A year off booze
Drinking is so deeply ingrained in our culture . . . alcohol is the only drug you have to apologise for not taking.
As glamorous as a few glasses of wine may seem at the start of an evening, it’s often a different story when the lights come on.
For me, I’ve rarely considered drinking in the last six, maybe even nine months. Will I drink again? Never say never, but for now I’ll stick to the water. Name: Scott
Time off alcohol: 6 months
Age: 35
What’s been the number one benefit? Feeling sharp 24/7, waking up without regrets after a night out and not annoying my wife by forgetting stuff constantly.
How long are you planning to stay sober? It was six months in December. Maybe forever, and I’m totally fine if I arrive at that decision.
Name: Nic
Time off alcohol: One year
Age: 35
How will you celebrate your one year off booze? I am certainly proud of my achievement and will ‘‘celebrate’’ it with loved ones, but my status as a non-drinker won’t change.
Name: Quentin
Time off alcohol: One year Age: 39 What’s been the most unexpected benefit? How well running and not drinking go together! It has been a powerful combination for speed, stamina, motivation, weight and general fitness. The endorphins also offer a – slightly tamer – way to lift your mood and alter your perspective.
What’s been the toughest challenge? I find it just a bit harder to connect with people. I haven’t found a perfect substitute for cracking up with a mate over a pint.
Name: Camille
Time off alcohol: 14 months
Age: 37
What’s been the toughest challenge? I was on holiday in Byron with a friend I always used to have big nights out on the booze with. I thought about having a drink a number of times, but I just wasn’t craving it. The next day I woke up feeling great!
Name: Stuart
Time off alcohol: Six months
Age: 39
What inspired you to stop drinking? The main reason is because me and my partner would like to start a family and thought it best I get my body into the best physical condition possible as neither of us are getting any younger.
This article first ran on 9Honey and has been republished with permission.