Grateful Giving 2025: Featuring Ani

Finding Freedom Through Moderation Management

Every story starts with a single spark. In our Grateful Giving 2025 initiative, meet the people who turned theirs into something brighter—and let their light inspire yours. Longtime member Ani shares how her experience with MM’s abstinence group changed everything.

Nearly three years ago, a dear friend encouraged me to check out Moderation Management. At the time, I was attempting to moderate my drinking in a way that ultimately backfired: I would quit for a period, only to slip back into cycles of compulsive bingeing. The comforting illusion that “I’m in control” no longer held, leading me to realize I needed help. To make matters worse, an unexpected health crisis exposed me to the harsh realities of alcohol’s deleterious impact, highlighting just how deeply it was poisoning my body in ways I had never previously imagined.

My friend promised I’d find a community that was welcoming and free of judgment—and she was absolutely right. From the first meeting, I felt surrounded by understanding and compassion.

My time in the MM abstinence group was brief, but transformative. Those weekly meetings became the catalyst that propelled me into a life without alcohol. While I believe moderation can be a healthy choice for many, I’ve discovered that living alcohol-free is what brings me true peace and clarity.

Every day, I’m deeply grateful to MM for guiding me toward this new chapter. I’ve finally gained independence from my “demons,” genuine happiness, and renewed hope. I’ve learned that alcohol doesn’t solve our problems—it hides them for a while, only to make them heavier to carry. Letting go of that illusion has been one of the most powerful choices of my life.

To anyone who feels trapped by drinking, I’d say this: trust yourself. Seek joy in what truly matters to you. Avoid the patterns and relationships that drain your energy. Alcohol can seem like an invaluable companion in hard times, but it’s just an illusion that offers you false comfort. When you finally step away from it, you discover who you really are—and that realization will eventually become the path to a beautiful new beginning.

This November, during Grateful Giving Month, I’m celebrating the community that helped me find the way back to my inner soul. I give back to Moderation Management with gratitude for the freedom, and loving peace, it finally gave me.

Will you join me in showing your gratitude?

👉 Donate once: https://moderation.org/donations
💛 Or become a monthly supporter: https://moderation.org/donate-monthly

Your support keeps Moderation Management’s meetings, tools, and compassionate community available to everyone who needs them.