1 Year On, Life Without Alcohol : Pros & Cons
It’s been over a year now that I made the decision to completely give up alcohol. I therefore wanted to share what life without alcohol is like, how the year went, as well as the pros and cons I have experienced since ditching the drink.
I’ve also included a video where I talk about Bonus: take a trip down memory lane with lots of pictures of me looking horrendously drunk (you’re welcome).
When did I go sober?
In 2017 it was my New Year’s Resolution to ditch alcohol completely. The year before that, I made the decision to not drink as much. So when I was drinking, I tried to opt for just one or two glasses of wine.
Unfortunately, this well-intentioned method didn’t work out too well for me; after one or two glasses, I almost always wanted more. This resulted in a couple situations where I got a bit too drunk and woke up feeling awful.
It was these situations that pushed me to try life without alcohol and give it up for a year.
My history with alcohol
I started drinking heavily from when I was around 15 years old, carrying on the binge drinking lifestyle into university. It’s very normal for people at that age (where I am from at least) to get into drinking, and I wasn’t any different.
But I always took it a little too far. I always pushed myself to get as wasted as possible. To push my limits and chase the feeling of being drunk. I was that friend.
After four heavy binge drinking years at university, I continued this party lifestyle after I graduated. I was struggling to find a secure job and for the first time was long distance with my boyfriend.
My struggles therefore manifested themselves in drinking away my sorrows at the weekend, often partying for days on end. Sadly this became a vicious cycle for over a year after uni.
In 2016, something snapped, and I realised I didn’t want to be doing this anymore. I acknowledged the negative impact it was having, the money I was spending, how it made me feel, and how I was using it as a distraction from the problems in my life and the situation I had found myself in.
So I made the scary decision to move home, start a YouTube channel and finally ditch the binge drinking lifestyle. And the rest is history!
How did I do it?
So there obviously isn’t one size fits all, and everyone is coming from a very different place when it comes to alcohol. But my best advice is to find a why. Why do you want to give up alcohol?
For me, it was because I knew it wasn’t improving my life. I wanted to get healthier, to stop covering up my problems with alcohol and to put time and energy into pursuing my dream career.
I wanted to let go of something that I knew was controlling me and to finally escape the hold that it held over me. That in itself allowed me to stay motivated and go full force into maintaining sobriety.
You may want to build a closer relationship with your loved ones. To get fit and healthy. To really find out the issues you’re covering with alcohol.
Figure out what it is. Ask yourself why, write it down and focus on it. Finding the why for your goal is the biggest step in this journey. In any journey in fact.
If you are dealing with serious alcohol addiction, then please seek help. There is no reason to deal with this alone. Talk to a loved one, talk to a friend, talk to a doctor and seek the help that you need.
Life without alcohol: the cons
1. Difficulty socially
This was something I definitely experienced to begin with. I had a period of time where I had to get used to going out with friends and not being a part of the drinking activities.
I know this is a huge road block for many others when attempting sobriety. While it may be hard to start with, it takes time and eventually becomes pretty easy.
There is an adjustment period, but what helped me was distancing myself from that lifestyle. I stopped clubbing, I stopped partying and I started to spend time with friends in a different context.
I hung out with them in the day time, had dinner with them, went to their house for a cup of tea, went out for a walk. It was just a matter of switching things up and focussing our time on other things not involving alcohol.
There were definitely times when I find it awkward being the only one who isn’t drinking. I’ve gotten tired and irritated that everyone around me is drunk and disorderly.
But again, this is just something you have to get used to, and at least you can have a good laugh at your friends when they’re hungover in the morning!
2. Missing out
When I was no longer relying on alcohol to have fun, I did at times feel a little left out. I look back at many drunken memories as fun times I had with friends and drinking has been a huge part of our bonding experience.
There was a fear that when I gave up alcohol I would miss out on all of that fun and my friends would no longer enjoy my company.
Most of this however was just fear, and not reality. Especially now that I am older, and a lot of my friends have grown out of that period of their lives also, I really don’t miss out on much at all.
And you know what? I actually enjoy being a grandma who goes to bed early and enjoys a cup of tea in bed, more than a glass of wine late at night in a bar.
3. Pressure from others
When I first gave up alcohol, I definitely felt the pressure to drink. It certainly helped that I made the transition slowly, spending a year reducing my alcohol intake before I went completely sober.
This not only helped me to adjust to life without alcohol, but those around me.
