Customer Reviews

The Easy Way to Stop Drinking

5 star:		(88)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I read Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Drinking with a critical, but hopeful open mind. I wanted to believe that just by reading this book that he would convince me to give up drinking without regret, and without the need to use willpower. I liked that I didn't have to give up drinking during the book. That gave me some time to put off that dreadful day.

I read steadily, but had no desire to finish it in record time. I was always sober when I read it, but always looked forward to my nightly ritual of beer and scotch and falling asleep on the couch. His book really spoke to my personal situation. However, I began to dread getting to the end, but also wanted to get to the end to get the magic instructions. I read the rules to agree by before going on. I wasn't sure I agreed with them 100%. I tried rereading some chapters that really spoke to me. I read the instructions. They seemed common sense. I didn't think that was going to do it for me. I read the chapter on the final drink. A little disappointed, I went home to have my final drink. I couldn't have just one. I had my usual, and felt the usual in the morning. It sucked.

The next day I picked up the book again and started reading. I reread the instructions. I reread some chapters.

I kept reading the book, finding a lot of solace in breaking false drinking associations, and reminding myself daily that alcohol ravages time, energy, love, and money. Four things we can never have enough of. I made a habit of reminding myself of how great it is that I am free. I will not mourn the drink, nor envy those who drink.

I am wary that I may eventually let my guard down, and enjoy reading a chapter or two again to reinforce my decision. I will also say that those who like AA, may not like this book, as it is counter to what they may have been taught or what works for them. The prospect of taking it a day at a time, and learning to live with the desire to drink, to me, it seems only feeds your mind that you are giving something up and that you are the only one in the way of that pleasure. As Carr would say, "What a morbid prospect!"

To be fair, it has only been 20 days of living life outside of that prison. But I am optimistic, and I encourage anyone with an open mind to read the book, and if it doesn't speak to you on the first read, go back and reread the chapters that speak to your doubts. The book spoke to my personal situation, but I doubt would have worked for me even 10 years ago.

Did Carr convince me to give up drinking without regret, and without the need for willpower? I don't know. I would like to say, Yes, Absolutely! But I admit there is a small doubt in the back of my mind that the lessons will wear off. I believe he did give me a very logical view of what alcohol is, and what it has done to me. I feel good about my decision. I look forward to living my life without the addiction of alcohol.

***UPDATE****7/8/2008

I am still alcohol free after 7 weeks. I feel better than I have in years, and am genuinely happy that I am not drinking. Carr's method is still working for me.

***UPDATE*** Oct. 1, 2008

Still not drinking. Have had a few days where I started thinking it would be fun again. I re-read a few chapters. I still like to refer back to the chapters, and re-read the rules. It really makes no sense to consume alcohol. It takes so much, and returns nothing. It's just a widely available drug. Treat it as it is.

Carr correctly reminds us that alcohol ravages time, health, love, and money. Four things you can never have enough of.

Still not drinking after 4+ months and glad of it.

Mac

****Update Jan. 7, 2009****
I made it through the holidays, and even a New Years Eve party without a drink. I was the only one not drinking, including my wife who still drinks a little wine.

I have not had a drink in 7+ months. I still look at drinkers, and have no desire to join them, but there are times when I have felt restless. Like I was missing something. I like to go back and review a few chapters of Carr. It still helps to do so.

I can honestly say that I have never felt better. I sleep well, and have a clarity of thought that is hard to describe to someone who hasn't experienced it. I read more, and just have more time in my head.

I still think Carr works best for those of us who do not have underlying issues, because those will still be there. I also don't think it would have worked for me in my 20's, I was just too hung up on partying away my life, though I wish I could go back. What a waste of time, money, etc.

Best of luck to anyone reading this.

**** Update June 1, 2009 ****

Just wanted to add an update that I passed one year about a week ago. It was a good year, and I did enjoy passing each first without drinking. First vacation, first birthday, first holidays. I feel better than I have in years, and I sleep better than ever now. I also have more quality time in my head, and accredit that to becoming more religious. That is one thing that surprised me. I have not become a religious fanatic, however. I just feel calmer, and more open to religion.

One other thing that has happened, is that I am doing some things in my personal life, that I put off for 20 years. Some personal goals and ambitions that did not mix with drinking.

I hope that if you are like I was, that you can find the peace that I have.

