What happens when quitting drinking saves your life but ruins your marriage?

Samuel thought stopping drinking would fix everything, but it actually revealed that his relationship couldn't survive the person he was becoming. His drinking story is terrifying—regular blackouts, waking up in strangers' beds, traumatic incidents that destroyed his wife's trust. But when he finally found freedom using This Naked Mind, he made an unexpected discovery: quitting alcohol unlocks creativity and triggers a cascade of positive changes. Now he meditates daily, journals constantly, and uses writing as his primary coping mechanism. In this episode, Samuel joins Cole to explore how the most painful decisions can lead to the most profound personal growth.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of alcohol blackouts, relationship trauma, and divorce that some listeners may find triggering.

In this episode, Samuel and Coach Cole discuss:

Growing up in a family and culture where drinking was the norm.

The scary reality of blacking out and the fear of a "demon inside."

Ditching alcohol for the first time out of shame, and then falling back into the pattern of drinking

The surprise of how quitting drinking unlocked creativity and a love for writing.

How This Naked Mind's teachings on the subconscious mind sparked a cascade of habit changes.

The unexpected challenge of a marriage ending after stopping drinking

The power of journaling and the written word as a coping mechanism and a tool for self-discovery.

Finding new passions like writing short stories, reading philosophy, and meditating.

Using James Clear's Atomic Habits to create lasting change.

How not drinking allowed Samuel to confront his inner world and grow as a person.

And more…

Episode links:Related Episodes:

Does alcohol really make you more creative?- Reader Question - E310 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-310-reader-question-does-alcohol-really-make-you-more-creative/

 What is the deal with blackouts? - Reader Question - E304 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-304-what-is-the-deal-with-blackouts/

What If Your Biggest Regrets Are Actually Your Greatest Teachers? - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E817 - https://thisnakedmind.com/finding-purpose-and-direction-after-quitting-alcohol-e817/

Ready to take the next step on your journey? 

Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

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