The Alcohol Experiment

216 Pages·2018·1.91 MB·English

by  Annie Grace

PRAISE FOR
The Alcohol Experiment
“45 days alcohol-free. I didn’t think I could make it through the first week, and
now I can’t imagine ever drinking again. The Alcohol Experiment saved my life.
It’s so worth the journey!”
—R.D., New York, New York
“Day 60 alcohol free [AF]. Just did karaoke sober. I didn’t know that was
possible. I had even given myself permission to have one cocktail (to loosen the
vocal cords, you understand?). But after looking through the menu, I just didn’t
fancy anything! Stuck with water all night. Now on the train heading home,
looking forward to waking up tomorrow with a clear head, money in my pocket,
my dignity (if you ignore the singing), and possibly a sore throat. The Alcohol
Experiment is incredible. Thank you.”
—M.K., London, England
“Annie Grace, I just wanted you to know you’ve touched the lives of many
people. This is such a huge movement that you started. You are talked about, I
just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart (tears are coming down right
now). You saved me after almost 27 years of drinking daily, since I was 13 years
old when I started. I never thought I would be able to do what I am doing now.
Thank you.”
—S.J., Sydney, Australia
“I loved the Alcohol Experiment for so many reasons. Most important, I put
down the bottle of wine (every day) and haven’t touched it since. I am amazed
that I am over 30 days in and feeling strong. I don’t even think about it too much
anymore, and I have been drinking since I was a teen. (I will be 59 on
Thursday!) Thank you so much, Annie, for your courage. This was perfect for
me.”
—H.N.R., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
“I completed the 30-day Alcohol Experiment today—and have been AF for all
30 days, which makes me very happy, as it’s been a long time since I’ve gone 30
days without a drink. The readings and writing exercises of this 30-day program
have enhanced my understanding—of alcohol and of myself—considerably.
This has been a powerful experience, for which I am thankful. I may try
moderation . . . but perhaps I never will try it. Certainly not worth it now. I like
who I am, AF. I could go on, but for now I simply wanted to let you know that I
am grateful. I am not the same person I was 30 days ago. Thank you!”
—J.L., Maryland, US
“31 days ago, I started your alcohol-free experiment. I haven’t touched any
alcohol in the past month and cannot thank you enough for giving me the kick in
the ass to get started! I wanted to share a story with you about how much you
have convinced me to stay sober. I’m a night nurse and was just returning home
this morning at 8:30 when I got a call from my youngest daughter’s school
confirming that she was not indeed present today. Because I don’t make it home
in time to put her on the bus, my husband routinely does this, and I know he
would have let me know by text if she were sick and couldn’t go in. He had not.
I completely panicked. In the remaining two minutes it took me to get home,
every single scenario raced through my head, and I ran into the house calling for
her. Of course she wasn’t there. The phone was ringing as I came through the
door, though, saying that the homeroom teacher had marked her absent
incorrectly. It was actually the student below her on the roster, and my daughter
was definitely at school. I was so upset and angry, I had to go for a walk to calm
down. It took a while. And then the thought came to me that a month ago I
would’ve been pouring myself a glass of wine, or more likely two—yes, at 8:30
a.m., to relax—but it hadn’t even occurred to me. I knew it wouldn’t help and in
fact would probably have made things worse—I might have called the school
back and berated them. It’s in large part due to you, Annie. Thank you for your
daily teachings. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
—C.R., Costa Mesa, California
“Your 30-day experiment was so helpful. I learned so much! I’m well on my
way to being AF completely—from drinking daily to drinking five times in 110
days. And I don’t plan on drinking anytime soon. It was so in-depth and
educational. Thank you.”
—G.P., Austin, Texas
“Thank YOU for this amazing gift you have given so many with first your book
and now the Alcohol Experiment! It has truly been life changing for me, and at
three months alcohol-free tomorrow, I am more hopeful than I have been in a
very long time.”
very long time.”
—L.K., Windsor, England
“You are changing the lives of so many people. Thank you. I feel like someone
woke me up from a very, very long nightmare. Really, Groundhog Day. There
are no words to express my gratitude. Thank you, Annie Grace, for saving my
life.”
—B.K.R., Portland, Maine
“Day 67, Saturday-morning trip to the farmer’s market—weekend mornings are
the best. This has been an incredible journey so far. I jumped in to ‘get healthy’
over the summer, and I had no idea how much freshness and joy I was inviting
back into my life. I’m never going back. Not that it’s been easy, and my body
and brain are still healing, but today I feel sparkly and grateful. Annie Grace,
‘thank you’ doesn’t begin to cover it.”
—M.K., Yarmouth, Massachusetts
“I’ve been wanting to message you for a while to say thank you. I’ve been trying
to moderate my drinking for years and find it’s a daily fight. Having a dad and
brother who are alcoholics, I was resigned to the fact it runs in the family! My
sister introduced me to the Alcohol Experiment after I had just completed Dry
January—wow! It absolutely changed my perspective on alcohol, and I haven’t
touched a drop since, nor do I intend to! Thank you so much for setting me free.”
—I.G., Brisbane, Australia
“Yesterday was the end of my 30-day experiment. As I reflect on my life 30
days ago, I cannot believe how much has changed. I have survived a family
function, pool party, and work trip (there is always a lot of booze involved)
without alcohol. I don’t feel deprived or like I am missing out. I am much
happier and way less stressed. My relationship with my son is better. I now
spend the evenings doing activities with him instead of drinking. My romantic
relationship is amazing. I spent years trying to quit or moderate unsuccessfully.
This time everything feels different. I have absolutely no desire to drink. I
couldn’t have done it without you. I have no intention of going back to that life. I
am excited to see the changes that will happen in a year. Thank you.”
—G.D., Las Vegas, Nevada
“Just wanted to say a huge thank you, Annie Grace. You are a remarkable person
who has changed my life. I’m on Day 18 of the Alcohol Experiment and still
reading the daily lessons. At first I was looking for support to go 30 days
alcohol-free in preparation for training for the Race for Life for cancer research
on July 1. I downloaded your book This Naked Mind on my Kindle, and only a
few pages in my mind-set was changing. All the things you have taught me have
made me see I don’t want to drink ever again. It’s my 40th birthday next month,
and honestly I’m looking forward to facing the rest of my life alcohol-free. I
know there will be challenges ahead, but your lessons will help me stay strong.
Thanks so much.
“I’m writing this on the eve of my 30 days without alcohol . . . I did actually
slip on Day 3, but I’m just ignoring that. From that day on, I can honestly say it’s
been a breeze. Not because I’m superstrong or anything, but because your
alcohol experiment was exactly what I needed to break my 25-year drinking
habit.
“The information you’ve given me about what alcohol is and what it was
doing to me has left me never wanting to put it in my body again. Now I know
why I’ve been depressed and tired for 25 years. Five years ago my darling
daughter Jenny was diagnosed with cancer, and sadly, a year ago, at the age of
19, she lost her fight. She died in my arms and I thought I’d never feel joy again.
A month ago I made a choice between life and death. Did I want to live, flourish,
speak her name to anyone who will listen, make her count, enjoy this precious
life for both of us? Or did I want to retreat beneath my duvet drink myself to
death?
“Your Alcohol Experiment came along at that point. I guess it was my last
stab at giving life a chance. You would not believe the change in me. Yes, I still
cry. Yes, the missing is still agony. But alongside that grief I’m now full of
energy, I’m happier than I’ve been in as long as I can remember. Happy with
myself. Jenny would be so very proud and pleased if she could see me. Part of
me feels sure she can . . . did she lead you to me? I won’t know on this side, but
one day I’ll find out. In the meantime I feel ready to live again. I know this
might all sound a bit cheesy, but I just had to say thank you, you darling girl, for
all your bravery and hard work and your caring heart. You’ve given me life
when I thought all was lost. I can’t really find the words to tell you how grateful
I am.”
—G.S., Los Angeles, California
“Thank you so, so much, Annie. You are such an amazing force for good in this
world! The Alcohol Experiment changed my life.”
—H.R.T., Palm Beach, Florida
“I am now 37 days AF and have never felt so relaxed and happy. I just want to
thank you for being brave enough and for caring enough to create the Alcohol
Experiment. Without your support I wouldn’t be where I am. I wouldn’t be
going to a weekend of camping and family fun looking forward to not drinking.
It’s made such a difference to my life. You make me feel humble and so, so
grateful. Thank you.”
—F.C., Brooklyn, New York
“Day 60! What!? Always dreamed of being AF. Didn’t think it was possible.
Thank you for my life, Annie Grace!”
—O.F., Dublin, Ireland

