When I tell people I no longer drink, I can almost see the assumptions forming. Their judgment often overshadows compassion. For many, the idea of choosing sobriety without an addiction story feels unfamiliar.
My name is Debra Gudema. I am wellness writer, doctoral student, and advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other nonprofits close to my heart. My decision to stop drinking was personal , rooted in wanting a life that aligned with my values and well-being.
A few years ago, I made a decision I deeply regret: driving home after a friend’s dinner party when, in hindsight, I was not in a safe state to do so. At the time, I thought I was fine. I was not. No one was harmed, and the damage was minimal, but the lesson was profound.
It was a single moment of poor judgment , not addiction, not my character. But it became a turning point. I learned who stood by me, and I learned that shame only keeps you stuck. Healing comes from accountability, self-forgiveness, and moving forward with greater care and intention.
I now live alcohol-free. My health and clarity have improved, and my commitment to MADD’s mission has deepened. Through that work, I have seen how impaired driving is too often misunderstood and stigmatized. Not every case stems from addiction, sometimes it is a reckless choice, and that distinction matters.
If you have stopped drinking, whether for recovery or personal reasons, your choice is valid and respected. If you have made a mistake, it does not have to define you. We all have the capacity to change, to grow, and to become better versions of ourselves.
Never stop learning. Never stop growing. Never stop evolving.
pic: NY Times
