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The Easy Way for Women to Stop Drinking
READ THIS BOOK NOW AND BECOME A HAPPY NONDRINKER FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.Allen Carr's Easyway is a global phenomenon. It has helped millions of smokers from all over the world. In The Easy Way for Women to Stop Drinking, Allen Carr's Easyway method has been applied to problem drinking for women, acknowledging that women who want to stop drinking face particular difficulties-and tailored to their needs.By explaining why you feel the need to drink and with simple step-by-step instructions to set you free, Allen Carr shows you how to escape from the alcohol trap. This book comes with several You won't feel like you're being talked down to; there are no scare tactics or gimmicks; you won't feel deprived; and you won't miss drinking.What people say about Allen Carr's Easyway "The Allen Carr program was nothing short of a miracle."Anjelica Huston"It was such a revelation that instantly I was freed from my addiction."Sir Anthony Hopkins"His skill is in removing the psychological dependence."The Sunday Times
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2016
302 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Allen Carr
409 books282 followersAllen Carr was a British author and the founder of the global Allen Carr’s Easyway method, renowned for helping millions overcome smoking and other addictions. Born in Putney, London in 1934, Carr began smoking at 18 during National Service and struggled with the habit for over three decades. A qualified accountant, he finally quit in 1983 following a revelatory visit to a hypnotherapist. The experience didn’t directly cause him to quit, but it led to two key insights: that smoking was simply a form of nicotine addiction, and that withdrawal symptoms were minor and psychological in nature. These revelations inspired Carr to develop a revolutionary approach to quitting, one that did not rely on willpower, scare tactics, or substitution therapies.
Carr’s philosophy centered on removing the smoker’s fear of giving up. He argued that smoking merely relieves withdrawal symptoms from the previous cigarette, and that the supposed satisfaction gained is merely a return to the non-smoker’s normal state. Through live seminars, books, and multimedia resources, the Easyway method encourages smokers to continue smoking while they reframe their beliefs, ultimately extinguishing their final cigarette with clarity and confidence.
In 1985, Carr published The Easy Way to Stop Smoking, which became a bestseller and was translated into more than 45 languages. The success of his London clinic led to the establishment of over 100 Easyway centers in 35 countries, offering seminars to treat smoking, alcohol dependency, sugar addiction, and even fear of flying. His method’s credibility was bolstered by independent clinical trials, including studies in Ireland and the UK which found it as effective—if not more so—than standard cessation methods. This led to its adoption by NHS-approved services in England.
A key element of the Easyway clinics is that all facilitators are former addicts who successfully quit using the method themselves. They must complete extensive training and become licensed members of the Association of Allen Carr Therapists International.
Throughout his career, Carr also co-authored a wide range of Easyway books addressing various addictions and behavioral issues, often collaborating with Robin Hayley and John C. Dicey, the current Chairman and Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway. Dicey, whom Carr mentored, continues to lead the organization’s development and public outreach.
Carr died of lung cancer in 2006 at age 72, though he had not smoked for 23 years. He attributed his illness to second-hand smoke exposure during seminars. Before his death, he remained committed to his mission, challenging governmental ties to nicotine replacement industries and advocating for wider access to his method.
Carr’s legacy continues through his clinics, books, and online programs, which have reached over 50 million people worldwide. His message remains consistent: quitting is not a sacrifice—it’s liberation.
Carr’s philosophy centered on removing the smoker’s fear of giving up. He argued that smoking merely relieves withdrawal symptoms from the previous cigarette, and that the supposed satisfaction gained is merely a return to the non-smoker’s normal state. Through live seminars, books, and multimedia resources, the Easyway method encourages smokers to continue smoking while they reframe their beliefs, ultimately extinguishing their final cigarette with clarity and confidence.
In 1985, Carr published The Easy Way to Stop Smoking, which became a bestseller and was translated into more than 45 languages. The success of his London clinic led to the establishment of over 100 Easyway centers in 35 countries, offering seminars to treat smoking, alcohol dependency, sugar addiction, and even fear of flying. His method’s credibility was bolstered by independent clinical trials, including studies in Ireland and the UK which found it as effective—if not more so—than standard cessation methods. This led to its adoption by NHS-approved services in England.