However, there were a few occasions when I felt confronted about my choice. There were times when everyone was celebrating and having a drink, and I would say no. Those around me would ask “But why?”, “Why can’t you just have one drink?”, “Why does it matter?”.
It wasn’t necessarily because they were trying to be mean, or bully me into a drink. It was because they were used to me drinking, and being a part of that celebration.
That was how we had connected in the past. Humans bond over food and drink. And if you turn around and say no to that, it can be seen as rude. They weren’t used to the new me, and change can be hard to understand.
On top of that, I never went through serious alcohol addiction. From their point of view I had a fairly normal relationship with alcohol. So when I made this lifestyle change, it took time for them to fully get their head around why I had made this choice.
Now that I have adopted this lifestyle for some time, I no longer get these kinds of remarks. But there was naturally an adjustment period for those around me to fully grasp why I gave it up.
4. Getting asked why?
Anyone who is sober has been asked “why?” Every time I am in a social situation with new people and they don’t know that I don’t drink, it tends to get brought up. ‘Oh, so why did you give it up?”, “How long have you been sober?”, “But why?”.
It is a little awkward to begin with, but in all honestly it actually opens up an interesting conversation. Most of us have been hungover, done stuff we regretted, woken up feeling rotten after a heavy night, and therefore most people tend to see where I am coming from.
I no longer feel as confronted by this question as I did at the start. I can confidently answer this question without feeling insecure or weird about it.
Opening up to people about my struggles and how much better I feel since I ditched drinking is so much easier now. And the best part is they get to see me having fun, while sober!
Life without alcohol: the pros
Now onto the good stuff, the pros of life without alcohol! Thankfully the pros for life without alcohol far outweigh the cons (which are easily brushed off anyway) and have kept me motivated throughout the past year.
1. No more hangovers.
I no longer have to wake up the day after drinking, feeling like utter crap, often sleeping in until noon and wanting to eat everything in sight (once I do eventually make it out of bed). Good riddance hangovers!
2. Focussing on myself
This is probably one of the biggest motivators for me and has helped me maintain my sobriety. I have had so much more time to focus on me. My hopes, my dreams, my goals.
Since giving up alcohol, I have started up a career online and made it my full time job. I don’t think I would have been able to achieve this, had I continued drinking.
Drinking was my weakness, it fed my insecurities, and letting go of it was a shockingly powerful thing. This self reflection and focus has been invaluable to my success and happiness.
3. No more binge eating
I suffered from an eating disorder for many years and in hindsight, I truly believe that my alcohol consumption and binge drinking played a huge part of it.
As I no longer drink, I also no longer feel the need to uncontrollably binge on foods after a long heavy night of drinking.
I would binge drink at night and binge eat the following day. The result being I felt like utter crap about myself. This was how I gained lots of weight, started to hate my body and developed an eating disorder.
It continued for years in a vicious cycle, fuelled by alcohol.
Though I begun recovery from my eating disorder before going sober, I came to the realisation that alcohol was a trigger for me. I couldn’t control my binges after a night of intoxication, and this only encouraged an unhealthy relationship with food.
Removing this trigger from my life has therefore pushed my recovery further, enabling me to continue to develop a healthier attitude with food and my body.
4. Less insecurities and problems
Funnily enough, I used to think alcohol enabled me to let go of my insecurities and inhibitions. Since giving it up, I have realised it is the exact opposite.
I’ve had more time to focus on my confidence and solving my problems, rather than burying them in a glass (or five) of wine. I now have the time to focus on what is troubling me, and actually deal with it.
I have built confidence in myself, as opposed to going from shy when sober to obnoxiously loud when drunk.
Sadly, I only came to this realisation when I gave up alcohol. I never thought alcohol could be fuelling my problems or insecurities. After all, it made them feel like they disappeared!
My answer to stress was to open a bottle of wine. My solution to an argument with my boyfriend was, “Right, it’s the weekend, time to get drunk!”. But hindsight is a powerful thing!
Only now can I see how sad and lonely alcohol made me feel. How much I was using it to drown my sorrows and hide my insecurities.
Now I can maintain a more consistent and stable relationship with myself and others. Instead of drowning my sorrows, I face them. Instead of hiding my insecurities, I overcame them.
5. Healthier relationships
Ditching alcohol has also had a really positive impact on my personal relationships, in particular with my boyfriend.
We used to argue when we drank a lot at uni, having a go at each other for something stupid neither of us would even remember in the morning. Thankfully we have left that part of our relationship behind.
