The Alcohol Experiment: A 30-Day, Alcohol-Free Challenge to Interrupt Your Habits and Help You Take Control by Annie Grace

The Alcohol Experiment: A 30-Day, Alcohol-Free Challenge to Interrupt Your Habits and Help You Take Control Reviews

• 
  Martha

  Wow! Annie Grace, you may have saved my life! What a great book!
  
  The other day, my doctor told me to stop drinking all together because of my issues with low stomach acid. Low stomach acid is pretty common for adults over the age of 60. And, my wine drinking was not helping matters. I would classify myself as a moderate drinker, so quitting was a bit tough for me the first 3 or 4 days. Then, it got easier. And, after reading this eye-opening book explaining the addiction and poisons of alcohol and the reaction of your own body chemistry - YIKES - I really had no clue. Gee, everyone around me drinks - can’t be that bad. Gee, it is that bad.
  
  My husband bought this book about 3 months ago and did the experiment himself. He kept suggesting I read it too. Well, once my doctor said “No more drinking”, I started reading! I have been alcohol free for 19 days, and I have a whole new mindset now- One: I do not want to go through the “Start over” period again - way too annoying. Two: I have not felt this good in a long time. I am way less anxious- much more calm! (Bet my kids and husband are loving this new me!) Three: I want to experience my future social engagements sober and memorable!
  
  This is an excellent book for those thinking about freedom from alcohol. Annie Grace made this a very positive experiment/experience! Now, I am picking up her other book This Naked Mind.
• 
  Emily

  I started out reading this out loud to an addicted loved one. That fizzled at about the 3 week point, and there was a long break before I took this up again, mainly because I can’t stand not to finish a book if I’ve gotten past a certain point.
  I’ve been reading on this topic for a long time, and I appreciate fresh approaches and ideas. I don’t think AA is one-size-fits-all any more than I think any approach is. It works for some people and not for others. I think Annie Grace’s 30-day experiment is a valid thing for people to try, and judging by the testimonials at the end of each chapter, it works for some people.
  What it’s not is a magic bullet, which I can’t seem to stop pursuing. And sometimes Annie’s cheerleadery tone got on my nerves. It’s not for everyone, but it is for someone, probably many someones.
  Worth a read, and my particular rating is probably lower because of unjust disappointment that it didn’t solve everything for my loved one, in addition to the long break I took from it.
• 
  Gerhard

  Interesting take on a self-help book in that it demands a daily commitment from the reader/participant. Ultimately as much a guide to mindfulness/self-awareness as it is a systematic deconstruction of bad habits and mental ruts. I loved the grace notes in the ending, which is totally open about the future post the 30-day period. The fact that any number is arbitrary is perhaps the greatest realisation here.
• 
  Leslie

  I’m very glad I discovered this book to prop me up for “Dry January.” The basic premise is learning how our subconscious minds are calling the shots (no pun intended), and presenting exercises to become more mindful about drinking. I thought a few of her takes on the subject were a little exaggerated as a scare tactic, and some I just did not agree with (nobody really likes the taste?! She must not have ever tried a really good Bourbon ;0). Nevertheless, it was a very good, introspective, and physiological look into the factors that make alcohol so powerful over our subconscious, and takes the shame out of our failure to control.
  
  * Side note: The book included testimonials from people who followed the experiment and left comments on her website. Several of them referenced being Alcohol-Free with the abbreviation AF, and I laughed every. single. time. 30 days AF!! 🙌🏻
• 
  Heather

  Lots of good information here if you’re looking to reframe your relationship with alcohol, or if you don’t know how someone “just can’t stop at one”.
  
  I read it in two sittings, but it’s meant to be a day by day support for a 30 day experiment. I’m 56 days AF (Alcohol Free) and this definitely helped support the decision I’ve made for myself.
• 
  Coleman

  I picked this book up to reframe my relationship with alcohol, not because I have a dependence or addiction (this book is DEFINITELY not for that situation). Throughout this pandemic I have gotten into habits that simply aren't healthy for me and don't make me feel good, and decided to go on an alcohol fast to break up those habits.
  
  The book itself is typical self-help fare, but does have a lot of interesting information about the science of alcohol and habit formation. Weirdly, having a chapter to read every day created a sort of reward system for myself. I would fast from alcohol for the day, and as a reward I got to read another chapter of the book and journal my thoughts. I created a new habit that has kept going beyond 30 days.
  