A key element of the Easyway clinics is that all facilitators are former addicts who successfully quit using the method themselves. They must complete extensive training and become licensed members of the Association of Allen Carr Therapists International.
Throughout his career, Carr also co-authored a wide range of Easyway books addressing various addictions and behavioral issues, often collaborating with Robin Hayley and John C. Dicey, the current Chairman and Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway. Dicey, whom Carr mentored, continues to lead the organization’s development and public outreach.
Carr died of lung cancer in 2006 at age 72, though he had not smoked for 23 years. He attributed his illness to second-hand smoke exposure during seminars. Before his death, he remained committed to his mission, challenging governmental ties to nicotine replacement industries and advocating for wider access to his method.
Carr’s legacy continues through his clinics, books, and online programs, which have reached over 50 million people worldwide. His message remains consistent: quitting is not a sacrifice—it’s liberation.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 28, 2019
I don’t know how exactly it works but stick at it and it really does work. Wow! 9 days sober now.
June 10, 2021
As someone both in long term recovery and studying addiction as a career, I have tried to bring an open mind to any literature that claims to help people find relief. This is not it. I tried very hard to think of the person for whom this would be helpful. I do think that (very specific) person exists and I'll address it at the end of my review.
To say this is awash with pop psychology and limited in its scope is an understatement. Repeating the word "easy" endlessly does not make something so. I share the author's belief that quitting should not have to be miserable, and I share their belief that physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (for most drinkers) are exaggerated. That said, it is often not easy for people and physical withdrawal symptoms can in fact kill very heavy drinkers. It's dangerous to not mention that a doctor's care may be necessary. To claim that it's "easy" because the book unveils and debunks alcohol's seductive role in society greatly undermines biology. No book needs to be a scientific text to easily explain that the anxiety around quitting isn't just psychological, it's also resulted from a body whose neurotransmitters have been drastically altered. It assumes that every drinker who wants to quit has a life worth quitting for, which is statistically improbable. Most heavy or addicted drinkers have some kind of trauma that needs to be addressed in conjunction with quitting if expected to succeed.
As a series, Easy Way drastically undercuts its own validity by publishing a book called "Easy Way to Control Drinking" while continuously stating that the only way to quit is to quit forever in this one. While I think there is more than one way to get sober, whatever that means to a person, I found the authenticity of this book hard to swallow knowing there was a distinct capitalistic approach between having a "quit" and a "control" book.
I'll give it one star because, as aforementioned, I do think there is a type of drinker this could help. If the drinker who is contemplating quitting is still under the assumption that alcohol is totally benign and only adds positivity to their life, this book does a fairly good job explaining how it is largely a drug that societally accepted and most all people use it to numb. It explains that it is a poison that is culturally elevated, and it doesn't do the things it promises to do (long term). The thing is, I don't know a drinker contemplating quitting still holds all these illusions about alcohol, otherwise why would they be trying to quit?
To say this is awash with pop psychology and limited in its scope is an understatement. Repeating the word "easy" endlessly does not make something so. I share the author's belief that quitting should not have to be miserable, and I share their belief that physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (for most drinkers) are exaggerated. That said, it is often not easy for people and physical withdrawal symptoms can in fact kill very heavy drinkers. It's dangerous to not mention that a doctor's care may be necessary. To claim that it's "easy" because the book unveils and debunks alcohol's seductive role in society greatly undermines biology. No book needs to be a scientific text to easily explain that the anxiety around quitting isn't just psychological, it's also resulted from a body whose neurotransmitters have been drastically altered. It assumes that every drinker who wants to quit has a life worth quitting for, which is statistically improbable. Most heavy or addicted drinkers have some kind of trauma that needs to be addressed in conjunction with quitting if expected to succeed.