I can remember the things I say and do to people, and I have more control over what I’m saying or doing to them. Now I don’t need to use the excuse of “I was drunk!”, because I am accountable for my actions.
I care about how I behave and act towards others more and treat them with more respect as a result.
l’ve found myself letting go of relationships that weren’t making me happy. Now, I don’t waste my time attempting to fit in with groups of people who will never make me feel like myself, or bring me happiness.
6. Healthier body and mind
It’s probably no surprise that I feel a lot healthier! And it’s no secret alcohol makes you feel like crap. I mean, your body sees it as a poison.
No more excruciating hangovers or binging out on foods that make me feel awful. I feel clearer mentally and I no longer regularly experience regret or anxiety.
I spend more time on my fitness and taking care of my body over all. My physical and (even more so) mental health has improved so much since becoming sober.
7. More time
Without alcohol, I’m no longer wasting my evenings and the next day, drinking and being hungover. I have literally more days in the week to spend pursuing activities and passions of mine.
I’ve ended up being able to travel, build new friendships, work on my spirituality and career. I have had a lot of introspection and growth over the last year, that I don’t think would have happened if I was still drinking.
8. Saving money
This is one of the biggest pros. I definitely used to spend more money on alcohol than on food. But now I am able to live a much more comfortable lifestyle with my finances, no longer wasting it on drink.
Instead, I have been able to save, travel and invest in my career and quality of life.
9. Positive mindset
And finally, my focus has switched from complaining, moaning and feeling sorry for myself, to celebrating, improving and being grateful.
I was always in this cycle of trying to work hard and trying to improve, but never getting there because every time anything went wrong I’d drink and end up back at square one.
Now I have a better outlook on life, I am able to pour myself into everything I do. The positive mindset that I have developed over the last year has definitely surfaced as a result of the lack of alcohol in my life.
I’m not telling you that you need to give up alcohol, everyone has a different experience with it. What I hope by sharing this is that I can inspire those of you who have experienced something similar to me, to question it. What does alcohol bring to your life? Happiness or sadness? Stress or relief?
Productivity or a distraction? Whatever your answer, it’s important we question things we do in our lives to find out if they are truly serving us or not.
Are you considering life without alcohol? Please let me know your personal experience with it in the comments down below, as we’re all in this together.
Check out my video over on YouTube where I talk about my 1 year without alcohol – the pros and cons.
Please seek help if you are struggling, as nobody deserves to suffer alone.
- Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its “12 step” programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.
- We Are With You is a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse. If you are over 50 and worried about your drinking, call 0808 8010 750
- Adfam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam operates an online message board and a database of local support groups.
- SMART Recovery groups help people decide whether they have a problem, build up their motivation to change, and offer a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery and a life without alcohol.
Caring for an alcoholic? Find out where you can get support.
70 comments
soph97
this has really inspired me to drink less, thank you <3
Madeleine Olivia
<3
Ken
I have been thinking of cutting right back on alcohol ,if not giving it up completely. Your words are very thought provoking and inspirational.
My journey starts today.
Thank you.
IJ
I love this article so much. Now I don’t want to start drinking as my friends want me to…
Louise
I love this!
I hate the way that society pressures you into drinking / going out. I have cut down my alcohol consumption so much since graduating from uni in 2016, and I am aiming to attempt a full six months without any alcohol once my birthday is out of the way in June as I already have a night out planned.
Did you find it affected any relationships with people? I have a few friends that I feel would only want to hang out with me whilst drinking? Since I only tend to see them on nights out
Alix
Hi Olivia, thank you very much for this interesting and inspiring post. It really helps thinking about alcohol consumption, thing that in our society can be a real fight and most of the time reducing or just paying attention to it can be misunderstood !
Keep going like that ! Kisses from France
Britt
Thank you so much for sharing your story about why you decided to quit drinking! I am slowly making the transition as well, after quite a few years of on and off binge-drinking periods that always made me feel upset and sorry for myself. It makes me feel better to know that you were able to find other ways to hang out with your friends without drinking, because I feel like when we are young, we often feel social pressure to drink and go out, even if we know it will ruin our whole Saturday!
Madeleine Olivia
I am really happy to hear this 🙂 Good on you too!
Candy
I am so glad I came across this, holy crap. I think I love you. I came across your YouTube channel because I’m a vegan and when I went vegan I naturally wanted to stop drinking and am almost completely sober. Good on you! Xx
Madeleine Olivia
I am really happy to hear this 🙂 Good on you too!
