Listen free for 30 days

  • This Naked Mind

  • Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness, and Change Your Life
  • Written by: Annie Grace
  • Narrated by: Annie Grace
  • Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (610 ratings)

1 credit a month, good for any title to download and keep.
The Plus Catalogue—listen all you want to thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks.
$14.95 a month plus applicable taxes after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
This Naked Mind cover art

This Naked Mind

Written by: Annie Grace
Narrated by: Annie Grace
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $23.31

Buy Now for $23.31

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

This Naked Mind has ignited a movement across the country, helping thousands of people forever change their relationship with alcohol.

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-listen for anyone who drinks.

This Naked Mind will give you freedom from alcohol. It removes the psychological dependence so that you will not crave alcohol, allowing you to easily drink less (or stop drinking). With clarity, humor, and a unique blend of science and storytelling, This Naked Mind will open the door to the life you have been waiting for.

©2015 Annie Grace (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Editorial Review

Are you drinking alcohol to relieve stress? Do you feel like you are losing control of your alcohol consumption? Do you fear for your health? If you are someone who struggles with over drinking, This Naked Mind can help you let go of alcohol. Discover the reasons why you’re over drinking and rid yourself of the desire to drink altogether.

“You’ve given me my life back, seriously.” -Katy F., Albuquerque, New Mexico

Annie Grace, the writer and narrator of the title, was once a former marketing executive who felt pressure to drink alcohol to be part of the team. She shares her personal story with alcohol and how she overcame her dependency to help people do the same. Her method based on psychology and neuroscience removes the unconscious desire to drink, helping to break the cycle of dependency.

With a clear voice and a bit of humour, Annie will give you tips that will help you change your life for the better. This Audible audiobook is your first step towards freedom. Annie has also written and narrated The Alcohol Experiment. This title will take you through a 30-day, alcohol-free challenge to help you take control of your life.

Annie took inspiration from famous recovery books including the Quit Smoking/Quit Drinking book series by Allen Carr and The Addictive Brain by Thad A. Polk. She also talks about the role of alcohol in our culture in This Naked Mind Podcast.

What listeners say about This Naked Mind

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    512
  • 4 Stars
    62
  • 3 Stars
    19
  • 2 Stars
    13
  • 1 Stars
    4
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    404
  • 4 Stars
    56
  • 3 Stars
    21
  • 2 Stars
    7
  • 1 Stars
    2
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    407
  • 4 Stars
    51
  • 3 Stars
    20
  • 2 Stars
    7
  • 1 Stars
    5

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Second Time's a Charm

I was actually given a hard copy of this book a few years ago. I'd been sober a year or so and while the giver meant well, he explained it as "this will teach you how to drink." I was disgusted, thinking that it had taken me 20 years til get sober, why on God's name would I want to play with that kind of fire, and promptly recycled it.

Fast forward a few years. I joined a company where there is a keg in the kitchen, and Friday night drinks are part of the cultural fabric. Within a week I was drunk again, and stayed drunk for the last year. In the recent few months I knew it was time again. I couldn't keep going anymore, loathed the taste of wine, and looking at myself in the mirror. My eyes had no life, I'd gained thirty pounds, and was constantly wondering if everyone knew my secret and was disgusted and disappointed with me as I was with myself. I scoured Audible for a book with the best reviews, with an author that didn't sound like a robot, and low and behold, I was face to face with a familiar cover. I've been sober now just shy of 2 weeks, beginning this book 2 days before I quit and finishing it this morning. I hope I never need to see it again, aside from recommending it to others, but I know it will be there to provide for me again, if and when I do.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Don
  • 2019-10-12

Changed my "habits"

<<I want to qualify my review and if someone feels offended because of characterisation or for some other reason please accept my apology>>

Okay. I am not an alcoholic in the sense that I get drunk every night nor do I pass-out or lose my memory after drinking. I do have a drink after work and I enjoy getting together with friends and tying one on - consuming a lot in a short period but not to the point of passing out. (I can "handle" my alcohol - based on years of experience :))

After listening to this book (twice) I have realised that I am fooling myself - I do have an addiction. I have since changed my perspective on alcohol and have EASILY (without using will-power) reduced my consumption. The jury is still out if I will quit but I am already feeling the results of consuming less "poison". Thank you Annie G. for sharing your story and insights.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Read This Book and Free Yourself from Booze