I am not entirely sure why or how this works. I am entirely more unsure of why you don't hear about Allen Carr's method more often. I am a bit blown away. A few chapters thru this book and I just stopped. Just like that. I have an entire fridge full of Sam Adams and a few bottles of wine, too. No more wine tasting - nothing. BIZARRE. I don't have the miracles to report that my life changed drastically or anything but I did want to totally stop and this book helped me make it happen. Like I said, it is utterly bizarre. I hope to finish the last few chapters this weekend and then I will call it a wrap. It was pretty easy, too. There are several books available to purchase on this topic - THIS is the one that worked for me, the first few chapters, the very first time.

Wanted to add a bit of a follow up - It's been seven weeks, and I really only wanted to drink one Friday afternoon for a bit, recently - and I didn't. So far, that was really the only time I've experienced any thoughts at all about drinking. I'll add more to this review as time goes by.

I did six months without a drop.

December 2008 - THE UPDATE

It's time for me to read the book again! LOL I did a really great six months - but then slid a little, and then a lot - and now I need to read the book again. The problem this time around, is that I am not as motivated to stop completely. It's like I am avoiding another read thru, cause I know it will make me stop. Thanks for all the requests for updates!

The book really does work - but YOU have to work on your desire to WANT TO STOP.


Another update - can be found under July 2009...

Incredible. Life changing. If you even suspect your drinking needs to be controlled, you must get this book. An incredible work worth its weight in gold.

It is even more useful than his smoking book, because it deals with a subject that is much harder and more complex because not everybody feels drinking is a bad thing. The prose is a little clumsy but I think this is deliberate because Allen Carr is trying and succeeding in shifting the reader's paradigm.

The scales have been lifted from my eyes, I havent given anything up, just gained my freedom to live a great happy and full life. That is why this is so easy!

I am so excited about this, about feeling great, no hangovers, huge energy, achieve fitness, self respect, control, being able to travel more easily, being able to reach for the moon!

It only works if you read it through, but here is a summary of the messages:

Alcohol is a drug with no real benefits, which everyone gets hooked on by a huge con trick.
The drug has only the effect of numbing the senses, something we never needed before we took it to have fun. However society is brainwashed and influenced into seeing this as a social asset, not the nightmare trap it is. This numbing actually doesnt take away problems but makes them worse by covering them up.
Alcohol is a poison, which we don't naturally like tasting, but we disguise the taste to make it palatable.
The trap or con trick into which all drinkers fall, is like a pitcher plant that catches flies. Once in the trap you can't get out, but the reality is that to not drink is to give up nothing - it is freedom from devastation, but it is impossible to see this from in the trap. When we were growing up, we managed to have loads of fun and energy without thinking we needed alcohol. It has conned you.
There is no such thing as alcoholism, just varying degrees of sliding into the alcohol trap and losing control. Some people never lose control because their timeline is it takes them more than their lifespan to slide fully into the poisonous trap. For others its a few years.

If we said I can handle it about eating carrots it would sound odd wouldnt it. What a con. It doesnt do anything for you - just inebriates you, dulls your senses.

I found this book exactly two years ago and will be forever grateful that I did. I am a professional with a career, a wife, a mom, a good friend. But I had a big problem. I was trying to control my drinking, and yet would inevitbably end up drinking more. I felt awful, guilty, out of control. I tried a few self help methods, but wasn't ready to check into rehab or an AA group. Serendiptously I found Allen Carr's book. I read it, followed it, and stopped cold. It was "easy" in that once I read the book I knew I wouldn't go back, and that I had a tool to refer to when I felt a little shakey at the beginning. But once I had that last drink I was DONE. The book gives you the tools you need to stop and to actually feel great about it.

"Easy Way" is not a literary masterpiece, and it's not your typical addiction book. However, it's roots are solidly planted in cognitive-behavioral psychology, with lots of common sense ideas sprinkled in. It may not be high-brow, but it makes so much sense.

After I stopped drinking, I began to look around at how alcohol and other drugs are viewed and used, as Carr suggests. He states that alcohol is really the last socially acceptable drug, and that even the most casual and responsible drinker is dependent. I started observing my friends, acquaintances and strangers after reading the book, and realized how true this is, as you will if you are willing to look. I've noticed how friends who have to give up alcohol for even a short time miss it terribly. If they are stressed they can't wait to have a drink. This is no accident, but a consequence of using a drug. These are people who don't drink daily, rarely drink more than one or two drinks, and usually have alcohol with meals or socially.

