To put their experiences into context, we requested nutritionist Kerry Torrens to stipulate the important thing well being advantages of going alcohol-free, share her high ideas for making the change stick, and spotlight useful on-line assets in case your ingesting is turning into trigger for concern.
“My expertise giving up alcohol in being pregnant modified my relationship with it for good”
When I fell pregnant with my first son aged 32, it got here off the again of a interval of heavy partying – my alcohol consumption was increased than the beneficial weekly allowance, and I’d binge drink on weekends, and have loads of enjoyable whereas doing it.
But by the point I conceived, I used to be prepared for the change, and slightly than my important abstinence inflicting me to yearn for my hedonistic days, I discovered I beloved the pureness of being sober – the clear head on weekend mornings was like an entire new excessive. I went straight from being pregnant into 9 months of breastfeeding, so in complete I used to be off booze for 18 months. But as soon as I used to be in a position to drink once more, I discovered my urge for food for it had dwindled completely. It sounds excessive, however it now feels virtually like consuming poison.
My physique, depleted from parenting, reacts badly to greater than a few bevvies (from poor sleep and complications to grogginess and elevated urge for food), so now I hardly ever drink greater than a glass of wine over dinner. I’d hand over fully, however sadly, being teetotal can go away you a social pariah in some conditions.
One massive optimistic of not ingesting whereas pregnant is that no person can query your intentions or attempt to get you to cave into peer strain – this, sadly, is a large barrier when selecting to surrender for non-medical causes.
There’s additionally a ‘mummy’ ingesting tradition. British society is rigged towards being abstinent, though the sober motion has refreshingly gained traction. My high ideas are to seek out the extent of ingesting that you simply’re comfy with and do not let anyone query it. The bodily advantages far outweigh any momentary social awkwardness.
“My relationship with alcohol has been an extended, winding journey, however I’ve lastly discovered a rhythm that works for me”
I first stopped ingesting throughout my second yr at college, after a very tough interval the place sickness induced me to resit some exams and made me reassess my way of life. At the time, it was a full cease, no alcohol in any respect, and whereas it helped my well being, it felt excessive.
Over the subsequent few months, I progressively examined the waters by reintroducing small quantities and observing how my physique responded. Fast-forward to now, and I’ve discovered a everlasting rhythm: occasional drinks for birthdays or social occasions, however no binge ingesting.
The change hasn’t all the time been simple. Losing mates and feeling excluded throughout my uni years was powerful, and I had to determine my triggers and adapt my way of life, from cooking with out alcohol to navigating social conditions the place booze was anticipated.
What shocked me most was how delicate my physique is to alcohol; even small quantities make me really feel infected or achy. But the advantages are plain. I really feel bodily higher, and my friendships and social life now centre on real connection slightly than ingesting.
I’ve found implausible non-alcoholic alternate options too, from alcohol-free gins with tonic like Seedlip or Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla gin, to pimped-up gentle drinks that really feel celebratory.
What I’d need folks to know is that giving up alcohol appears to be like totally different for everybody. It’s about discovering the steadiness that works for you. For me, moderation, consciousness and selecting social settings that do not revolve round ingesting have made all of the distinction.
“Giving up alcohol helped me ease my nervousness”
I finished ingesting in October 2024, fairly instantly, after realising alcohol was worsening my nervousness following the demise of my brother. I’d all the time loved ingesting – the style, the ritual, the way in which it smoothed the perimeters of an extended day – so it wasn’t simple to let go. But as soon as I related how a lot worse I felt after ingesting, the choice got here naturally. My family and friends assumed it was only a break, however they have been nothing however supportive, and I’ve barely had greater than the occasional glass of wine or birthday cocktail since.
At first, I missed the consolation of that first glass of pink after work, and the way it made socialising really feel simpler. But after a month or two, I realised I did not miss it a lot in any respect. I do not keep out fairly as late now, however it’s a commerce I’m comfortable to make as I all the time really feel brighter the subsequent morning.
The greatest distinction is the absence of ‘hangxiety’: that gnawing unhappiness that used to observe an evening of ingesting. Alongside remedy and drugs, sobriety has made me really feel calmer, clearer and extra balanced.
These days, I take pleasure in experimenting with non-alcoholic drinks: Drinks Kitchen’s Orange Cinchona for a Negroni-like expertise, Fortnum & Mason’s Sparkling Tea for having fun with with a flowery dinner, and Botivo or Bero lagers for a deal with.
My recommendation for anybody contemplating it’s to cease fully slightly than doing it progressively, and discover a number of non-alcoholic choices you genuinely take pleasure in. It’s not as arduous as you suppose, and the advantages final far longer than the excitement ever did.
“When little and often becomes too often”
I felt like my ‘little and often’ strategy to ingesting was maybe turning into a bit too ‘often’, and that extra alcohol was getting into my system than was actually wanted. It had turn into a behavior to have a beer whereas making dinner or a glass of wine whereas consuming it.
I made a decision to make a acutely aware effort to chop down on ‘unnecessary’ drinks – those that had been only a behavior, or those that I used to be solely having as a result of another person was having one, or as a result of I’d already had too many to see the purpose of not having one other.
