Kick the Drink...Easily!

by Jason Vale

There is no such thing as an alcoholic and there is no such disease as alcoholism! (as society understands it). Whether you agree with this statement or not, one thing is for sure, you will never see alcohol in the same light ever again after reading this book. Jason Vale takes an honest and hard hitting look at people's conceptions of our most widely consumed drug. Jason's major argument is there is no such thing as an 'alcoholic' and that we are conditioned to accept alcohol as a 'normal' substance in today's society despite the fact that it is the major cause of many of today's social problems and a wide range of health issues. This book is much more than a simple eye opener, it will: change the way you see alcohol forever; show you how to stop drinking; help you enjoy the process and enjoy your life so much more than you do now without having to drink alcohol. So open your mind and take a journey with Jason to explore the myths about the most used and accepted drug addiction in the world!

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Health, Addiction, Alcohol, Personal Development, Drinking

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Jason Vale, the Juice Master, is a highly respected health, lifestyle and addiction coach. He has been described as 'the UK's Antony Robbins' and 'the Jamie Oliver of the health and juicing world', and famously helped Jordon lose two stone in three months on his Superjuice Diet.

A former trainer for Alan Carr in Birmingham, Jason went on to launch his own clinics and countrywide workshops. His seminars on losing weight and quitting drinking and smoking are consistently sold out.

Jason is the author of numerous bestselling books which together have sold over half a million copies in the UK alone. His books include 'The 7lbs in 7 Days Superjuice Diet', 'Slim for Life', 'Turbo Charge Your Life in 14 Days' and 'Juice Yourself Slim'.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! This guy made me laugh--and had so many great points. I was especially enamored of his notion that we miss out on absolutely nothing when we don't drink; in fact, it's a big win.

He gives great reasons why this is so. And that "being in recovery" can seem like such a drag because it's based on deprivation. He offers another way. Great stuff!

Even if I drink again, my relationship with alcohol will never be the same.

[Angelika · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mr. Vale's book shows condescension towards the main stream methods of the treatment of alcohol dependency. He mocks those who consider alcoholism a disease; "there is no such thing as an alcoholic," but he states that anyone who drinks any amount is an "alcohol addict." Mr. Vale maintains it is very easy to stop drinking, you just stop, and be happy. The reason people think it's hard is because they've been brainwashed by advertising and other drinkers. Gross oversimplification, unsubstantiated "facts" (average drinker will spend 18 thousand pounds on taxis in their lifetime as a direct result of drinking??), terrible writing, pompous attitude, tiresome repetition, all these caused me to give this book a hearty two thumbs down.

[Jenny ✧ Sick, Sad, Lit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read many quit lit books this year and throughout this one, I felt like I was getting yelled at the entire time.

Despite his warning against become a holier-than-thou non-drinker, he has become that in spades.

I hated being made to feel stupid and didn’t agree with his assertions that counting days is pointless and you shouldn’t need to if you’re truly free.

I know that for me, my day count is a badge of honour. I am PROUD of the day I decided to put myself first and celebrate it like a holiday.

Also, I REALLY hated the ellipses at the end of each chapter trailing into the title of the next. Honestly cringeworthy. How did that get approved by the editors???

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness- another great read for Alcohol-Free Freedom! I really enjoyed this! One analogy he uses is a prison with a key. Once you are free from the prison of drinking, you will never want to go back. Close the door and throw away the key. So, so true.

Jason Vale states at the beginning of his book: “I write, but I am not an author. I will never win a literary award and I don’t have an Oxbridge education. What I do have is an incredibly simple way for you to understand the nature of the trap you are in and a ridiculously easy route out if you choose to take it.” I loved his honesty right up front- never worried a minute about the formatting of his sentences- just read it like listening to a conversation- perfect for me!

So, I have read three books now on obtaining an alcohol-free life and within each one I discovered so much that inspired me to quit- and, honestly- I have never felt better! One main point Jason Vale starts with which really opened my eyes- there is no such thing as “alcoholism”! He states emphatically that Alcohol is an addictive drug just like heroin.

I highly recommend this to those who are curious about an alcohol-free life!

[Alana Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has changed my life!

