From the Publisher
This Naked Mind The myth-busting cult hit for anyone who wants to cut down their alcohol consumption.
£7.00
| Publisher : | HQ (10 Dec. 2020) |
|---|---|
| Language : | English |
| Paperback : | 264 pages |
| ISBN-10 : | 0008293465 |
| ISBN-13 : | 978-0008293468 |
| Dimensions : | 12.9 x 2 x 19.8 cm |
| Best Sellers Rank: | 10 in Drug & Chemical Abuse Addiction & Recovery |
| Customer reviews: | 13,730 ratings |
margaret greene –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent.
Very informative!
One person found this helpful
Ian –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worthy read
Well written book which helps you rethink your alcohol intake. I stopped drinking midway through the book and noticed a difference within days in my mental health and general well being.
One person found this helpful
Ruth Doctor –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Got my life back after nearly 20 years
Great book. From day 1 starting to read this it made me consider my secretive, daily drinking. I became sober that day and 1 week on I have already attended a social gathering and been able to see alcohol for what it is. I know this doesn’t mean I am “cured” but to have such immediate success and feel no cravings, or at least be able to think logically about them, has given me the freedom to live the healthier life I have desired for a long time now.
2 people found this helpful
Alison P –
5.0 out of 5 stars
just like that. It becomes OK to not want to …
As an NLP practitioner I was intrigued by the book’s claim of working on the subconcious and wanted to see if it would work. A large part of the ability for any person to make a change is being truly ready to change and wanting it because then, the subconcious is open to change. What this book does is feed what the subconcious needs to know in a very simple and clever way. It works. I just stopped drinking, just like that. It becomes OK to not want to drink in social situations where you might have been worried about what people think. It becomes OK to imagine a life without needing alcohol. For some, you might just regain control so that you’re able to have the occasional drink. Currently, I’m sticking at teetotal and it was a decision, on reading this book, that no longer seemed insurmountable to make. It was the right time for me and this book helped immensely. I recommend it.
4 people found this helpful
Hazel Goodall –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rewire your brain and detach yourself from alcohol
I woke up one day and said “that’s it…I mean it this time. I’m never drinking again”. That was 6 months ago. I’ve not been tempted once.I regularly read quit lit as I think it’s really important to reaffirm your reasons for leaving alcohol behind.This Naked Mind is incredible… It deals with your unconscious mind and it’s desires for alcohol and the physiological reasons it does that.This is a must read for anyone hoping to quit for good.Good luck in your quest to quit alcohol!
One person found this helpful
Saulius –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Valuable and helpful book
That book helped me so much. I have read tens of books about alcohol, but this book was crucial point when I decided to stop drinking alcohol. The ending is weaker part and a bit repetitive, but again I agree with those saying repetitions are necessary. I don’t agree with those saying this book is a copy of A.Carr’s Easy Way. It’s true they share same idea and approach, but this book I find more structured and scientifically argumented. Checked some footnotes and information, all found correct. Overall – very happy that I bought and read it.
Irina –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Allen Carr but for booze
Much like Alen Carr promises that you’d be excited to quit smoking, Annie Grace promises you’d be excited to be free from alcohol. I think the book delivers on this promise provided you’re willing to ignore the infometial-style repetition. I saw this book mentioned a lot on /r/Stop drinking and it looks like it helps people. And it’s for a good cause, so overall I’d say it’s a good book. Definitely worth reading if you’re worried that you’re drinking too much.
3 people found this helpful
Andrew –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Facts without the finger-wagging.
It came as a surprise to learn that the long term drinking of a legal poison causes irreparable brain damage and manifests itself as a subconscious dependence on alcohol. This book explains why drinking “a lot less” is commendable but only zero consumption will heal.Every time I felt like having the first drink of the day, I read a couple of pages instead and have just finished the whole book.This book clarified many vague issues in a relaxed style, helped me a lot and thank you for writing it.
2 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
It works!!
For anyone wanting to stop drinking alcohol I would recommend you read this book. Yes, it is very repetitive but that is the reason it works. The book works to reprogramme your thinking about alcohol by convincing your powerful unconscious mind that alcohol gives you no benefits and is actually very harmful.There is nothing really new the alcohol is harmful but as a drinker you think it is helping you to relax etc but that is far from the truth.Invest in the book, join the 30 day alcohol free experiment and free yourself of your addiction to alcohol.
Malou –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely nailed it!
I quit smoking with Alan Carr’s Quit Smoking Now and I knew that I was going to succeed. I did. I’ve battled with my conscious and unconscious thoughts around alcohol for years, more intensely in the last couple of years, and when Iselected This Naked Mind to read I was overwhelmed with the same wave of relief and euphoria I had when I read Quit Smoking Now! And I just knew that the psychological unpicking had already worked and I was only half way through the book! Thank you Annie Grace … just THANK YOU! ❤️
One person found this helpful
Charlolittlemill –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A life changer!
