Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola
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In Blackout, Sarah Hepola gives an honest, often humorous account of her experiences with alcohol, particularly the blackouts that erased hours and days from her memory. Her story is raw and relatable, especially for women who have struggled with high-functioning alcoholism. Hepola shares her journey to sobriety, where she ultimately finds freedom in facing her past head-on.
At Today’s Sober Women, we resonate with Hepola’s portrayal of the dual life many women lead while drinking—on the outside, holding it all together, but internally, feeling lost and out of control. Her memoir reminds us that sobriety isn’t just about giving up alcohol; it’s about reclaiming the parts of ourselves we’ve lost along the way.
Key Principle #1: Facing the Truth
Hepola’s recovery began when she was willing to face the truth about her drinking. Recovery requires us to be brutally honest with ourselves about how alcohol affects us.
Key Principle #2: The Illusion of Control
Hepola challenges the illusion that we can control alcohol while living a high-functioning life. Sobriety allowed her to realize that freedom comes from giving up control, not trying to manage it.
Key Principle #3: Reclaiming Lost Time
One of the most powerful themes in Blackout is the idea of reclaiming lost time. Sobriety offers a chance to rebuild the parts of your life that alcohol took away.
Key Principle #4: Freedom in Sobriety
Hepola’s story emphasizes that sobriety isn’t a punishment—it’s a path to freedom. She shows how life becomes richer and more fulfilling without alcohol.
Key Takeaway: Sobriety is about reclaiming your life. Today, reflect on how getting sober has helped you rediscover your true self and allowed you to move forward with clarity and purpose. 💪