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Soberful: Uncover a Sustainable, Fulfilling Life Free of Alcohol
How to stop drinking, stay stopped, and develop emotional skills for a life of excitement and connection … without the hangover. “No thanks—I’m not drinking tonight.” In a culture that equates alcohol with enjoyment and social acceptance, making this simple statement can make us feel like we’re depriving or even punishing ourselves. “When we realize we don’t want to drink anymore or can no longer drink safely, it can feel like the only choices are to spiral out of control or embrace a joyless life,” says psychotherapist and sobriety expert Veronica Valli. “But it’s not true! Sobriety can be a path filled with fun, excitement, belonging, relaxation, and romance.” Soberful offers a practical and straightforward program on how to get sober and stay sober by increasing your self-worth, energy, and participation in life. Valli begins by debunking widespread beliefs about alcohol and sobriety, including the illusion that alcohol itself is the problem. Then she takes you into the heart of her method for building an alcohol-free life that works—the Five Pillars of Sustainable • Movement—Taking care of your body for physical and emotional health• Connection—Using self-compassion as a foundation for creating healthy and authentic relationships• Balance—Learning how to disarm the triggers that make you want to drink• Process—Validating, honoring, and accepting the past to move forward into the future• Growth—How to keep changing, keep learning, and keep choosing to stay sober throughout the journey of your life “When we change how we experience the world, we can stop trying to escape our feelings with alcohol,” Valli says. As a leader and pioneer in the field with 21 years of sobriety, Valli now shares the same steps that worked for her and her clients. Written with gentle humor and compassion, Soberful provides a road map to a life beyond drinking—one that is expansive, fulfilling, and joyously free.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2022
253 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Valli
4 books13 followersVeronica has worked as a therapist and life coach specialising in addiction for over ten years; her experience includes working with young people in the criminal justice system, primary care adult treatment, outreach services and private practice.
Veronica has also worked in local government, delivering local drug and alcohol strategies.
As a recovered alcoholic and drug addict, she has personal experience of what it takes to recover from an addiction. Veronica struggled with alcoholism through most of her twenties.
As a binge drinker, she was aware for some time that something was wrong but was unable to define what it was; a chance meeting led to her finally getting help and turning her life around.
At the height of her addiction, Veronica was unable to go to work without the aid of a drink; her life and confidence were in tatters. She got sober in 2000 at the age of twenty-seven.
She now uses this experience to help and inspire others. She fully believes that all alcoholics and addicts can recover if they have access to the right kind of help, and that they can then go on to live life to the full.
She is committed to educating and informing the public on problem drinking and addiction and has appeared regularly on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire as a specialist guest.
She has also appeared on the Lorraine Kelly show on ITV, and an ITV programme entitled The Truth About Binge Drinking; she has also appeared in national magazines and publications, discussing recovery from alcoholism.
Veronica is married with two young sons and is currently working in private practice.
Veronica has also worked in local government, delivering local drug and alcohol strategies.
As a recovered alcoholic and drug addict, she has personal experience of what it takes to recover from an addiction. Veronica struggled with alcoholism through most of her twenties.
As a binge drinker, she was aware for some time that something was wrong but was unable to define what it was; a chance meeting led to her finally getting help and turning her life around.
At the height of her addiction, Veronica was unable to go to work without the aid of a drink; her life and confidence were in tatters. She got sober in 2000 at the age of twenty-seven.
She now uses this experience to help and inspire others. She fully believes that all alcoholics and addicts can recover if they have access to the right kind of help, and that they can then go on to live life to the full.
She is committed to educating and informing the public on problem drinking and addiction and has appeared regularly on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire as a specialist guest.
She has also appeared on the Lorraine Kelly show on ITV, and an ITV programme entitled The Truth About Binge Drinking; she has also appeared in national magazines and publications, discussing recovery from alcoholism.
