It really is liberating to feel that I'm finally free. I'm over 50 and I've been drinking since I was a teenager and it had really become a physical, mental and emotional addiction. I was not a binge drinker, just a daily drinker of 3 glasses of wine nightly. And of course, there were more times when I really tied one on during social occasions, holidays. What started out as so much fun and social freedom became the source of my depression, self-loathing and shame. I tried for years to "cut back", drink only on weekends, limit myself to no more than 2 glasses, drink water in between, you know all the tricks.

I was the expensive wine drinker – only the BEST Chardonnay for me. I enjoyed my evenings and couldn’t wait until 5 pm to get started again. But, the wine had become a nightly habit and I knew it was affecting me in negative ways. I desperately wanted to cur way down, but didn’t know how.

You see, I was now having trouble sleeping and when I finally woke in the morning, I had hangovers. I was tired during the day and frequently wanted to take naps. My mind was not as clear as it should be, and I guessed that was the alcohol. I was gaining weight from the extra calories. And I spent way too much time thinking about and planning my drinking.

It became a constant internal battle for me. In the morning, I would beat myself for the night before, promised myself to cut back on drinking and then when 5:00 rolled around, I was right back pouring the glass.

I thought there was something wrong with me. Why can’t I just drink normally? Why am I doing this to myself? Why can’t I just drink one glass 2 evenings a week? I was embarrassed and ashamed and new I needed help. But where? Who? I didn’t want anyone to know my “secret”.

You see, I didn’t want to go to AA, because I didn’t consider myself an alcoholic. I certainly didn’t want to go to rehab, which can be $50K per month and I didn’t want to take time off work. Were there any other options?

As I found out, there was another option. I hired a Stop Overdrinking Coach and I did the work required and I now have eliminated my desire and am in control of my drinking. I can still drink at social occasions if I choose, but I’ve learned to manage my urges. That was 3 years ago and now I’m walking the walk. It’s so liberating.

I became a Stop Overdrinking Coach myself because I’m so passionate about helping other women. I just know you are out there, need help, but don’t know what to do.

For me, it was the knowledge that nothing is wrong with ME, it was the knowledge of learning about over-desire, dopamine, and the pre-frontal cortex of the brain and managing urges. Learning that life is 50/50 good and bad and I could learn to manage stress and feel emotions rather than covering them up all the time with wine. I needed a coach who had walked the walk herself.

I’ve become a stronger person because of this experience. I’m proud of myself. I’ve learned to do new things without alcohol, going to movies and theatre, taking walks in nature and trying new things. It was really a cultivation of a new relationship with my husband and our social life. Every day just gets easier and easier and I have stopped obsessing over alcohol.

I am now a Certified Life Coach teaching the Stop Overdrinking Program named “Unwind Without Wine”.

If you are a motivated Woman over 50 who has success in every area of your life, except this one, I want to help you.

I’ve walked in your shoes and I can make it easy. I’m encouraging but tough. I’ll call you out on excuses. It’s a high-quality program that’s easy to consume and learn. It’s not crazy expensive. It’s one on one and private.

Imagine being able to cut back easily and still be able to drink socially if you choose. Imagine no more hangovers. Imagine being proud of yourself instead of beating yourself up.

Your relationships will improve, and you will pay attention to other things in life besides drinking. Your life can be amazing. You will soon realize that there is nothing wrong with you.