I have no problem being with others who drink, going to bars or clubs if I feel like it (though I seldom do), and it's so liberating. In fact, one of Carr's important points is that once you quit with his method there is no reason to avoid friends and loved ones who drink. This is the case for me and is one of the things I really am amazed at. AA and other programs are adament that once you are an alcoholic, you are always an alcoholic; that you are always at risk. Carr begs to differ. Once I realized what alcohol is and what it does to the body, I would never go back.

Since finding "Easy Way" I have gotten the greatest compliment of my life. I was at a dinner with some friends and their kids. One of the kids said "... You are high on life, everyone else is high on their drinks!". I am so glad my happiness shows so clearly.

Finally, I have a teenager and am now able to engage him in conversations about drugs (alcohol, pot, smoking etc.), and I feel I have a real chance of innoculating him against the pressures in our society to use and abuse drugs. Many parents I talk to think that learning to drink responsibly is a good idea, and that it would be strange if their kids didn't experiment. After reading "Easy Way" my message to my child is that alcohol is a drug, and once you try it, it pulls you in gradually and imperceptibly as do all drugs. AND IF YOU DON'T DRINK, YOU CAN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL.

My one concern is that perhaps additional assistance would be necessary with a multiple drug habit. And certainly there is no problem getting help from a program. But I swear by "Easy Way"! But I hope if you are having a problem you'll try this book.

Thank you Mr. Carr!

After drinking heavily for nearly 25 years I have quit thanks to Alan Carr's Easy Way method.

In a nutshell: the author examines the reasons why we drink and then methodically exposes the flaws behind those reasons, stating again and again that our 'reasons' are, in fact, 'excuses.' Little by little he removes the desire to drink, and how can one miss what one does not want? Other reviewers have remarked on Carr's simple writing style, and it's true - he's not a great author, but he does have a great message.

Update: It's been six months since I had my last drink and life is better in all respects. I'm healthier, more productive, I'm more attentive to my wife and children, and - an added benefit - I've shed nearly 20 pounds. Furthermore, I still like to go out once a month or so with friends to a bar for an hour or two of conversation, but now I order club soda with lime, which, by the way, is free at most places.

Another update: Going on eight months now. There were a few moments recently during the Thanksgiving holidays when I was tempted to drink, but that was simply habit and stress talking. I remembered Carr's rules and the sense of freedom that sobriety brings and the urges passed. Carr is right when he says to think of the positive and not the negative. That is, to think of 'freedom from alcohol' rather than 'not drinking.' Not doing something implies a sacrifice or hardship while freedom reminds one of the joys of living, period.

One year update: It's been 12 months since I finished Carr's book and quit drinking. To mark the occasion I've been reading it again cover to cover. True, it's awkwardly written in spots, but the stylistic shortcomings are more than overcome by the strength and truth of its message. I was at my wit's end when I first discovered Carr's small book a year ago and it changed my life. Thank you.

16 month update: At the risk of sounding redundant, Carr's method works. As a drinker I used to spend my days wondering when I could have my first drink after work - 3 pm? 5 pm? While making dinner? Now I spend my time wondering how to best spend my time when not at work - read, watch a DVD, play the piano, hang out with my family, exercise, etc. My wife is a social drinker and she allows herself a glass of wine every day at 5 o'clock. I often join her in the living room for a half hour of chat, armed with my pretzels and a glass of water. Alcohol is not a temptation, nor is it a bother. Life is better without alcohol.

Two year update: I quit drinking two years ago thanks to Alan Carr's book. I've already said everything I have to about the book: it works. Life is richer without alcohol and I've become a happier and more productive person since I quit drinking. Thanks again, Mr. Carr.

Three year update: At the risk of sounding redundant, Mr. Carr's method works. Three years ago I had my last drink and life has been better in every way since then. My wife still has a glass of wine in the evening before dinner, and just yesterday I went out with colleagues for cocktails after a particularly long day at work. I was the only one who ordered a soft drink and we all had a good time.

If you are reading this review then you are concerned about alcohol. Read the book and see if Alan Carr speaks to you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Tomorrow is 5 months since I stopped drinking with the help of this book. As the book says, I wish I could fast forward your life to just 2-3 days after you finish reading the book and stop drinking. You honestly will have an incredibly wonderful life without alchohol controlling it. I have so much energy and am so happy. People around me continue to comment on how positive the changes are. I've lost weight, lost the bondage of alchohol and gained joy and happiness. And, I've faced my first crises - being laid off from my job - without alchohol and not only did I not miss it, but it is easier without the monster! Just read this book. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain!

