Why I Quit Alcohol. Breaking Free from Vices: How to Reclaim Your Power and Find True Fulfillment
In a world where indulgence is often seen as a form of self-care or reward, it’s easy to fall into the trap of vices and negative coping habits. Whether it’s alcohol, shopping, junk food, or other mind-numbing distractions, these habits promise temporary relief but only create long-term consequences. But here’s the truth: this journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness. I’m not here to make you feel guilty or ashamed, but to help you identify those unhealthy habits that no longer serve you. Together, we’ll explore how we can confront them and cultivate a healthier, more intentional relationship with ourselves.
The first step in breaking free from our vices is honest self-awareness. So often, we justify or rationalize our behaviors—telling ourselves that we need a glass of wine to unwind, that a shopping spree is a deserved treat, or that fast food is the only way to relieve a busy day. But in reality, these are coping mechanisms masking deeper issues. Once we recognize these habits as vices—tools for temporary relief rather than lasting happiness—we can begin to distance ourselves from their control.
For me, quitting alcohol was one of the hardest and most transformative decisions I’ve made in my life. Over 2.5 years ago, I made the choice to stop drinking. At first, it felt like giving up something that was supposed to help me unwind or celebrate. But as I looked deeper, I realized that alcohol was no longer serving me—it was actually keeping me trapped in a cycle of stress and reliance. It wasn’t just about stopping the habit; it was about facing the underlying reasons I had turned to alcohol in the first place. This shift didn’t happen overnight. It took time, self-reflection, and a commitment to create space for healthier ways to cope. And it wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it. Now, I experience life with a clearer mind, more energy, and a deeper sense of self-respect.
It’s important to understand that vices may promise happiness, but they only provide a false sense of well-being. They offer fleeting moments of pleasure but fail to address the root cause of what’s really going on inside. The more we rely on them, the more we create a cycle of stress, reliance, and dissatisfaction. It’s time to stop viewing these vices as simple "rewards" or "ways to relax" and ask ourselves, what’s the real cause of my stress or unhappiness?
Our society thrives on chronic stress—it’s a major driver behind consumerism and the economy. The more stressed, anxious, or unhappy we are, the more we turn to vices for comfort. Big industries profit from this cycle, manipulating us with clever marketing and addictive products. This only reinforces the false idea that we can’t be truly happy without external sources of pleasure. But true happiness comes from within, from addressing our emotional and psychological needs rather than looking outside ourselves for relief.
When we stop relying on vices, we create space to uncover what truly matters—to find joy, peace, and fulfillment without the need for distractions. Less consumption means more freedom—more freedom from stress, from the endless pursuit of fleeting pleasures, and from the systems that profit off our struggles.
I know this can feel difficult, even overwhelming, especially when we’ve been conditioned to believe we need these vices to cope. But here’s the thing: You are not alone. I’ve struggled with my own vices—whether it was alcohol, sugar, shopping, or processed foods—and I want to share these personal challenges with you. By being open about my own journey, I hope to show you that it’s okay to have struggles, but it’s even more important to confront them. There’s no shame in the process of healing—only growth and self-compassion.
It’s time to be honest with ourselves. Let’s stop labeling vices as fun or stress-relief and start seeing them for what they really are: band-aids over deeper wounds. Instead of turning to external distractions, let’s ask ourselves, “What am I really avoiding or numbing?” When we face that question head-on, we can begin to reclaim our power and break free from these cycles.
I invite you to take the first step with me. Together, let’s redefine our relationship with our vices—to stop seeing them as escapes and start using healthier coping strategies. Self-awareness and intentional living are key to this transformation. By shedding these distractions, we can experience genuine fulfillment—the kind that doesn’t depend on alcohol, shopping, food, or any external product.
Let’s start this journey of self-discovery together. By understanding how vices affect us and recognizing the patterns they create, we can begin to break free from their hold. In my new book, I dive deeper into how these habits are affecting our society and offer practical tips for eliminating—or at least reducing—them. It’s time to stop letting vices control your life. You have the power to choose healthier ways to cope and create a life filled with meaning, peace, and joy—without relying on anything outside of yourself. Grab a copy of Wake Up and Smell the Coffee to learn more about how to reclaim your power and start living intentionally.