Veronica is married with two young sons and is currently working in private practice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 24, 2021
Great insight if you’re considering a life without alcohol
Upon starting this book I am already 15 months alcohol free. That said I’m still enamoured by any words regarding sobriety. Reading any literature regarding the struggles of sobriety in a world that celebrates all that is alcohol related, and knowing that I am not alone, and that I am making wise choices, is always a bonus. I like the reminder that everything I’m doing is right and that I’m doing what’s best for me. The book is packed full of advice, stories, help and examples. Great for someone starting out on the road to sobriety or, someone like myself, already on the road and trying not to stray
Upon starting this book I am already 15 months alcohol free. That said I’m still enamoured by any words regarding sobriety. Reading any literature regarding the struggles of sobriety in a world that celebrates all that is alcohol related, and knowing that I am not alone, and that I am making wise choices, is always a bonus. I like the reminder that everything I’m doing is right and that I’m doing what’s best for me. The book is packed full of advice, stories, help and examples. Great for someone starting out on the road to sobriety or, someone like myself, already on the road and trying not to stray
February 28, 2022
When I was going through pre-orders late last year to decide which books I wanted to read, I came across Soberful and I thought to myself, “Why waste precious reading time on a subject I don’t have an issue with? I don’t drink, so how can this information benefit me?”
Then, came the release date, and something stirred inside me and blindly ordered a copy without thinking further about it. Then, the podcast with Tami Simon and Veronica Valli aired, and I thought, “Ok, so these five pillar thing seems interesting.” Reading the description of the book, I found that one doesn’t need to have a drinking problem to benefit from the personal development offered in this book.
This was so right.
Maybe you thought my same thoughts, but I’m posting this book recommendation to tell you these pillars are well researched and thought out. I enjoyed the conversational style of Veronica’s words, the encouragement, the often repeated truths and ideas that program your brain to remember these pillars.
It’s definitely a book to place on your TBR list, so don’t pass this one up. And for those who are thinking about quitting drinking for good, this book is the square one for you. A dive into what to expect and what life can be like by working on your own self improvement.
Then, came the release date, and something stirred inside me and blindly ordered a copy without thinking further about it. Then, the podcast with Tami Simon and Veronica Valli aired, and I thought, “Ok, so these five pillar thing seems interesting.” Reading the description of the book, I found that one doesn’t need to have a drinking problem to benefit from the personal development offered in this book.
This was so right.
Maybe you thought my same thoughts, but I’m posting this book recommendation to tell you these pillars are well researched and thought out. I enjoyed the conversational style of Veronica’s words, the encouragement, the often repeated truths and ideas that program your brain to remember these pillars.
It’s definitely a book to place on your TBR list, so don’t pass this one up. And for those who are thinking about quitting drinking for good, this book is the square one for you. A dive into what to expect and what life can be like by working on your own self improvement.
January 14, 2023
I really appreciate Veronica Valli writing this book during the pandemic. This is exactly what I needed to read as I’m wanting to make a change in my life. It’s very well written, and relatable. If you’re considering going sober and want to read something to get you started, give this book a try.
September 1, 2022
Read my full review here: https://www.between-bookends.com/2022...
This is not my first book on quitting alcohol, but it is definitely one of the better ones! Valli offers a unique perspective to the literature on sobriety, and I believe it is very accessible to anyone interested in an alcohol free life.
I definitely have had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol; when I was younger I used blacking out as a coping mechanism for not being able to handle my emotions. As I got older, I was constantly coming up with new strategies to avoid getting too drunk and doing things I regretted, yet I was afraid of quitting completely thinking it too unrealistic.
When I read Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker, I became intensely dedicated to prioritizing my sleep, and when he said drinking alcohol before bed ruins your night of sleep, I immediately committed to this adjustment. Well, this cut out a lot of drinking and eventually I decided if it’s bad for my sleep, I bet it’s bad for everything else too. I didn’t need help quitting per say, but I needed more information to help me defend this choice to others. Knowing it is not a popular lifestyle, I worried about how I would explain myself to friends and family and have since been fascinated by the various outlooks on sober living.
