Reader Response from Ilkka
An uplifting piece of reader feedback from Ilkka arrived in Soberisti’s inbox, who had read the news about the expansion of the Soberisti online coaching program to include men.
We thank you for your feedback and for allowing us to publish it!
“Hello!
Last fall, I asked whether the course could be available for men. (Ed. note: at that time, it wasn’t possible yet.)
However, Ira Koivu’s excellent book was enough for me; I read and listened to it many times—and sometimes I still listen to it. A big thank you to Ira for writing the Free from Wine book and even recording it as an audiobook!
I was a moderate drinker for about twenty years, consuming alcohol 2.5 times a week, with an average serving size of just under 5 restaurant servings.
However, I often thought that there was no sense in drinking.
When I read and listened to Free from Wine, I decided to stop my moderate drinking and become a soberist. This happened in September 2021. Since then, I have rejoiced in my decision almost every day!
The best part of Ira’s book is indeed the experience of joy. Many times while listening to or reading the book, I thought about how anyone could write so wisely. The joy that comes through in the book is precisely what made me make my decision.
Not long ago, my wife and I were at international markets, tasting and buying delicious French cheese. It crossed my mind that it was essential to enjoy it with some good red wine, but it remained just a feeling. The cheese was delicious even without the red wine.
I truly no longer miss ethanol in any form. In social situations, I use the methods guided by Ira, but as an older man, these situations occur very rarely, and it’s easy to go by car.
I no longer need the new program designed for men because the book is so good, but I wish success for the new program!
With kindest and most grateful regards,
Ilkka Pirttikoski
