• Cold Turkey

  • How to Quit Drinking by Not Drinking
  • By: Mishka Shubaly
  • Narrated by: Mishka Shubaly
  • Length: 4 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (3,673 ratings)

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Cold Turkey

By: Mishka Shubaly
Narrated by: Mishka Shubaly
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Publisher's summary

From best-selling Kindle Singles author Mishka Shubaly comes Cold Turkey, a step by step roadmap for approaching the harrowing first month of sobriety. Himself 10 years sober, Shubaly addresses the slippery nature of alcoholism, and the messy, anxiety-ridden process of making the decision to stop drinking once and for all. 

For Shubaly, there is no one-size-fits-all plan. He refutes the notion that the one and only solution for those struggling are 12-step programs and provides a guide for those who want a different approach to getting sober. This is a how-to for those who are serious about taking their lives back, but are ready to define their sobriety on their own terms. 

In the process, Shubaly exposes - in brutal, up-close, and yes, even absurd and funny detail - what drove him to drink, how he put the bottle down, and the surprising life that awaited him when he did. Cold Turkey real, practical, and intimate advice for those struggling, straight from someone who has really been there. Sure, he understands that for the first three days, you might need to eat all the pizza and all the greasy Chinese food. But he also understands the urgent need to improve your life and habits little by little, day by day. Shubaly, no doubt, becomes the listener’s cheerleader. He wants anyone struggling to succeed. 

Ultimately, the takeaway is very simple; if Shubaly did it, you can too. And more than that, he’ll be right there with you every step of the way.

©2019 Mishka Shubaly (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Our favorite moments from Cold Turkey

"I hit bottom early. I hit bottom often."
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An atypical and fruitful path to sobriety
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The intersectionality of the process
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  • Cold Turkey
  • "I hit bottom early. I hit bottom often."
  • Cold Turkey
  • An atypical and fruitful path to sobriety
  • Cold Turkey
  • The intersectionality of the process

Publisher's summary

From best-selling Kindle Singles author Mishka Shubaly comes Cold Turkey, a step by step roadmap for approaching the harrowing first month of sobriety. Himself 10 years sober, Shubaly addresses the slippery nature of alcoholism, and the messy, anxiety-ridden process of making the decision to stop drinking once and for all. 

For Shubaly, there is no one-size-fits-all plan. He refutes the notion that the one and only solution for those struggling are 12-step programs and provides a guide for those who want a different approach to getting sober. This is a how-to for those who are serious about taking their lives back, but are ready to define their sobriety on their own terms. 

In the process, Shubaly exposes - in brutal, up-close, and yes, even absurd and funny detail - what drove him to drink, how he put the bottle down, and the surprising life that awaited him when he did. Cold Turkey real, practical, and intimate advice for those struggling, straight from someone who has really been there. Sure, he understands that for the first three days, you might need to eat all the pizza and all the greasy Chinese food. But he also understands the urgent need to improve your life and habits little by little, day by day. Shubaly, no doubt, becomes the listener’s cheerleader. He wants anyone struggling to succeed. 

Ultimately, the takeaway is very simple; if Shubaly did it, you can too. And more than that, he’ll be right there with you every step of the way.

©2019 Mishka Shubaly (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

About the Creator and Performer

Mishka Shubaly is the author of seven best-selling Kindle Singles and the memoir I Swear I'll Make It Up to You. He has traveled the world as a songwriter, storyteller, and comedian, sharing the stage with artists like Doug Stanhope, Richard Price, Ron White and Lydia Lunch. In 2001, he survived a shipwreck. In 2017, he was a clue on Jeopardy!. When not writing, recording, or touring, he teaches nonfiction at the Yale Writers' Workshop. In the spring of 2019, he celebrated ten years sober.

Featured Article: Audiobooks to Support You in Your Addiction & Recovery Journey


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What listeners say about Cold Turkey

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Wow excellent book

Well written and honest, great perspective and really gets the reader/listener to think. Loved it even if you don’t have addiction issues it is a great book.

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it's simple... not easy

thank you for the suggestions they're so candid and so raw and so real and opened up kind of a one of those aha moments that are so simple that you can't believe that you've never thought of it yourself. I really enjoyed this book and plan to use some of his suggestions in my life.

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Real and exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

Disclaimer: I don’t agree with everything Mishka proclaims. I appreciate that he doesn’t need me to. What I know to be true is that listening to him makes me want to and believe that I can drop the bullshit and remain sober for as long as I desire to be.

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Real

Realistic look at addiction. It addresses the symptoms of withdrawl strait forward instead of telling you to just get over them or ignore them.

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Excellent!

This was excellent. I would highly recommend it to anyone. And I would enjoy listening to it again.

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I like this book and logic of author

I like this book and logic of the author. Strongly reccomended for all sane people

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  • 08-14-20

You have the Power

Great book for people looking for an alternative to AA. Even if you not an alcoholic, this book is inspiring. Using your own will and personal power, it is amazing what you can achieve. Highly recommended read.

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More than one way

I wish this book was around when I ultimately decided to put the bottle down for good. Mishka has not only plumbed the depths but managed to soar to new heights. When all was said and done, I personally ended up in the rooms but I am happy the author shows us another way. AA isn't for everybody. Mishka Shubaly is living proof that there are options. Let this book be your guide.

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Thank you so much!

My daughter got this book for me. I was skeptical but she had said if I were only her friend and not her mother, then she wouldn’t have wanted anything to do with me. But as her mother, she loves me! I’m so glad! This book made a lot of sense to me and I started my 30 days only 3 days ago. Thank you for being transparent and raw with your experience. Earlier this year I made it 60 days. This time it’s real.

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The raw truth

A story taking you though the real and raw truth of alcohol addiction and the road to sobriety. It was very honest and raw, which made it feel more passionate and emotional. Listening to it made me think twice about the social habit of drinking and how many people are actually alcoholics without even realising it. It was such an eye-opener. It was performed well and i was intrigued listening to it.

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