Heidi Albritton is a dynamic Coach & Trainer, with over 20 years of experience in operational excellence and transformative coaching. Notably, she pioneered Mindfulness coaching at a global non-profit, contributing to the creation and facilitation of an organization-wide Mindfulness & Resilience program.
As a leadership coach dedicated to fostering growth and resilience among high achievers, I've spent years guiding others through their personal and professional challenges. But today, I’m sharing a more personal story, my journey to sobriety. A year ago, I decided to stop drinking alcohol, and it has been one of the most transformative choices of my life. This decision didn’t come easily, nor did it happen overnight. It culminated years of self-reflection, struggles, and a desire to live a healthier, more authentic life.
In my work, I encounter individuals who are driven, successful, and seemingly have it all together. But behind the facade, many are grappling with stress, anxiety, and the overwhelming pressures that come with their roles. For some, like myself, alcohol becomes a way to cope—a quick fix for the unrelenting demands of life. Yet, what starts as an innocent habit can quickly spiral into a dysfunctional relationship, leading to more harm than good.
The slippery slope of alcohol use
Despite being a long-time meditator, high-performance coach, and generally someone who ‘knows better’, I found myself looking into the mirror, and seeing an alcoholic looking back at me. To my shame, I had developed a very dysfunctional relationship with alcohol which I hid from everyone. For years, I relied on alcohol as a way to unwind after a long day. It became a ritual—wine to relax, to celebrate, or to simply get through the evening. At first, it seemed harmless, even normal. After all, our culture often glamorizes drinking, especially in high-pressure environments where stress relief is desperately needed. The "mommy/wine" culture, in particular, perpetuates the idea that alcohol is a necessary tool for managing the chaos of life.
For years I justified my habit, as ‘deserving’ a drink after a long day, as not interfering with my normal life. After all, I never drove while intoxicated, I never missed work, and I always got my kids to school and their activities on time. But at the end of the day, my ritual of ‘treating myself’ for all of my hard work with alcohol became a problem. As time went on, I began to notice the negative impact it was having on my life. I was no longer just enjoying a drink; I was using it as a crutch to deal with emotions and stressors that I didn’t want to face. I felt irritable and frustrated if my schedule didn’t allow me to drink, and It became clear that my relationship with alcohol was not just unhealthy—it was unsustainable.
Intellectually, I always understood that my drinking was a problem, and every day, I vowed to myself that I would stop. Every morning, I would wake up recommitting to myself that I would not drink that night. However, by about 4 pm the business of the day and all of my obligations took their toll, and I was ready for my relief. Years of this cycle took a toll on my mental health, my confidence, and my relationships, as my priority at the end of the day was to finish up all my responsibilities so that I could relax and ‘enjoy my drink.’ I worked all day to serve and support others, and at night, I needed a break from myself and my growing anxiety and stress.
This realization hit me hard when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Suddenly, the choices I had been making, including my alcohol consumption, took on a new significance. I knew that if I wanted to heal and live a healthier life, I needed to make a change. Quitting alcohol was one of the most important steps I’ve taken on my journey to recovery, and it has made a profound difference in my life.
The impact of alcohol on mental health
The decision to quit drinking was not just about my physical health; it was also about my mental well-being. Recent research has shown a clear link between alcohol consumption and mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression. A study published in 2021 in the journal Lancet Psychiatry found that even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of mental health problems. The study highlighted that alcohol disrupts the brain's chemistry, leading to changes in mood, behavior, and cognitive function. This disruption can exacerbate existing mental health conditions and create new ones.
Another study, published in 2023 in the Journal of Affective Disorders, explored the connection between alcohol use and anxiety disorders. The researchers found that alcohol, often used as a coping mechanism, actually worsens anxiety over time. The temporary relief that alcohol provides is quickly followed by a rebound effect, where anxiety symptoms return even stronger. This cycle can lead to a dependence on alcohol to manage anxiety, creating a vicious loop that is difficult to break.
I was stuck in this dysfunctional loop for longer than I care to admit, and I used alcohol to manage stress and anxiety, only to find that it was making things worse. The more I drank, the more anxious and depressed I became. It wasn’t until I removed alcohol from my life that I began to see these issues for what they were and started addressing them in healthier ways.
Challenges of modern parenting and mommy culture
One of the biggest challenges in reducing or stopping my drinking was breaking free from the social aspects of drinking. In many professional circles, alcohol is a social lubricant, a way to network and bond with colleagues and friends. As a parent of a student-athlete, I spent my weekends at volleyball tournaments, where the parents always had their own ‘lounge’ with alcohol, and many walked around with Stanley cups full of vodka punch as their kids battled their way through 10-12 hr competitions. This was a socially acceptable way of ‘coping’ with the very real stress and struggles of these modern-day commitments we’ve made. We’d all tease each other about how much we needed a drink to get through those long marathon days.
And I’m not singling out volleyball parents here, as this same thing applies to my friends spending days at ball fields, swim meets, and more. Being a parent today is hard. Following through on all of your obligations and commitments can be exhausting, and in all of these situations, these are hard-working, dedicated people who are just doing their best to support their kids’ dreams and get through the day despite their exhaustion and burnout.
As a woman, the culture of ‘needing wine’ to fix all your ills is so pervasive, that it took me most of my adult life to fully appreciate how insidious this idea is. Beautiful bottles of colorful liquid surround us as we are shopping for our groceries, glasses that hold the equivalent of a bottle of wine are routinely passed around at ‘girls’ nights’. We are told that the remedy for all of our overwhelm is to enjoy the gift of a strong libation, and that the key to relaxing lies at the bottom of a glass of rose.