  I will eventually have an alcoholic drink again, but getting out of a habitual rut has been helpful, and I can be more mindful about when I drink alcohol and why I'm choosing to drink. I don't know that the book is a life-changer, but reflecting upon my unconscious actions and lining them up with my conscious mind has led to some self discovery. Which is pretty neat I think.
• 
  Val

  This is pretty decent. I couldn’t have made it 12 days without it. 😉 I only stopped early because I was seeing absolutely none of the benefits she suggested would happen: no weight loss, no extra energy or better sleep. I felt grumpy and serious all of the time. 12 days is enough of that person. I did learn some things though, so it was beneficial for self reflection.
• 
  Holly

  This book was intended for binge drinkers that are looking to get a handle on their drinking. As a "drink at dinner" kind of girl, I didn't feel like a lot of the messaging applied to me. I don't wake up hungover, I don't forget events that happened, etc. However, I wanted to cut down my drinking as part of a diet and fitness program that I began, so I went ahead and read through the whole 30 days. I found much of the reading redundant - alcohol is ethanol, ethanol is poison, why would you put that into your body. However, I did walk away with a few tips that will stick with me.
  1. Don't think about what you're giving up. Think of what you're gaining. (I'm not giving up alcohol, I'm gaining a more fit body.)
  2. Americans have an alcohol culture...just think of all the signs, T-shirts, etc. "It's 5 o'clock somewhere." "It's wine o'clock." etc.
  3. Pure alcohol doesn't taste good. So, consider having a sweetened drink instead, since it's mostly sugars and sweeteners that you're tasting when you drink.
  4. Ask yourself why you're drinking. Is it just for habit? Are you bored? etc.
• 
  beentsy

  This was excellent and not just from a looking at alcohol in your life standpoint. This was excellent because it gave practical, down to earth, easy to engage with ways to have better critical thinking skills in your life. I know that I will use those for the rest of my life. I find myself asking questions (mostly internally but some outside too) about things that I am hearing or thinking or believing.
  
  I will be putting the ideas from this book into use in so many ways. Cannot recommend this book enough, just as a way of examining how you think/feel about things, why you think/feel that, and most importantly, are those thoughts & feelings actually reality?
• 
  L

  This experiment was a success. Something the author wrote on Day 2 hit me hard and something shifted. It's Day 30 now and this was honestly not that difficult. I had a few weak moments (mostly at night with friends), but overall I've lost the desire.
  
  So where do I go from here? I'll decide that. Still taking inventory of the pros/cons and my observations about the changes. If there's one telling indication of the impact this book has had on me, please note this: the author suggests that if you're set on going to moderate drinking after 30 days of being alcohol-free (very important component for this), try getting drunk for science. This involves being completely alone and recording yourself at intervals while consuming enough alcohol to get drunk. My first thought? "Oh, god, no. No. I don't even want to think about it. Moving on."
  
  I strongly feel that all of the congratulations for me getting through 30 days of not drinking belongs to the author of this book. For my part, it was too easy for anyone to be giving me any accolades. Be proud of Ms. Grace.
• 
  Sara

  I appreciate that this book exists and helps so many people. The idea is to intentionally consider your relationship to alcohol during a 30-day break from drinking. The author focuses most of her attention on scientific research related to alcohol and loves to cite statistics about various things. I found a lot of it boring and was certainly not compelled, as many of her readers are, to swear off booze forever. Even so, it's good to take a break from alcohol (or any addictive substance) every once in a while, just to make sure it's not becoming a problem. The assumed audience seemed to be people who have a serious problem with alcohol so it ironically made me feel better about my habits, not worse. :)
• 
  Patrick

  I have often thought about the health effects of drinking alcohol and often thought about giving up. I recently did 'Dry July' and read this book at the same time. I found the month incredibly easy. The book teaches you not to say you are giving up for good but "I will have a drink when I feel like it." Invariably people don't start up again. An excellent book. Easy to follow and not too much heavy research.
• 
  Turquoise Brennan

  A book that definitely changed my thinking. No matter what you are doing with alcohol on your life ...read this one
• 
  Terri Wells

  I enjoyed the approach of this book. I learned a lot about alcohol effect on my body and sleep. I actually went 38 days without my nightly drink and am definitely sleeping better and have more energy. I have a drink here and there, but it is no longer the habit I succumbed to before reading this. I actually listened to audio version and love Annie Grace!
• 
  Casey

  I really appreciate the stats, insight, and opposing narrative that this book has in comparison to what most of society says. It is encouraging and helpful. I really like the mindfulness aspect of it too.
• 
  Jo-Anne King

  I don't typically read self-help lit because I find most of it... insufferable quackery, actually... but this does what it says on the tin regarding *not* being judgemental, so, yeah, I'd recommend it.
• 
  Deola

  I never finished this book but by day 7, I was compelled enough to stop drinking.
• 
  Jennifer

  Eye-opening, non-judgmental, helpful.
• 
  Giedre

  What a book! So glad I found it.
• 
  Christie

  Got this book from a friend and was really happy with it. Takes you through a 30 day experiment of not drinking. Goes through all the science and psychology of what alcohol really does to our bodies and brains. Really eye opening snd insightful. Glad I read it. Will think different about alcohol going forward.
• 
  Ashley