First off, anyone that has rated this poorly surely didn't read it, or read it closed minded only to dispute it.

The book offers up a lot of what you already know but don't, or try not to, think about.

I have a kegerator plus bar in my dining room and was up to at least a pitcher of beer per night every night (and much more sometimes) while drinking my entire weekends away. I am 40 and have been centering my activities more and more around drinking.

One thing I have done for over 5 years (to convince myself I didn't have a problem perhaps) was to go completely dry every January. It has become tougher every year to do that. The month seems longer every year and from day one I have looked forward to February 1st so I can grab that first beer. I have known, for a long time, that I really needed to cut back or stop drinking all together. Even though I controlled, to a certain extent, my drinking, it definitely was a problem.

Somewhere online one day a few months back I read a blog that was talking about AA. I have never liked AA (not that it may not be right for you), but I was sent there after a DUI and couldn't stand the BS the, "old timers," told. To me it was more of a free therapy session for old drinkers than anything that could really help me quit. And the smoking killed me. Finding non-smoking AA meetings was almost impossible. Again, it may work for you and I'm not knocking it for everyone, it just wasn't at all right for me. Anyway, I was online and someone was talking about their drinking and going to AA. Someone posted a response that just said, "if you really want to quit drinking, just read Allen Carr's easy way."

Intrigued, I looked it up after reading these very reviews and bought it. I didn't really believe a book on this would be a life changer. But I wanted to see what it was about.

When it arrived I started on it right away. Looking back, there is nothing miraculous here, but miraculously I lost my urge to drink completely. For the first time in years I came home, looked at the kegerator and passed it by. His writings made so much sense to me that I kept finding it difficult to understand how I didn't realize it all these years. The more it made sense, the less I wanted to drink.

Years of drinking, so much anticipation in January to get to February. Sitting at work looking forward to getting home so I could start drinking. Going to my kids baseball and football just hoping it would be a quick game so I could get home to my precious kegerator! Avoiding getting more education or going on trips that could interfere with drinking (all of my trips were all-inclusive so I could drink as much as possible). Finding friends that could share my drinking with me and excluding most of those that didn't.

All of those great drinking years and traits were wiped out in about a 100 pages of reading. Something that I didn't really think could happen. And the best part, I have no desire to touch the stuff. Once the desire is gone, the problem is gone. I stopped and looked at my bar this morning, and instead of thinking of a drink, I thought to myself that I should sell it. Same fate that the kegerator is going to meet.

The bottom line is that this book works and is great. I have passed some big tests. Halloween party where all my friends were drinking. I didn't even come close.

I have a trip scheduled that is not all-inclusive. I'm going to get my scuba certification while there. I have wanted to for a long time but because it took up three full days, it would have ruined my drinking time. Not now!

I'm in to my second month now. This would have been unimaginable three months ago. My brother asked me why I wasn't drinking. I told him because I'm done thanks to a book. He asked to borrow it, he read it, and he's over a month now without drinking.

I can't say enough about this book. It is great!

Buy it and start living your life again.


*UPDATE* It's been over a year now since I read the Easy way. I'm going to be honest here. I have drank a few times. Sold my bar and kegerator. Wasn't sad to see those go. A few times over the course of 2010 (4th of July, halloween and a trip to Cancun) I did drink. I didn't drink near as much during those few times and I had NO problem not drinking afterward. The months just melt away without even thinking about booze. It's great. I'm truly free at this point! Will I drink again? I don't think about it but perhaps once in a while.

My doctor said I'd have diabetes in 5 years if I didn't change my lifestyle. At 40 yrs old, 30lbs overwieght, a mortgage, 4 kids and a job that I hated I felt fatigued, depressed and scared. Half way through the book the light bulb went off and I new I didn't need to have another beer. I had my first beer when I was w/ friends in high school and always associated the drinking w/ "happiness". However, the alcohol was pulling me down further and further each year. I haven't had a sip of alcohol in a week and I feel awesome and don't crave it. Don't even want to drink it. The author should be highly recommended for anyone who "thinks" they "might" have a problem. It's a miracle and I feel like a cloud has been lifted from my spirit. I can get 5-6 hours of sleep and when my feet hit the ground, I can't wait to get started. When's the last time you felt that way? Go read the book today, you'll be amazed at how stupid you've been. I know I was...

I bought this book in mid-December after reading all the positive reviews. I felt desperate for change, and was finally ready to let go of the idea that I could control my drinking on my own.

