Inspiring Stories and Practical Tips from People Who Successfully Quit Drinking

Hypnosis, journaling, and alcohol detox services — our featured individuals share what truly works in overcoming alcohol dependence.

According to global research, over 85% of working-age adults consume alcohol, with many struggling to manage addiction without medical help. We spoke with people at various stages of alcoholism who faced relapses and binges but ultimately succeeded in quitting drinking forever.

"Hypnosis Scared Me Because It Made Sobriety Real"

Denis Kavchenkov

Alcohol-free for 10 years.

I started drinking at 14, not because I liked it but because it was the trend among my peers in the '90s. Respect went to whoever could finish a bottle fastest. Bars overflowed every Friday, and many drank in stairwells and on the streets.

By 16, alcohol felt indispensable, and I often showed up to school hungover. At 18, drinking daily was the norm among my circle.

My drinking worsened as my income increased. I earned well working with computers but had no goals like buying a car or house; I didn't even understand why I was living.

By 23–24, mornings without alcohol became hard. At 25, I began binge drinking and lost control. I tried limiting myself to evenings, hoping to return to a comfortable level, but it was impossible.

I turned to books, learning about my alcoholism stage and underlying causes. Intellectually aware but morally lost, I justified stealing and lying under intoxication as survival.

After an eight-month binge, I went to a Christian rehab expecting a miracle, but it wasn't immediate. I sought reasons to quit but had none.

One hospital roommate underwent hypnosis and said it erased his craving for years. When offered hypnosis, I was scared because I realized sobriety was possible.

Alcoholics fear quitting because they don’t know sober thinking. It takes years to experience it.

Living sober means learning new social skills, obeying rules like traffic laws, and adjusting to respectful interactions—very different from slurred conversations while drunk.

The main challenges are understanding why to quit and fearing a new sober life. Many relapse due to these unanswered questions, which I detail in my book.

At 29, I hit rock bottom—hanging out with homeless people, sleeping outdoors, catching lice, witnessing deaths from heart attacks and strokes at the drinking spot.

That realization pushed me to seek change. With no home or documents, I was ready to risk everything. I told my mother, and after multiple admissions to a rehab center, I secured a job within two weeks.

My first year sober was tough; I wanted to drink constantly but resisted. I cut toxic contacts, focused on myself, and eliminated stimulants like tea, sweets, and energy drinks to retrain my nervous system.

Later, meditation helped me achieve complete freedom. At 30, I embraced my new life—working, starting a business, building a home, writing books, and creating TikTok content.

Tips to Support Yourself

Stay calm and relaxed. Remove stress triggers that tempt alcohol consumption.

Educate yourself extensively about alcoholism. Knowledge empowers quicker recovery. Recommended reads include Alexander Melnikov's "Alcoholism: A Recovery Guide for Drinkers and Their Loved Ones" and Allen Carr's bestseller "The Easy Way to Stop Drinking."

"Pretending to Drink While Actually Quitting"

Julia Gainanova

Alcohol-free for 3 years.

Alcohol is a legalized drug, and anyone who drinks is dependent. My story isn’t about hitting rock bottom but about gradual personal growth.

I began drinking in high school, thinking it was normal. We would buy vodka, pickles, and grilled chicken and sneak off to skip classes.

Julia Gainanova, "Bottle: A Book for Those Who Like to Drink."

Parties always involved alcohol, and I often overindulged rather than craving it constantly.

At around 30, with young children, the lifestyle became unsustainable. I couldn’t party all night and function the next day.

Initially, quitting was difficult. Parties and social drinking tempted me, and relying solely on willpower failed.

I resonated with the phrase: "Try to control diarrhea next time it happens." We don’t control natural bodily processes but judge those who overdrink, losing control after the first sip. The illusion of control is the hardest to break.

Addiction signals a lack of joy in life, which is easier to mask with alcohol than to resolve.

Approaching sobriety as self-exploration turned it into an exciting experiment where I discovered what truly brings me joy beyond alcohol.

The key question for me was: What am I replacing with alcohol?

I started journaling my progress and feelings, which later became the basis for my book.

I realized I sought relaxation through drinking and questioned why I lacked it. The choice became to live more effortlessly or find other ways to recharge.

Alcohol symbolized fun, so I explored alternative pleasures.

For months, I pretended to drink by ordering cocktails and discreetly discarding them, though occasional slips happened. Holding a drink makes giving in easy.

Relapses happen but don’t erase progress. Instead of shame, I sought to understand triggers and improve.

Some friends reacted uncomfortably, insisting they drank moderately and were fine. Sharing my journey changed my social circle; now, most of my friends are sober.

My quality of life improved dramatically—more energy, curiosity, and love for living, despite everyday challenges.

I stopped relying on willpower or making grand declarations but simply no longer desired alcohol.

This method might not suit those in advanced addiction stages who need medical intervention.

Tips to Support Yourself

• Why do you want to quit drinking?
• What fears do you have about quitting?
• What are you substituting with alcohol?
• What do you find in intoxication—calm, joy?

Answering these clarifies goals and obstacles, easing your path.

Be patient and persistent, even after setbacks. There is no magic switch. Regularly reflect on why relapses occur.

Avoid self-criticism or despair; instead, keep a journal to track feelings and progress.

"Turned Sobriety Into a Game"

Ilya Kabanov

Alcohol-free for 9 years.

I started drinking at 16–17 with friends. Addiction grew gradually. I knew it was abnormal but kept drinking for 13 years.

My drinking routine was intense but intermittent, often suffering severe hangovers that limited functionality.

I drank heavily one day, recovered the next, worked the third, and repeated. Peak periods had me drinking 2–3 days per week but needing several days to recuperate, leaving few productive hours.

Attempts to quit lasted 1–2 months at best, followed by gradual relapse. Promises to quit became more frequent but less effective.

By 2013, near 30, I realized this pattern was unsustainable.

I replaced alcohol addiction with another: online courses. Motivation came from earning achievements, which I adapted to track sobriety.

Tracking days sober became a game. Posting milestones like "333 days sober" on social media kept me accountable and motivated.

This mindset helped avoid relapse and fostered a sense of superiority over peers still drinking regularly.

Non-alcoholic beer was crucial initially. Its unpleasant taste prevented overconsumption. After several months, I quit it too.

Eventually, social drinking lost appeal. Going to bars became boring, even with non-alcoholic drinks.

Friends were skeptical but supportive, expecting me to fail—which I did not.

One major motivator was mental clarity. Within a month, my thinking accelerated noticeably, lasting several months.

I don’t miss intoxication, maybe just the taste. An accidental drink of 4% beer two years ago didn’t cause relapse.

I encourage quitting as early as possible. There’s nothing beneficial in alcohol, even moderate use. Our brains naturally produce needed stimulants.

Tips to Support Yourself

Find new hobbies to occupy time formerly spent drinking. Redirect your focus and energy.

"Paid for Detox Service but Left Clinic Next Day"

Ksenia

Alcohol-free for about 9 months.

I drank since school. By late 2020, my drinking frequency increased to nearly daily, causing severe hangovers and unusual behavior when intoxicated.

I almost married someone I knew a month and once gave my entire salary to a drinking companion.

I tried quitting alone but failed and requested a medical detox intervention in summer 2021.

Doctors insisted on inpatient care, warning of severe consequences if ignored, though my condition didn’t strictly require hospitalization.

Early-stage alcoholism often benefits from psychotherapy without hospitalization or medication.

I paid for detox but left the clinic the next day due to lack of support, losing trust in the system.

However, seeking help was a shock that motivated me. I also started a TikTok channel, where community support strengthened my resolve.

During cravings, recalling costly mistakes and reckless acts helped me stay sober. Though I had minor relapses, none escalated into binges.

Recovery means lifelong complete abstinence, however achieved.

Tips to Support Yourself

Consult professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists specializing in addiction, or addiction specialists. They can assess addiction severity and recommend medical or inpatient treatment if necessary.

Detox clinics offer packages but may be expensive. Initial psychological counseling might suffice.

*Note: Facebook is restricted in some regions due to legal designations.

Explore useful articles in Motivation as of 10-04-2022. The article titled " Inspiring Stories and Practical Tips from People Who Successfully Quit Drinking " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the Motivation field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.

The " Inspiring Stories and Practical Tips from People Who Successfully Quit Drinking " article expands your knowledge in Motivation, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.