Aims to help alcoholics change their relationship with drinking, showing the psychological and cultural aspects of alcoholism. "Many people question whether drinking has become too big a part of their lives, and worry that it may even be affecting their health. But, they resist change because they fear losing the pleasure and stress relief associated with alcohol, and assume giving it up will involve deprivation and misery. This Naked Mind offers a new, positive solution. Here, Annie Grace clearly presents the psychological and neurological components of alcohol use based on the latest science, and reveals the cultural, social, and industry factors that support alcohol dependence in all of us. Packed with surprising insight into the reasons we drink, this book will open your eyes to the startling role of alcohol in our culture, and how the stigma of alcoholism and recovery keeps people from getting the help they need. With Annie's own extraordinary and candid personal story at its heart, this book is a must-read for anyone who drinks." --publisher's description, lower cover.

This naked mind: how and why it works -- The drinker or the drink? Part 1: the drinker -- The drinker or the drink? Part 2: the drink -- Liminal point: is drinking a habit? -- You: simply naked -- Liminal point: are we really drinking for the taste? -- You: polluted -- Liminal point: is alcohol liquid courage? -- Oh S#*%! We're stuck -- Liminal point: drinking helps me loosen up and have better sex -- A quest for sobriety -- Liminal point: I drink to relieve stress and anxiety -- The mystery of spontaneous sobriety -- Liminal point: I enjoy drinking: it makes me happy -- Defining addiction: Part I -- Liminal point: is alcohol vital to social life? -- Defining addiction: Part II -- Liminal point: it's cultural. I need to drink to fit in -- The descent: why some descend faster than others -- Living a naked life in our society -- This naked mind -- The secret to happily and easily drinking less -- The journey: "relapse" -- Pay it forward.