One year ago, I made the decision to go alcohol-free for an entire year, and as I reflect on this milestone, I’m amazed by the changes I’ve experienced, both physically and mentally. On January 30th, 2025, I'll be celebrating my one-year alcohol-free anniversary, and in this post, I’m sharing my journey and the key lessons I’ve learned along the way.
The Decision to Go Alcohol-Free
Making the decision to quit alcohol wasn't a light choice. It stemmed from years of reflection and dealing with the friction in my relationship with alcohol. While I wasn’t drinking every day, the binge drinking weekends were becoming harder to ignore. I wasn’t proud of it, but I didn’t know how to fix it. As a health coach, I felt an inherent conflict: I was telling clients to lead a healthy lifestyle while struggling with my own drinking patterns. The reality was I wasn’t happy with the way alcohol was controlling parts of my life.
So, I decided to take a step back. I committed to a year alcohol-free to break the cycle and truly reflect on my habits. It wasn’t about being perfect, but about reassessing what I wanted out of my life and how alcohol factored into that.
Lesson 1: The Financial Realization
One of the most eye-opening aspects of my journey has been the financial impact of alcohol. When I took an honest look at how much I spent on alcohol, the numbers were staggering. In my previous life, I would spend without a second thought—well over a hundred dollars in a single weekend between drinks, Ubers, and late-night food. This was normal. It didn’t faze me.
But after I quit drinking, my perspective on money completely shifted. I vividly remember looking at my credit card bill a month into my alcohol-free journey. To my shock, it was hundreds of dollars less than usual. My first thought was, Wow, this is how much I was spending every month on alcohol? I didn’t even blink when I handed over my card to pay for drinks. It was just part of my routine, something I justified as "normal" or "expected." But suddenly, without alcohol in the equation, I had extra money to put toward experiences, savings, and even repaying credit card debt.
I realized something crucial in that moment: I was paralyzed by spending money on anything other than alcohol. I would avoid spending money on things I valued, like new clothes, experiences, or investing in my personal growth, because I felt like I didn’t “have enough.” Yet, I would spend freely at bars without a second thought. There was a disconnect between what I valued and how I allocated my funds. I often told myself I couldn’t afford things like traveling, going to concerts, or taking courses, but yet I could easily drop money on alcohol without blinking.
Since I stopped drinking, I’ve found new ways to invest in my life, things that truly align with my goals. For example, in 2024, I went to more live concerts than I have in years and never once hesitated to spend the money because I knew it was for something valuable—experiences and memories that have far more lasting value than a drunken night out. Alcohol no longer holds that same emotional and financial grip on me, and I’ve been able to better align my spending with what I truly want out of life.
Lesson 2: Anxiety and Mental Health
For years, I used alcohol as a crutch to manage my social anxiety. It made me feel more confident in social situations and helped me let loose, especially at parties or events where I didn’t know many people. But as time went on, I started to realize that alcohol wasn’t solving the problem—it was feeding into it.
While alcohol might seem like a quick fix to quiet the racing thoughts and nerves, it only makes the underlying issue worse. When I drank, I would often end up with "Sunday scaries"—that awful anxiety that would linger throughout the weekend, amplified by the guilt and regret I felt after drinking too much. The next morning, I’d reflect on everything I said or did, convinced I had embarrassed myself. These anxious thoughts spiraled, creating a cycle of self-doubt and poor mental health.
Since giving up alcohol, my anxiety has significantly decreased. I no longer use alcohol to cope, and my ability to manage anxiety has improved. I’ve started implementing healthier habits like journaling and breathing exercises. These practices help me feel more grounded and present in my life. Alcohol no longer dictates my emotional well-being, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Lesson 3: The Hangovers
As I got older, the hangovers got worse—much worse. When I was younger, I could stay out late, drink, and still function the next day like it was no big deal. I’d wake up, go for a run, and carry on with my day. But that was a lifetime ago.
Once I hit my 30s, the hangovers were no longer just about headaches and feeling sluggish. They became debilitating. I would wake up on a Sunday morning, feeling physically sick from drinking the night before, but it wasn’t just about the hangover symptoms. It was the mental fog and anxiety that hit the hardest. I’d spend the whole day regretting the things I said or did, wondering if I embarrassed myself. I’d mentally replay the night, thinking about how much I drank and what I could’ve done differently.
But it wasn’t just how I felt. The hangovers were preventing me from living the life I wanted. One of the most painful realizations was how much I was missing out on weekends because of them. My dog, Thor, is a herding breed, which means he has high energy and needs to get out for long walks and hikes and I knew I wasn’t giving him the walks and outdoor adventures he deserved. It felt like I was letting him down, especially when I couldn't take him for a hike or a longer walk because I was too drained from drinking the night before.
Living with that guilt for so long made me realize just how much my hangovers were impacting my life in ways I hadn’t fully recognized before. My Sundays became a blur of self-recrimination and regret, and by Monday, I wasn’t even ready to jump into my workweek. I wasn’t well-rested, I wasn’t mentally sharp, and I just didn’t feel like myself.