The adjustments that I’ve caught to have been having alcohol-free beer within the fridge, so I’ve one in every of these if I fancy a wind-down drink on the finish of the day – surprisingly, I don’t actually discover the shortage of alcohol. Infinite Session IPA is my favorite. I will even usually have an alcohol-free Guinness if out with mates.
I’m proud of these low-level reductions in my ingesting; I didn’t wish to cease fully – simply to chop again a bit. If I had discovered good-tasting low-alcohol wines, I might need acquired into these, however sadly, none actually in comparison with the ‘real’ factor for my part. I just like the style of alcohol, however the no-alcohol beer choices are palatable.
“Falling off the wagon shouldn’t stop you”
When I made a decision to surrender ingesting for a month (Sober October final yr), I wasn’t certain what to anticipate. I’d tried Dry January twice earlier than and failed each occasions, largely as a result of I averted going out and ended up feeling remoted. This time, I used to be decided to remain social: to see mates, go to gigs and luxuriate in myself – simply with out alcohol.
At first, I felt awkward ordering a Diet Coke whereas everybody else had pints (to not point out struggling to sleep in a while), however I quickly found a rising world of alcohol-free choices. Alcohol-free beers particularly made me really feel like I wasn’t lacking out.
Physically, the adjustments had been outstanding. I awakened earlier, slept higher and felt extra productive. My pores and skin appeared clearer, my temper lifted, and I didn’t have that sluggish, foggy feeling that usually adopted even a few pints. Financially, I seen the financial savings too, not simply from skipping drinks, however from avoiding the additional spending that got here with hangovers and late-night meals.
I fell off the wagon as soon as, however as an alternative of giving up altogether, I handled it as a lesson and carried on. What shocked me most was how satisfying it was to exit sober and the way little I missed alcohol as soon as the behavior was damaged.
My recommendation? Plan forward, inform folks what you’re doing, and discover the sensible vary of alcohol-free drinks out there. A Shirley Temple was an awesome mocktail discovery.
“I loved the energy and free time from quitting, but a wine with dinner is unbeatable”
Due to well being causes, I had to surrender ingesting alcohol for about six months. I seen a major enhance in my vitality ranges, plus I used to be sleeping higher and waking up feeling bright-eyed. Many folks discuss the advantages to their pores and skin, however that is not one thing I’ve skilled.
The foremost shock for me after giving up ingesting was the time that opened up. I instantly had hours to fill once I would often have been out for drinks or nursing a hangover. I used all this free time to go on plenty of lengthy walks and tried out new hobbies, like making pastry and embroidery.
I will not deceive you, although, the second I used to be in a position to drink once more, I totally loved having a glass of wine with dinner or popping all the way down to the pub with my husband for a pint. While I did relish all of the free time and the eight hours of sleep, I might fortunately commerce these in for moments like these.
“Giving up alcohol cleared my head, boosted my mood and gave me mornings back”
I finished ingesting in May 2021. It had been one thing I had been contemplating for some time due to how alcohol made me really feel. Physically, hangovers turned insufferable, lasting as much as two days, and I assumed I’d developed an alcohol intolerance. It was additionally inflicting main nervousness for me, so it was higher for my bodily and psychological well-being to chop out ingesting fully, a minimum of for some time. My companion felt equally so we determined to do it collectively, which initially helped me to keep up the brand new behavior.
I bear in mind feeling uncomfortable telling folks at first, as a result of nobody in my friendship group had given up ingesting but, however it wasn’t made into a giant deal, which I feel is an indication of excellent friendship. It’s additionally a lot simpler to go unnoticed now in case you are at a bar or pub as a result of there are such a lot of extra alcohol-free choices. I take pleasure in an AF beer (Guinness 0.0 is the perfect), and I like a mocktail.
From the start, there have been so many advantages to not ingesting that I’ve by no means actually discovered it difficult. Within the primary couple of weeks, I seen my zits had cleared up considerably, which is one thing I’ve struggled with since I used to be a teen. Mentally, over the primary 6 to 12 months, I turned a lot clearer-headed and usually happier.
It additionally coincided with a change in my way of life, which was already underway, as I realised I now not loved late nights out. I’ve turn into rather more of a morning individual and would a lot choose doing a day exercise or dinner and being residence by 10pm, figuring out that I gained’t waste your entire subsequent day mendacity in mattress.
“I stopped drinking without pressure, and the benefits have been remarkable”
My choice to surrender ingesting wasn’t a dramatic in a single day selection; it developed naturally over time. Around 10 years in the past, I used to be a heavy drinker, going out a number of nights per week and infrequently having drinks at residence and even throughout lunch breaks. Eventually, I started reducing again for my well being and funds. When I turned pregnant in the course of the COVID lockdowns, it felt easy to cease fully. After my daughter was born, I drank often, however by no means returned to my previous habits.