Annie Grace has clearly struggled with alcohol and has done the research required to tell us exactly how this vile poison has been disguised as a fun and even healthy recreation; She's been to the puppet show and seen the strings and is telling us exactly how those strings are making us dance. At the end of the book you'll clip those strings and be free forever. Like Alan Carr before her Annie Grace has called out society and its lies to us about a socially accepted poison that kills tens of thousands of people every year. I started the book terrified that I couldn't stop drinking; just a few pages in I became terrified the book might make me quit; by the end I realized I'd been sold a despicable lie my whole life and was able to cast that lie aside and now know alcohol for it's TRUE form: a deadly poison that is killing us and our society.
Though Annie is not a professional voice actor and occasionally stumbles over words or phrases the passion she feels for the content is absolutely clear, even bringing me to the verge of tears multiple times. Thank you Annie. This book has changed my life.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Make sense of positive changes!

Great Listen! Guarantee some part of the book will call you out no matter where you are on your journey. Love the tactical approach to understanding alcohol and honestly it helps move you to "Take it or leave it" when it comes to having your next alcoholic drink. I listened to this while on long walks to help focus on my overall health during the 2020 Pandemic. I have not touched alcohol in over 30 days as I write this, have improved eating habits, am sleeping through the night, and am down at least 10 lbs in a month. I feel much better off for moving away from bad health habits. This book is a step in the right direction and I definitely recommend it to those who are considering a life with moderated or no alcohol in it period.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I owe you my life

Since reading this book, I am alcohol free without the suffering of constantly pushing away a craving, because the craving has literally disappear. Thank you, with all love, Dani

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Can't drink alcohol anymore... even tho I want to

I picked up this book because I'm an advertising grad with a career in analytics who loved the idea of learning more about the portrayal of alcohol in the media. I did not expect that I would no longer be able to enjoy my vino. I ended up a sober person by complete accident. My brain literally tells me I no longer enjoy alcohol because of what I have learned in this book. Sadly, I do associate high end reds with my personal brand, but now all I taste is chemical and artificial sweeteners so I'm working on that.

Learning about the influential power advertising can have on our perceptions of self and the world has fascinated me for most of my life. I did case studies on diamond engagement rings 18 years before Netflix covered it in "Explained" - among others. I've read lots about beer brands, but haven't seen anyone take on alcohol at large the way Grace does in this book.

I'm still a bit shocked by how "free" my brain is to taste vino for what it really is... didn't see that coming. I consumed wine every day for years. I didn't think it was a problem and I didn't intend to change. Thanks for this real surprise and delight. To be clear, I didn't want to quit drinking. But I stopped being able to enjoy/finish my first glass of my favourite wines at Chapter 4. And it's not just wine. It's every alcoholic drink I used to "love". I just don't like them or want them anymore. That change was already taking place before I was finished the book.

Now my favourite full bodied go-to is a glass with generous splashes of blueberry juice & pineapple juice, reserved splashes of lime juice & ginger juice, topped up with San Pellegrino. Many thanks Annie Grace! Cheers!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Unspeakable Joy!

I have finally found something that works for me. Thank you so much for this book filled with empowerment. I highly recommend this book to anyone that struggles with alcohol. Please, just give it a try and then try alcoholexperiment.com.

Annie Grace...you are saving lives!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A very different way to look at alcohol

I would recommend this book to everyone. This is not a preachy book about getting off the sauce but it looks at the science behind it. The societal ramifications that have been imposed on every one and if you are truly being honest with yourself when you read this or listen through audio it will make a great impact on how you perceive alcohol in your life. It doesn’t matter how much you drink, lots or little this book will change you. Here’s to your best life moving forward. Thanks Annie you’ve done good for everyone.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

life changing.

very glad this book landed in my lap. life changing and unconscious mind changing! thank you!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Tee
  • 2021-10-08

Double digits sober

It has helped big time in aiding my sobriety. Her voice is so calming aswell and I just melt away to sleep listening to it at bedtime. Tons of good points. It's just an overall good book with many good quotes to share with family and friends.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Sean
  • Sean
  • 2018-07-01

Not as Described

(Just so you know where I am coming from as I review this audio-book, I am a 33 year old male who has worked as an entrepreneur in the food/wine and construction industries. I waited to drink until I was 21 and have drunk in moderation since that time. I came to this book with above average knowledge and experience with alcohol and it's related industries, as well as experience on both sides of personal and marriage counseling. I began reading this book because I have a friend who recently lost his job due to his alcoholism, and I am interested in understanding how some people remain moderate in their drinking while others end up being controlled by alcohol over time.)