As a series, Easy Way drastically undercuts its own validity by publishing a book called "Easy Way to Control Drinking" while continuously stating that the only way to quit is to quit forever in this one. While I think there is more than one way to get sober, whatever that means to a person, I found the authenticity of this book hard to swallow knowing there was a distinct capitalistic approach between having a "quit" and a "control" book.
I'll give it one star because, as aforementioned, I do think there is a type of drinker this could help. If the drinker who is contemplating quitting is still under the assumption that alcohol is totally benign and only adds positivity to their life, this book does a fairly good job explaining how it is largely a drug that societally accepted and most all people use it to numb. It explains that it is a poison that is culturally elevated, and it doesn't do the things it promises to do (long term). The thing is, I don't know a drinker contemplating quitting still holds all these illusions about alcohol, otherwise why would they be trying to quit?
January 4, 2025
new year new me bitches
October 27, 2024
I’ve had this book saved for a while after multiple recommendations. The tittle is a bit hokey, but I honestly have to say it is the best approach I’ve seen to identifying the dangers and negatives in alcohol and how it has affected society. It’s thought provoking and motivating. Truly the easiest way I’ve seen. Shut down the little monster and find a new perspective in life. I will be recommending to any friend that confides in me on wanting to walk away and looking to live a life without alcohol, or just interested in cutting back.
February 13, 2025
*Audiobook*
Nice, quick listen. Cannot see how it is specifically tailored to women though - apart from a few shocking statistics about alcohol; women v. men. Very eye opening! Which already makes you want to stop drinking, hearing about the evils of alcohol.
In short, it's all mentality - the alcohol does not get up and jump in your mouth by itself. It's the thoughts you have and are holding for it. Addiction. Kill the little gremlin in your mind. Starve it. And be free. Take your freedom back!
Nice, quick listen. Cannot see how it is specifically tailored to women though - apart from a few shocking statistics about alcohol; women v. men. Very eye opening! Which already makes you want to stop drinking, hearing about the evils of alcohol.
In short, it's all mentality - the alcohol does not get up and jump in your mouth by itself. It's the thoughts you have and are holding for it. Addiction. Kill the little gremlin in your mind. Starve it. And be free. Take your freedom back!
January 5, 2021
The writing in this book is easy to follow, as is the logic. The principles seem simple to follow, though I think the premise that once you 'undo' all the brain-washing, that you will not be tempted again is folly, and while the book takes some acknowledgement of the science of addiction, dismisses it as unreliable, or biased. Some of it may well be, but one can't ignore the very nature of addictive substances which do their best to rewire the way your brain works, and claiming that reading this book can undo those overwhelming psychological processes that will drive you to seek the drug (or addictive substance, whatever its form) is naive. That said, it was a fresh take on addiction that doesn't rely on 'inner strength' per se, and so for that reason I liked it.
June 8, 2025
Some interesting perspectives but many other women focused books on alcohol addiction I would recommend first. At times I found myself really saying “yep this was definitely written by a man”.
February 18, 2025
Litt ekstrem vel? Forfatteren etterlater lite rom for nyanser, men åpner likevel for refleksjon over egne drikkevaner og samfunnets forhold til alkohol.
July 24, 2019
Repetitive and straightforward, redundancy of text makes the imprint in the mind. A bit ‘extreme’ with a few viewpoints but if making this strong of a boundary for oneself is most productive, setting hard lines may be necessary. I like the approach of this ‘easy’ way not limited to alcohol-examples: self-defeating thoughts, bad habits, negative thinking patterns, etc...the book makes you look at ‘thing’- “determine if it’s good for you” “No?” “STOP doing ‘thing’” -and gives steps to enjoy the process of stopping a bad behavior rather than gritting your teeth.
December 4, 2023
didn't really resonate with me. I never had a problem with alcohol before in my life. I did drink during this past year as a response to being the support person to a loved one who lost their husband of 30 years suddenly.
For awhile, I was drinking because it took away all the excess emotions that I was absorbing (as an empath) This book didn't really address my issue. I drank nothing for years and years - i could count my alcoholic beverages in the single digits for an entire year.