Amanda
I recently decided to be 30 days without alcohol. On the day 3 I was looking up videos from YouTube and ended up seeing yours. It was inspiring and you can imagine how excited I felt about finding you: I too am living a minimalist lifestyle, love mornings with nice routines and eat mostly vegan 🙂 I’ll definitely start following you!
Allison
I went on a date last night with a guy who doesn’t drink and it said so on his profile. I asked him when we were a couple of hours into the date why he didn’t and I feel bad for asking him now! I’m just a super nosy and curious person. I honestly don’t care that he doesn’t drink because I have like, maybe 1 drink a week, and my ex drank WAYYYYYy too much. xo Allison
Louise
I’ve never been a big drinker. After growing up seeing what alcohol does to a person and a parent, I never wanted to fall victim to it. I’m now at University and over the past few months I’ve found that I’ve been using alcohol to socialise with people more. And, while my consumption certainly isn’t a problem – I’m talking like a few drinks every fortnight (with only the rare over intoxication on a night out). I still I’m constantly aware of what could happen. I’m now using the summer to detox and take better care of myself. It’s always good to be aware of developing habits and being open to changing them.
Laura
I resonate with you so much. As I read each sentence It felt like I was reading about my own life. Unfortunately I struggle with the giving up side of alcohol on a daily basis. Last winter I managed 6 months of sobriety then I had a loss in my family and headed straight to the bar. Reading this has inspired me to give up again because life simply is much better without booze. You’re right, anxiety rarely rears its ugly head anymore, life gets easier, relationships solidify, your piggy bank begins to overflow and many more benefits. Its just so easy to fall back into the alcohol trap, especially in the UK. Alcohol consumption is such as huge part of our culture. I am going to my local pub tonight with my boyfriend to watch a band but I am not going to reach for the gin and tonic this time, I’m going to choose to be sober! Thank you xx
One Month In
Hi – I loved reading about your journey, I feel like i am reading about myself. I drank to excess, to the points where I have blackouts. I have decided to give up alcohol as i keep getting in to accidents as a result of being too drunk. A month ago i ended up in A&E with a bump to the head, ear, ribs, back and neck. My friends were worried and devastated and I was completely embarrassed. This isn’t the first time this has happened to me, but i can say now that It will be the last. over the past month i haven’t touched a drop and i am going to continue on this new chapter in my life sober, because the idea of losing my friends or seriously injuring myself because I was so inebriated is just not worth it. One Month In to sobriety and it’s all becoming so much clearer…..Oh and i can buy many more pairs of trainers that i won’t be sick on. Thanks for writing this. it really helps.
rebecca
i relate to this so much. I cut right back on drinking mid year last year and was pretty much completely sober until last weekend when I had a few drinks on a rare night out and I instantly regretted it. im not where I want to be mentally yet but im so much closer now than I was when I was constantly binge drinking and being hungover. I have a way to go but im almost certain the sober life is for me. thanks for sharing this – I really needed to read this!
Ingrid Heimlicher
Thank you!I am thinking about giving up alcohol and your story ist very inspiring.
Terry
I am a middle aged man who just went through a second routine heart surgery. I have a heart condition and it is aggrevated by alcohol. I too have drank the majority of my life and in my case it was just a way of life with my parents so I learned this behaviour as well. In your story you spoke about drinking excessively to be as drunk as you could. As the years rolled on for me the amount consumed increased greatly and daily. I was laying in the hospital bed recovering from surgery and was snooping the net for alcohol related stories as I had been considering giving it up when I found your story. It makes sense and the way you explain it really helps. Today is 7 days sober. I just wanted to send you a personal thank you! I pull your story up and read it when the thought of alcohol enters my thoughts. This proves sobriety has worked for you because you enabled me to call it quits.
Again, thank you.
Terry.
Will S
I’m 1 year sober next Friday!
Andi
Thank You Madeleine for this honest and inspiring write! My journey with the alcohol is similar as yours but my baby’s born was the end of this way. It’s much better now, I am happy, balanced and I have self confidence now. So it’s definitely worth it 🙂 <3
Gr
I was wasted one time by alcohol. But that’s not the reason I gave it up. I quit on alcohol because I felt like there is a lot of bad things going on in the world because of the alcohol. And I just don’t want to support alcohol anymore. It’s the same like the people going vegan because the animals are treated bad.
