You Don’t Need to Hit Rock Bottom: Rewriting the Alcohol Narrative with Amanda Kuda
Most people think you need a “drinking problem” to quit. But what if the problem isn’t how much you drink—what if it’s what alcohol is taking from you?
In this Sober Strong podcast episode, we sat down with Amanda Kuda, author of Unbottled Potential: Break Up with Alcohol and Breakthrough to Your Best Life. Together, we explore what it means to leave alcohol behind before hitting rock bottom. Amanda’s honest insights and lived experience challenge the typical quit-or-crash narrative and offer something much more relatable—permission to opt out, no matter your story.
If you're curious about life beyond moderation, or wondering whether alcohol is quietly holding you back, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.
🎧 Click the video below to watch our full interview:
You Don’t Need a Problem with Alcohol for It to Be a Problem
You don’t have to be labeled an “alcoholic” to decide alcohol doesn’t serve you. That’s one of the most liberating ideas Amanda shares. Gray area drinking—where you're not out of control, but alcohol still creates chaos—is far more common than many admit.
“You have the permission slip to quit, even if you don’t meet the criteria you think exists for quitting.”
In fact, Amanda compares alcohol to a toxic ex. It might not always be dramatic, but it’s consistently draining your time, energy, and joy. Recognizing that is the first step.
Beyond 30 Days: Why Real Change Needs Real Time
Dry January. Sober October. The 30-day challenge trend is popular—and wildly overrated. Amanda and I both agree: true transformation often begins around 90 days, and for many, it takes closer to six months to feel real change.
Temporary abstinence can mask deeper patterns. As Amanda puts it, “We wait for the reward at the end, like a watermelon margarita on Day 76. But when you pause long enough, you realize alcohol may never have been a reward to begin with.”
Let Go of the Moderation Myth
Amanda gets candid about the false promise of moderation. If you have to work to moderate, it’s likely not working.
“If you’re idolizing people who can drink ‘just one glass,’ you’re admiring something that may never be your reality. And that’s okay.”
Moderation doesn’t work for everyone. For many, it becomes a mental load—a constant negotiation. The freedom comes in quitting altogether, which opens up space for creativity, clarity, and self-trust.
Who Am I Without a Drink in My Hand?
Sobriety isn’t just about alcohol—it’s about identity. Many people struggle with boredom, emptiness, or feeling “off” after quitting. But what’s really happening is this: you're meeting yourself, often for the first time.
Amanda shares tools to support that rediscovery:
Journaling: A space to process emotions you’ve long buried
Simple self-care: Water, food, rest, movement, and fresh air
Allowing joy: Finding delight in small things like sunshine or silence
This stage might feel flat after the high of early wins (what Amanda calls the “pink cloud”), but it’s normal. That plateau is where deeper, more lasting shifts begin.
When Relationships Are Built on a “Liquid Bond”
Quitting alcohol has a ripple effect—especially in your relationships. Whether it’s your spouse, your best friend, or your social circle, sobriety can shake things up.
Amanda and the Sober Strong host dig deep into this topic, covering:
Romantic tension when one partner continues drinking
Friendship shifts when alcohol is no longer the common thread
Setting boundaries and modeling new ways to connect
The hard truth? If alcohol is the glue holding a relationship together, that bond may not be as strong as you thought. But the good news? Real intimacy starts when we show up fully sober and fully ourselves.
Quit Lit and the Power of Affirming Stories
Amanda’s book, Unbottled Potential, was born from a gap in the recovery space. While books like Annie Grace’s This Naked Mind focus on science, Amanda wanted to speak to the soul.
“Some people need data. Others need to feel a reason to change. I wrote for the second group.”
Whether you read Quit Lit before you stop drinking or after, these stories can be powerful tools—not just for education, but for affirmation. They help you say, “Oh… it’s not just me.”
The Joy of Missing Out: Real Fun, Real Presence
Amanda introduces a refreshing concept: JOMO—Joy of Missing Out.
Vacations, celebrations, or even lazy weekends can feel richer when alcohol isn’t part of the picture. Why? Because you’re actually there. You’re awake. You’re aware. You’re saving money, making memories, and connecting more deeply with people and places.
“It’s not about the fancy organic wine. It’s still ethanol and sugar. And your body still sees it as poison.”
Whether you're hiking on vacation instead of hitting happy hour or having deep conversations instead of blackouts, joy starts looking a lot more like freedom—and a lot less like a cocktail.
Keep It Simple: Tools That Actually Work
Amanda’s top tools for staying strong in sobriety are simple, free, and accessible:
Tool Purpose
Journaling Emotional processing & mental clarity
Proper hydration Physical health and cognitive support
Nutritious food Balances energy and stabilizes mood
Daily movement Releases endorphins and reduces stress
Sunlight & fresh air Regulates circadian rhythm and supports healing
She emphasizes: you don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to care for your body in the ways it’s been asking for all along.
Final Takeaways
You don’t need to hit rock bottom. You don’t need a dramatic story. You just need to know—in your gut—that alcohol is holding you back. And then, you get to make a change.
Amanda’s journey proves it’s possible to quit drinking without shame, without labels, and without losing yourself. In fact, you’ll likely find more of yourself along the way.
Ready for Your Own Breakthrough?
If this story resonated, don’t wait for another rock bottom. Get help, get honest, and get moving.
👉Qutting Alcohol? 1:1 Sober Coaching. https://shop.beacons.ai/soberstrong/sobercoaching
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