This was an episodic issue that got out of hand due to a lack of boundaries in my spiritual realm. If you don't understand this, it's ok. But some will.
From the book:
when you cut alcohol out of your life, you regain the ability to see things as they really are and are able to make better decisions about your life.
lots of empty calories in alcohol. when you don't drink - you can eat better.
can try to satisfy the cravings of alcohol with eating more food.
you rediscover exercise when you stop drinking - the obsession with exercise while eating is the result of eating bad while drinking - exercise for pleasure comes more often after you stop drinking - you care more about your wellbeing. walking - competitve sport; what's important is that you do it for pleasure. the cycle of healthy eating and exercise is natural - always make it enjoyable to you.
drinking can lead to a weight problem.... (not for me - i DON'T eat when I drink - I LOSE weight)
friends become more important in life, work becomes better - you become more assertive about going to events that you really don't want to go to. as a non drinker, you can decide to not go, or you can leave early.
tricky times - you will find in a few months that you NEVER had a problem with drinking - this is the time to be on guard. there's no such thing as just one drink.... if you have one drink, it will inevitably lead to another and another.... (this did not resonate at all - I am not the "ideal audience" that this book is aimed at. )
useful reminders:
don't wait for anything, you're a non drinker and there will be good and bad days
be aware a very important change is happening in your life
no need to avoid other drinkers, don't mope about drinking
be sure to remember that you are a NON DRINKER when you think of having just ONE drink - your mind will be trained to not thing about it
don't try to NOT think about drinking
the key phrase is " Yippee, I'm a non drinker!!
follow all the instructions in order
keep an open mind
have a feeling of elation
never doubt your decision to quit
i'll complete this part.... to be continued.....
For awhile, I was drinking because it took away all the excess emotions that I was absorbing (as an empath) This book didn't really address my issue. I drank nothing for years and years - i could count my alcoholic beverages in the single digits for an entire year.
This was an episodic issue that got out of hand due to a lack of boundaries in my spiritual realm. If you don't understand this, it's ok. But some will.
From the book:
when you cut alcohol out of your life, you regain the ability to see things as they really are and are able to make better decisions about your life.
lots of empty calories in alcohol. when you don't drink - you can eat better.
can try to satisfy the cravings of alcohol with eating more food.
you rediscover exercise when you stop drinking - the obsession with exercise while eating is the result of eating bad while drinking - exercise for pleasure comes more often after you stop drinking - you care more about your wellbeing. walking - competitve sport; what's important is that you do it for pleasure. the cycle of healthy eating and exercise is natural - always make it enjoyable to you.
drinking can lead to a weight problem.... (not for me - i DON'T eat when I drink - I LOSE weight)
friends become more important in life, work becomes better - you become more assertive about going to events that you really don't want to go to. as a non drinker, you can decide to not go, or you can leave early.
tricky times - you will find in a few months that you NEVER had a problem with drinking - this is the time to be on guard. there's no such thing as just one drink.... if you have one drink, it will inevitably lead to another and another.... (this did not resonate at all - I am not the "ideal audience" that this book is aimed at. )
useful reminders:
don't wait for anything, you're a non drinker and there will be good and bad days
be aware a very important change is happening in your life
no need to avoid other drinkers, don't mope about drinking
be sure to remember that you are a NON DRINKER when you think of having just ONE drink - your mind will be trained to not thing about it
don't try to NOT think about drinking
the key phrase is " Yippee, I'm a non drinker!!
follow all the instructions in order
keep an open mind
have a feeling of elation
never doubt your decision to quit
i'll complete this part.... to be continued.....
December 5, 2024
I was “sober curious” for over a year before discovering this book.
My weekends were spent going out & drinking, and I’d wake up with debilitating hangovers and hangxiety that would literally last days. It was taking a massive toll on my self-esteem, energy, and overall mood. I’d taken breaks from drinking, usually a couple weeks at a time, but always ended up back in the same spot. I finally got to a point where I was very interested in going sober permanently.