R F
Could resonate with almost everything you said, even though I’m a guy. Had a drinking session yesterday, hopefully the last I’ll ever have.
Dave
Thank you. I gave up drinking 2 years ago, and almost everything said is true. The only difference is I’m a guy and I’m married.
habitude
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D
Good article.
I stopped drinking 3 months ago and am feeling a lot better. Alcohol was having a destructive impact on my life and my mental health and quitting has been a lot easier than I thought. My skin has improved and I’m no longer waking up multiple times a week with next day anxiety and "fear" of how I behaved when drunk.
Jason Lane
I’ve quit drinking a few times but always ended up coming back… enough is enough now, my mental health has become so fucked with anxiety and depression due to “the fear” I currently don’t feel safe anywhere I am. My battle has been going on for 15 years with drink but today is the day I put it down and stay away. I’m really scared that if I continue I’ll loose my mind completely, I’m constantly putting myself into mental situations that I don’t know if there as bad as I’m thinking and then comes the over thinking and the panic attack to the stage we’re it’s affecting my job. I’ve done the rooms with AA and there’s been times it’s helped and times it don’t, we’re all different like that tho I guess. It’s got to the stage where I love when it’s raining outside and I mean really pissing it down because I stand a greater chance of going the day without people walking past my house etc “I hate the summer” I really hope I haven’t done long term mental damage with this and I hope the anxiety and depression fade away with sobriety. I just hate the fact that I’m scared absolutely everywhere I go. Thank you to anyone who took the time to ready this and I’ll drop my email below if anyone every needs a chat. And well done to all those smashing sobriety. X
Jasonlane53@hotmail.co.uk
Tara
Lovely read, I’m hoping I can find the strength to quit the binge drinking, I’m 33 and I’m completely reliant on alcohol in social situations due to my on going low self esteem. I’m experiencing the same eureka moments as I did turning vegan 5years ago, so Im feeling positive about the challenge, but it’s so so scary! Thanks for the encouraging article!
Tara
Lovely read, I’m hoping I can find the strength to quit the binge drinking, I’m 33 and I’m completely reliant on alcohol in social situations due to my on going low self esteem. I’m experiencing the same eureka moments as I did turning vegan 5years ago, so Im feeling positive about the challenge, but it’s so so scary! Thanks for the encouraging article!
Joanne
I’m 7 months off the booze, I can’t believe how much my life has changed, I was a binge drinker for years , I new something had to give as I was not enjoying drinking anymore, my weekends are filled with exercise, being creative ( who new) I know now to grow and be the best version of me , is being sober. Sober is the way to go .
Love my life
Jo
Joanne
I’m 7 months off the booze, I can’t believe how much my life has changed, I was a binge drinker for years , I new something had to give as I was not enjoying drinking anymore, my weekends are filled with exercise, being creative ( who new) I know now to grow and be the best version of me , is being sober. Sober is the way to go .
Love my life
Jo
lozza
Hi i loved your article,I’ve been binge drinking at weekends for the last year or so and started to feel unwell, blood test show that I have damaged my liver but until I get my scan next week then I wont know how bad, I stopped drinking straight away 10days now and do not miss the alcohol at all.I dont want them to come back and say that I will never be able to drink again as I would want the choice..I will never go back to the way I was before, it was a bad habbit that needed breaking, I am sleeping much better losing the weight and going to join a gym..👍😘
lozza
Hi i loved your article,I’ve been binge drinking at weekends for the last year or so and started to feel unwell, blood test show that I have damaged my liver but until I get my scan next week then I wont know how bad, I stopped drinking straight away 10days now and do not miss the alcohol at all.I dont want them to come back and say that I will never be able to drink again as I would want the choice..I will never go back to the way I was before, it was a bad habbit that needed breaking, I am sleeping much better losing the weight and going to join a gym..👍😘
Roslia Santamaria
Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck for the upcoming update. This article is really very interesting and effective.
Roslia Santamaria
Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck for the upcoming update. This article is really very interesting and effective.