After years of feeling miserable about my drinking, it finally makes sense. The "need" for alcohol was all an illusion. I am free! Thank you, Jason Vale! If you are considering reading this book, DO IT! I read it after I stopped drinking, but now I feel free vs. deprived. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

[Fiona Schofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. Really puts you off the drink and makes you see it in a different light. I read it in January 2013 and still haven't been drunk is year. I now have 1-2 drinks occasionally and do not drink to get drunk :-)

[Laura Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. I honestly think that it will chant my life forever and I'm so happy to be alcohol free. I feel that the booze Matrix (or Truman Show as Jason Vale talks about) has been revealed to me. I can also so relate the the stuff about feeling deprived and miserable if I didn't drink. now I feel free and am loving not drinking which is something I never thought I'd say.

[Kristy Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d recommend “Kicking the Drink…Easily!” by Jason Vale to anyone who’d like to either cut back on their alcohol consumption or cut it out of their life altogether.

Vale makes many valid points such as: “Alcohol is the only drug in the world where when you stop taking it, you are seen as having a problem.” This statement is so true! When people stop smoking, they’re often congratulated, but when people stop drinking alcohol, they’re often scrutinized.

Vale points out that our society promotes drinking at nearly every celebration. Let’s drink to so and so’s promotion, birthday, wedding, graduation, christening, team making it to the Super Bowl etc. Consider how many alcohol related commercials ran during the Super Bowl; and the ads are always glamorous.

But is drinking alcohol in fact, glamorous? According to the CDC, 80,000 people in the US die each year from excessive alcohol use. According to Vale, 40,000 people in England die per year from alcohol related deaths. Not to mention all the short and long term side effects. (Inebriation= to exhilarate, stupefy)

Are you hooked on alcohol? “If the thought of never doing “IT” again fills you with fear, you are hooked; if it doesn’t, you aren’t.” I used to think that I was hooked on sugar, but after a few months with limited amounts of it, I realized I didn’t even really like it that much. The only food/drink that I’m hooked on is coffee.

“When you give up drinking alcohol, you give up nothing.” It’s something to think about…

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elegantly written? No (but he tells you so straight away). Honestly and simply written? Absolutely. He's not an author or a guru, just a guy who's learned some valuable lessons he believes can change lives. I was skeptical, but he really has made me see booze and drinking in a whole new way. I think this book has come to me at exactly the right moment in my life. Regardless of your stance, give this book a chance- it's a game changer.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Too much like Carr's book and a bit too repetitive. I'm sure if I read this book first before Carr's book, I would have liked it more.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Might be ok for people who generally want to cut down or abstain but in regards to alcoholism, this book is dangerously ignorant. Also pompous and repetitive.

[Cathelijne Beijn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vaak kort door de bocht. Maar ook goede tips. Beetje opdringerig maar ook nuttig. Beetje dit maar ook dat.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone struggling with alcohol needs to read this along with This Naked Mind by Annie Grace for not only the most accurate portrayal of the mental addiction (the real addiction) of alcohol but also the most revolutionary yet simple way to quit. Simple if you're ready to hear the truth that is. Both books have made a world of difference in my own thinking.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt like a bit of the emperor has no clothes to me. I didn’t get it, disagreed with a lot of what he said and overall didn’t succumb to the brainwashing that was all this really amounted to. The scary statistics and science always get me, but I just couldn’t get on board with the way he tries to reframe addiction. Disappointed.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was such an eye opener of how we have normalised binge drinking. It also makes you question what is the point of drinking when it usually leads to such regrets ,lows etc... it's been a while since I read this book but it did have a huge impact on my view towards alcohol. I only drink occasionally now and still always regret it.

[Ann Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I decided to go Alcohol Free last January, and I’m on the verge of a year without alcohol. So what does any good English major do when approaching anything? Do some reading and research, so I’m offering my views on some of the books I turned to this year. Jason Vale’s perspective on alcohol and quitting are consistent with others, but his style, illustrations, and tone are so entertaining and no nonsense. Here’s an example: “Alcohol does nothing for you . . . . Oh sorry, apart from: the headaches, hangovers, the lethargy, the bad breath, the beer gut, the arguments, the violence, being overemotional, regretting things, etc., etc., etc.”. Not sure what the success rates are for his method, but the book is informative, entertaining, and British, so we see that the Brits are just as awash in booze as Americans.

[Kay Fur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Vale's literary "voice" is reminiscent of a young Alan Carr. It's written in almost the exact same style, but the references are updated. Jason Vale is to booze what Alan Carr was to cigarettes! I found this book super interesting and very effective. It really makes you take a step back and see alcohol for what it really is - a poison.

The only part I disagree with is where he continually says that alcohol has no advantages whatsoever. If that were the case, I doubt anyone would touch the stuff! The warm, fuzzy happy feeling that comes from having the first one or two is what hooks people in and is a benefit for those feeling insecure, or tired, or down. It's not really an "advantage" per se because it's actually your body responding to mild poisoning, but it feels like one and is very alluring. That being said, the warm fuzzy happy feeling is really nice, but unfortunately most people can't stop there (I often struggled to) and that's where the issues start.

