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For Kay, turning to alcohol as a way to escape from reality was never her intention. In her childhood, it represented love and connection, symbolized by the delightful cherry lemonade shared with her parents after long days. However, as life became more complex, alcohol shifted from a cherished experience into a perilous reliance—a means of escape that eventually ensnared her. This narrative chronicles Kay’s journey of realizing the deep entrenchment of alcohol in her life and how she rediscovered hope through This Naked Mind.
A Childhood Memory That Sparked It All
Some of my happiest and earliest memories stem from experiences with alcohol. I can vividly recall my parents pouring cherry lemonade into elegant crystal glasses. Watching them laugh and bond filled me with wonder. I pleaded for a taste for years, and when I finally got a tiny sip—a splash of cherry with mostly lemonade—it felt incredible. More importantly, it made me feel valued and part of their world.
However, that initial joy didn’t endure. As I became a teenager, alcohol morphed into a way to sneak away with friends to the beach, consuming the cheapest wines available. It shifted to feeling trendy and blending in. Over time, though, it changed from being fun to a method of escaping reality.
When Drinking Became My Escape
By the time I married at 17, alcohol wasn’t a significant part of my life—yet. I spent two decades involved in the church, during which I abstained from drinking. However, when I resumed, it escalated quickly. Initially, it was just one bottle a night. It became a way to ease intimacy, suppress guilt, and numb feelings I was unprepared to confront.
After exiting my marriage and separating from my children, drinking transformed into a means to cope with the anguish. I convinced myself I could quit whenever I wanted—I just didn’t care to. Alcohol became my go-to escape, my new “normal,” despite a nagging internal voice indicating that things were amiss.
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Losing Control
For years, I floated through relationships, increasing my alcohol intake. About a decade ago, I met my current partner. We were both drinking heavily, trying to cope with the wreckage from previous relationships. He recognized my downward spiral before I did, gently raising his concerns—not demanding, but enough to make me aware of the truth.
I shed many tears during that period. I understood alcohol had consumed my life, yet I felt trapped. If he had ever said, “choose me or the alcohol,” I genuinely don’t know what I would have opted for. I experienced blackouts, memory lapses, and complete forgetfulness during conversations. I scared myself but still reached for the bottle. That’s the harsh reality of using alcohol as an escape: even when aware of the damage it causes, quitting feels unfeasible.
Trying to Stop on My Own
I attempted to quit solely with willpower. This lasted three weeks before I returned to drinking two bottles a night, sometimes even a third.
The Day Everything Started to Change
For months, I noticed This Naked Mind appearing repeatedly on Facebook. I initially disregarded it, but one day, I decided to listen. A shift occurred within me. It felt authentic and real. I registered for a virtual event, hoping it might help.
The event was incredible. For the first time, I glimpsed hope that I wasn’t irreparably damaged—perhaps there was a path to freedom. I joined The PATH. Initially, it felt overwhelming to sort through the resources, but the coaching, community, and content were invaluable. Even when I couldn’t fully comprehend it yet, seeds of change were being planted.
Ready to Find Freedom?
If you’ve felt the struggle of using alcohol to escape life, you don’t have to remain trapped. The PATH provided me with an escape route—and it can do the same for you.
👉 Join The PATH Today
Life Without Alcohol
I have not had a drink since March 14, 2024. I also quit smoking after six months. My diet has improved, I’m more active, and I have bigger dreams. I now have energy to do things. Most importantly, I’ve developed aspirations. I’m no longer stuck on the couch with a bottle and a mind full of regrets.
My partner is proud of me, as are my children. Best of all, I’m proud of myself. Now, I can savor moments with my grandchildren, fully present and joyful.
Messages for My Former Self
If I could speak to my past self, the one who believed that drinking was the only way to cope with life, I would tell them: You are loved. You are whole. You are not facing this struggle alone. Let’s approach this journey with kindness instead of guilt. Together, we can achieve great things.
Share Your Experience
Has This Naked Mind helped you break free from using alcohol as an escape? We would love to hear your story. Click here to share your experience and motivate others on their journey.
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