If you’re in the same place I was, I highly recommend this book. It does an incredible job of exposing the truth about drinking and drinkers.
The book is definitely geared more towards people who drink every day - so for me being a social/weekend drinker there were certain parts that were difficult to relate to or just didn’t resonate with me. But I especially appreciated that this version of the book, for women, included facts and stats that made certain parts feel much more relatable and easy to understand.
One of my biggest concerns was how to handle social situations, peer pressure, and how I’d explain to others why I no longer drink - but the book provides logical, reassuring answers to every doubt I had about going sober.
The book completely shifted my perspective on alcohol, making it easy to let go of any desire to drink.
If you’re not ready to rethink your relationship with alcohol, maybe hold off on reading this lol. It’s super eye opening, and might just leave you never wanting another drink again.. in the best way possible.
My weekends were spent going out & drinking, and I’d wake up with debilitating hangovers and hangxiety that would literally last days. It was taking a massive toll on my self-esteem, energy, and overall mood. I’d taken breaks from drinking, usually a couple weeks at a time, but always ended up back in the same spot. I finally got to a point where I was very interested in going sober permanently.
If you’re in the same place I was, I highly recommend this book. It does an incredible job of exposing the truth about drinking and drinkers.
The book is definitely geared more towards people who drink every day - so for me being a social/weekend drinker there were certain parts that were difficult to relate to or just didn’t resonate with me. But I especially appreciated that this version of the book, for women, included facts and stats that made certain parts feel much more relatable and easy to understand.
One of my biggest concerns was how to handle social situations, peer pressure, and how I’d explain to others why I no longer drink - but the book provides logical, reassuring answers to every doubt I had about going sober.
The book completely shifted my perspective on alcohol, making it easy to let go of any desire to drink.
If you’re not ready to rethink your relationship with alcohol, maybe hold off on reading this lol. It’s super eye opening, and might just leave you never wanting another drink again.. in the best way possible.
November 21, 2020
Actual Rating 2.5 Stars
This is not my firs time with this writer. I have read his more famous book about quitting smoking some years ago. This follows a similar premise. I did like the inclusive language as well as an understanding evident in the book regarding differences that are present when discussing female pattern alcoholism.
However, this was a very flat book for me. It is interesting conceptually as well as written in a very encouraging and easy (no pun intended!) way but going deeper into it, the writing became repetitive and dismissive. I think there is a deep misunderstanding of addiction rooted deep in this book. Like it was written in the 80's before all of the new data regarding the subject came out.
When I finished the book I was left with a sense of disappointment. It was feeling like I just finished talking to a door knocker that was trying very hard to sell me something. This book did not work for me. But just because it did not help me, does not mean it will not be useful for you. Try it out if you want and make up your own mind on it.
This is not my firs time with this writer. I have read his more famous book about quitting smoking some years ago. This follows a similar premise. I did like the inclusive language as well as an understanding evident in the book regarding differences that are present when discussing female pattern alcoholism.
However, this was a very flat book for me. It is interesting conceptually as well as written in a very encouraging and easy (no pun intended!) way but going deeper into it, the writing became repetitive and dismissive. I think there is a deep misunderstanding of addiction rooted deep in this book. Like it was written in the 80's before all of the new data regarding the subject came out.
When I finished the book I was left with a sense of disappointment. It was feeling like I just finished talking to a door knocker that was trying very hard to sell me something. This book did not work for me. But just because it did not help me, does not mean it will not be useful for you. Try it out if you want and make up your own mind on it.
March 18, 2025
I bought this book in the height of my addiction and never read until now, almost 3 years sober. I really liked the approach of this book and I can see now that everything it says is true. I tried everything for many years, including of course AA which I though was a lot of BS and could never worked for me because of course I though I was depriving myself of a pleasure. I could not imagine a life without alcohol, but now that I am able to see through all the bullshit, this book resonates with me a lot. But if I have read this book back when I bought it, I do not think I would have been able to stop drinking only by reading it, I needed distance from alcohol to be able to see through all the bullshit and that was only possible through an inpatient rehab facility. Luckily I found one that has the same approach as this book, not one that used the traditional 12 steps and all that BS from AA and that made all the difference, but yeah, even though the book is helpful I do not think is enough to make a person stop drinking on their own.
