What I wish more people knew
Over the years, I’ve come to recognize the most common reasons people reach out to me. If any of these resonate with you, know you’re not alone.
Why People Reach Out for Help
They’re tired of feeling like alcohol is running the show.
They find themselves constantly thinking about it—how much, when, and where.
It’s become a daily habit—something they do every night without question.
Friends or family have expressed concern, asking them to consider a change.
Deep down, they know life could feel better—lighter, more in control.
Their work, relationships, or general well-being are starting to suffer.
They’ve noticed changes in their physical health.
They've tried to stop or cut back, but it just doesn’t stick.
They feel ashamed, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do—but they know they want change.
They realize: “If I don’t do something, this could really hurt me—or worse.”
Why People Hold Off on Getting Help
On the flip side, here are the most common reasons people hesitate to reach out—even when they know things aren’t quite right:
They think asking for help means admitting, “I’m an alcoholic.” (It doesn’t.)
They assume AA is the only option—and they’re not comfortable with that.
They’re high-functioning, productive, and it doesn’t seem like a major issue.
They believe it’s their life, their business—no one else needs to weigh in.
They tell themselves, “Everyone drinks. This isn’t a big deal.”
They genuinely enjoy it—whether it's the taste, the relaxation, or the social ease.
The idea of quitting or even cutting back feels intimidating or unappealing.
They can’t imagine life without it.
They worry what others will think: “Wait—why’d you stop? Do you have a problem?”
They believe they’ll quit or cut back when they’re ready. (But that moment keeps getting pushed.)
I list these reasons not as judgment—but because I’ve personally believed every single one. I understand them deeply. I also know how limiting and misleading they can be.
What I Wish More People Knew About Alcohol
There are some truths about alcohol that I wish were more widely understood—facts that would make a real difference in how we think about drinking.
It’s not harmless. Regular alcohol use—even light or moderate—has a significant impact. It’s a known carcinogen. It raises the risk of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and negatively affects every major organ. It increases cortisol levels, which ramps up stress, anxiety, and contributes to belly fat.
It’s more addictive than people realize. Alcohol starts creating dependence almost immediately. Within six minutes of a drink hitting your bloodstream, your brain starts craving the next one.
That “relaxed” feeling? It’s not magic—it’s the brief relief from early withdrawal. That’s how alcohol tricks you into thinking it helps.
Dependency is a spectrum. Even if you only drink a few times a week, your brain may already be relying on it more than you think.
Understanding this can shift how you see your relationship with alcohol. You don’t need to hit a “rock bottom” to recognize it’s become too important. You don’t need a crisis to justify wanting better.
The Subtle Grip of Alcohol
Alcohol is sneaky. It convinces you it’s helping you cope, relax, unwind. But over time, it becomes the thing you feel you need just to feel okay. And when you’re stuck in that cycle, it’s hard to imagine life without it.
It’s like a hamster wheel—you want off, but it keeps turning. It wears you down. And even though you’re tired, you stay on, hoping something shifts.
But here’s the truth:
You don’t have to declare anything publicly.
You don’t need to label yourself.
You don’t have to give up something you love just to prove a point.
What We’ll Do Together
If you’re ready to explore a change, here’s what I promise:
We’ll make alcohol small again—irrelevant, even.
You’ll feel in control, confident in your choices—whether that means drinking less or not at all.
You won’t rely on willpower or shame.
You’ll feel proud of who you are and the path you’re on.
And you won’t have to do anything that doesn’t feel right to you.
Here’s What I Can Guarantee
It’s much easier—and more empowering—than you probably think.
People will respect your decision, often more than you expect.
You’ll never regret getting started.
So if part of you is wondering, “Could things be better?”—trust that instinct. Reach out. Let’s talk.
You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.
Tim
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