Overall, I really liked Valli’s book. The beginning is always my favorite part of a book like this, where it convinces people how harmful and unnecessary drinking alcohol is. I like how Valli discusses the role that consumerism plays in society when it comes to alcohol. Alcohol companies make more money the more you drink, so marketing has pushed alcohol into as many settings/events as possible and has distorted what constitutes as normal drinking. Most people think that as long as you’re not drinking 24/7 then you don’t have a “problem” but Valli encourages you to consider if you are living up to your full potential or if too much of your bandwidth is spent on drinking and all of the consequences that come with it.
My favorite part is when she talks about how other people will react when you tell them you are sober. She explains how when you tell someone you are not drinking, it forces them to confront their own drinking habits, and they are afraid of what it means for them. It mirrors back to them a threat, and knowing that will prepare me better for conversations I am sure to have as I continue my alcohol free life.
After this, Valli focuses on the five pillars of sobriety which include movement, balance, connection, process, and growth. There are some heavy topics that include childhood trauma and vulnerability but I thought Valli does a good job of explaining everything so anyone could take from it. These topics are still a lot to absorb however, so any reader would really need to focus and probably reread these sections if they wanted to truly apply these pillars. But I know it would be worth it if you were truly in need of this guidance.
Overall, I thought Valli was very relatable and realistic. I’m sure it won’t fit every person trying to quit alcohol, but for those that are willing I think it will be very useful.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sounds True for an ARC of this book.
This is not my first book on quitting alcohol, but it is definitely one of the better ones! Valli offers a unique perspective to the literature on sobriety, and I believe it is very accessible to anyone interested in an alcohol free life.
I definitely have had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol; when I was younger I used blacking out as a coping mechanism for not being able to handle my emotions. As I got older, I was constantly coming up with new strategies to avoid getting too drunk and doing things I regretted, yet I was afraid of quitting completely thinking it too unrealistic.
When I read Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker, I became intensely dedicated to prioritizing my sleep, and when he said drinking alcohol before bed ruins your night of sleep, I immediately committed to this adjustment. Well, this cut out a lot of drinking and eventually I decided if it’s bad for my sleep, I bet it’s bad for everything else too. I didn’t need help quitting per say, but I needed more information to help me defend this choice to others. Knowing it is not a popular lifestyle, I worried about how I would explain myself to friends and family and have since been fascinated by the various outlooks on sober living.
Overall, I really liked Valli’s book. The beginning is always my favorite part of a book like this, where it convinces people how harmful and unnecessary drinking alcohol is. I like how Valli discusses the role that consumerism plays in society when it comes to alcohol. Alcohol companies make more money the more you drink, so marketing has pushed alcohol into as many settings/events as possible and has distorted what constitutes as normal drinking. Most people think that as long as you’re not drinking 24/7 then you don’t have a “problem” but Valli encourages you to consider if you are living up to your full potential or if too much of your bandwidth is spent on drinking and all of the consequences that come with it.
My favorite part is when she talks about how other people will react when you tell them you are sober. She explains how when you tell someone you are not drinking, it forces them to confront their own drinking habits, and they are afraid of what it means for them. It mirrors back to them a threat, and knowing that will prepare me better for conversations I am sure to have as I continue my alcohol free life.
After this, Valli focuses on the five pillars of sobriety which include movement, balance, connection, process, and growth. There are some heavy topics that include childhood trauma and vulnerability but I thought Valli does a good job of explaining everything so anyone could take from it. These topics are still a lot to absorb however, so any reader would really need to focus and probably reread these sections if they wanted to truly apply these pillars. But I know it would be worth it if you were truly in need of this guidance.
Overall, I thought Valli was very relatable and realistic. I’m sure it won’t fit every person trying to quit alcohol, but for those that are willing I think it will be very useful.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sounds True for an ARC of this book.
October 2, 2022
I picked this book up thinking it was targeted towards the Sober Curious crowd (my mistake for not looking closer!), and later realized it's more of a book about working towards sobriety. Both are important topics, I just thought I would point that out.
