Health · Mental Health · 2 hrs ago
Writer describes the losses and adjustments of life without alcohol
A writer describes the difficult process of accepting that she has alcoholism and stopping drinking.
She says alcohol was a big part of her family life and helped her overcome shyness.
She also writes about living with bipolar disorder and says she once focused on treating depression while avoiding stopping alcohol.
Since then, she has had to face lost work opportunities, changes to her health and finances, and limits on what she can do socially.
She says she now accepts financial help from her parents and siblings because she can no longer reliably cover her monthly expenses.
When distress feels overwhelming, she stops what she is doing and writes, and she recently went to the cinema with a friend.
She says accepting these changes and finding small ways to move forward are helping her build a future without alcohol.
The writer says accepting life after stopping drinking has been harder than giving up alcohol.
The writer describes a slow process of acknowledging alcoholism after experiences with clinics, hospitals, doctors and religious services.
The writer says alcohol-related losses include work opportunities, social stamina, financial independence and physical changes.
The writer says family members now help financially because the writer can no longer reliably end the month with money left.
Writing and small activities, including going to the cinema with a friend, help the writer keep going.
- Who
- An unnamed writer who says they have alcoholism.
- What
- The writer describes the losses and adjustments of life without alcohol.
- When
- The article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Folha published the article; the writer’s location is not stated.
- Why
- The writer reflects on accepting life after stopping drinking and coping with the effects of alcoholism and bipolar disorder.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Publication date
- October 12, 2026
- Alcoholism recognition
- The writer describes the process as slow.
- CVV call
- The writer says 56 people were ahead in the queue.
- Support
- The writer says siblings and parents provide financial help.
What people are saying
The hardest thing — and the beginning of everything — is accepting.
But even harder than cutting alcohol out of my life is accepting the new reality.
I stop. I leave everything I have to do and write here.
These small things are helping me build a possible future.