Cristina
Found your post brilliant! I’m off alcohol for month and already feel so much better ! My goal is 1 year. Feel strong and confident I can do it. Alcohol brought me nothing but wasting my time that I could spend on important things in my life. 🙂
Cristina
Found your post brilliant! I’m off alcohol for month and already feel so much better ! My goal is 1 year. Feel strong and confident I can do it. Alcohol brought me nothing but wasting my time that I could spend on important things in my life. 🙂
paul poronto
I quit drinking two weeks ago for many of the same reasons you listed… great post. It motivates me to keep going…
paul poronto
I quit drinking two weeks ago for many of the same reasons you listed… great post. It motivates me to keep going…
Asha
I absolutely loved your story and it’s really similar to mine. I started drinking at the age of 13, this only developed into a binge drinking issue and now I’m almost 39 I’m still binge drinking! I have had bouts of not drinking but when I do go back to it, it’s never just one, even if I’m the only one still drinking I cannot stop at one. Reading stories like yours gives me the motivation to kick it for good. My main anxiety and concern is, as you said, having that connection with certain friends and thinking of how those friendships will now be or the pressure of drinking and the constant (and probably annoying questions) of why you aren’t drinking
Thank you again for the story
Zach Flaherty
I loved you story! I am currently on my own journey. I am 9 weeks in. Initially I just decided maybe 2 months and now I’m thinking longer term, maybe beyond a year. Starting in the middle of a pandemic has actually helped me with my anxiety and depression issues. Plus my stubborn belly fat I’ve always had is toning out. Anyway thanks for sharing your story! <3
-Zach
Zach Flaherty
I loved you story! I am currently on my own journey. I am 9 weeks in. Initially I just decided maybe 2 months and now I’m thinking longer term, maybe beyond a year. Starting in the middle of a pandemic has actually helped me with my anxiety and depression issues. Plus my stubborn belly fat I’ve always had is toning out. Anyway thanks for sharing your story! <3
-Zach
JM
Thank you very much for sharing. So inspiring. I my self am in week 10 and also realize how much more self aware I became, and how much more better I deal with my own insecurities, by facing them instead of drinking them away. I am so happy for realizing how great and life changing this is, before it got worse.
JM
Thank you very much for sharing. So inspiring. I my self am in week 10 and also realize how much more self aware I became, and how much more better I deal with my own insecurities, by facing them instead of drinking them away. I am so happy for realizing how great and life changing this is, before it got worse.
Matt C
In week and i a, going to keep going. Sleeping a bit better and it has been an ideal start in lockdown. My face is smoother and I think my collar size has gone but lost very little weight. My blood pressure which was high normal has come down. I have had drinking breaks before but having a good go at it and might even try for a year. Thanks for sharing your story/
Matt C
In week and i a, going to keep going. Sleeping a bit better and it has been an ideal start in lockdown. My face is smoother and I think my collar size has gone but lost very little weight. My blood pressure which was high normal has come down. I have had drinking breaks before but having a good go at it and might even try for a year. Thanks for sharing your story/
Matt parr
Wow really enjoyed reading this, i can totally relate on almost every level. Except for me a brush with the law, motivated my change. Ive been alcohol free for almost 16months, and can honestly say ive built more confidence in myself, i feel so much more confident in myself not drinking. Its suprising how alcohol effects almost every area of life but you dont really see that until you have abstained for a time. Thanks for the story.
Matt parr
Wow really enjoyed reading this, i can totally relate on almost every level. Except for me a brush with the law, motivated my change. Ive been alcohol free for almost 16months, and can honestly say ive built more confidence in myself, i feel so much more confident in myself not drinking. Its suprising how alcohol effects almost every area of life but you dont really see that until you have abstained for a time. Thanks for the story.
Angelica
Hello, I really enjoyed reading this and I can relate. I decided to stop drinking this month for a little break and "detox". I just found out that "Sober October" is an actual thing. The more I think about it the more I feel like I should try to go longer. maybe til the end of the year or stay sober for a year. I am trying to think about all the positive things and healing that can come with staying sober and learn how to have a better relationship with alcohol. My question is, are you still sober? if so or not. how did you handle drinking again? does being sober mean someone will never drink again in their life?
Thank you!!!
Angelica
Hello, I really enjoyed reading this and I can relate. I decided to stop drinking this month for a little break and "detox". I just found out that "Sober October" is an actual thing. The more I think about it the more I feel like I should try to go longer. maybe til the end of the year or stay sober for a year. I am trying to think about all the positive things and healing that can come with staying sober and learn how to have a better relationship with alcohol. My question is, are you still sober? if so or not. how did you handle drinking again? does being sober mean someone will never drink again in their life?
Thank you!!!