Anyway, the whole culture surrounding booze is very strange, and Jason Vale helps to remove the rose colored glasses that have been placed on the reader by society, other drinkers, and the alcohol companies. This was an easy read and a very interesting book for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. As I'm writing this review, I'm 100 days into a 365 day alcohol-free journey and I'm loving it! This book has really helped make the transition super easy so I highly recommend it for anyone thinking of giving sobriety a go. :)

[Susie (DFWSusie) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would love to give this 5-Stars, but I can't. Not because it doesn't work, it does! I read Allen Carr's The Easy Way to Stop Drinking first, and the author of this book appears to have taken what he wrote, and just updated it since Carr is now deceased. That's ok, because the language and examples were a bit dated in Carr's book. Still, it's a little strange to read something that almost feels like something you read before that is just paraphrased from something else.

That being said, whichever book you use I hope it benefits you as much as it did me. I did not want to stop drinking because I had hit some rock bottom point and had a problem. I wanted to quit drinking because it would just be healthy to do so for both my body and my pocketbook. I learned some real world strategies in both books (most the same thoughts) that made me be able to go out as much as I always have, but not order an alcoholic beverage. I don't miss drinking, and I haven't lost friends or my social life. I have gained more travel money in the bank and lost a few pounds though, and that feels great!

Cheers! (with Club Soda and a lime!)

[Alistair Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a genuinely interesting take on the problems of alcohol. As Jason Vale, the author, states, alcohol is an addiction. It's a drink that poisons the body and he claims that there are no actual alcoholics. I can see some of his claims being disputed but there is a lot of logic to what he says. Plus he speaks from personal experience, having been a heavy drinker himself. For myself, I feel that I have read this book at exactly the right time. As I have started a much healthier lifestyle these last few months, a lot of his observations really chime with me. But I could see a lot of people, whom he would consider to be conditioned by society's views on drink, to have a much harder time with what he says in this book. Most definitely worth a read though.

[Jenna L. Selfridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exposing alcohol for what it is

Highly recommend this book. It has given me so much more than any other book out there regarding sobriety and alcohol addiction. Jason vale smashed the idea that we are in recovery for life and that alcohol addiction can be cured, by exposing alcohol for what it is. He also talks a lot about society and the brainwashing we're exposed to all of our lives. This book made me realize it is my choice to not drink and I am finally free!!!

[Tessa Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found the author to be a little preachy and evangelical, despite cautioning people to not have a holier than thou attitude. Preferred the facts and info as it was laid out in This Naked Mind, but could also be that much of the info was very similar so it was slightly repetitive. Definitely some good take-outs.

[Storystitcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very straight forward book. I love the analogy of wanting to go jump back into quicksand. I cannot however figure out why it is so close a copy of Allen Carr's book. Regardless, give what you read some serious thought and free yourself.

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few issues. Alcohol doesn’t kill brain cells. It can damage the brain and impair cognition, but it doesn’t kill neurons. Also, he references Christopher Colombus a lot, but why? There’s a lot of little references that don’t quite add up or even apply to the points that he is trying to make. I wish that his research and anecdotes were better researched. But, his overarching theme was extremely helpful to me. It named the shame/ guilt cycle that society perpetuates when it comes to alcohol. It’s the problem that I’ve had with both drinking and AA in equal measure. They are both two sides of the coin. Drinking is having addiction while AA is obsessing about said addiction. We treat alcohol addiction like it is a special case. That there must be something wrong with you if you can’t control your booze. You aren’t strong enough. But, see, we don’t treat any other drug like that. I’ve always been deathly afraid of what I called “hard drugs,” but never once was I afraid of alcohol, but yet, I never questioned that. It’s everywhere, it must be fine. Until horrible things begin to happen, then you realize, you aren’t in control. And, it is socially acceptable and even encouraged for you to imbibe until you aren’t in control. Then, it’s all your fault even though you’ve been the subject of a very clever marketing scheme since childhood. I never once considered how messed up that is. Once you remove the desire to drink (I can have it but don’t want it) you are truly free. There are no harmful consequences in your life as a result of drinking, but also no born again “I was a sinner who drank” propaganda of AA. You aren’t a sinner if you drink too much. You are addicted, and you shouldn’t be shamed and guilted into thinking that it is all your fault (although personal responsibility is important once you know the facts). This book gives some hope. That’s what makes it invaluable.

