Preview
  • 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 (3,706 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.
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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

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


Every person who struggles with addiction has a different story. For some, hearing about addiction might be triggering when in the thick of their own personal battles. But for many, many others, audiobooks about addiction and recovery help them feel less alone and provide a source of inspiration and empowerment. If you’re among those who find listening to stories about addiction and recovery helpful and reassuring, here are some options.

What listeners say about Cold Turkey

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Make the time to inspire your change!

I have been trying to convince myself I don't have an alcohol substance abuse issue. After listening to straight forward honest words and a simple ask from Mishka. I am no longer avoiding the truth.

I listened to Cold Turkey between 3 walks in 28 hours. Make the time, you have the time. I'm inspired and accepted the challenge. Thanks Audible for sharing Mishka's story and inspiring me!

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19 people found this helpful

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Great story

I’ve never drank in my life, but was interested in this book for learning about will power and desire. I appreciated the author’s point of view and was able to gain much from his book.

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Great book - awesome narration

The author does a great job narrating his own book. His method - quitting cold turkey - can be applied to any bad habit, not just drinking.

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Practical and Real

What a wonderful first hand delivery of the semantics of quitting alcohol. I loved the vulnerability of the author, and his ability to describe the process of conquering the power of alcohol over his life. I liked this book so much that I listened to it twice. It works and it’s not sugar coated, it’s a simple decision to own your truth. Thanks Mishka for being so genuine, your demeanor is refreshing and motivating.

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great book

at first i thought it's for drunks. and I was about to return it. but no this book can help others. it has a great story.

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Thanks for making clear, the truth about addiction

Well witten and well factual. Great, credible advice. Have just rewound the audiobook and began listening again. Thanks for the honesty.

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Brutally honest!

I can’t thank you enough for writing this book. Thank you for telling it like it is without all the fluff and and fictitious promises that some books and programs propose (if you sign up for their program for only $599) Thanks for the simplicity, directness and honesty. Recovery is not simple but it is what it is and you put it out like 1-2-3-4! And that gives me confidence that I can do it with a plan. A start and a “finish”Thanks for your honesty about AA. I never felt it was right for me. I didn’t feel I was being truthful with myself saying “I’m an alcoholic and I have no power over alcohol” I’m so glad I happened upon this audiobook! I have a totally new outlook on putting my alcohol use to sleep for the last time! Awesome job Mishka!

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For anyone that’s ever questioned their drinking

This book brings a fantastic new view to the world of alcohol consumption. Mishka explains that alcoholism falls on a continuum and recovery is not one-size-fits-all. A great read for anyone that has ever questioned their drinking habits or the the drinking habits of others. Let’s stop looking at this as a black and white issue and so that people can do whatever they need to live their best life. Loved it!

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Very relatable to me

Basically everything he says is the exact way I feel so I go into this journey with confidence that I'll be ok! Thank sir!

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Very good points but sometimes a bit crude

Very good points but sometimes a bit crude. The crudeness doesn't take away from the good points brought up, but it does make it less likely want to share. I don't have a problem drinking, in fact I didn't start till I was 34 because lies that the church I grew up in told, https://seekingyhwh.org/resources/word-of-wisdom/ . But I am interested in learning to make sure I don't start abusing alcohol.

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