Miss Eassy
I lived with this dude for three years and just got so tired and drained I didn’t think a person can take you through so much pain and sleepless nights.. Not coming home till the next day and he say he’s with his friends.. I once prayed that he sees how much I love and care for him.But lately after a cyber professional sent me a spyware that gained me remote access to his phone activities and exposed all the lies that he told me,{The dating sites he registered and sex videos}.. I ended things with him, he text my phone saying he sorry and he miss his family..You can contact this cyber professional on {hackingloop6 @ gmail . com} or on WhatsApp + 1 484 540- 0785,if you doubt your partner might be cheating on you,tell him i referred you.
Miss Eassy
I lived with this dude for three years and just got so tired and drained I didn’t think a person can take you through so much pain and sleepless nights.. Not coming home till the next day and he say he’s with his friends.. I once prayed that he sees how much I love and care for him.But lately after a cyber professional sent me a spyware that gained me remote access to his phone activities and exposed all the lies that he told me,{The dating sites he registered and sex videos}.. I ended things with him, he text my phone saying he sorry and he miss his family..You can contact this cyber professional on {hackingloop6 @ gmail . com} or on WhatsApp + 1 484 540- 0785,if you doubt your partner might be cheating on you,tell him i referred you.
NT
I love your beautiful writing about giving up alcohol. I tried to give up during corona virus only lasted three and half months because I could not go to the gym, having had health brain issues and vision, red wine was the only way to boost my energy but when it went down it went down pretty deep. Then I did manage the few months off alcohol but one day hot summer I got a beer and bang back again on it. I am not alcoholic in fact I am not allowed to have heavy alcohol just a glass of red but having had seizures as teenage years (now 46)female, I really want not to drink again. Its becoming daily routine and I can’t stop. Craving sugar then bing eating. I used to be health freak now I am food drink Addict! I even want to stop drinking coke! Lately I hate my body and head! I googled and found your aryicle. Just Christmas coming and I feel guilty to tell hubby I really don’t want to celebrate with alcohol. I am scared of future seizures again as I am having hormonal changes and you know what? I need to keep my head clear. I love your article and although I don’t know you? I’m so proud of you. Youre gorgious and very kind to help us try what we want to do! It’s not only the alcoholism it is also the body shape and that horrible water retantion! Lots of love Mrs N
NT
I love your beautiful writing about giving up alcohol. I tried to give up during corona virus only lasted three and half months because I could not go to the gym, having had health brain issues and vision, red wine was the only way to boost my energy but when it went down it went down pretty deep. Then I did manage the few months off alcohol but one day hot summer I got a beer and bang back again on it. I am not alcoholic in fact I am not allowed to have heavy alcohol just a glass of red but having had seizures as teenage years (now 46)female, I really want not to drink again. Its becoming daily routine and I can’t stop. Craving sugar then bing eating. I used to be health freak now I am food drink Addict! I even want to stop drinking coke! Lately I hate my body and head! I googled and found your aryicle. Just Christmas coming and I feel guilty to tell hubby I really don’t want to celebrate with alcohol. I am scared of future seizures again as I am having hormonal changes and you know what? I need to keep my head clear. I love your article and although I don’t know you? I’m so proud of you. Youre gorgious and very kind to help us try what we want to do! It’s not only the alcoholism it is also the body shape and that horrible water retantion! Lots of love Mrs N
Bob
I’m only on day 19 of no alcohol. My wife made it to day 10 before she started up again. Your ‘journal’ here made so much sense to me and express the feelings I have yet didn’t have the courage to say them even to myself. Finally, after having health insurance, my physical was my main reason I said it was time. My doctor wanted to put me on high blood pressure meds and my cholesterol was getting high. I am 62 years old and just became a grandparent, my dad was a heavy drinker and passed away at 83. I didn’t want this to happen to me. After a colonoscopy, they wanted to do an ultrasound on my liver…I told myself “enough” I knew what I had to do.
My wife wanted to join me for 12 days, she made 10. Now that she is drinking again I am having a difficult time dealing with her when she has too much, which is about 6 days a week.
Madeleine Olivia
Hi Bob, thanks so much for your comment. It’s really admirable that you have decided to make this lifestyle change and focus on your health. Well done on getting to day 19! I’m so sorry to hear that you are finding it difficult with your wife drinking regularly – that must be really hard. There are a few organisations that might be able to offer you support – https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk Take care <3
Bob
I’m only on day 19 of no alcohol. My wife made it to day 10 before she started up again. Your ‘journal’ here made so much sense to me and express the feelings I have yet didn’t have the courage to say them even to myself. Finally, after having health insurance, my physical was my main reason I said it was time. My doctor wanted to put me on high blood pressure meds and my cholesterol was getting high. I am 62 years old and just became a grandparent, my dad was a heavy drinker and passed away at 83. I didn’t want this to happen to me. After a colonoscopy, they wanted to do an ultrasound on my liver…I told myself “enough” I knew what I had to do.