Anyway, Soberful includes information about why people start drinking and also a framework of strategies on how to work toward the path of becoming sober And more importantly, staying sober. I learned a lot from this book and appreciated that it was a balance of information and actionable steps and also pushed the reminder that sobriety isn't linear.
The big part of this big that really stood out for me ice the Five Pillars. Valli uses them to help the reader "to uncover what is within us. We find out what it is we truly seek and why. We discover what our purpose is in the world." The Five Pillars include -Movement, Balance, Connection, Process, and Growth.
This book is compassionate and also has a lot of wisdom and I appreciated that it focused so much on what happens next in someone's path to sober living, post recovery.
Thank you to Sounds True and NetGalley for my gifted review copy.
Anyway, Soberful includes information about why people start drinking and also a framework of strategies on how to work toward the path of becoming sober And more importantly, staying sober. I learned a lot from this book and appreciated that it was a balance of information and actionable steps and also pushed the reminder that sobriety isn't linear.
The big part of this big that really stood out for me ice the Five Pillars. Valli uses them to help the reader "to uncover what is within us. We find out what it is we truly seek and why. We discover what our purpose is in the world." The Five Pillars include -Movement, Balance, Connection, Process, and Growth.
This book is compassionate and also has a lot of wisdom and I appreciated that it focused so much on what happens next in someone's path to sober living, post recovery.
Thank you to Sounds True and NetGalley for my gifted review copy.
July 30, 2022
A trip to Greece means Dry July is Dry August this year. Gearing up with Soberful which as a bit womp womp. Learned during Dry January that the Quit Lit genre can be a bit of an echo chamber, so I appreciate that Soberful mixes it up a little in that it’s more broadly general personal development. That said, quite a bit of what to do without the how - each chapter mostly just summarizes a different self improvement book you’d be better off reading instead. Maybe the podcast is better?
November 21, 2022
Don't bother....written by a whiny woke liberal!
Within 10 minutes Veronica Valli starts on a roll about white supremacy and how men have it easier than women (aka victim mentality). She also quotes Holly Whitaker who is another far-left ranting hypocrite who blames men, conservatives and whites for all her problems, while admitting she slept with men to get ahead in her career! This book is useless and this author needs to stop judging others for their color, sex or political intelligence.
Within 10 minutes Veronica Valli starts on a roll about white supremacy and how men have it easier than women (aka victim mentality). She also quotes Holly Whitaker who is another far-left ranting hypocrite who blames men, conservatives and whites for all her problems, while admitting she slept with men to get ahead in her career! This book is useless and this author needs to stop judging others for their color, sex or political intelligence.
October 28, 2022
I have read many books on quitting alcohol and living a sober life. This book is by far the very best one that I have read. The author Veronica Valli hosted a webinaar that I attended which really impressed me and the fact that she is 20+ years sober and very qualified helps a great deal. Everything she writes in it makes complete sense. It doesn't make out that drinkers are defective, it explains everything very clearly. There are some brilliant chapters in the book, particularly the one about loneliness and our need for connection and that the secret is changing your mindset. If you give up alcohol, it shows that the very last thing you are doing is missing out on something. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who wants to/is trying to stop drinking even if they have read all the other quit lit. The journal prompt exercises throughout the book give you an excellent opportunity to write down and analyse what is causing your drinking and what can help you stop too. I thoroughly recommend it. It will be the best book investment you will ever make.
January 25, 2024
Perhaps it is rather abnormal for a non-drinker to read a book that aims to suppress alcoholism. “Soberful” through the words of the brilliant Veronica Valli serves as a powerful self-development guide for myself and an advisor for alcoholics through their addiction journey.
The five pillars of movement, connection, balance, process, and growth weight in their undeniable significance in the development of a being in improving themselves both internally and externally. Crossing the bridge to THE LAND without the influence of any substance is the ultimate goal of the five pillars.
Through bite-sized guidance, this book is an absolute game changer for us, the non drinkers, and those, the drinkers, to slowly expand the potentials of our lives by facing and dealing with them instead of seeking ways to escape reality.
