Free From The Weight

5 min read Original article ↗

Resources for Quitting

I've struggled with addiction throughout my life and the below steps and resources are my personal recommendations for quitting a dependency. Some are alcohol-specific because that's what I spent the longest time trying to get out of. No addiction is the same and this is based on my own experience.

My hope for everyone is a life free from the weight of addiction and full of joy and lightness.

1

Listen to the Huberman Podcast about alcohol.

Knowledge about how things harm you and the people around you increases motivation for change.

What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health

Podcast episode

Huberman Lab

This is the Huberman Lab episode about alcohol's effects on the body and brain.

2

Find your people.

Seriously. Programs, coaches, friends -- having other people available to support you and help hold you accountable to yourself is a critical part of this.

👋 I'm here.

Maryann Bell, certified SMART Recovery facilitator and executive coach

I am almost 5 years alcohol-free after years struggling with my alcohol dependency. Quitting drinking was the best thing I ever did. But it was also the hardest and I couldn't have done it alone.

I'm offering free support to anyone who needs someone along for the journey.

SMART Recovery

Program

Science-based recovery program

  • This is my favorite program! Non-judgemental, non-punitive, science-based, not religious, can be easily combined with other programs.
  • I’m a certified SMART facilitator if you have any specific questions about the program!

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Program

Most well-known recovery program

  • I did not do AA to get sober but I have been to several meetings.
  • I am very not religious and was still able to get value out of meetings.
  • I don’t agree with some of it, though. I don’t think you need to hit rock bottom to stop drinking and I don’t think you have to think about drinking as a disease you have forever — I don’t identify as an alcoholic.
  • Unparalleled frequency and variety of meetings
  • Meetings catering to specific demographics, like women, artists, BIPOC, etc.

Recovery Dharma

Program

Buddhist-inspired recovery program

I haven’t been to a meeting yet but it was mentioned often in the Sober Co podcast and I would love to go to a meeting anytime! DM/email me if you're interested in going in NYC.

The Luckiest Club

Program

Paid sobriety program

I was a member of the Luckiest for a few months at the beginning of my sobriety. I found the group zoom calls to be very helpful. It's also where I got the quote I use a lot, “it’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility.” Check out the “9 Things”.

3

Download helpful apps and celebrate small wins.

These apps will help you stick to habits and track days to celebrate!

Finch

App

Best habit app ever (imo)

I Am Sober

App

App for tracking days sober and other relevant data

  • App people seem to screenshot & post on various platforms most often
  • Seems like you have to pay for it but you don’t for basic functionality
  • Android and iOS

4

Fill your mind and environment with aligned content.

r/stopdrinking

Subreddit

Reddit community for sobriety

  • Best subreddit imo, better than r/Sober
  • IWNDWYT = I will not drink with you today

This Naked Mind

Book

Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness

A transformative book about changing your relationship with alcohol.

@fucking_sober

Instagram

Sobriety-related Instagram content with a direct approach.

@laura_mckowen

Instagram

Laura McKowen's sobriety and recovery Instagram content.

@recoverydharma_nyc

Instagram

Recovery Dharma NYC community Instagram account.

@sober_celebrities

Instagram

Instagram account featuring celebrities who are sober.

@soberdave

Instagram

Sobriety-focused Instagram content and community.

@stephelswood

Instagram

Sobriety-related Instagram content and community.

Beyond Liquid Courage

Substack

Tawny Lara's Substack

Tawny Lara's sobriety and recovery newsletter on Substack.

Dry Humping

Book

A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze

A guide to dating and relationships while sober.

Last Day

Podcast

Lemonada Media podcast

A podcast about transformative life experiences and fundamental changes.

Quit Lit

Substack

Substack newsletter about sobriety

Weekly insights and stories about living alcohol-free.

r/Sober

Subreddit

Reddit community for sober living

A general sobriety subreddit for broader sober living discussions.

Single Drunk Female

TV show

TV series

A TV series about a young woman's journey to sobriety.

Sober Co

Podcast

Podcast (ended 2021)

A favorite sobriety podcast that ended in 2021 but has archived episodes.

Summer House Season 5

TV show

Episode 5 onwards

A reality TV show where one cast member navigates sobriety while others drink.

The Sober Lush

Book

A Hedonist's Guide to Living a Decadent, Wild, and Fulfilling Life... Alcohol Free

A guide to living a decadent and fulfilling life without alcohol.

What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health

Podcast episode

Huberman Lab

This is the Huberman Lab episode about alcohol's effects on the body and brain.