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Being free from anxiety after stopping drinking may seem like a fantasy, but for Lauren, it’s becoming a reality. Growing up in the U.K., alcohol surrounded her, so much so that it felt almost invisible. Yet, as she matured, the impact of a culture where every celebration and crisis involved drinking became apparent in her mental well-being. Here, she shares her journey of discovering the roots of her anxiety, reassessing her relationship with alcohol, and experiencing the liberation that comes from gaining this understanding.
Growing Up Around Alcohol
In the U.K., alcohol was simply part of everyday life for me. All the adults in my environment drank, and I spent a lot of time in pubs with my parents and their friends. While it didn’t seem alarming or dangerous at the time, I now recognize how disorienting it was to witness adults behaving differently when sober versus when drinking. Even happy moments had an unsettling undertone, which I believe contributed to my anxiety.
As a child, I absorbed everything around me. Each celebration—birthdays, barbecues, even funerals—came with a drink in hand. It became the unspoken soundtrack of life, making me think that’s simply how it was supposed to be.
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Alcohol and Identity in My Teens and 20s
As I grew, drinking became synonymous with being “fun.” It provided a reason to act wild, to say things I normally wouldn’t, and then blame it on being tipsy. I fully embraced that lifestyle—partying, drinking, and experimenting with drugs, but only while drinking. Sober, I wouldn’t touch drugs, but a few drinks opened the door to riskier choices.
Despite never managing alcohol well (I was often the one ending up sick), I’ve come to appreciate that my body was rejecting the toxins I was consuming. Unfortunately, at the time, I didn’t know how to listen to it.
When It All Started Falling Apart
The real turning point came during COVID. I had just relocated from the U.K. to Canada when everything shut down. Isolation set in, and I found myself drinking every day. Frequent arguments with my partner became the norm. Everything felt tense, hazy, and disconnected.
That’s when I discovered This Naked Mind. I began listening to audiobooks centered around quitting alcohol. I’ve probably absorbed Annie Grace’s book over 20 times by now. It helped me understand that I wasn’t flawed; I was simply caught in a cycle I didn’t fully comprehend.
What I Didn’t Know About Alcohol
A significant change for me came when I learned about the science behind alcohol—its effects on the brain, body, and nervous system. I realized that my all-or-nothing approach was making it more challenging. I kept trying to power through but felt like a failure whenever I gave in to drinking.
However, Annie’s insights helped me grasp something important: it’s not just about stopping. It’s about reshaping your desire for it. This realization transformed everything for me.
The Calm That Came After
I won’t claim to have it all figured out; I’m still on this path. For about four years, I’ve been on and off sobriety. But one thing is clear—my life is significantly better without alcohol.
I have less anxiety, improved sleep, better health, and my hormones are more balanced. I’m thinking about starting a family, and I genuinely believe I can be there for them in a healthy and supportive way.
This journey isn’t about achieving perfection but about making progress. Each step taken toward living anxiety-free after quitting drinking brings me closer to a life that feels cohesive and serene.
Want to Experience This Too?
If you’re questioning whether it’s feasible to feel anxiety-free after ending your drinking habits, know this: you don’t have to face it alone.
Join The PATH—an impactful year-long program that has transformed the perspectives of thousands regarding alcohol, self-worth, and healing. The support, community, and evidence-based approach make all the difference.
What I’d Tell My Younger Self
If I could talk to the younger me—the girl who believed she needed alcohol to be fun and accepted—I’d say:
You are enough just as you are.
It’s okay to feel uncomfortable.
You don’t need to numb those feelings.
You’re not alone in this.
Peace is waiting for you.
Share Your Story
Did This Naked Mind help you feel more peace after giving up drinking? Whether through our books, app, podcasts, or other programs, we invite you to share your journey here and inspire others along their paths!
Copyright © 2025 This Naked Mind. This content is original and protected under international copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution will be subject to legal action.
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