Although it is a long shot for an alcoholic to pick up a book and persistently read it from A to Z, but if you ever dare to change, change!
The five pillars of movement, connection, balance, process, and growth weight in their undeniable significance in the development of a being in improving themselves both internally and externally. Crossing the bridge to THE LAND without the influence of any substance is the ultimate goal of the five pillars.
Through bite-sized guidance, this book is an absolute game changer for us, the non drinkers, and those, the drinkers, to slowly expand the potentials of our lives by facing and dealing with them instead of seeking ways to escape reality.
Although it is a long shot for an alcoholic to pick up a book and persistently read it from A to Z, but if you ever dare to change, change!
March 15, 2022
I finished Soberful a few days ago, and had numerous emotional and physical reactions to the book. The journal prompts unveiled an incredible amount of relevant /heavy information to me. I started the book over - specifically to focus on the journal prompts. I'm identifying my values which haven't been made as relevant to me as they are now, and working on moving towards them. I love the advice of focusing on Movement, Connection, and Balance today... That narrows it down for me. Overall I'm struggling because of how this is all making me feel, however I know it's worth it. Looking forward to connecting with the wonderful people at Soberful life again soon... I joined over a year ago and it's been life-changing.
December 31, 2023
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. Valli’s book offers a five step program to live an alcohol free life. The advice seems sound, and the book may help others, but I found it uninspired. Some of the other books I read suggest that alcohol is a form of social control, particularly for women—though i think that is true, even if you don’t, it’s always fun to have a conspiracy theory to keep you committed to a new lifestyle choice, right? This book offers no intrigue, just the facts, M’am.
January 25, 2024
When you decide that you no longer want to let a substance take hold of you, you need some motivation (and inspiration) that is easy to digest. This book did just that for me. The only critique that I would have for this book is that a lot of it is VERY repetitive. What I mean, is that author states the exact same things multiple times.. which can be good, but it can also be like "yes... you have said this before." Despite this, I found a lot of value from the information in this book. It has motivated and inspired me to re-ignite my sobriety. I also found a lot of other amazing resources in this book, including the author's podcast with the same name.
I will also say, as someone who has previously read "Quit Like a Woman" by Holly Whitaker, which was also a great book, this was very comparable and I would recommend reading this one in tandem with Whitaker's.
I will also say, as someone who has previously read "Quit Like a Woman" by Holly Whitaker, which was also a great book, this was very comparable and I would recommend reading this one in tandem with Whitaker's.
April 22, 2024
The recovery sector of the market is very dear to me; I've been sober for years now. I think this is a really great introduction to the current thinking around alcohol use disorder and how to move past it. It is NOT, thankfully, a rehash of twelve step programs. Instead, it's a well thought out way of identifying if alcohol is a problem for the listener and providing some tools to get started on living life without it. The ideal target audience is people who feel like alcohol is too big a part of their life, but are not physically addicted - problem binge drinkers or the people who realize they always drink more than their friends when they go out, etc.
I listened to this as an audiobook from Overdrive
I listened to this as an audiobook from Overdrive
December 31, 2021
I am really looking forward to the release of Veronica's book. I love her books, podcast and programs. They have profoundly helped in my journey in recovery. I am excited to have her wisdom in my hands in print form, not only for me but to share with the wonderful people I meet along my journey in sobriety. Veronica's help in shifting my perspective and mindset has been so incredibly helpful, not only in my relationship with alcohol but in how I live life. Veronica's decades of professional background, experience, and training set her book apart from the many authors and books on the shelves. Whether you are new to sobriety or years in, Soberful is a must-read.
January 30, 2022
Soberful the book is a must read for anyone who questions their relationship with alcohol. Soberful will open your eyes, mind and soul to the possibility of living a full and happy life free from alcohol. Veronicas 5 pillars of sobriety are a blueprint for change and growth. I discovered Veronica Valli’s podcast Soberful a few years ago, the podcast gave me direction, now I have read the book, I have more tools to enhance my sober journey. Veronica has changed my way of thinking, she has given me hope and purpose. If you are struggling or wanting change please read Soberful, it could be the first step to a new, more fullfilling life. Thankyou Veronica Valli.