I was really excited to listen to this after reading reviews and getting into the first few chapters. The book presents itself as a discussion of scientific facts about the brain and alcohol use that will help the reader develop a conscious rather than subconscious relationship to alcohol. As you get further into the book however, you find out that the original claims made by the book are not true. The "free choice" that the author presents is the choice NOT to use alcohol at all, which you will apparently adopt as a consequence of reading the book. I find this "read this book until you choose the only reasonable option" mentality insulting and probably only useful to people who aren't aware of the circular nature of this type of argument. The actual thesis of the book, as far as I can tell is something more like: "Alcohol is an addictive poison that no one in their right mind would want to ingest, and once you accept this reality both consciously and subconsciously, you will be free to refuse to use it at all." I'm not exaggerating, those words are actually used throughout the book to describe alcohol and those who drink it. In order to convince you that you can be free from the bonds of alcoholism and choose not to use alcohol on your own, the book presents chapter after chapter of statistical and anecdotal "evidence" to support its thesis. Unfortunately, the statistics are not accurate (for example, constantly comparing death and injury rates of alcohol users to cocaine users, but not accounting for "per capita" use of one substance compared to the other, i.e. millions use alcohol and thousands die, while thousands use cocaine and hundreds die).

As the book progresses, the author reveals that her entire background is in marketing (not psychology or any other science). She then begins to repeatedly argue that alcohol doesn't actually taste good, and that those who believe it does taste good have genuinely deluded themselves with the help of commercial advertising. She even goes so far as to claim that the multi-billion dollar wine industry based around wine tasting and food pairing is a complete sham and that the concept of acquired taste is a self-deception, citing studies that most people can't tell the difference between $10 and $100 wine. If you're at all familiar with the science behind taste and sense perception, you will find these ad-hominem and straw-man claims to be irritating, to say the least. As someone with training and certifications in the beverage industry, having tasted, compared and reported on wines in every price-range, up to $200-$300 per bottle, I can tell you this is absurd and an immature and uninformed position being presented as fact. I know, I must be really self-deceived about the taste of wine to have spent so much time and energy learning the trade. Go watch a documentary about wine-tasting and how wine and beer certifications work and you will see every one of this author's claims about tasting disproven.

Finally, the author's reading style is poor to moderate, but it's mostly because of the content, I think. It starts out encouraging and empowering, but the obvious lack of coherent argumentation and fundamentalist approach to the topic becomes over-exaggerated and whiny after the first few chapters.

All-in-all, I felt compelled to write this review to prevent someone like myself from wasting a credit on a pseudo-scientific and overall unhelpful book. That said, if you agree with the author that you can't tell the difference between one beer or wine and the next, this book may be helpful to you. If you're not really concerned about understanding the way alcohol dependence works, but just want to be scared into seeing alcohol as a poison that has no place in society, go for it. As for me, I find scientific facts and self-awareness rather than fear to be more helpful in making good decisions, so I'm sad I wasted the money. I'm sure the author's intentions are good, but good intentions don't make up for poor science.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

104 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Jonathan
  • Jonathan
  • 2018-04-12

Like flipping a switch

Got in bed on a Sunday morning with a hangover, listened from start to finish, decided that day would be my last day of drinking.
Haven’t had one now in 45 days, the longest I’ve gone without alcohol in years.
But, get this, NO twinges, no temptations, no bargaining, just no desire to drink motor oil in moderation.
Listen to the book, that will make sense.
Good luck to you.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

102 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for DezHankins
  • DezHankins
  • 2018-01-09

Had a total “AH-HA” moment. 🤔

I can’t begin to tell you how this book has changed my life! My thinking about alcohol has completely changed so much so that I no longer have a desire to “chase the dragon”. Once you truly understand what alcohol is and how, although worse than many other drugs, is marketed to our society you will begins to DESPISE it. Then when you find out what alcohol is made of and how it affects your brain you will wonder how you could ever have a drink again. BUT when you are made aware of the fact that you are not funnier or cuter when drinking and that the glass of wine you reach for to “relax” and be “happy” actually does the exact opposite you will NEVER want another drink again. This book proved undoubtedly that you do NOT need alcohol to have a good time or to be social.
Annie is so precise in detailing all of these facts and more in a guilt free, no judgement zone. She also delves into how our brain works and precisely delivers steps to form new paths in our brain that painlessly help to kick the alcohol habit once and for all and for good.