To cut a long story short… i am a 39 year old woman who started drinking when aged 16. Over the years, university / travelling/ drinking with work/ moving into a village where all my friends are drinkers / finding a pub that we love/ having kids has meant that my drinking has slowly increased. My relationship to alcohol has finally made me want to give it up for good or at least change my view of it and drink occasionally and not to excess like I do now. I have read lots of books on the subject but this is the one that made me feel that total sobriety is not only achievable but totally preferable to even the occasional drink.I don’t know whether it is because the author is around my age and mother of kids but her message hit home. I love the way she writes and feel that this will be the book that helps me out of the awful trap of alcohol abuse.I am only half way through the book but felt compelled to write a review to say… buy the book! It has really changed my way of thinking x
7 people found this helpful
Kam –
5.0 out of 5 stars
essential reading if you want to get your drinking sorted
recently found myself drinking far too much and decided to do something about it. this book came highly recommended so i thought i would give it a try. it’s a casual read but highly effective. takes some discipline and self control but has some very useful practical advice.
One person found this helpful
jesusfreak –
3.0 out of 5 stars
I nearly believed it!
As a counsellor, I was keen to know what this book might have to offer clients who suffer from alcoholism. At first, I was totally hooked on this idea that there is no ‘safe’ amount of alcohol to drink, that anyone who drinks at all is already seemingly on the slippery slope to having a problem and that anyone who claims to have their drinking ‘under control’ is simply in denial. Then I remembered. I am a Christian. What does the Bible say? Jesus drank wine. He even turned water into wine, and was accused of being a drunkard, so this wine was clearly an alcoholic wine. Phew! Of course, getting drunk is a bad idea, but I would suggest that people who abuse alcohol to this extent, regularly, have underlying mental health issues already, or are living lives that they aren’t really happy with (as in the case with the author). So if, like me, you like to drink (and I don’t drink wine, it gives me migraines) and are happy that you are not at risk of getting blind drunk every time you open the bottle ( I haven’t been drunk for a long time) then go ahead, drink.
26 people found this helpful
Graham –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well written
I used this book having been sober for a few weeks to add momentum to my sobriety. It did that. I don’t know how much of it was original material but it is well explained. It might be useful for people who have liked a drink (or thought so) and got trapped. It appears to work using liminal and subliminal messaging, so it tells one’s unconscious to stop, in case the reader hasn’t told it yet. Perhaps less for those running away from problems or past trauma, but that is a whole different area for professional assistance.
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Such an illuminating book
I only ordered this book as a close friend had been reading it and was astonished at the effect it had had on her life.I would not class myself as a particularly heavy drinker but more a very regular social drinker, for a very long time.I don’t know what I was expecting to get from it, I certainly didn’t feel I had a drink problem. It was more curiosity to see what the book was all about.What I have realised is how much more we drink than we think, particularly with very generous home measures! I read this book and have now not had a drink in two weeks. I didn’t consciously decide to do this it just felt right.The book has a way of altering your perception subtly and enables you to make maybe healthier lifestyle choices. At this point I will still have wine or a gin and tonic if I fancy it but the days of excess I feel are behind me.I feel very Blessed that I read this when I did. My skin is looking good and I feel well
One person found this helpful
Chris sturgess –
5.0 out of 5 stars
How to really change your life
I have been addicted to alcohol for longer than I care to remember.I had,so I thought,tried every conceivable way to abstain but without any long term success…this brilliant book has altered my thinking and made me understand HOW to be completely alcohol free…beautifully written and obviously well researched…it could literally save your life.
One person found this helpful
Mr S. –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Think about the Drink
A great book to get you thinking about, and questioning your drinking habits. It points out the “putting your head in the sand” mentality most of us have about drinking. Putting alcohol in the context of being an addictive drug, rather than a “happy juice”, is a key component of the book that helps guides you to make your own conclusions about how detrimental it is being on your life. By illustrating the prolific presence alcohol has in so many facets of our lives, Annie makes you realise how absurd of a hold it has on us, as individuals and society as a whole. It is easy to read and has the right amount of scientific/medical evidence balanced with Annie’s own anecdotes to get points across. Most importantly, the journey of reading the book inspired me to change my own drinking habits for the better!
10 people found this helpful
Betty –
5.0 out of 5 stars
No gimmicks, no clichés, it has changed my life!
I bought this book with the intention of cutting back my alcohol intake, which wasn’t necessarily “out of control”, but it was a lot more than I knew was good for me. I continued to drink as Annie suggests when I started reading the book, however, found that within days I didn’t ‘want’ to drink anymore. This revelation hit me on a Saturday evening as I had drink in hand, I suddenly found myself thinking “I don’t want this”, and I poured it down the sink. I have not touched a drop since. This was 6 weeks ago. My desire to drink has gone completely. I no longer feel that I “need” alcohol to help me feel better, sleep better, relax. It is a very strange phenomenon and one I keep expecting to change, but I have just been on holiday for a week, and not a drop of alcohol passed my lips. It isn’t because I am telling myself I “can’t” have it, I genuinely do not want it. I have re-read the book, and carry it around with me everywhere I go. I love it! It has changed my life.