January 9, 2023
I listened to Soberful on audible and loved every minute of it. It's an inspiring, timely read/listen for anyone looking for support and/or insight on their path to sobriety. Veronica offers a refreshing, honest perspective on navigating an alcohol-free life filled with joy and well-being. I stopped drinking years ago for very different reasons than the author, but I found her stories, antidotes, and playful, positive outlook super helpful. It's a must read/listen! Personally, I highly recommend listening to Soberful because Veronica is an excellent narrator with an engaging voice and spot-on delivery.
December 28, 2021
I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it 100% to anyone who is in the process of deciding if they wish to live an alcohol free life. Veronica writes in a very engaging and accessible way and she sets out her ideas clearly and concisely for living a fulfilling, purposeful and meaningful life without any need for alcohol. Her ideas have totally changed my perception of alcohol and I no longer have any desire to drink it at all. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
December 23, 2021
I am waiting with baited breath for this book to be released. I pre-ordered it the minute I heard that Veronica Valli wrote another book! Veronica offers amazing insight and wisdom around getting sober and creating a foundation for living a life filled with growth and possibility. If you're on the recovery journey, this is one for your bookshelf!
December 3, 2024
mind blowing truth about going sober
Living sober in a world obsessed with alcohol for everything from the lowest grief to the highest joy is a world that is hard to avoid, but it is nothing but living in a world dominated by one of the worlds oldest and most addictive drugs. Sober full presents a realistic path to living a joyous life without being drunk.
Living sober in a world obsessed with alcohol for everything from the lowest grief to the highest joy is a world that is hard to avoid, but it is nothing but living in a world dominated by one of the worlds oldest and most addictive drugs. Sober full presents a realistic path to living a joyous life without being drunk.
December 23, 2021
Cannot wait to read this new book from Veronica Valli, a pioneer in the Sober Global Community. Her practical advice and guidance is invaluable and I will definitely be recommending this book to many people who are traveling the same recovery journey for a better life without alcohol.
December 27, 2021
I can’t wait for this to be delivered! I’m so happy Veronica Valli has written another book. I am part of the Soberful community and with Veronica’s teachings around sobriety I have managed 2 years of abstinence. The knowledge that I’m sure will be shared in this book will be invaluable.
April 26, 2024
This book was fine, but it didn't move me or feel as useful as a few others that I have read recently.
It focuses more on being thoughtful in exploring why you drink, and getting over that, which could be very helpful to people
It focuses more on being thoughtful in exploring why you drink, and getting over that, which could be very helpful to people
July 7, 2024
I listened to this while painting, doing chores and walking… it was ok… encouraging and reminded me all the things I’ve given up to drink… The cost isn’t worth it anymore. I’m done. I just can’t do it like I eat sandwiches!! lol
March 18, 2025
I’m already on the journey of sobriety (a couple months in) and this book was a great reinforcer of everything I’ve been telling myself. I liked the pillars and extra deep-dive into additional helpful tools and tips.
Want to read
December 27, 2021Have long loved the Soberful podcast - so cannot wait to read this
January 30, 2022
I’m thankful to know Veronica, and I value her knowledge and input. She is professional, experienced and her book is a no-nonsense approach to living an enjoyable sober life.
February 23, 2022
so helpful and to the point
Love this book so much it really helps you feel less alone with a program to help support you in every aspect of your life
Love this book so much it really helps you feel less alone with a program to help support you in every aspect of your life
March 21, 2023
Amazing
This book brings a perspective to soberity that will change your life because it changes your mindset about alcohol being wonderful to how wonderful life can be without!
This book brings a perspective to soberity that will change your life because it changes your mindset about alcohol being wonderful to how wonderful life can be without!
May 28, 2024
Been a while since I read this but need to catch up on my GR reviews. Had a lot of practical and tangible advice and didn't feel over the top
February 10, 2025
Will be a yearly reread for me. Well researched!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews