I get asked a lot what I think of alcohol.

How much time do you have?

Alcohol is a liquid that:

CAN kill vibrancy, spirit, happiness, and dreams.

DOES affect the liver, digestive system, pancreas, central nervous system, heart, reproductive health, metabolism, sleep cycles, and bone density.

CAN cause mental effects such as mood changes, memory loss, decreased inhibitions, impaired judgment, slower reaction time, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

CAN/WILL cause mental illnesses such as major depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and many others, if abused and used for long durations with dependence.

WILL kill vibrancy, joy, happiness, spirit, drive, motivation, and purpose if used continuously with dependence.

WILL shatter your relationship with yourself and your relationship with loved ones if used with dependence for a period of time.

WILL leave you lost, disconnected from your inner compass, unable to hear your inner voice, and scared shitless if dependence develops.

What do I mean by dependence?

If alcohol is something you need to consume in order to BE in this world, to cope, and to show up, whether it’s in your family, with your friends, or in your career, then it’s being used for a purpose, rather than for a nice pairing with a meal or a casual drink. It starts out as a little crutch here and there, and without a future vision, it hits you like a truck named dependence.

What I know: alcohol dependence is UGLY and DESTRUCTIVE, and the effects it has on the drinker mentally, physically, and spiritually, and the mental and emotional effects it has on the loved ones involved, are horrific.

I am the child of two alcoholic parents (one “functioning” and one “non-functioning”), I am a survivor of alcohol dependence, I have loved ones who are alcohol dependent, and I am a coach and mentor to beautiful women who are either concerned about their relationship with alcohol, or are actively working through their dependence on it.

What truth I know to be truer than anything else, is that we have the power within us to overcome any obstacle, even alcohol.

The shame our society places on alcohol dependence is almost as crippling as the very liquid itself.

We must begin to talk about it. Speaking our truth with transparency and honesty will free us of the shame that keeps us stuck in the dependent cycles, crippled with fear of being judged.

Transparency and sharing is the first step towards radical self-responsibility, self-acceptance, self-love, and empowerment.

YOU ARE more powerful than alcohol.

Let me repeat that …. YOU ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN ALCOHOL!