5 people found this helpful
Sandra Hart –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why to forget alcohol
A very honest and instructive book on the dangwrs of alcohol without beating the drum. Information but not overload. A good read
One person found this helpful
silverladysurfer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Aid to help you reduce your alcohol intake
No one likes to think of themselves addicted to alcohol. No, no. We all just have our crazy moments, right? HaHa!Well this book makes you confront the fact that alcohol is addictive, that if you are waking up the next morning with a hangover, you are drinking too much, that you have been seduced by the advertising.I recommend reading it once. Putting it down and then rereading again and highlight bits.Anyone who wants to re-assess their drinking habits should buy this book. I bought the Kindle version first but the paperback is great for highlights and quick access!On a more serious note, I think some of the statistics may be a little massaged, but at the end of the day, she states facts and we all now that statistics can be massaged to suit the audience. So don’t let that put you off. It’s a great book, very well written, very emotive, very positive and a must have for those thinking about reducing and especially, cutting out alcohol. Read it and see!
One person found this helpful
Emma –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very helpful
I was drinking several bottles of wine each week when I first read this book. It inspired me to cut right down and after 6 months, the Try Dry app estimated my savings at over £800. Over time though, my drinking has gradually been increasing again and I realise, for me, I really have to stop completely. So, this is my second reading.I find this book different as the author is from a marketing background and exposes all the advertising ploys the alcohol industry uses to dupe us all. It’s really fascinating.
2 people found this helpful
Kindle Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great insight
A fantastic insight into alcohol and addiction. A book that I will definitely read again and again to keep me reminded and recap.
2 people found this helpful
Cathie –
2.0 out of 5 stars
A brave but unconvincing book
I really wanted to like this book. I bought it having read a sample and realised that the author’s story resembled mine. She has obviously done a great job tackling her own difficulties with alcohol, and has bravely and wisely shared her own journey in the hope of helping others.Ironically (and though I only award it two stars – more on that later), the book did help me, but in spite of rather than because of its tone and message. It nagged me like an irritating grandma, to the point where I actually felt like going to pour a gin and tonic : and that was a super big clue to me as to why I might indulge in a gin and tonic. It fed me information I already know far too well about the dangers of alcohol – making me realise that actually my problem is much more being one of the ‘worried well’ than being someone nursing a drink problem. It gave me a chance to think about choices I make, that I refuse drinks I dislike and that the drinking I do is about states of mind rather than the addictive quality of alcohol (although I completely accept the argument that alcohol is addictive and can be dangerous). So all in all, it gave me the opportunity for a much needed review, with the result that I decided to stick to what I already do whilst digging deeper into other emotionally programmed stuff.Why the two stars? The preachiness – as mentioned above, doesn’t do it any favours. The repetitive style – purposefully done, as is explained, to recondition our assumptions – grates horribly. I am not a fan of so-called inspirational quotes from people I don’t know (it is an American publication), and the evidential material is flung out willy-nilly – some of it pretty weird (so an Italian surgeon is about to transplant a human head? – I think not, more like a head from a corpse to another corpse).Anyway, you might find it helpful, and I hope you do if you are struggling. Not my favourite book though.
6 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful and informative
This book made me stop and think and as a result I’ve stopped drinking. I’m happier, healthier and much more aware and present with all the decisions I make. Highly recommend it!
5 people found this helpful
Chingster23 –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quit Alcohol & Have no Zero Cravings? What More do You Want?
Alcohol is a slow form of suicide.It’s a tragedy that affects so many people in the world. It’s as insidious as the marketers that promote and push it.It kills by stealth; disguised as happiness, when in truth it destroys.The trap is escapable. Many people have fled. The bars are illusory. Armed with the right knowledge, you can walk straight through them.There are many ways to quit alcohol. I support them all. I don’t care how you get there as long as you get there.But amid all the different avenues to a life of freedom lies the methodology that Annie Grace teaches in this superb book. She gets it. The reason that I put this method ahead of any other is it removes cravings. Read this book, soak in the learning and continue to work with Annie beyond the borders of this book, and you will never have to worry about alcohol ever again.This book is a tool. You are the artist. You do the work. You have control. You are the change agent.Annie just shows you the way.The right way.
12 people found this helpful
Kirstie –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Changed my life
I bought and read this book on 20th August 2018 and I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since. It changed my life and would 100% recommend to anyone who thinks they might be drinking too much.
6 people found this helpful
Silver –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow didn’t realise what I was letting myself in for
1st thing I would say that this book is for people who believe alcohol is having a negative effect on their life. You do not need to be an alcoholic or hard core drinker to read this, a glass of wine a night or just one a week – if it is having a negative effect on then give this book ago.Alcohol was effecting my life so I starting to look into it, and this book was recommended to me. I didn’t read any reviews and had no idea what was in it – I haven’t even finished the book and have already quit drinking. Not because I had too or even planned to but because it just doesn’t make sense to keep on drinking! I personally can’t believe I am where I am – 6 months ago, 3 even I never would have dreamt this day was possible, let alone close but here I am, happy to be alcohol free when I never thought it was possible without pain & suffering or fomo but it is and I am proof of it…
11 people found this helpful
Pete –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book and definitely worth paying forward
Enjoyed reading and would recommend to anyone trying to limit their drinking. Educational at the same time. Good luck! .