an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
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Copyright © 2018 by Annie Grace, LLC
Illustrations © 2018 by This Naked Mind, LLC
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Grace, Annie, 1978-author.
Title: The alcohol experiment : a 30-day, alcohol-free challenge to interrupt your habits and help you take control / Annie Grace.
Description: New York : Avery, [2018] | Includes bibliographical references.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018053527| ISBN 9780525537250 (trade pbk.) | ISBN 9780525537267 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Controlled drinking. | Drinking of alcoholic beverages. | Alcoholism--Prevention. | Habit breaking.
Classification: LCC HV5278 .G73 2018 | DDC 616.86/106--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018053527
Neither the publisher nor the author is engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas,
procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters
regarding your health require medical supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or
damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book.
Version_3
Turner, Trace, and Daelyn. You are why I dream of a better tomorrow.
Brian. My favorite person. Thank you for creating this life with me.
Thank you for trusting me enough to double down on this dream and
follow the road wherever it leads.
Jesus. Your Grace. Your Love. Your Mercy. Your Breath in my lungs.
Contents
Praise for The Alcohol Experiment
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Introduction
DAY 1: What’s Your Why?
ACT #1: The Taste of Alcohol
DAY 2: It’s Not What You Give Up, But What You GAIN
DAY 3: Why We Think We Like to Drink
ACT #2: Alcohol and Sleep
DAY 4: Dealing with Discomfort
DAY 5: What Are Cravings, Really?
DAY 6: Why Willpower Doesn’t Work for Long
ACT #3: Alcohol, Relaxation, and Stress Relief
DAY 7: Your Experiment and Your Friends
DAY 8: How Alcohol Affects Your Senses
DAY 9: The Power of Self-Talk
ACT #4: Alcohol, Our Culture, and Society
DAY 10: Dealing with Sugar Cravings
DAY 11: The Alcohol Culture Is Shifting
ACT #5: Alcohol and Happiness
DAY 12: Your Incredible Body and Brain