How often have you come across memes joking about how kids make you want to drink? For Janet, this light-hearted social media joke turned into a serious issue. After becoming a mother, she relied on alcohol increasingly as a way to manage the pressures of raising children. The change came when one morning her young son noticed her shaking hands while reading; that’s when she realized she needed to make a change. Through the This Naked Mind program, Janet found a way to liberate herself from alcohol and discovered a brighter, more engaged approach to life.
Alcohol Was Always Present
In my childhood, alcohol was a familiar part of life. My parents drank—not excessively at first—but it was always there after a long day, during weekend get-togethers, and at celebrations. Unwittingly, I learned early on that alcohol was tied to “fun” and relaxation.
When ‘The Kids Drive Me to Drink’ Became My Everyday Reality
The real turning point happened after I had kids. While everyone joked about “kids driving me to drink,” I was actually living that experience. Parenthood introduced a stress level I had never faced, and soon wine became my evening escape. What initially started as an occasional drink evolved into a daily necessity.
I found myself consuming more and more, justifying it as normal. Who hasn’t felt that kids can drive one to drink at times? But deep inside, I recognized something was wrong. The alarming part? I began experiencing blackouts, although I wouldn’t have called them that back then.
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The Wake-Up Calls That Changed Everything
One morning, my daughter dashed into my room, thrilled about finding her “lovie” that we supposedly looked for the previous night. I had no memory of aiding her in searching for her beloved stuffed animal. Another morning, my young son—barely 4—took note of my shaking hands as we read together.
These moments were eye-opening for me. I tried every method imaginable to manage my drinking: restricting myself to specific days, opting for only white wine, steering clear of craft beers, alternating with water, and defining exact drinking times. In the morning, these strategies seemed infallible, but by nightfall, all my good intentions failed.
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Discovering a New Path Forward
Everything shifted when I came across Annie’s program during a Dry January effort. The book’s scientific insights and encouraging approach really struck a chord with me. I eagerly listened to the podcasts during my commute home — typically the most challenging part of my day — and found reflections of my own journey in each episode.
Now, I’m amazed by my transformation. The mental clarity is astounding—I have the bandwidth to think and focus on things well beyond my next drink. I engage with my kids in ways I never imagined possible, both physically and emotionally. The idea that kids drive me to drink no longer crosses my mind! Life has opened up in surprising ways: I have finished triathlons, coordinated community events, and gotten involved with environmental initiatives.
If I could talk to my former self, I would say: Don’t fear swimming against the current. The benefits of living alcohol-free greatly surpass what you believe you’re sacrificing. I used to think I simply wanted to stop drinking, but now I realize it was about embracing a whole new life.
Share Your Story
Have our books, app, podcasts, or any other programs from This Naked Mind helped you stop saying that the kids drive me to drink and start living without alcohol? We invite you to share your story here and motivate others on their journey!