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Could a single choice alter your entire life? Josue vowed he would never touch alcohol while growing up, but at fourteen, he took his first sip and everything changed. Alcohol became his refuge—first from the struggles of childhood, and later from the heartache of losing his father. At his worst, he was consuming alcohol during work, thinking he was still “managing.” However, after discovering This Naked Mind, his life took a new direction, and he’s found a second chance by quitting alcohol.
The First Sip That Changed Everything
I was raised in a strict religious household where alcohol was strictly forbidden. My mother instilled in us the belief that drinking was a bad choice, especially after witnessing my father come home late from nights spent drinking with his friends instead of attending church with us. As a child, I promised myself I would never drink.
However, at the age of fourteen, I saw my older brother pour himself a drink, laughing and seemingly carefree, which suddenly made alcohol appear enticing—and fun. I took that first sip, and without realizing it, I embraced something I had once vowed never to touch, allowing it to start dictating my life.
Drinking to Cope With Grief
During high school, drinking transformed from mere enjoyment to a means of escape. My father was diagnosed with brain cancer, and I watched him slowly decline. Our home turned into a makeshift hospice, and my world was enveloped by the noises of his suffering—soft groans from the other room, machinery humming, hushed discussions about what would follow.
I needed to block it all out. The desire to make the sorrow vanish became overwhelming. I sought solace in drinking. It was my way to escape, to cope, to forget. Yet, the more I drank, the more misery I felt. His suffering became my own, and alcohol was proving to be no remedy for either of us.
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High-Functioning, High-Drinking
As I stepped into adulthood, drinking was simply a normal part of my life. I was a functioning alcoholic, or at least I convinced myself I was. If I had an early work shift, I would drink earlier to pass out sooner and “bounce back” by the morning. Celebrating? Drink. Stressed? Drink. Tuesday? Why not?
The harsh truth? I wasn’t functioning; I was merely enduring, and even that was becoming increasingly difficult. My body was deteriorating, my mind was drained, and the worst part was—I didn’t even recognize who I was anymore.
The Unexpected Turn That Saved Me
Living in NYC, one day, as I moved between clients, the familiar craving surfaced. That nagging voice whispered: Just one drink. Just to take the edge off. I found myself headed to a bar when, for an unknown reason, I diverted to The Shops at Columbus Circle instead.
In an Amazon bookstore, I came across This Naked Mind, prominently displayed at the front. It felt as though it was there for me. Yet, I wasn’t ready to openly acknowledge my need for help, so I opted for the audiobook instead.
This choice marked the beginning of a significant transformation.
Start Reading
Do you desire your own second chance at life? Follow Josue’s lead by reading This Naked Mind. Download the first chapter for free today!
Quitting Alcohol Gave Me a Second Chance at Life
I once believed I was different, broken. That’s the trick alcohol played on my mind. But This Naked Mind exposed the false narratives I had been living with for years. The science, the personal stories, the realities—they all made sense.
I wasn’t weak or a failure. The truth was, I was trapped in an unrecognized cycle. Once I gained insight into it, I realized I could finally break free. Giving up alcohol gifted me a second chance at life, revealing opportunities I never thought possible.
What Five Years Alcohol-Free Looks Like
I won’t sugarcoat it—reaching this point wasn’t straightforward. Yet, each day, every craving I resisted, every moment I chose to be present instead of numb, contributed to my progress. Now that five years have passed, here’s what my life entails:
- My marriage is flourishing. It turns out that genuine connection is far superior to alcohol-fueled exchanges.
- My career is thriving. I no longer arrive at work hungover or distracted.
- My physical health? I’m in the best shape of my life. Who would’ve thought that those empty calories were holding me back?
- I’m a more attentive father, husband, friend, and brother. Because I am truly present.
- Perhaps the most exciting news? My wife and I are expecting another child. I have the chance to be the father my dad could never be.
A Note to My Younger Self (and Perhaps Yours)
If I had the chance to speak to my younger self, I would say: Practice kindness toward yourself. You are whole. You are not isolated. Transformation is achievable.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. My journey to sobriety has granted me a fresh start. If you’re reading this, perhaps it’s your turn for a new beginning as well.
Tell Your Story
Has quitting alcohol opened doors to a new life for you? Did you find your way through our books, the app, the podcasts, or another initiative by This Naked Mind? We encourage you to share your experience here and motivate others on their path!
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