What drives a mother to finally break free from alcohol’s grip? For Alicia, it was one unforgettable phone call from her young son—a call that made her realize she could no longer let drinking stand between her and being the mother he needed. Her journey toward quitting drinking to be a better mother wasn’t easy, but it became the most empowering decision of her life.
Growing Up Surrounded by Alcohol
I grew up surrounded by alcohol. My grandfather drank heavily, and my family often shielded me from it. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t visit my grandparents for so many years. As a child, I thought maybe I had done something wrong. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I realized they were trying to protect me from seeing what alcohol can do to someone you love.
By high school, I had started drinking myself. It was just what everyone around me did. I would sneak drinks with friends and thought it was harmless fun. But even then, I remember my parents warning me: “You come from a long line of alcoholics. Be careful.” Those words stuck in the back of my mind, even as I laughed them off at the time.
Looking back now, I see how early alcohol became woven into my life and how easily it went from something social to something I relied on.
When Alcohol Began Taking Over
In my twenties, drinking became more than just fun nights out. I always wanted the night to keep going—the next bar, the next party. When I became a mom, I tried to keep it under control, but it wasn’t easy. My ex-husband also drank heavily, and alcohol was just part of our lives.
One night when my son was just two years old, I came home from work to find the front door wide open, my baby asleep in his crib, and my husband passed out drunk in a locked spare bedroom. I called 911 because I thought something terrible had happened. That night shook me to my core. I remember thinking, This isn’t just about us anymore. There’s a little boy depending on us.
Even then, I didn’t stop completely. I would quit for a while, then start again. I told myself I was fine, that I didn’t really have a problem. But deep down, I knew alcohol had more control over my life than I wanted to admit.
The Night Everything Changed
The moment that changed everything came during the Super Bowl in 2024. I was having a small party at my house when my five-year-old called from his dad’s. He told me he wanted to come home because his dad and his girlfriend were drinking, and he didn’t feel safe.
I had already had four or five beers. I couldn’t drive. I had to tell my little boy no.
That moment broke my heart. I promised myself then and there that I would never again let alcohol stop me from being there when my son needed me. I poured out the beer I was holding. The next morning, I woke up and said, “That’s it. I’m done.”
That was the start of my journey of quitting drinking to be a better mother. It wasn’t just about me anymore—it was about protecting the person who depended on me most.
Facing the Social Challenges of Sobriety
At first, I isolated myself from social situations so I wouldn’t be tempted. I’m naturally a social person, so staying in felt strange and lonely. After a month, I decided to try going out again—this time sober. I went to Bike Week with friends, ordered a soda water with lime, and had a surprisingly great time.
I had built up so much fear in my head about what life without alcohol would be like. Would my friends still invite me out? Would they think I was boring? But what I discovered was that people were supportive—sometimes even inspired. Many of them still invite me to gatherings because they’ve seen I’m still the same fun person, just without the drinks.
Sharing my decision publicly was scary. I posted on Instagram one Christmas Eve about being sober, expecting judgment. Instead, my phone flooded with messages of love, pride, and encouragement. That outpouring of support reminded me that I wasn’t losing anything—I was gaining everything.
How Sobriety Made Me a Better Mom
The biggest change has been how present I am for my son. I no longer wake up foggy or hungover. I can drive him anywhere, anytime. I don’t have to worry about whether I’m “okay” to get behind the wheel. He knows I’m reliable now, and that matters more than anything.
I’ll never forget when, a few months after I quit, he looked at me and said, “I’m proud of you for not drinking anymore.” He was only five years old, but he could see the difference. That moment sealed my decision. Quitting drinking to be a better mother was worth every struggle.
I’m also a better wife, friend, and boss. Alcohol used to drain my energy and cloud my mind. Now I have clarity, focus, and drive. My mood is steadier. My relationships are stronger. And best of all, my son gets the version of me he deserves—happy, healthy, and fully present.
Finding Hope and Support Along the Way
Early on, I started listening to the This Naked Mind podcast on runs with my son. Hearing other people’s stories made me feel less alone. I realized I didn’t have to hit rock bottom to decide I’d had enough. Reading Annie Grace’s books and hearing how others rewrote their relationship with alcohol gave me hope that I could do it too.
There were moments when it was hard—times I felt anxious or out of place at events. But I reminded myself why I started. I celebrated milestones, from my first month to my first year. My coworkers even surprised me with donuts and a card for my one-year sober anniversary. Those small celebrations meant everything.
If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell her: You’re not going to lose yourself or your friends by quitting. You’re going to find yourself, and you’ll gain so much more than you could imagine.
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Life After Alcohol Is Better Than I Ever Imagined
Now, almost two years later, my life is completely different—in the best way. I still go out with friends, watch football, and enjoy life. I even keep NA beers at the restaurant I manage. But drinking doesn’t control me anymore. It doesn’t define who I am.
Quitting drinking to be a better mother gave me back my peace, my energy, and my sense of self. It gave my son the mom he deserves. It gave me the freedom to live fully and love deeply.
If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, know this: it’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to take it one day at a time. But you are stronger than you think—and the life waiting for you on the other side is more beautiful than you can imagine.
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