Deciding to go alcohol free is one of the most transformative choices you can make for your health, mindset, and overall well-being. But like any major lifestyle change, there are things I wish I had known before taking the plunge. If you’re considering removing the alcohol in your life, here are some thoughts that may help make your journey a little easier.
1. Not Everyone Will Understand, And That’s Okay
When I first decided to stop drinking, I assumed my friends and family would be fully supportive. To be honest, I ended up doing it pretty much alone, but in the end finally found support online through several Facebook groups and pages. The majority of people around just didn’t quite get it. Some people questioned my decision, while others even tried to persuade me to “just have one.” What I learned is that my choice to be alcohol-free made some people reflect on their own drinking habits, which wasn’t always comfortable for them. I wish I had known sooner that it’s okay if people don’t understand, what matters most is that the decision is right for you!
2. Socialising Without Alcohol Feels Awkward at First
I used to believe that alcohol was a normal part of a fun filled, confident lifestyle and the norm to connect with people. Going out on an evening, or out for lunch without drinking felt strange. I wasn’t sure what to do with my hands, I worried about being “boring,” (and in all honesty for a while I probably was in the early days), and I noticed how much alcohol is ingrained in social settings. But over time, I realised that I didn’t need alcohol to be sociable. I could still dance, laugh, and have great conversations, and the best part was remembering everything clearly the next day! If I had known that there would be such a fundamental shift for me in how I could have the confidence to socialise so easily without alcohol, I would have done it sooner.
3. Sleep Improves, But So Do Your Emotions
One of the biggest surprises of quitting alcohol was how much better I slept. Without alcohol disrupting my sleep cycles, I started waking up refreshed and energised. However, another unexpected change was how much more in tune I became with my emotions. Alcohol had numbed stress, anxiety, and sadness, and once it was gone, I had to face my feelings head-on. I had to sit with them, process them and where necessary, deal with them. While this was challenging at first, it ultimately helped me develop healthier ways to cope and process emotions rather than escape them.
4. There Are Amazing Alcohol-Free Alternatives
The world of alcohol-free beverages has come a long way and is now one of the largest growing markets! From craft alcohol-free beers to sophisticated mocktails and non-alcoholic wines, there are so many great alternatives that allow you to enjoy a drink without the side effects. I wish I had explored these options earlier because they certainly helped in the early days to make social events feel much more inclusive and enjoyable.
5. Your Confidence Will Grow
This was a game changer for me. I used to rely on alcohol for confidence in social situations, but what I didn’t realise was that being alcohol-free would actually make me more self-assured. Making this choice required me to set boundaries, stand by my decisions, and redefine what fun means to me. Over time, I became more comfortable in my own skin, and I learned that true confidence doesn’t come from a drink, it comes from within.
Going alcohol-free isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding decisions you can make.
If you’re considering this path, know that the challenges are temporary, but the benefits last a lifetime. You’ve got this!