One person found this helpful
Richie Rich –
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fantastic book – thank you Annie
This book is fantastic! It really helped me to battle through the first few weeks of my unhealthy relationship with alcohol. It is well written and brings more of a scientific look at the alcohol trap. For me, the second hardest thing after the initial kick is the point 3-6 months down the line when the novelty factor wears off. You then start to take a good long look at who you are, now that you have so much more time on your hands and you are not self-medicating, and start to face the problems that you have tried to cover up while using alcohol. It’s this point of self-discovery that needs further support; Maybe Annie could include this in future additions. Her videos on facebook have helped with this, as have her emails. Annie is also a very likable person (from what I’ve seen) and that helps because some other authors are really annoying (Jason Vale being one) and can really put you off.
9 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book
Love how clever this book is
Amber –
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book has changed my life for the better
Where to begin! Well firstly I need to say that before I had finished reading this book, I had stopped drinking and I’m now two weeks into my sobriety.Without tell you a bit about my years of alcohol abuse you won’t appreciate what an achievement this is for me.I was married to a functioning alcoholic. I didn’t realise at the time as I was so young. Spirits and strong cider were a normal part of every day for us. I’d start drinking when I came home from work until I fell asleep and then drink at weekends from lunchtime until I fell into a drunken stupor. There have been so many times I’ve got drunk and done stupid things, then I’d wake up the next day and, if I could remember what I’d done, I’d beat myself up about it for days.I’m 54 now and couldn’t recover so quickly from my drinking bouts. Every day I’d go to work feeling rubbish and shaky and then by 4pm I’d be craving a glass of wine again. I’ve got grandchildren and I couldn’t manage to not drink when they were around. I think I felt more ashamed of this than anything.I’d tried cutting down and trying to go a day without alcohol, but it was a continual torment. I knew I couldn’t control my drinking – it was all or nothing.When I read the reviews about this book I thought I’d give it a go and it’s worked for me. I now look at alcohol for what it really is – as poisonous killer.Since I’ve stopped drinking, I feel so much better. I don’t feel cr@p every morning and struggle to get through my work – instead I’m so much more confident and I’m actually enjoying my job! Miracle! I’m sleeping better too and feel so much healthier – that’s after just two weeks!Not only that, but my partner and I are getting on really well. It’s like someone has waved a magic wand over my whole life.I used to wonder how I would manage without a drink,, but this book takes you to a point where you just don’t want it. My routine was to have a a glass of wine as soon as I got in from work. At the moment, when I’m driving home from work I still get that feeling that I need to look forward to something when I get home, so I make myself a large class of chilled juice with ice and that really works for me. I know that soon, I won’t need to do that.My partner still drinks around me and it doesn’t bother me. In fact, seeking him starting to get ‘merry’, just confirms to me how alcohol changes a person.I couldn’t recommend this book highly enough. It does repeat itself, but that is the intention – it’s to imprint into the unconscious mind. It’s the unconscious mind that drives us to drink, when we know we shouldn’t or don’t want to.What have you got to lose? Read it!
52 people found this helpful
DR. DEP –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely supportive and helpful.
Grace says it how it is! Alcohol is poison and, as a drinker myself, it really puts into perspective the harm it does to the body and mind.
2 people found this helpful
Anne Duff –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good advice.
I’d got to the point where I was drinking a couple of glasses of wine a night plus a bit more than that at weekends so I decided to do “dry January” this year. I bought this book to help me. On the whole, it’s been helpful. I am pretty determined to complete a month without alcohol and hope to be able to stay dry in the following months. I attended a meal out with friends at the weekend (my first “dry” occasion) and what I had read of this book by then certainly armed me with a good mental approach to the evening. I had a good time and didn’t feel the need for alcohol. However, although the author advises against taking on a “holier than thou” stance when you succeed in remaining dry and you’re speaking to other people who still drink, she comes across as having exactly that “holier than thou” attitude herself. I also found the last chapter to be particularly grating. I think it is meant to give you motivation and spur you on but it’s a bit too clichéd – a bit like psyching up a team prior to them heading out to play an important match – I actually winced at some of the phrases. And that chapter goes on and on in the same vain. It’s just a barrage of how amazing and strong you are and of how you can do this!Without the cheerleading in the last paragraph I believe this book could be a useful tool if you’re at the point of thinking that perhaps you’re drinking too much alcohol.
