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.

đź‘‹ 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.

"I'm clear on my goals and I'd like support"

Book Coaching Session
or

"I don't know what I want, just want to chat."

Schedule Chat

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!

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.