I’m often asked how I got sober, and the answer is simple.

I made it a permanent change.

When I’d tried to stop drinking in the past, I’d say,

“I’m trying to cut down.”

I didn’t believe in myself.

Then when my language and identity changed to,

“I don’t drink anymore,”

It suddenly became easy.

I believed in myself.

And others believed me too.

My friends respected it and didn’t take it as a challenge to try to make me “give in” anymore.

How would it feel for you to say, “I don’t drink anymore”?