8 people found this helpful
Eric Christianson –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read this book with an open mind–and send alcohol packing
After a blood-test result from my doctor showing high cholesterol yet again, I looked into the causes. Drinking is right up there. So I just started to think about what alcohol was doing for/to me and, having read Allen Carr’s book on smoking 18 months previously and packed it in, I thought, there must be something similar out there about alcohol.After reading many reviews I settled on this gem. Annie addresses the subconscious mind, and she does so with verve and cogent argument. There were just a few passages I felt were over-the-top in their presentation of drinkers, but these were far-outweighed by the irrefutable logic and compelling anecdotal evidence she presents. She invites the reader to reflect on what drinking gives a person and what it takes, and when we are honest the answers are unavoidable: drink doesn’t enrich anything in our lives. Before reading the book I would have scoffed at that last sentence, as I had deluded myself into believing that, like smoking, I was enjoying myself too much to stop. ‘Enjoying’ myself usually consisted of drinking 3 or 4 1/3 vodka and coke mixers most nights, often going to bed with the room spinning. Such fun.Annie shows beyond doubt that there are many factors, from childhood to the present, that contribute to our fixation with alcohol, and the reality is that almost everything we grow up thinking about it is in fact the opposite of the truth. E.g., it gives us confidence? Dutch courage? No. It literally drowns our fears of proper social interaction in the company of others until we are dead to our true selves. And on and on, the myths are sent packing.The realization while reading this book that I was free from alcohol at the age of 50, that I had completely lost interest, was one of the most liberating moments of my life. Four months on and I am not missing it one iota. I am 23 pounds lighter, fitter, happier, and more confident and engaged in life.Do not take my or anyone else’s word for it. Read this remarkable book with an open mind and I have no doubt you will see through our flimsy reasons for continuing to embrace the number one destroyer of lives in our world (fact).Thank you so much, Annie.
21 people found this helpful
Anj D –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A common sense and compelling read
After an intensely stressful period of family illness and then lockdown this year, I found my go-to ‘stress reliever’ of alcohol had increased such that I was drinking every night. And the 3am wake-ups and racing mind increased with it, leading to sleep deprivation, low immunity and sky-high blood pressure! Annie’s book has been a game-changer for me. I knew giving up alcohol was probably the right thing to do, but didn’t know if it was realistic. I feared social exclusion (luckily not had any opportunities to test so far with lockdown in place and protecting same vulnerable family members) and also what I would ‘replace’ this stress reliever with. I knew also that there were a few particularly favourite drinks I would struggle to give up. Annie addresses these worries, and so many more, repeatedly through her book, such that you feel supported and your mind effectively reprogrammed to walk away from this habit. I stopped drinking on 1 September and seriously have only been tempted 2 or 3 times to have a drink. By reflecting on why I felt I ‘needed’ the drink, I was able to substitute another activity and the feeling/need very quickly went away. I cannot recommend this book and Annie Grace highly enough. Everyone should read it!
5 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
It’s a game changer…
I’ve steadily drank more and more wine “socially” for years. My tolerance was such that I no longer really suffered from hangovers after a bottle and a half of wine which, in theory sounded great but it was a scary truth. The amount of wine it took to get that satisfied feeling grew and grew. I wasn’t an alcoholic, at least I didn’t feel like an alcoholic but it was certainly an issue for me. I’ve done dry January for the last few years and really enjoyed it. This year, however, I read this book. It wasn’t my intention to quit drinking for ever but now that I’ve been presented with the information in this book, I feel completely differently towards alcohol. Half way through the book I felt quite strongly that i would never drink again which, for me, was completely shocking! My mum passed away suddenly 2 days ago. Everyone around me has not only found comfort in each other but also over shared alcohol. Taking emotional trips down memory lane over a shared bottle of red wine. I don’t know how but I’ve remained strong with minimal effort. I haven’t felt like i needed it or missed it. Everyone assumed I would join them because that’s just what I did! I realise that i haven’t completed dry January as yet but, for now, I have no desire to drink and if that feeling continues, I can’t see it changing any time soon. It’s a game changer. If you suffer from a constant niggling feeling about whether to drink or not, or what time to crack open the booze or “it’s thursday and I’ve had a bad day..” then read this book. I would like to believe that I can have the odd glass of wine in moderation but the jury’s out! Do it, you won’t regret it.
11 people found this helpful
jek –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life-changer!
I read this book more out of curiosity than a desire to give up alcohol. I had decided to do dry January with my mum and came across this book on Facebook. I read the sample first but decided instantly it was worth 8 quid. I read the book over two weeks ago but waited until today to write a review as I’ve had two nights out this weekend, and I’m amazed at the difference this book has made to my life!I’m not what would be considered an alcoholic but I would have a few drinks alone in the house, usually on a Friday night, but over the past few months it could be two or three nights a week when I had a couple. I could kind of see where this was going and the book made it crystal clear where it was going and I did not want to go down that path.One of my main fears about not drinking was socialising. What would I do? How would I interact with my friends and family at parties? After this weekend that fear has gone. I no longer drink in the house and I’m not sure I will drink much (or anything) while I’m out in the future. I had a great time out with my friends and partying with my family. I saved myself a ton of money too!Most importantly though, I can honestly say this book has changed my life for the better. No more groggy mornings or tired days (unless I’m genuinely tired from doing too much), I feel much more alert for the whole of the day, and no junk food hangover cravings. I’m losing weight, eating good food and enjoying myself without alcohol. I have never imagined my life without alcohol before but I really feel like I’ve had my eyes opened. I would recommend this book to anyone who like to live a full, happy and healthy life!Thank you Annie Grace for waking me up!
