Frequently asked questions...
What about drinking in moderation?
As an alcohol freedom coach, I’m not here to tell anyone what they should do. I’m here to help you get curious about your own experience with alcohol, what you believe it's doing for you. For some people, moderation can work for a while, but for many, it becomes exhausting. You might find yourself thinking about drinking more often, setting rules (“just one tonight,” or “not during the week”), then feeling shame or frustration when those rules don’t stick. That tug-of-war can be mentally and emotionally draining. I don’t push rules, but I do invite curiosity and clarity. From that place, you decide what works best.
How will I relax and unwind?
For many of us, alcohol became the go-to tool to signal the end of the day or to cope with stress. What I’ve found, and what I help my clients discover, is that relaxation becomes deeper, more restorative, and more authentic without alcohol. Once the numbing is gone, we can tune into what our body and mind actually need to unwind. This might look like a warm bath, a walk, music that moves you, breath-work, laughter with a friend, journaling, dancing in your kitchen, yoga, it's different for everyone. It becomes less about the 'thing' and more about cultivating the feeling of ease and presence.
We also work together to understand the why behind the desire to unwind. Is it stress, overstimulation or loneliness? We can meet that need in ways that actually support you long-term. It’s not about replacing alcohol with another 'fix.' It’s about building a life that doesn’t need escaping from.
Will I feel left out?
Alcohol is often at the center of our social rituals and gatherings. But here’s the truth - what you might feel at first isn’t being ‘left out,’ it’s being ‘outside the norm’ and that can feel uncomfortable, especially early on. The good news is that feeling doesn't last. As you step into your alcohol-free life with intention and confidence, something beautiful happens. You stop focusing on what you're missing and start noticing what you're gaining - deeper presence, real connection, and the ability to engage with life fully awake. Together, we’ll explore strategies to navigate social situations with ease, set boundaries that feel empowering, and build a life that feels more connected, not less. You’re not giving up your social life. You’re actually reclaiming it, on your own terms.
What will "they" think of me?
It’s normal to worry about what others might think when you stop drinking, especially in a society where alcohol is so normalized and often tied to connection. This question speaks to the deeper human need to belong, to be accepted, to not feel 'othered.' What I’ve found, both in my own journey and in working with others, is that people’s reactions often reflect more about their own relationship with alcohol than yours. Some will be curious, supportive, or even inspired. Others may feel uncomfortable, confused, or defensive. You are simply choosing something different and that's ok. This path invites you to get really clear on your values and what you want from your relationships. Are you drinking to make others comfortable? Or are you ready to show up as your full, vibrant self with no numbing and no masks? The truth is, the people who truly matter will respect you for making choices that align with your well-being. And with time, you’ll likely find you connect even more deeply with others and with yourself.
Will I still have fun?
Yes and likely even more so. Fun doesn’t go away when alcohol does. In fact, it gets clearer, richer, more vibrant. You’re no longer numbing or chasing a feeling, you’re fully present for the laughter, the connection, the experiences, the late-night conversations. Without the fog, you get to feel joy in real time, remember it, savor it, and trust yourself through it. Together, we’ll uncover what fun really means for you now and how to make it yours, fully alive and fully aligned.
But it's our culture?
You're absolutely right, alcohol is everywhere in our culture. It’s been woven into how we celebrate, relax, connect, and even cope. That’s one of the reasons this journey isn’t just about removing a drink, it’s about awakening to what’s behind it. Culture doesn’t have to define our choices. We do. There’s incredible power in questioning something that’s so normalized. What if freedom meant choosing what truly serves you, even when it goes against the grain? That’s not rejection of culture, that’s reclaiming your truth within it. Can you think of anything else that may be a less than healthy part of our culture?
What about wine and other sexy drinks? It's sophisticated, (isn't it)?
The association between wine, a fancy cocktail and sophistication is deeply ingrained in our society. For a long time, I believed it too. Those drinks can feel elegant, social, even 'special.' But here’s the thing, what we’re often chasing isn’t the drink itself, it’s the feeling behind it - confidence, ease, connection and celebration. As an alcohol freedom coach, I help people get curious about what they’re truly desiring underneath the surface and how to cultivate that feeling without needing a drink to do it. When you strip away the marketing and social conditioning, you begin to realize you are the sexy, sophisticated one. The alcohol element in your glass was never what made you elegant or interesting, you already are!
What is Affective Liminal Psychology (ALP)?
Affective Liminal Psychology (ALP) is a transformative approach that helps you navigate life's transitions with greater ease and emotional resilience. By understanding the emotions and subconscious patterns that influence your behavior, ALP empowers you to make positive changes toward achieving your personal and professional goals.
Through ALP, you'll learn to recognize and manage the liminal or transitional spaces in your life. These are moments of uncertainty and change, where growth and transformation are most possible. By embracing these periods with the right tools and mindset, you can unlock your full potential.
Our coaching sessions will guide you through the principles of ALP, offering practical techniques to manage stress, build emotional intelligence, and create a more fulfilling life. Whether you're facing a career change, personal challenges, or seeking deeper self-understanding, ALP can provide the insight, direction and support you need.
What is This Naked Mind?
This Naked Mind is a book and a platform created by author Annie Grace.
TNM is centered around the belief that most people drink because of deeply ingrained societal and psychological influences. In uncovering these influences and challenging the common beliefs around alcohol, This Naked Mind's proven concepts and tactics empower individuals to take control of their habits to live healthier, happier lives.
Through a blend of neuroscience, psychology, and personal experience, these methods are compassionate, non-judgmental, and incredibly effective. My approach focuses on removing the stigma and shame often associated with alcohol use, making it easier for people to seek help and make lasting change.
Do non-drinkers judge drinkers?
The truth is, people on both sides of the drinking spectrum can sometimes judge and feel judged, the discomfort in that often says more about our own internal narratives than the people around us. As someone who lives alcohol-free, having been though alcohols grasp, my outlook isn’t about judging drinkers. It’s about supporting people who are curious about their relationship with alcohol and, who want to explore what freedom and clarity might look like. I believe everyone’s path is deeply personal. Choosing to drink or not to drink doesn’t make someone ‘better" or "‘worse.’ It’s not about morality, it’s about living in alignment with what feels authentic, right and healthy for the individual.