I know that not all women or sporting parents end up as problem drinkers. However, the numbers do show that an excessive amount of Gen X’ers, in particular, are struggling with their alcohol consumption, to the point that it is impacting their health, their relationships, and ultimately their long-term quality of life.
Facing your demons
While it’s easy to blame society and other people, ultimately the greatest challenge I faced in my sober journey was dealing with my own internalized shame and dysfunction around drinking. The layers of shame I had built up around my inability to have a healthy relationship with alcohol served as shackles of inaction, keeping me stuck and stagnant in my desire to be sober, as without the drinking I was left with my own fallible self. I felt immense shame around the fact that while I coached and led others through transformation and development, I felt unable to help myself deal with the monster on my back. Without alcohol, I had to face my emotions head-on, without the numbing effect of a drink. This was both terrifying and liberating. I began to see my emotions not as something to be feared or avoided, but as important signals that needed to be understood and managed in a healthy way.
Finding new ways to cope
In the absence of alcohol, I had to find new ways to manage stress and take care of myself. This meant developing a toolkit of healthy coping mechanisms that I could rely on in difficult times. Mindfulness and meditation (which had always been an important part of my life) became crucial practices in my daily routine. These tools allowed me to stay present, manage my emotions, and reduce the anxiety that had previously driven me to drink.
Physical exercise also became a vital part of my routine. I started prioritizing activities that made me feel good, both physically and mentally, whether it was going for a run, practicing yoga, or simply taking a walk in nature. Exercise not only helped me manage stress but also improved my mood and overall sense of well-being.
I also sought out support from others who were on a similar journey. Several close friends had come to the same conclusion about their problem drinking, and being able to connect with other people as they battled their own addiction was a powerful source of inspiration and hope to me. After all, these were people I relate to, that I respect. People who despite having all the appearances of success, education, wealth, and more, were in the same boat as me: they knew they had a problem with their drinking and were determined to reclaim their lives and set a new course for the next chapter in their stories. This wasn’t easy for any of us, but I took comfort in knowing I was neither a freak nor alone in my struggle.
The rewards of living alcohol-free
A year into my journey, I can say with confidence that living alcohol-free has been one of the best gifts I have ever given myself. The benefits have been profound. I feel more energized, more present, and more in control of my life. My relationships have improved, as has my ability to manage stress and anxiety. I no longer rely on alcohol to cope with difficult emotions; instead, I face them head-on and find healthier ways to deal with them.
Perhaps most importantly, quitting alcohol has allowed me to live in alignment with my values.
As a leadership coach, I strive to model the behaviors and habits that I encourage in my clients. Living alcohol-free has made me more authentic, more resilient, and more capable of helping others navigate their challenges.
Helping others on their journey
My experience has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges that high achievers face when it comes to alcohol. I’ve seen firsthand how the pressures of success can drive people to develop unhealthy habits, and I know how difficult it can be to break free from them. But I also know that it’s possible and that the rewards are worth the effort.
If you’re struggling with alcohol, whether it’s a daily habit or an occasional indulgence that feels out of control, know that you’re not alone. Many people in high-pressure roles face similar challenges, and there’s no shame in acknowledging them.
5 next steps for pursuing sobriety
If anything here resonates with you, whether you are just sober curious, or feeling a real calling to make a massive change in your relationship with alcohol, here are some next steps to support you on your journey.
Acknowledge the impact: Take a moment to honestly assess how alcohol is affecting your life—emotionally, physically, and mentally. This self-awareness is crucial for making the decision to change and committing to a life without alcohol.
Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who support your decision to quit. Whether it’s friends, family, or online communities like The Luckiest Club, having a supportive network is essential for staying motivated and accountable.
Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Identify and practice alternative ways to manage stress, anxiety, and emotions without relying on alcohol. Techniques like mindfulness, exercise, journaling, or meditation can help you navigate challenges and maintain your sobriety.
Educate yourself: Equip yourself with knowledge by reading books such as Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker or using sobriety-focused apps like Reframe. Understanding the journey ahead will empower you with strategies and insights to stay on track.
Take it one day at a time: Sobriety is a personal and ongoing journey. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and remember that each day alcohol-free is a step closer to a healthier, more balanced life.
Remember, exploring sobriety is a personal journey, and finding the right resources can make all the difference in achieving a healthier, more balanced life.
As I celebrate one year of sobriety, I’m more committed than ever to helping others find their path to a healthier, alcohol-free life. If I can do it, so can you. Here’s to many more years of living authentically, healthily, and fully present in the moment. If you’re ready to take control of your life and embark on a journey toward wellness and clarity, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a personalized coaching plan that empowers you to break free from old habits, embrace new possibilities, and achieve the vibrant, fulfilling life you deserve. Let’s start this transformative journey today your future self will thank you
Heidi Albritton, Mindfulness & High Performance Coach
Heidi Albritton is a dynamic Coach & Trainer, with over 20 years of experience in operational excellence and transformative coaching. Notably, she pioneered Mindfulness coaching at a global non-profit, contributing to the creation and facilitation of an organization-wide Mindfulness & Resilience program. A certified expert in Corporate-based Mindfulness, Advanced Enneagram Dynamics and High Performance Coaching, she's dedicated to helping individuals uncover their potential, manage their emotions, and lead a life of impact. Heidi's personal journey, marked by resilience in the face of Lyme's disease and cancer, fuels her passion for mindfulness and authenticity. Her mantra, "Change your mind, change your life,"
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