February 14, 2021
The ideas presented in the book are really good and worth reading and considering. However, do proceed with caution if you have severe addiction, as the author for some reasons downplays the physical effect alcohol has on brain. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater though, although it's a bit dogmatic and it made me cringe at times, the book DID help me and did open my mind for new approach to problematic drinking. Just take what is written with a grain of salt or find another book using the same approach (which is what I did, This Naked Mind is much better).
I've read the "general" book as well, not the one aimed at women - it is significantly better written. As if the idea of the author was that he needs to make all analogies monotonous and overly simplified for women (compared to Stop drinking now by Allen Carr).
This book did help me and might help you as well, but proceed with caution.
I've read the "general" book as well, not the one aimed at women - it is significantly better written. As if the idea of the author was that he needs to make all analogies monotonous and overly simplified for women (compared to Stop drinking now by Allen Carr).
This book did help me and might help you as well, but proceed with caution.
June 15, 2023
I didn’t love this book. I didn’t hate it either. I think the ideas in the book are kind of contradictory. The author says this isn’t the cold Turkey method but really it is. Also I agree that you have to just make a decision to quit something and just do it. I also do not think that just because I like to drink that I have a problem however I do believe that using it as a crush in social settings is not good for you. Which is why I read this.
July 5, 2021
This is an eye-opening book. It is crazy to read it and see alcohol for what it really is and what it really does to those who choose to drink. I highly recommend it if you are trying to cut back or stop for good. Just read it!
August 4, 2021
The original stop smoking book has value. The rest of these books are a money grab and the counsel doesn't translate. We are brainwashed into thinking alcohol is fun? By marketing? This book is so ridiculous I don't even know where to begin. Curiosity killed this cat. I'm sorry I inquired.
August 11, 2023
I hit a real low with excessive drinking. I didn’t recognise myself anymore. This book is really tailored to women and I followed every step of the way.
It’s working for me and I feel so positive it’s the mind change I need to continue to be alcohol free. ♥️
It’s working for me and I feel so positive it’s the mind change I need to continue to be alcohol free. ♥️
January 10, 2024
As a casual drinker this advice didn’t help me decide to quit drinking. The book was repetitive and did not inspire me to quit. I did learn some interesting facts about alcohol so it got a few stars.
January 15, 2021
My journey
This is so obvious when you read the first page. It's common sense and easy to follow. I have become free!!!
This is so obvious when you read the first page. It's common sense and easy to follow. I have become free!!!
February 2, 2021
Hmm.... ?
February 20, 2022
Best book ever! I highly recommend this book. Gives you another way of looking at things, opens your mind. A must read if you want to stop drinking!
August 3, 2024
I recommend this book to anyone who struggles with alcohol and attempts moderation. Eliminating the desire is the only way.
September 8, 2025
Currently doing 30 days of no alcohol, so I got this loan from Libby at a good time. As usual, I love easy way. 👌🏻 These books are great when you’re fed up and ready to quit whatever your vice is!
September 17, 2025
I listened to this. The method reminds me of some people who have quit drinking. They decide to quite and they stick to it. That's the gist of this book.
December 11, 2025
No fluff, no lies, no media spin, just the brutal truth about alcohol.
If you want real, clear, non-bullshit info, this is it.
If you want real, clear, non-bullshit info, this is it.
June 20, 2021
A book that is and was good for my health and happiness.
March 16, 2016
I guess? To me it read a bit brain-washy and there was A LOT of prelude before getting to the EasyWay - too much.. Honestly, I think the EasyWay is about six bullet points and the book is 160 pages long. Anyhoo, it is written clearly and doesn't rely too heavily on the self-help tropes that I find distracting (anecdotal stories, overuse of acronyms. etc.). Probably very helpful for a woman looking to tackle her drinking.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews