Laura Deter, Certified Healthy Habits Coach

I broke up with alcohol about 5 years ago. Since then, I’ve come to see addiction as just another habit that’s gotten WAY out of control.

HUH?

I’m not a psychotherapist, but I’ve learned a lot about how our brains work. Alcohol and anything else that gives artificially high dopamine levels trains our brains to want more and more to feel satisfied. It’s the same mechanism for heroin, porn—even our phones or sugar. So much of society is about “selling” instant gratification. And we buy it to counteract the stress we’re dealing with. 

My first attempt at freedom from alcohol followed the traditional path. I felt powerless and used willpower alone to abstain. It wasn’t sustainable. I felt broken and helpless. So I wallowed. Ugh.

When I learned about alcohol’s addictive nature and how dopamine works, I found tools that worked with my brain. I practiced curiosity and self-compassion. I counted the percentage of alcohol-Free days instead of counting from 1  each time I drank. It got easier to go longer without alcohol.

My first post-Covid social event was a football game at a bar. I was triggered more by the crowd than the drinking. WOW! I ordered a mocktail and had a great time.

My alcohol-free life is SO much better than I imagined. I’ve embraced myself fully. My imperfections are what make me human. I’m amazing just as I am—and I’m learning and growing every day.

Freedom is possible for you too. Let’s talk!

Drinking too much is NOT your fault!

Are you tired of lying about your alcohol use?

Are you tired of worrying about making it through the holidays without losing control of your drinking?

Are you tired of wondering if others know you don’t remember what happened the night before?

Are you tired of wondering if you made a fool of yourself or sent an inappropriate text, phone message, or email?

Will someone find out?

Our society pushes alcohol for every occasion – weddings, funerals, births, sporting events, relaxing after work, dealing with stress . . . I know there are more . . . And it’s even worse around the Holidays when we’re around family members who trigger us.

Then – when you are into the habit of drinking often, and you slip down into addiction, . . .

You’re told you have a disease or a moral failure and will have to quit immediately, abstain completely, and attend meetings in church basements for the rest of your life.

And you’re powerless.

No wonder you’re keeping your drinking a secret!

I’ve been there – and it’s hard. I’m here to give you hope. I have a better way.

What Does “Drink Responsibly” Mean Anyway

Not being honest with your doctor about alcohol use can be life threatening!

You are NOT an alcoholic and you DON’T have to quit immediately or forever.

I’ve been where you are – not at “rock bottom” but knowing that my drinking was harming my life and my relationships.

Less than a year after my last drink, I was able to attend a wedding and not want a drink.

I could go to a Football Game Watching Party at a bar and not be triggered.

I’ve dealt with physical pain from multiple knee surgeries and the emotional pain of losing a parent – without drinking a drop of alcohol.

My husband and friends will tell you that I’m an empathic, highly sensitive and very emotional woman.

I was using alcohol to numb all the hard things in my life that I couldn’t handle.

Life still gets hard, AND I KNOW in my gut and head that alcohol WON’T help me get through it.

I love being clear-headed!me get through it.

I love being clear headed!