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You are at:Home»Addiction»From Sip to Spiral: Regina’s Journey Through Alcohol’s Grip
Addiction

From Sip to Spiral: Regina’s Journey Through Alcohol’s Grip

October 9, 2025026 Mins Read
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From Sip to Spiral: Regina’s Journey Through Alcohol’s Grip
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Have you ever gazed into the mirror and thought, “How did I end up here?” Regina recalls murmuring, “I can’t believe alcohol took over my life.” What started as casual fun with friends gradually turned into her method of dealing with stress, sadness, and feeling overwhelmed. But her journey doesn’t stop there—once she decided to regain control, everything transformed. Now, Regina is flourishing in her alcohol-free existence—and her boldness has motivated her husband and best friend to go alcohol-free as well. Here’s how she got her life, happiness, and independence back.

The First Taste That Started It All

My relationship with alcohol began at age twelve. I was at the house of a family friend I looked up to. Although she didn’t drink, she offered vodka to me and my friends that night. We were just kids, clueless about what to expect. We ended up drunk, and I remember crying uncontrollably as emotions I had kept inside poured out.

My mom was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was five. She frequently went to the hospital, and my older brother started drinking and using drugs. There was a lot of chaos around me, and that night, alcohol felt like a release. It tore down barriers I didn’t know existed. It allowed me to express feelings that were too heavy to carry. For the first time, I felt a sense of connection.

Drinking to Fit In, Ignoring the Dangers

Throughout middle school and high school, I used alcohol as a way to bond with friends. We would sneak beers from our parents’ fridges or get older kids to buy us drinks. There were bonfires, fields, and extended late-night conversations. It didn’t seem risky because it wasn’t a daily habit. To me, people with “problems” with alcohol were those with complicated lives. My mom had gone to AA and gotten sober, but at that time, I thought, “That’s not me.”

Looking back, I recognize how those habits were beginning to form. I drank to connect, to feel mature, and to escape the chaos in my mind. It wasn’t really about having a good time; it was about numbing pain I didn’t know how to confront.

When Alcohol Became My Safety Net

As I got older, I kept telling myself I was in control. I was going to college, managing my own business, and traveling the globe. On the surface, it looked like I had everything in order. But deep down, I was falling apart. In 2014, I lost both of my grandmothers within three months. My friendships began to change. My stress levels soared. That’s when my drinking escalated.

I tried various methods to show I wasn’t dependent—cleanses, “sober curious” periods, drink tracking apps, limiting drinking to weekends, cutting out sugar, and even abstaining while on antibiotics. Yet, no matter what I did, I always found myself back where I began. I thought I was showing my strength; in reality, I was demonstrating how alcohol had taken control. I was slowly realizing how alcohol had seeped into my life—and how little control I had while it was present.

The Moment of Realization That Changed Everything

Everything changed after I had my daughter. I experienced a manic episode that escalated into postpartum psychosis. I was hospitalized, where my psychiatrist advised me to eliminate all substances—including alcohol. That conversation shattered the facade I had constructed. I didn’t want to end up like my mom or my brother. I certainly didn’t want alcohol to take everything from me like it had done to my uncle.

That was my moment of clarity: alcohol was no longer my coping mechanism; it had become the issue I was trying to escape. And I wanted to break free.

Discovering Freedom with This Naked Mind

In June 2021, I made a choice that changed everything. I sought out books on quitting drinking and found This Naked Mind. The section on cognitive dissonance—the mental struggle between what you believe and what you know—completely opened my eyes. I realized I didn’t genuinely enjoy drinking; I merely perceived it as necessary.

Initially, I read the book once and stopped drinking for two months. After slipping on vacation, I returned home determined and read it two more times, along with three or four other recommended books. Gradually, the haze lifted. I began to see alcohol for what it truly was—a substance robbing me of my peace and joy.

Start Your Journey

Download the first chapter of This Naked Mind for free and experience the mindset change that helped me liberate myself. That first chapter ignited a change in me—and it could do the same for you.

Living a New Life

I have now been alcohol-free for nearly five years. Even more remarkable? My husband quit six months after me, and my best friend just celebrated her first year without alcohol. Watching the ones I love find their freedom because of my journey has been one of the most impactful aspects of this process.

Today, I feel vibrant. Present. Liberated. I no longer wake up with regret, shame, or hangovers. I laugh more, love deeper, and think more clearly. I have more energy, patience, and confidence than I ever thought possible.

And do you know what? Life is actually more enjoyable now. I don’t feel like I’m missing out—I’m genuinely present. Every concert, holiday, girls’ night, or family trip I attend without alcohol reminds me of my strength. I don’t need a drink to make moments memorable. They’re special just as they are.

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how alcohol took over my life - Regina's Naked Life - woman sitting in bed reading a book - quote - you don't need alcohol to cope

If I could rewind time and speak to my past self, I would say: You don’t need alcohol to handle life’s challenges. Your inner strength is greater than you realize. Letting go of alcohol will be the greatest gift to yourself and to everyone who cares about you.

Tell Us Your Story

If you discovered how alcohol impacted your life through our books, the app, the podcasts, or any other program from This Naked Mind, we encourage you to share your experience with us to motivate others on their own paths!


Copyright © 2025 This Naked Mind. This content is original and protected under international copyright laws. Unauthorized copying or sharing of this material will result in legal repercussions.


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Alcohol Life Naked Reginas
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