Ballerini first performed the song with Paul Klein of pop group LANY at the 2021 CMT Music Awards. According to a press release, "I Quit Drinking" is a "break up anthem about quitting drinking" due to it "bring[ing] back too many memories of a past relationship".[3] A press release by Black River Entertainment mentioned the song "describe[s] a couple whose relationship was centered around being the life of the party. When the giddy romance fizzles out, it seems, so does the appeal of the booze."[4]
Rob Costa of Music Talkers praised the combination for doing "a great job painting a picture of reflection, relationships, sacrifice, and the reasons for getting sober. The work put into creating conversational lyrics has paid off here, making the lyrics a real highlight of the song."[5]
The music video was released on June 15, 2021, and directed by Blythe Thomas. The video was filmed in "the hills of California".[6] It shows Ballerini and Klein as "former lovers recalling happier times together" who can no longer "enjoy the taste of champagne, whiskey, or other alcoholic beverages now" due to it "remind[ing] them of their days as a couple".[7] Finally they sing face-to-face in a rainstorm.[8]
