Sober Living. You Don't Need to be Addicted to Quit.
For years, alcohol was a fixture in my life—well before I hit the legal drinking age, to be honest. It wasn’t necessarily an addiction, but it was a constant companion, always there to manage stress, numb emotions, and provide a sense of relief. In a world where wine flows freely at parties, celebrations, and casual hangouts, alcohol became more than just a beverage. It became a social ritual, a go-to for connection and fun. But here’s the thing: many of us, myself included, think we don’t need to quit if we’re not addicted. This is a dangerous mindset that blinds us to the real reason we turn to alcohol in the first place—escaping discomfort and numbing our emotions.
As an introvert, I used alcohol as a way to manage social anxiety. I didn’t know at the time that what I really needed wasn’t alcohol—it was the courage to seek environments that aligned with my true self and the wisdom to limit my time in places that drained me. It wasn’t until I embarked on my health and wellness journey that I truly began to understand how alcohol was affecting me. It wasn’t just the hangovers. It was the cognitive brain fog, the fatigue, the mood swings, the added weight and physical toll alcohol was taking on my body.
I had lived this cycle for years—drinking, waking up feeling like shit, and vowing to never do it again—only to repeat the same pattern. The cognitive dissonance was overwhelming. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t doing my body any favors, yet I still continued. But the more I learned about the harmful effects of alcohol, the clearer it became: the momentary pleasure wasn’t worth the long-term consequences. When you’re drinking, you’re not just battling a hangover the next day. You’re inviting a host of serious health risks into your life, including an increased risk of cancer. Yes, you read that right—alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization. This is the same category that includes substances like tobacco and asbestos. It’s crazy to think about, right?
The marketing surrounding alcohol is so powerful that it’s easy to dismiss the reality of its dangers. We’ve been conditioned to believe that alcohol is just part of life—something you can’t avoid. But the truth is, there is nothing glamorous or sophisticated about poisoning your body. And as I began to learn more about the effects of alcohol, I couldn’t help but reflect on how the world used to view tobacco. Back in the 1950s, doctors were recommending cigarettes for stress relief! It’s mind-blowing to think that something so harmful was once considered “safe.” Now, fast forward to today, and alcohol still holds that same societal approval, despite the overwhelming evidence of its dangers.
I know quitting alcohol might seem like an impossible step for some. Believe me, I get it. It wasn’t easy for me, either. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. If you’re not ready to quit completely, start by being honest with yourself about its effects. Stop justifying your drinking habits. Recognize that you’re consuming something that offers no real benefits—only temporary pleasure followed by lasting consequences.
My personal journey of cutting back on alcohol was a slow and deliberate process. And it wasn’t until I made the decision to quit for good that I realized just how much better my life could be without it. I don’t miss the wine glass in my hand or the social pressure to drink. In fact, life is now richer and more fulfilling without it. I enjoy vibrant non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling water with fresh fruit, creative mocktails, and even non-alcoholic wines that allow me to indulge in the flavors I love—without the negative side effects.
Living alcohol-free has brought me clarity, energy, and a deeper sense of purpose. I no longer feel the need to numb myself to enjoy life. Instead, I embrace authentic experiences and relationships that are more meaningful than any wine-induced moment ever was. I also get to experience the joy of remembering every moment, every conversation, and every memory—something I didn’t realize I was missing out on when I was drinking.
If you're considering making a change in your relationship with alcohol, I encourage you to start small. Whether it’s taking a break for a month or exploring new social activities that don’t revolve around drinking, there’s a whole world of possibility waiting for you. Imagine waking up every morning feeling energized, clear-headed, and ready to embrace the day without regret.
The best part? This journey is yours to take. You don’t have to do it alone. Join me in choosing a life full of vitality, connection, and authenticity. Together, we can break free from the societal pressures surrounding alcohol and start living the life we deserve.
Ready to learn more? Grab a copy of my new book, Wake Up and Smell the Coffee to dive deeper into how vices like alcohol impact our society, and get practical tips on how to break free from them and start living a healthier, more intentional life.
The best version of yourself is waiting—it's time to say yes to it.