Since quitting alcohol, everything has changed. The weekends are now something I actually look forward to. I wake up feeling rested, clear-headed, and ready to take on the day. Thor and I have started going on hikes together—something I was too hungover to do before. We’ve explored new trails, and I’ve noticed how much more joy I get from being present in those moments, not just for myself, but for him too. I can be the active, engaged owner he deserves, and that’s something I treasure now more than ever.
I’ve also learned to value my time in a way that I never did before. I’ve learned that my weekends are precious, and I want to spend them in ways that help me grow, create memories, and enjoy life to the fullest. Not feeling like a slave to hangovers has given me back the time I didn’t even realize I was losing.
Lesson 4: Bars Aren’t Fun Anymore
There was a time when I thought bars were the ultimate spot for socializing. Drinking, dancing, and laughing with friends went hand-in-hand, and those late nights out were my idea of fun. For years, I thought that was the only way to truly connect with people. But once I went alcohol-free, I realized something surprising: bars, while still a place for socializing, just weren’t the same without alcohol. The loud music, the crowds, the pressure to keep up with drinks—it all felt superficial. It’s almost like I was only enjoying myself because I was intoxicated, and the minute alcohol wasn’t involved, the whole experience lost its appeal.
The fun of being at the bar was no longer there when I wasn’t drinking. I found myself more aware of how uncomfortable it felt to yell over the music just to have a conversation. I’d be standing around with people who were becoming more tipsy, and I wasn’t sure how to interact without that shared “liquid courage.” It wasn’t the kind of socializing that felt real to me anymore.
Now, when I go to a bar, I usually go earlier in the evening to avoid the chaos. I enjoy the quiet, laid-back atmosphere before the crowds start rolling in. I leave when I’ve had enough, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out anymore. It’s about quality over quantity for me now, and my social life has really evolved. Dinner parties, intimate get-togethers with friends, and outdoor activities like hiking have replaced the late nights at the bar. I’ve found ways to connect with people without the need for alcohol, and I’m proud of how much more meaningful these interactions have become.
What’s even more rewarding is that I no longer feel the pressure to drink in order to fit in or feel confident. I’m genuinely enjoying my time with people, and I’m no longer relying on alcohol to have a good time or to connect.
Lesson 5: Alcohol-Free Beverages Are a Game Changer
One of the most unexpected yet rewarding discoveries during my alcohol-free journey has been how much I’ve come to enjoy alcohol-free beverages. Whether it’s a non-alcoholic beer, a mocktail, or just a refreshing kombucha, having something to sip on that isn’t water has completely transformed social situations for me. I can still be part of the crowd, feel included, and join the fun without ever compromising my commitment to staying alcohol-free.
Initially, I didn’t think much of alcohol-free beverages, but over time, I realized they were a game changer. Going to a bar or a social event used to feel like I was missing out if I wasn’t drinking. But now, I enjoy sipping on something like a Kombucha or soda water with lime, and it gives me the same social "vibe" without the alcohol. It’s satisfying in a way I hadn’t anticipated. It allows me to participate in the social setting, hold something in my hand, and not feel like I’m being left out or judged.
What surprised me even more is how alcohol-free drinks often give me that same ritualistic feeling of enjoying a drink, but without the negative side effects. For instance, I enjoy the taste of beer, so finding non-alcoholic beers that I actually like, such as the ones from Athletic Brewing, has been a win for me. They let me feel like I’m part of the experience, but I’m not overdoing it with the alcohol. Plus, I can stop at one or two and feel satisfied, rather than spiraling into drinking more because of lowered inhibitions.
On top of the personal enjoyment, I’ve also realized that alcohol-free drinks are often cheaper than their alcoholic counterparts, which brings financial benefits I hadn’t considered before. I’m not constantly reaching for overpriced cocktails, and I’m more mindful of my spending. So, not only do I feel better physically and mentally by avoiding alcohol, but I’m also saving money in the process. It’s a win-win all around.
Conclusion: What’s Next for My Relationship with Alcohol?
Looking back on my one-year alcohol-free journey, I feel proud of the work I’ve done. I’ve learned so much about myself—my habits, my mindset, and what truly matters to me. But what’s next?
I’ve decided to continue my alcohol-free journey. While I’ve had the occasional sip of alcohol, I know that my long-term goal is to stay alcohol-free. I’m afraid that going back to drinking could undo the progress I’ve made, especially considering the slippery slope I’ve experienced in the past. For now, I am committed to my alcohol-free lifestyle and will continue to assess my relationship with alcohol going forward.
Key Takeaways:
Giving up alcohol helped me save money, which I used to pay off debt and invest in experiences.
Alcohol-free living has reduced my anxiety and allowed me to build healthier coping mechanisms.
My weekends are now productive and filled with activities that support my goals, free from the burden of hangovers.
I no longer enjoy bars the way I once did, and I now find joy in more meaningful social activities.
Alcohol-free beverages have made socializing easier and less stressful, offering enjoyable alternatives without the booze.
Resources
Reframe App - I used this app to kickstart and guide me along in my alcohol free journey.
If you're sober curious or considering a similar journey, I hope my experience resonates with you. Feel free to reach out on Instagram @CoachDianaLeigh if you have any questions or want to talk about your own journey.
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