My wife wanted to join me for 12 days, she made 10. Now that she is drinking again I am having a difficult time dealing with her when she has too much, which is about 6 days a week.
Madeleine Olivia
Hi Bob, thanks so much for your comment. It’s really admirable that you have decided to make this lifestyle change and focus on your health. Well done on getting to day 19! I’m so sorry to hear that you are finding it difficult with your wife drinking regularly – that must be really hard. There are a few organisations that might be able to offer you support – https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk Take care <3
Sophia
Wooow, thank you for your story. You are really an inspiration 🙂 Sending you greetings from Switzerland, Sophia
Madeleine Olivia
Thanks so much Sophia! <3
Sophia
Wooow, thank you for your story. You are really an inspiration 🙂 Sending you greetings from Switzerland, Sophia
Madeleine Olivia
Thanks so much Sophia! <3
Dan Middleton
Sorting life stuff head on is what rings for me. It’s the big easy without booze.
I reckon those who say “oh come on 1 won’t hurt” wish they were free. Nice story lots can relate to. Dan.
Liz H
A really inspiring read. I’ve done over a month of not drinking now and my aim is to give up completely without putting myself under pressure. I have a couple of close friends who gave up years ago and they’ve never looked back since. I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to not have a drink over Christmas but it was easy.
I’ve never been a huge drinker and I absolutely hate being drunk, I never enjoy it, I just end up really ill with no ‘fun’ bit of it. I realised that I’m not bothered about the alcohol in a drink, if I’ve got a nice non alcoholic drink to enjoy, I’m equally as happy. So it made me think what’s the point of me drinking at all?
I stumbled upon this article whilst researching all the benefits of not drinking alcohol (to give myself a virtual pat on the back) and I’m really glad I read it.
Madeleine OliviaAuthor
This sounds like such a good start and positive change for you Liz! So happy for you 🙂
Ken
I have been thinking of cutting right back on alcohol ,if not giving it up completely. Your words are very thought provoking and inspirational.
My journey starts today.
Thank you.
Kristen
Well described. I can 100 % relate to the color you give to the theme / subject. I have gone without alcohol for a year twice, and I am 6 months into a new year without.
I do believe I have the same relation to alcohol as you, but I am way older.
Anyway, to not wonder into a thought pattern og weather or not to drink, I use an app where you can log consumtion and cost. Just an easy thing, but it hellpes me stay on course, and its cool to see How much you save ($) too!
Mike B
I concur with all of what you say.
I’m 3 months in , never had a problem or really drank too much just didn’t enjoy it or how it made me feel anymore.
Key for me is having 3 clear months of no events and that has helped,
I’ve been out but always driven which again is a money saver and one of the cons that you kind of touch on is putting up with those drunk around you. I find my nights out now are often shorter and therefore cheaper, but my tolerance for those in drink is less and I do think this is something I need to work on (possibly), when they are all having yet another drink and I’ve had my 3rd 0% or Diet Pepsi I’m done, get me out of there and if you want a lift your more than welcome !!! Amazing though the amount that stay just for one more drink and have the hassle of getting home and a wasted morning in bed, that’s when I am at my smuggest !!
The time not drinking gives you back is really underestimated and needs to be championed more !!!
Teri
Loved what you have written. I’m a middle aged woman who has been binge drinking socially for the majority of my life. I did have a sober period a few years back where I gave up drinking for about 5 years. Then started back with the occasional night. Then in 2019 I had a devastating loss and turned once more to drinking at the same time we moved back to an old area of our youth and have jumped right back into the social scene of empty nesters who seem to be living the second party stage of life. I do have fun with these people and had given up the drinking again. I still go out with them as my husband isn’t ready to let go of the alcohol. Now since I have given it up before it’s not as hard to do this time around. I feel better in the mornings and still socialize. It’s better on the mental health as well as the physical health. I’m not getting any younger and don’t want to abuse my body anymore. Thank you for helping me know I’m not alone.
Madeleine OliviaAuthor
You definitely aren’t along! Proud of you!