I also love the on line groups & support system,the Facebook page and especially the 30 day Challenge. Thanks Annie for helping me to be FREE OF ALCOHOL!!!👍🏻👏🏼🙌🏻 #AF

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

94 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for lauren
  • lauren
  • 2018-04-19

Highly recommend!

I cannot believe how much this book helped me not only quit drinking alcohol but really be happy in the process. I had zero self control before finding this book and now it all seems so simple. I have been recommending it to whomever asks how I’m able to be in the bars with friends and still have a great time without drowning in alcohol. My appreciation is endless!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

44 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Kendra Holliday
  • Kendra Holliday
  • 2018-07-27

Breakthrough

I've been struggling with alcohol addiction for years now. I've tried SO many things. This is my latest tool., and I'm reading it with an open mind. I listened to about 3/4 of it, but she talks so fast, I started over and am listening to it at .75x speed, which is kindof funny, cuz she sounds a little drunk, ha! The last time I went 30 days without drinking, I felt like I was punishing myself. This time I'm going for 90 days, and am taking on a different mindset I'm learning from this book. I don't feel bummed about it, but excited to prove that I can have a rich and fulfilling life without drinking. I like how she points out that I used to have so much fun as a kid before I started drinking, and that I can again - it's possible to unlearn all the stuff society pours down our throat every day. I tell people I struggle every day with drinking, and she put my frustration and torment into words - my conscious mind doesn't want to drink, but my unconscious mind wants to drink, and my brain is battling itself all day long, which is exhausting! I think she does a great job with research and explaining it in a way I can understand. I romanticize drinking, but it made me feel so tired and sick, and now that I quit, I'm having twice as much romance with my partner! I feel more alert and have more energy. I can relate to so much of what she shares. I'm being more forgiving of myself, which is a relief.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

36 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for fee services
  • fee services
  • 2018-12-01

Ramble on sis

Annie quit drinking by applying Alen Carr’s books. Then she decided to write her own using about every tip from his books. Then she decides to tell long boring stories about herself. Then she decides to include boring scientific research. I am happy if she can help others, but I cannot help but believe that she’s trying to turn her sobriety into a career. This book should be about 13 pages. But I guess it would be hard to charge for that.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

33 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Gaurav Kumar
  • Gaurav Kumar
  • 2019-01-22

Try Allen Carr’s 'Easy way to control Alcohol'

Wow! She has done a great job at copying and pasting someone else’s work, word by word, without giving them any due credit! This is a recreation of Allen Carr’s -Easy way to control Alcohol. The only good thing about this book is the cause, apart from that it's dishonest work.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

29 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for brad taylor
  • brad taylor
  • 2018-03-16

Wow!

At first I was like so where’s the secret trick or when am I gonna get that new piece of info to help me quit drinking!?!? After an hour or so you start to realize all the information you’re getting is already turning you on to the idea of being done drinking. I also recommend you are seriously ready to quit before starting. I’m trying to stay strong and break a vicious cycle!! Thanks Annie and now I need advice how to get my girlfriend involved and excited...Alcohol is both our best friends..at least we thought.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

24 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Kiera Smalls
  • Kiera Smalls
  • 2018-07-24

Just what I needed!

I’m really glad I came across this story. Since listening to it I haven’t had a drink (about 40 days). Now I don’t even yearn for one.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Me
  • Me
  • 2018-06-06

Blown Away.

This book has radically change my life in my thought process. When I first read it was 4.8+ stars, I thought it might be too good to be true. How could such a touchy and delicate subject have that have a rating!?
It took to four times of listening to it on audible to realize the value in digest probably only a fraction of what she says. But what is important is that it worked! All of a sudden, I am empowered to not only change, but with little or no effort!
Annie, thank you for taking the obvious thousands of hours of research to bring this to us on a Layman’s level! I noticed that many of the one stars and lower comments of people who are highly educated or just too scared to make a change. They are actually the reason why I bought and listen to your book.
I hope you get to do world tour seminars on the subject, workshops, and perhaps your own talk show! Expose the truth that sets us free from one of our greatest struggles!
I hope you die then to the sugar and corn syrup cravings in addictions we have in this country. So many people can’t let go and I know you can set them . your summer techniques.
Lastly, listen to the book! All the way through! Don’t listen to a couple pieces and make a snap decision. You’ve done it long enough! Get through it and make a decision at the end like a responsible adult! Holiday can you be qualified to make a judgment! If you really don’t like it after that, ask audible for your money back!
5 Stars!!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

14 people found this helpful