14 people found this helpful
Anon. –
5.0 out of 5 stars
IT WORKS !!
After a life of work hard / play hard, I realised that my life was being taken over by what I thought was enjoyable. All my friends ( bar a handful ) all drank. I thought I was just one of a crowd who used drink as a medium to have fun. On reading this ( 2 days in total ) I saw every trait described as belonging to me, and it scared me witless ! I realised that I was actually killing myself seeking pleasure. This book transformed my relationship with alcohol and, after making a conscious decision to cut down anyway, I stopped immediately. It’s early days, but I stopped smoking 29 years ago after hitting 4 packs a day, giving up over night, and feel strong enough after reading this, to do the same with booze. This book could have saved my life, or added a few years to it at least !
15 people found this helpful
Sadé 66 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life Changing
I bought this book originally in September 2017 direct from the Author’s site as an mp3 download, but have now purchased this book as a kindle and audio also. Yes people it’s that good. When I first read it I found it thought provoking, I was starting to really question my weekend binge drinking and also the lows that seemed to follow on. I often thought that I would love to be able to stop drinking, but alcohol has played an enormous role in my social life for so many years that I could see how to untangle myself.I gave up the idea within a week and went back to my usual weekend wine time.Then in April 2018on a very boozy holiday, I started to read the kindle version of the book. Something clicked and I knew that I didn’t want to carry on treating myself so badly, regretting drinking, feeling fed up etc. Through reading this books and dispelling the myths that I had grown to believe about “what alcohol gives me” I was able to see that there were actually zero positives to drinking. I knew that my life was going to change completely, and it has. I’m now 7 months free of alcohol. I credit this book as being the catalyst for that change. Ending the cognitive dissonance I felt around drinking was the key. Annie Grace goes into great detail about this in the book and takes the reader through ‘liminal points’ each of which dispels one of the the drinking culture myths that we are all brainwashed to believe.If you want to stop, or are questioning the role that alcohol plays in your life, please buy this book. It’s awesome in the truest sense of the word.
213 people found this helpful
Carl Brown –
5.0 out of 5 stars
It Worked for Me
I’ve been a seasoned drinker for over 30 years consuming atleast 2 litres of spiced rum each week! I truly believed that was to be my way of life going forward until I came across this book purely by chance whilst searching Amazon for a book on healthy dieting. I decided to download the sample version, read it and it resonated with me, so I bought the book. My eyes and mind read the book and was able to identify with the author’s journey and the simple message she was conveying. Before I finished reading the book my mind was made up and when I finally did finish reading it I did the following: I had a bottle of rum in the house, I took it out the cupboard, put it on the table and said to it “time so say goodbye my old friend”! I took the bottle and poured myself a drink, I waited for a few minutes before taking a sip and when I did I knew this was the end! I approached the drink for the first time with a fresh mind and fresh pallet! It looked the same but tasted completely different! After reading this book my mind enabled me to unmask the contents of that bottle for what it really was…an unpalletable enemy and not the smooth tasting friend I considered it to be all these years! I knew that I could now pour the rest of the bottle away and have total closure, which I did. I am not a recovering alcoholic or heavy drinker…I’m just someone who no longer drinks! I hope this book works for you as it did for me, had I not experienced it myself, I would never have believed it…Good luck.
25 people found this helpful
Melanie Whitley –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eye opening
Great read, really opens your mind and educates to the dangers and addictiveness of alcohol. Very well written and certainly recommended
Andrea Inaya Farkas –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unexpected in the best way
This book is a game changer when it comes to struggles and real change! I can not recommend it enough! Im thankful for Annie Grace to write this book.After many failed attempts I do see results and real changes unconciously.Since I reading I have only touched alcohol once while before it was like a 6pm routine to get booze “to relax”.What a bs.I do recommend this read to all who is on the journey to cut down or sober up.This book is priceless!!!!
ClaireDragonfly –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic book
As a teacher who has been sober curious for several years now, I fell upon this book after reading Catherine Gray’s books. This one reminds me so much of another book I used to stop smoking. I had my last cigarette two years ago and have never looked back. I’m hoping that this will help me in a similar way, as I really needed to get rid of the cognitive dissonance I was feeling about drinking.
Marliese –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must read
Amazing insights, well written
Car –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant book
Really good book
Ruju –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Only for the open-minded
I’m not a big reader of non-fiction as I read far too much serious stuff at work and like to escape with novels. One of the benefits of my Kindle Daily Deal email is that occasionally it throws up a book that I wouldn’t otherwise read but at 99p can take a gamble on. This Naked Mind sounded interesting so I gave it a go.This Naked Mind is essentially aimed at persuading those who feel alcohol may be an issue in their lives to give up the demon drink for good. I’ve been a fairly heavy drinker for years, although as a shift worker it’s always been hit and miss rather than regular. I’ve never missed work or anything like that but often thought I should cut down. With this in mind I decided to see what Annie Grace had to say.The first point to note is that if you are sceptical that a book can help and are determined to find fault with it then this isn’t the book for you. Grace relies on the reader wanting to hear what she is saying and taking it on board. The well-used but acceptable method of repetition to hammer points home is one of the main techniques used, so you should be aware of that. Grace has an amiable writing style that meant that I was never irritated by her repeating her ideas.There are many facts and figures used to back Grace’s claims up, and she has done the right thing by including a reference number for each one that can be checked at the back of the book rather than having copious footnotes breaking up the flow (in the Kindle edition anyway). I don’t want to say much more about the content of the book as the points and ideas are best read within the context of it.There were a few points where I disagreed with the arguments that Grace was using, when I thought she displayed a misunderstanding (deliberate for the purposes of the book or otherwise) for why some people like to drink, but there were also plenty of times she hit the nail on the head. I drink because I like drinking, and as a real ale drinker I do like the taste (mostly!), but that’s me.Like stopping smoking or anything else, no one is going to quit drinking unless they really want to, regardless of the method. Annie Grace makes no apology for a hard-hitting and sometimes preachy book that says in no certain terms that alcohol is the enemy. It is written in a style that is easy to read and I can recommend it to any open-minded individuals who want to get on board the wagon.
22 people found this helpful
Loops –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life changing
I’m completely bowled over by Annie Grace. I did the Alcohol Experiment but when it ended, went back to wine. But, I’m now super curious about sobriety and Annie Grace inspires me and I actually had tears in my eyes reading the start of this book. It’s inspirational and I’m excited to read it all. This is the first book I’ve read for absolutely ages, and because it’s relevant, it’s fascinating. I honestly believe that this is what I need to achieve what I want.
4 people found this helpful
John –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
Loved it
this order never arrived!!!!! –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Bit disappointed
Bought this book after all the comments. Found it very repetitive. Wouldn’t buy it again
2 people found this helpful
kezzie –
5.0 out of 5 stars
100 % must read
Absolute brilliant read. So interesting and powerful. Really enjoyed this book. So fascinating and can relate to each and every chapter
Karen Farrell-Guerin –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to leave down
I got this book delivered 2 days ago and have been devouring it ever since which is a pleasent surprise to me given the number of books I start reading then get board of unablw to finish.To sum up, it really is food for thought. Annie makes you think about alcohol from a perspective we don’t usually find ourselves in. There was moments for me of looking away at times trying to swallow a sentence and the weight of it.I like how she talks of her own struggles and gives examples throughout as I find this easier to relate to than reading a book about such a sensitive matter spewing facts on the subject without little sensitivity for the reality of the situation.The book is written very simply, and very powefully.I am just over my first week and feeling much more hopeful than ever before that I can control the beast.Thank you Annie x
H –
5.0 out of 5 stars
This has literally changed the way I think!
Clear, practical, relatable and extremely thought provoking. It has changed the way that I think about alcohol completely. Annie is honest and she talks to the reader as a non judgmental and experienced friend.
3 people found this helpful
JJ Gaffney –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Changed my life
I cannot thank this woman enough for this book. Completely changed my life for the better. I would recommend reading this when you feel ready, I bought the book and didn’t read it until a month or so after leaving it on my desk. Every now and again I would notice it and think about it, but knew I wasn’t ready to read the truth.If you buy this book make sure you are in the right frame of mind to do this, I personally was hitting rock bottom and needed to change my life drastically. Please make sure to read it very slowly so your subconscious mind can adjust to the information you are exposing it to. I read two chapters a day and began the next day re-reading those two chapters I read the day before. It took a little while to read it all, but so worth it. If you must, you can continue drinking whilst reading. I chose not to, and basically stopped halfway through, and now everyone I know wants to borrow it off me!Worth the money spent on it
One person found this helpful
James Roadnighgt –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still working 4 years later!
It has been a month now since I finished this book, it has also been a month since I last had a drink. The last time I went a mont without drinking was 26 years ago when I was 16….I, like many people, knew that I was drinking too much and that it was getting gradually worse as every year goes by. Whilst recently not a mid week drinker, I could easily put away 4 pints and half a bottle of red every Friday – Sunday without feeling any major effects, not good.. I have some friends that also read this book and stopped easily so I thought “why not?!”. I had read Allen Carr’s version twice, which had provoked thought, but ultimately didn’t stop me drinking. Annie’s more modern take on it was spot on, I haven’t drunk or wanted a drink for a month and I can’t see that changing anytime soon.If you are worried about drinking or giving up drinking, then read this book, best £8 you’ll ever spend!Update – 2.5 years later I still haven’t touched a drop of alcohol.. my life has transformed and it has been an extremely positive journey as I rediscover the old me before beer became such a big part of my life. If I thought they would read it I would buy every single one of my friends a copy… this book has totally changed my life, I can not recommend it more highly!Further update – 4 years later still not a drop of alcohol and no desire to have any.. this book has changed my life! If you drink too much read this book!
11 people found this helpful
Ellie –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A life-changing book
The approach of this book is different from anything I had ever heard of before. And it is life-changing. Not only are so many of us lied to about the effects of alcohol (that it adds to our life in positive ways, when in fact there is nothing positive about it), but we’ve also been lied to about the quitting, and the nature of alcohol addiction. We’re told that those who are addicted have something wrong with them – genetically, morally, emotionally – when in fact alcohol is addictive to all human beings. We’re told that quitting is hard, because it means a lifetime of deprivation. Who wants a life being deprived of something that makes them feel better, of white-knuckling it through cravings forever, of being miserable until the day you die?This books shows you that you don’t have to. Ahead of you is only joy. What Annie does with the facts she presents is show your unconcious and concious mind that alcohol isn’t adding anything to your life. It will (I hope, as it’s done for me) remove your desire to drink, so that by not drinking you don’t feel like you’re depriving yourself, but that finally your life as YOU – as the whole, authentic, perfectly imperfect person you are – can really start.I also recommend Annie’s The Naked Mind podcast, The Little Book of Big Change by Amy Johnson and Alcohol Explained by William Porter.
4 people found this helpful
Kindle Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
It really helps!
Easy to read, slightly brainwashing (repetative)but it gets th e message across. I started the book the same time I stopped drinking. Just finished reading 3 weeks later and 3 weeks alcohol free.
5 people found this helpful
Sinead –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nearly 8 months without a drink and never felt better
I was so scared of a path I was headed down where I was drinking more than I used to and felt if I didn’t do something then I would be stuck in the trap. I read this book and haven’t drank in almost 8 months. 4 days after I read it I went on a 3 week tour of South East Asia and didn’t touch a drop. The book was a real eye opener and so refreshing. It made me realise that I just needed to quit to take back control. I drink 0% beer and this really worked for me. It’s just a frank and honest conversation about alcohol coming from a author who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is about her past and how she got here. When you see the true meaning of alcohol you will never want to go back, you can’t unread what you read here and that is what keeps you away from it. Great read! Highly recommend.
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
3.0 out of 5 stars
A well written and compelling read, but with one disappointing feature.
SPOILER ALERT – This review probably has a spoiler, and you might want to scroll past it.I downloaded this book, because the author suggested it could be used to stop, or reduce, consumption of alcohol. But at the end of the book she admits that by “reduce”, what she really means is to reduce it to the point of zero consumption. I understand that she, and many others, abhor the addiction, and downward spiral of alcohol dependency. It’s a good, informative, read and has made me well aware of the horrors of excessive alcohol intake and dependency.It would seem that I haven’t got the full message of this book, because I don’t want to stop alcohol, altogether. I might be wrong here, and if so, then will come back to this book, and maybe take the 30 day challenge. For the foreseeable future, I will imbibe, but to a much lesser extent – pitcher plant or not.It has helped me break the cycle of needing a regular top up. I have also tried, and like, several non-alcoholic alternatives. I am now a drinker who is more aware of the pitfalls, and this is why I’m glad to have read the book.If my views change, I’ll update this review.
14 people found this helpful
A reader –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Whatever it takes…
A lot of the 1 and 2 star reviews are claiming this is a rehash of Carr or Vale. That may or may not be true but if those books were so good why are they reading this one? Did those books perhaps not work for them? Perhaps they were looking for a magic bullet? Perhaps the truth is that there is very little original that can be said about addiction for a general audience.A key message of this book is “it isn’t you, it is the nature of alcohol itself” and some people who drink will develop an alcohol problem and some won’t. “There but for the grace of God” is as true today as it ever was. The people who come to this book suspect (know?) that they have a problem with alcohol and this book might be a help some of them. If it doesn’t help you then keep trying and look elsewhere.
3 people found this helpful
Mrs. L. C. Milne –
5.0 out of 5 stars
40 years of drinking every weekend!
A sudden realisation, WHY?To fit in, to feel confident? To be invisible ? To To be noticed???? I’m ashamed of situations I’ve found myself in. BUT, I forgive myself and am excited to discover myself again without the poison in a pretty bottle. Yes, I’ve had hilarious times when drinking alcohol, but got to the point where I believed it was the alcohol providing the experience. The thought never drinking again was terrifying. ME without my trusted confidence in a bottle ? I don’t know what’s happened but I’m sick of it, waiting to see if that next drink will provide my perfect evening. Chasing that fuzzy feeling, which is often short lived. Just read the book please. Thank you Annie 💜
One person found this helpful