  3.5. Maybe an unfair review, because I didn’t actually do the experiment properly. (Perhaps Annie Grace’s other book would have been a better choice for me.) When I started reading this book, I was already on day 30 of not drinking. I had read another book before this that referenced Annie Grace, so I wanted to read what she had to say. I learned a lot in reading this book. I also felt like it was a bit preachy; it felt like a lot at times. But I guess that’s why it’s designed to read one chapter a day, and not in big chunks, like I read it! It was interesting to read, especially in the early chapters, what your body goes through as it detoxes from alcohol. I would have liked to read it in real time in my own first 30 days. I knew alcohol was bad for me, but I didn’t know just how bad until reading this book, which really hammered home the physical effects.
• 
  Natasha

  Read this while giving up alcohol for 30 days myself, which was a good idea. Helped me understand the connection between suddenly craving sugar (something I don't normally crave) and alcohol. Although I'm not at the end of the 30 days just yet. It has definitely made me look at my drinking habits, why I drink, how often and I honestly don't feel the urge to drink come the 1st of October.
  An Interesting read with lots of science/information, hard truths and testimonials of people also going alcohol free for 30days or more.
• 
  Angie

  Maybe this is good for a different type of drinker, one who sits on the couch, doesn’t have hobbies, and who doesn’t like people.
  
  It has virtually nothing to say to an athlete, an extrovert, someone who has hobbies, etc. It also participates strongly in diet culture and how wonderful you feel now that you can finally lose weight and get in shape. Especially for the last third, it seems like she’s run out of ideas. Several of the chapters feel trite and don’t give real advice (you know who ELSE was bored?? aLbErT eInStEiN!!). There’s a whole day devoted to not believing everything you see on social media which seems pitched at the level of a boomer who is just becoming familiar with Facebook.
  
  And some of it seems really uneven. It’s simultaneous attempting to speak to people who wake up and need to drink and people who have been heavily drinking for about a year. These are not often the same people.
  
  I’ll continue the month but without the help of this book.
• 
  Kati

  This is a great book for anyone wanting to explore their relationship with alcohol. Each chapter focuses is on one day of your experiment and it’s amazing how relevant each chapter and activity are. On the day you’re thinking about “Oh no the whole office is going out for drinks on Friday. How can I stay alcohol free this week for the challenge??” - that’s what the chapter is about! Tons of great tips and strategies to live your best life.
• 
  Corinne

  I read this book to support doing a dry January this month. Wow the information was powerful and pretty incredible. Definitely recommend this book!
• 
  Dani Jones

  Whether you want to quit completely, cut down a bit, or just learn something about yourself...this book can help you do it. Highly recommend!
• 
  Elizabeth

  I don’t disagree with a lot of things that Annie Grace has written. She’s not wrong about the addictive nature of alcohol, she’s not wrong about lifelong conditioning.
  
  I picked up these books because my brain is very, very smart, and I thought teaching my own brain how to rethink alcohol is my best shot at staying alcohol-free. I thought this book would offer unique tools that aren’t part of every sobriety/self-improvement program. (Spoiler: I was wrong.)
  
  I was reading The Alcohol Experiment at the same time as This Naked Mind, and the first thing that caused me really painful cognitive dissonance (shout out to the books!) is that in This Naked Mind, Grace describes the unconscious mind whereas in The Alcohol Experiment, she refers to the same thing as the subconscious mind. These aren’t the same thing, and this inconsistency really distracted me and made me lose trust.
  
  In the TAE, Grace goes on to reveal the big secret of why we drink and how we stop. So what’s the big secret?! Here it is: We need to dig deep and really understand why it is we drink. …. I started laughing because, well duh, don’t we all know that by now?! Our deepest desires come from our unconscious/subconscious mind, and our actions come from our conscious mind, but we can’t convince our unconscious/subconscious mind that we don’t want something (like alcohol), but over time we can retrain/recondition our conscious mind to not want it.
  
  It‘s the same exact message found in every other sobriety program and book. It’s actually the same exact message found in every self-help book. Anyone who’s spent 5 minutes in CBT therapy, you can save your money and time because you’ve already heard this message a million times. If this message worked consistently, if it were really the magic bullet to overcoming addiction, wouldn’t so many people be healthier by now…..?
  
  So I feel annoyed that I spent money on a book set that’s not nearly as unique as it touts itself to be, and for a book about psychology, I’m annoyed at the inconsistencies in psychological concepts.
  
  It’s not a bad set of books, and I could easily see how it could help some people who’ve never thought about how their brain works. Given the choice between AA and reading these books, I’d bet these books are slightly more helpful. But for those of us who have ever read a self-help book before, it is the exact same repackaged, reheated stuff.