to stop drinking after a relapse, especially when life throws challenges your way? For Bonnie, drinking was a familiar part of her upbringing—always present at dinners, parties, and various social events. What started as an ordinary habit gradually evolved into a serious issue, particularly after she began her career in Hollywood. Though she managed to stay sober for years, a new romantic relationship pulled her back into drinking. However, discovering This Naked Mind changed everything for her. This is her inspiring story of strength, recovery, and hope.
Trigger Warning: This narrative touches on sensitive topics such as sexual violence, substance abuse, and trauma. Please take care while reading.
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Drinking Was Normal in My Childhood
Alcohol was a constant in my childhood, but not in a particularly alarming way. My parents enjoyed cocktails primarily on weekends, often while playing cards with friends. Wine was absent, except for some large jugs of Blue Nun and other inexpensive varieties my German grandmother stashed away. I recall once sneaking a sip and feeling extremely ill. You’d think that experience would deter me for good, but it didn’t.
To me, drinking was always associated with social gatherings. When people got together, they drank. That belief stuck with me as I grew older. It seemed innocuous, expected, and normal.
Drugs, Fame, and a Risky Industry
This perception changed dramatically once I started working in Hollywood. As a production manager and model, I entered an environment rampant with drugs and alcohol. My boss was using cocaine, and I interacted closely with celebrities, musicians, and artists deeply entrenched in addiction. John Belushi, one such figure, tragically died of an overdose during this time.
The irony? I was tasked with keeping certain artists sober before their performances. One of the most challenging cases was John Entwhistle from The Who, which felt nearly impossible.
A particularly dark chapter in my life occurred while I was working at a sound stage. Someone spiked my drink with mollie without my consent, leading to a traumatic incident. That moment shifted everything for me. At the time, I lacked the understanding and tools to comprehend how profoundly it impacted my relationship with alcohol and my self-worth.
My Relapse After Achieving Sobriety
For a while, I successfully abstained from drinking. I remained sober for several years. But then I met someone who also drank and used drugs, and I quickly fell back into those old habits. Relapse can be sneaky; it often appears when you least expect it. You might believe you’ve escaped the dangers, that you’re “healed.” And then—wham! One relationship, one rough patch, and you’re back where you started.
If you’re looking for ways to stop drinking after a relapse, believe me, I’ve been there. It doesn’t have to lead to a downward spiral, nor do you have to remain stuck.
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With 15 live calls daily, expert coaching, and a supportive, judgment-free community, The PATH can help you diminish the role of alcohol in your life for good.
Discovering Hope Through This Naked Mind
Eventually, I dove into research on how to change my relationship with alcohol. Even though I had been drug-free for eight years, alcohol still posed a problem. In my quest for answers, I discovered This Naked Mind. I was tired of facing judgment and shame. What I craved was compassion, science, and genuine support.
And that’s exactly what I found.
Books such as This Naked Mind and The Alcohol Experiment provided me with a fresh perspective. I learned that I wasn’t broken nor weak; I was human. My brain had been conditioned to see alcohol as a solution—despite it being the root of my suffering.
My Current Life: Recovery, Purpose, and Family
Today, at 65 years old and recently married to a man who is nine years my junior, my life is rich with purpose. While I never had children of my own, I now have a 16-year-old stepson with special needs whom I homeschool. Together, we volunteer at a scientific preserve where he learns about wildlife management and prepares for future job prospects in that field. It’s fulfilling and meaningful work.
Although my husband still drinks, I have a clear understanding of who I am and what I need to thrive.
I never envisioned this as my life, but here I am—living a life filled with love, purpose, and continual growth.
Insights from My Past
If I had the chance to speak to my younger self, I would say:
Always stay true to who you are. Embrace life while you can. Don’t waste it.
You don’t have to bury your past to create a future. Drinking isn’t required to fit in, handle emotions, or establish connections. If you find yourself looking up ways to stop drinking after a slip, remember that it’s always a good time to start over.
Tell Us Your Story
Have you found ways to stop drinking after a relapse through our books, the app, the podcasts, or other programs at This Naked Mind? We invite you to share your experience here to inspire others on their path!
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