Last Christmas, I realised I hadn’t even considered ingesting all through the festive season. That second of readability made me determine to proceed with out alcohol. Over the previous 10 months, I’ve had solely a handful of drinks on a number of events. I’m not completely teetotal; I’ve realized that steadiness works greatest for me. If I genuinely really feel like becoming a member of in with a drink at a social gathering, I do it with out guilt or strain.
Some mates had been shocked at first, particularly those that’d identified my previous way of life. Now, it’s merely a part of who I’m. The solely awkwardness comes when telling new people who I hardly ever drink, worrying they could see me as uninteresting, however that feeling quickly passes.
The advantages have been outstanding: higher sleep, elevated vitality, fewer wasted hangover days, and diminished cravings. My new night ritual is a glass of kombucha – MOMO’s elderflower flavour is my favorite.
For anybody contemplating giving up alcohol, I’d say this: it’s simpler than you suppose, and life feels brighter, calmer and extra fulfilling with out it.
“I realised I didn’t need a pint in my hand to enjoy myself”
What started as a easy Dry January problem became one thing greater. After finishing the month, I made a decision to proceed by the yr, adhering to the NHS guideline of 14 models per week. I’d dipped out and in of giving up alcohol earlier than, often throughout January or November, however this time it felt totally different. As a brand new dad or mum, I needed extra focus and vitality, and lowering my ingesting felt like a pure extension of a New Year’s decision slightly than a strict rule.
At first, my mates joked that I wouldn’t be as enjoyable, however over time they turned genuinely proud, and I realised I didn’t want a pint in my hand to take pleasure in myself. Saying no to the primary drink is all the time probably the most difficult half, however after that, it’s surprisingly simple. I’m rather less social within the evenings now, however the payoff is price it: higher sleep, clear mornings and a peaceful head. The absence of hangovers seems like a small luxurious in itself.
I nonetheless miss how alcohol can ease social conditions, however I’ve discovered good alternate options just like the Small Beer Company’s low-alcohol brews. They supply that acquainted ritual with out the fog that follows. My recommendation to anybody interested by reducing down is to begin small, attempt per week or a month. You may discover, as I did, that it’s not as troublesome as you anticipate.
“How will a drinks author hand over booze?”
When I advised everybody I used to be pregnant, a number of reactions revolved across the basic theme of, “how will a drinks author hand over booze for 9 months?” In an expert capability, issues didn’t change that a lot. Pre-pregnancy, when tasting drinks, I might often sip after which spit as a matter of routine. Bar critiques had been much less enjoyable, not due to the mocktails, however as a result of I a lot most popular to be in mattress by 8pm each evening.
I assumed not ingesting throughout being pregnant can be a lot more durable than it turned out to be – I suppose as a result of it wasn’t elective in any respect for me, it meant I didn’t actually miss alcohol. What I did miss, although, had been among the routine and rituals round ingesting – pouring out a glass of wine on a Friday night, for instance. I additionally bear in mind strolling previous pubs in the summertime, watching folks outdoors ingesting chilly pints of lager, and feeling envious.
In the top, I actually delved into the world of non-alcoholic drinks and had enjoyable making booze-free tipples style scrumptious (spoiler: it’s simple). Anything fizzy works very well as a result of the bubbles add texture and curiosity, and fermented drinks like kombucha add complexity. Flavour-wise, something bittersweet tastes extra grown-up than a super-sweet gentle drink. The world of 0% spirits and drinks has additionally wildly improved in the previous few years. I’m nonetheless not satisfied about non-alcoholic gin, although (it largely tastes like costly flavoured water). Still, there are many fab non-alcoholic aperitifs, beers and wines on the market.
Expert’s recommendation
There are so many advantages to giving up alcohol, from brighter mornings and fewer hangovers to higher high quality sleep, improved vitality ranges, extra steady moods, and higher mind perform. Plus, since you’re prone to reduce your sugar consumption and devour fewer energy, you could lose some weight, too.
But earlier than you throw out the corkscrew and the bottle opener, take a second to mirror on why you drink. Is a glass of your favorite tipple a solution to de-stress, does it mark the top of an extended day, or is it a crutch to assist distract you from life’s ups and downs? Understanding why you pour that additional glass of vino is vital to efficiently changing it with an acceptable and more healthy different. So, take time to determine what function alcohol performs in your life; doing it will show you how to get to the suitable place for fulfillment.
Tips that will help you hand over
- Decide what may work as your different – this may increasingly embody a brand new stress-busting behavior like yoga or working – so suppose past what goes in your glass
- Share your plans with family and friends
- Take it in the future at a time
- Identify your triggers and minimise or keep away from them, a minimum of initially
- Social connection is necessary, but when that is prone to be a set off, plan forward and take a look at venues beforehand, so that you will be certain they provide low-alcohol or no-alcohol choices
Check out the Drinkaware website for on-line assets, free instruments, info and recommendation. It additionally has info and speak to particulars for alcohol assist companies.
Enjoyed this? Check out extra…
Non-alcoholic drink concepts
How to do Christmas with out alcohol
The healthiest alcoholic drinks
What I found once I gave up ingesting for a month
Good Food Podcast – Dr Alex George on navigating psychological health, wholesome dwelling and sobriety