[Em L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I applaud the very important work being done by folks like Jason Vale. This book can be of interest to anyone wanting to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol; it really challenges our myths and preconceptions about it.

However, I have issues with the book’s execution and tone. I think Vale could have taken a more nuanced approach in how he writes about alcohol (he makes his approach to becoming sober sound incredibly easy, which comes off at times as dismissive of those in recovery). I also think he could have taken less of a preachy tone (for instance, he orders the reader to not count the days if they decide to take a break from alcohol or abstain - I think it could be offered as a suggestion, rather than a prescription. Different things work for different people, Vale!) The book also rubbed me the wrong way when it got self-righteous and mocking of the recovery community. I don’t think any of that was necessary to make his point, and for me, served to undermine it.

All of that said, this book holds a very important message and is effective in making the reader reflect on our alcohol-obsessed culture.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book alongside Annie Grace's 'The Naked Mind' and I'd totally recommend it for anyone who wants a simple, yet revolutionary thinking about Alcohol and living an alcohol-free life without the painful reminder that you quit and everyone else is having the time of their life.
* Spoilers Ahead *
I didn't rate 5 stars because Vale contradicts himself towards the ending. There's no rationale for having 'One Final Drink.' If anything, no one would savour it knowing that it is their last. They'd just be filled with pangs of guilt. If quitting drinking is akin to to 'leaving prison' and if you've left, 'it's instant freedom and no convict would ever desire to go back to prison one last time so as to enjoy their freedom,' as the author asserts, what's the rationale behind having a last drink? Again, using his own analogy, it's like asking a heroin addict to inject themselves one last time 'to celebrate the onset of freedom from heroin.'
If you've gotten to that chapter in the book and consider yourself free, you don't need that one drink to celebrate anything.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started a “Dry January” and this was recommended reading for the blog that I am following. This is a very informative book. I was shocked by many of the stats and the true way that alcohol reacts in your body once you have a drink. I have done a Whole30 where you don’t drink for 30 days while altering your diet as well. But that plan did not really discuss alcohol avoidance for a continued healthy lifestyle plan. Jason Vale really focuses in on how alcohol is doing you no favors and actually making your physical and mental life worse. Alcohol is the most abused legal drugs and if it was just coming on the market today, then it would be deemed illegal! If you don’t drink, drink socially or drink to stupidity you can benefit from his words. They really are true and make you think...

[Jeff Shuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a tough grader. For me, 3 stars is a book worth reading, and 4 stars is fantastic. So I’ve waffled a bit on how to rate this book.

It’s not great prose, and in the opening Vale himself acknowledges that. But that’s not what he cares about. This book is really a ten-page pamphlet, repeated 30 times with enthusiasm — and I mean that in the best way.

It’s the author’s love note to you, the reader, sharing his conviction that 1) alcohol is totally useless and poisonous for you and thus 2) quitting not only doesn’t have to be hard and miserable, it can be easy and uplifting. In light of that aim, this book is a dramatic success.

I found the tone both encouraging and charming, and his selfless commitment is compelling. That commitment goes a long way to making the book well worth your time. Very helpful, and highly recommended.

[Eva Pleska · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book only to give the right support to somebody close to me who used this book to help to himself. I rarely drink alcohol and never get drunk (Well less than 10 times in my life)
I guess I am not the right person to review this book but I can still have an opinion.
I find it very straight forward and no nonsense. It made me realise what I as a nondrinker already know and kinda don't understand why the others can't see.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to stop drinking. I am not talking about giving up because "there's nothing to give up"*......

*read the book to understand this reference!

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skim read much of this then returned to read the last 20 pages several weeks later. Therefore a review of a book I have largely forgotten

All I know is that the tone and style of
It did not suit me. A bit of a rant. Extreme views. Simplification of the subject. Humourless. Page after page of repetition.

I subsequently read Owen Jones “ kick the addiction “ brilliant in contrast.

This book felt like another product of his well ness empire .

Having said all that clearly many people enjoyed and benefited from this book and given the nature of the subject probably best to read it and ignore this review !

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very powerful book! I’m so grateful I read it. I wish everyone I care about would also read it. It is eye-opening about the pressure our society puts on everyone to drink at every function, everywhere and all the time.

The author, Jason Vale suggests that alcohol does nothing good for you. It is all an illusion. He suggests once you break free from the addictive effects of alcohol you will lead a more full and rich life, because you will be in control and the drink will not be in control of you.