Annie Grace: I feel it’s surprisingly common across many different professions. My readers range from [people in] corporate and executive role to doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, nutritionists, teachers, lawyers, sales professionals, publicists, literary agents, and even addiction counselors. Even in the health professions they report pressure to join colleagues for drinks to unwind, relax and be part of the group. In fact, some fear for their jobs when they decide to change their relationship with alcohol. Not only do they feel they will no longer be invited to key after-hours meetings or make vital strategic relationships at the pub, but they also worry that they won’t be seen as a team player or fit into the boozy corporate culture. When body breaks down toxins it gets from alcohol, it releases them into bloodstream. These are more dangerous than the alcohol itself, causing personality changes, bad sleep, depression, all kinds of bad things Update: I have now been T-total for 10 months. In that time I have not felt the need for a drink at any point and I can honestly say my life is different/better and I am far more focused. It helps that I have a very supportive girlfriend and we do lots active things together. I find myself now with more time and energy to do those things you never get round to and I feel very good about my long term health also.

The book on Liminal Thinking - the author was great to reference and provide thanks to that author. I tried to reach out for help with my GP; however, the only response I received is that they are not a rehab facility and I should just try to wean myself off of alcohol. I tried tapering; however, I have not been successful. I tried to research outpatient rehab facilities, but I did not agree with the methods of one of them and the other wanted me to commit to at least 2 weeks (out of state) and I cannot do this with my job responsibilities. So far as I could see, this book is for normal people who want to stop drinking. This is not for actual alcoholics who still have problems living life on life's terms once you remove the alcohol. It does not provide tips on how to cope with stress or serious personal issues. She doesn't even suggest therapy. First of all, let me preface this review by saying that if this book helps even one person stay sober, then it is a good book whether I got something out of it or not. Different ideas work for different people. Alcohol is the only drug you have to justify NOT using to everyone". Paraphrase from the book, but it hit home. When you see scotch, do you picture a guy in a suit or in his chair in his den? When you picture Bud Light, do you picture football games, tailgating, or camping? When you picture red wine, do you picture it at a romantic white cloth dinner or some other type of relaxing atmosphere? If you want to be sophisticated and are wearing a suit, you can't go get a case of Bud Light--that projects the wrong image!

At 26, Annie Grace was the youngest Vice President in a multinational company’s history, and her drinking career began in earnest; by 35, she was in a global C-level marketing role, responsible for 28 countries. Drinking close to two bottles of wine a night became a ritual. Annie Grace’s professional success came at a personal price she no longer wanted to pay. She knew alcohol was no longer serving her. Yet, she didn’t want to suffer through life in a daily battle for sobriety, feeling deprived and constantly trying to avoid temptation. If you are thinking of quitting alcohol, this book will provide you with greater conviction to help you stay on the right path. I never considered myself an alcoholic because I never got a DUI and didn't get really drunk. Plus, the word makes you sound like a drug addict who can't control himself. But I drank a bottle of wine (sometimes more) every night for a few years. It cost a lot of money and I put on a lot of weight. I tried quitting a few times, but it was hard because I still liked it! I also found it jarring that the author describes herself as ‘a moderate drinker’ but says she was drinking ‘two bottles of wine a night’ prior to stopping, which isn’t my definition of ‘moderate’ - far from it! Nor was I convinced that she is a hoot sober. Grace may well be great company and funny (she claims to be both), but here perhaps the book might have benefited from more ‘show’ and less ‘tell’ - as it stands the writing isn't witty. In particular there is no irony and as a Brit I longed for some. The Naked Mind offers practical strategies for reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption. The author provides a step-by-step guide for readers to follow, including setting goals, identifying triggers, and creating new habits. It also offers tools for dealing with cravings and coping with stress without alcohol.

You have enjoyed tons of occasions, but can you separate the drinking from the activity and realize you had fun because of the company of the event, rather than the 'joy' of poisoning yourself and numbing your senses?" The only part I found useful was how she highlighted how alcohol is deceptively marketed to us with promises of happiness, a better sex life, among other things. This has allowed me to become more conscious whenever I see an alcohol advertisement.It took to four times of listening to it on audible to realize the value in digest probably only a fraction of what she says. But what is important is that it worked! All of a sudden, I am empowered to not only change, but with little or no effort! It's because alcohol is highly addictive, changes the chemical components like dopamine in your brain and over time, you become more and more addicted to it. It's really hard to stay a moderate drinker. Cording: How might someone use a temporary break from alcohol (such as dry January) to reframe their relationship with alcohol? I hope you get to do world tour seminars on the subject, workshops, and perhaps your own talk show! Expose the truth that sets us free from one of our greatest struggles! This Naked Mind has ignited a movement across the country, helping thousands of people forever change their relationship with alcohol.