Chapter 1: The Power of Decision

The saying "where there's a will, there's a way" holds true in various circumstances. It suggests that almost any goal can be reached with enough determination. However, when it comes to quitting alcohol, this determination often requires considerable planning, effort, and focus—qualities that can be significantly impaired by alcohol misuse.

From my observations and stories shared across platforms like Medium, it's evident that many people's struggles with sobriety stem from an inability to maintain this willpower, often leading to discouraging outcomes.

It’s crucial to avoid labeling these experiences as "failures." Claiming that you've failed in your journey to overcome alcohol only adds unnecessary stress and makes your goal feel even more daunting. The real milestone is recognizing your desire for a future free from alcohol—a moment worth celebrating (just be sure to skip the drinks at that celebration).

The period between this decision and achieving sobriety is merely a part of the journey toward recovery. After I made my choice to pursue sobriety, I often felt overwhelmed, questioning whether I could break a lifelong habit. This phase is particularly challenging as the influence of alcohol—both metaphorically and literally—still looms large.

The temptation to revert to drinking remains strong, often presenting itself as a convenient escape. It's easy to convince oneself that quitting is too much effort compared to the ease of reaching for another drink. Consequently, one might start doubting their ability to succeed.

But let me assure you, you possess that strength.

Throughout my adult life, spanning approximately 25 to 30 years, I identified as a functioning alcoholic—essentially a person who drinks but manages to keep their life on track. I believed I was thriving alongside my addiction, but in hindsight, my life was not as successful as I once perceived.

I’ve hesitated to explore what my life could have looked like without alcohol, pondering the better choices I could have made and the fuller experiences I might have had had I not been under the influence so often. Evaluating this remains an ongoing internal debate.

During my quest to eliminate alcohol from my life, I had an epiphany regarding willpower.

Chapter 2: Realizing True Willpower

The significant breakthrough was recognizing that I had always possessed ample willpower; I was just directing it toward the wrong objectives.

I consistently found the willpower to:

• Get through to my first drink of the day.
• Ensure I had enough alcohol so I wouldn't run out before passing out.
• Overcome the effects of drinking to show up at work the next day.
• Maintain my financial obligations while sustaining (some) relationships.
• Deceive nearly everyone, including myself, into believing I was functioning normally.
• Ignore the negative consequences of alcohol and insist that my life was great.

All of this exertion was channeled toward satisfying my addiction. If I could muster that much determination while under the influence, just imagine what I could achieve when sober.

Although the journey was challenging and required a solid plan along with daily reminders, I ultimately accomplished what I truly desired using tools I already had.

As a former alcoholic who has embraced sobriety, I share my insights on alcohol and society based on personal experiences (and yes, it rhymes). For more stories like mine, consider subscribing to Medium for just $5 a month—cancel anytime. Thank you for reading!

Chapter 3: Empowering Resources

In this insightful video, "Proven Strategies To Boost Willpower In Those Fighting Addiction/Alcoholism," you will discover effective techniques to enhance your willpower and support your journey to sobriety.