For much of my adult life, I was a highly functional, evening wine drinker, but over the past 10 years, my consumption gradually and continuously increased to an unhealthy level. For the past couple of years, I'd been frustrated and ashamed about my inability drink moderately, and worried about the long-term implications for my health and weight(although both seemed fairly satisfactory at my current age of 42). Perhaps most importantly, I harbored extreme guilt about the role-modeling I was doing for my school-age children.

Since reading the book, I have not had a drink, and for the most part, I've not wanted one. My experience has been similar to that of Big Mac, so I recommend you read his entire review, and be encouraged by his updates. Like Big Mac, initially I was very nervous (and I'm not a nervous person) about the "staying power" of the effect of the book, and have also experienced slight twinges of wanting a drink. At times such as these, I too have referred back to the book, rereading a few chapters and/or the instructions. This has been very reassuring, and apparently, effective.

Unlike Big Mac, however, I did not dread my last drink, I was totally excited about the possibility. Following the author's instructions, I continued to drink until completing the book, but noticed a subtle but gradual decrease in my desire for alcohol as I read. Six weeks later, I still have not had a drink, even though there is often an open bottle of wine in my refrigerator! (My husband still imbibes.) I don't quite know how or why Easyway works. The information in the book is far from "rocket science," most of what I read was not news to me. Yet the book absolutely delivers on it's promise!

I am not overstating when I claim Easyway has created a miracle in my life. The first week after I finished reading, I was so grateful that I wished I could meet Allen Carr to thank him and explain the depth of my appreciation. My over-drinking was a powerful roadblock in my life -- now that I am free from it's hold, my self-loathing has transformed into self-respect! I feel energized and confident that I can live an authentic life, that I can grow and contribute, raise a healthy family and be a responsible citizen of my community and my world. Big goals, but that's who I want to be. Thanks to Allen Carr, I now have a chance.

One last thing -- there is nothing particularly special about me, if I can do it, you can too!

I am on day 14 without a drink after reading this book. You might think this is not a big accomplishment, but I have not been able to go for more than three days without a drink for the past two years. The funny thing is, I feel like I have been sober for a very long time. This book really does change the way you perceive alcohol and makes you question why you drink in the first place. Please pay no attention to the people who give this book less than 5 stars. This book works. I read a review where someone states the book is poorly written and the information is repeated needlessly. I completely disagree. I believe the author does repeat certain facts throughout the book in order for the information to sink into our hard headed brains. My wife dragged me kicking and screaming to a bar with her friends the other day, and I wasn't even tempted to drink. I looked at all of the drunk people stumbling around and I thought, wow that used to be me. I then asked myself, are they really enjoying themselves? The answer is no. The book covers all of this of course. I even held a beer for my wife's friend while they danced and I didn't even feel the slightest temptation to sneak a drink. Last night, my Son and I lay down on the trampoline and looked up at the stars and we talked for about an hour. We just talked about whatever we wanted to and I really had fun. I thought to myself, I am so glad I quit drinking because if I hadn't, I would have been half drunk by now sitting by myself wishing everyone would just go to bed so I could drink more. Instead, now both my Son and I have a wonderful memory of spending time together. I am so happy that I found this book and got control of my life back. If Allen Carr was still alive, I would love to shake his hand and buy him a soda.

****UPDATE****
It has now been 3 months since I read this book and I have still not had anything to drink. I find now that I have been tempted to drink alcohol in a different way. Now, I sometimes get the slightest temptation to just have one drink. I have that little voice in my head that sometimes says, you are not really an alcoholic, look how good you are doing. One drink wont hurt. One of the things that I do when I have these thoughts is to think back on the book. One of the final steps at the end of the book says to never doubt the decision to quit drinking. I am in the military and at a new duty station now, but before I left my last duty station, I would periodically go out with my wife and friends to a bar. Initially, I hated going, per my previous post. But later I found that I could tolerate going out to bars etc... without having a completely miserable time. I still find it amazing that I was able to quit drinking in the first place. I guess this is proof that the book does work. It worked for me.

******Update***** Just a quick update 3/11/2009

Wow, it has been a year now and I am still not drinking and very happy overall. It looks like I beat this thing for good thanks to this book. Now, if could just lose 15 pounds..... :)

******Update***** Another quick update 12/25/2010

Still not drinking. I also managed to lose 22 lbs by reading Allen Carr's Easyweigh book. I wish the best of luck to everyone fighting this battle.