Alcohol Explained: 1 (William Porter's 'Explained') Paperback – 14 April 2015

I come from a family with several alcoholics. They are also Catholics. So in my own drinking problems manifested I was pressured to go to AA. As an atheist and rationalist I just couldn't do that. But there wasn't really an effective alternative.Despite being simplistic, and quite frankly poorly written from a linguistic perspective, Porter's book is the one thing that has actually convinced me once and for all to stop drinking. And unlike AA, he doesn't encourage one to become a perpetual victim, seeing oneself in an endless day by day battle with a thinly-veiled substitute for the devil in the form of alcohol. It's a compellingly argued entirely rational, and logical way to convince oneself that for many of us there is no way to be a "normal" drinker.Many people criticize Porter for not offering references and perhaps oversimplifying some of the neurochemistry behind alcohol dependency. But I think that's misplaced. I suspect that many people are looking for reasons to keep drinking, in the same way that anti-vaxxers and climate denial lists will argue that the science isn't settled. Who cares? The question is whether empirically, the evidence of your own experience aligns with what Porter is saying? In my case, it does. Whether the science behind it is impeccable or not is of no consequence.As I mentioned earlier, Porter is noHemingway. His abuse of the English language is really of the first order. For a professional wordsmith like me this can be jarring. But you'll find pretty quickly that his mangled language is endearing and his run-on sentences and repetitiveness are just evidence of his enthusiasm to help the reader achieve what he has.

I have recently gotten sober (after many failed attempts) and would have previously considered myself a "moderate" drinker by the insane UK standards. I have read many books on the subject and worked in recovery spaces but so far this is my favourite. It so clearly outlines in scientific detail why alcohol is so problematic for anyone. It does so logically and is firmly based in reality but still remains kind and compassionate to those struggling to stop. Could not recommend it enough to anyone questioning their own or our societal attitudes towards drinking.

I have had a few books on my kindle regarding quitting alcohol. But I only ever glanced at them. Never fully read them. Over the last approx two years, every time I got drunk, the following morning, I would be angry and full of regret. Promising myself, Never Ever Again, and logically spelling out the reasons why to myself.The physical unwellness I was feeling. The way I don’t like how I think, and how I feel when under the influence of alcohol. How hangovers that now seem to last for three days at least, before I am back to normal. The inability to get decent sleep. The over stimulation of my brain, leading to anxiety, a general sense of unease and being on edge, following a drunken night. The financial cost and waste. The negative impact of my appearance and the physical damage to my health. Even though I was aware of all of this, before the week was out, I would be drinking again.Unable to understand why I keep returning to alcohol, while wishing to stop, and craving alcohol the other week. I found myself searching the Internet for insight and answers. There I came across the ‘ Understanding Alcohol’ website. Was glancing through it, and read chapter one of the book, where the author explained in detail the effects of alcohol on the brain, and mind, which I found quiet interesting. I read everything on the website and much of it resonated. It was clear the author had been down this path himself, and has a full understanding of it.I found the chapter on alcohol and health most helpful. I had absolutely no idea alcohol weakened the cardiovascular system, nor that it damaged the immune system. That it’s a known carcinogen. Reasons enough in my mind to stop. The author reminds the reader how alcohol is generally presented to the public through the media, tv, etc in such a positive manner. As natural accompliment to a good time, or to deal with sad times.So I purchased the book and read a bit everyday, and find insights and help within it pages. I especially take note when written by someone who has full experience of an alcohol ravaged life. During the last few days I had instances which would usually have me rushing to a bottle of alcohol to deal with them. Mainly to do with people, their underhand disloyalty, dishonesty and toxicity, and my frustrations, anger and disappointment dealing with them. Usually I would drink to deal with my uncomfortable feelings, but now I understand the people and issues will still be there after the temporary respite alcohol can bring, and I will only feel even more anger and all the rest, as the author explains clearly and logically.But thanks books such as this, and others I was able to deal with these situations without resorting to alcohol I am happy to say. So now if I keep alcohol out of the way, and deal with these uncomfortable situations, I can see people for what they are, and decide if I wish to have them in my life.In my view this is a good book. If you are struggling with alcohol, read this book for a well explained, clear and insightful look into yourself. A detailed roadmap of your current situation and possible future that can be avoided, and good luck with that.

Hard hitting facts and clear information on the way to a much better life.Don’t forget to get involved with ongoing online support to ease the process