I have learned how strong I really am – Tariq Awan

I am completely in control of my life and the choices I make!

Life before OYNB was a very dark place that seemed to lack all hope. I was struggling a lot as a student and trying to handle a toxic relationship with alcohol—it felt like it was everywhere I looked. Over the six months before I took the challenge, drinking had become a daily habit. I hid it from my loved ones because I knew it wasn’t normal, but I couldn’t control it.

The turning point

One morning I woke up with the worst hangover after a very bad night and just decided I couldn’t do it anymore. My sister told me about OYNB and encouraged me to try it—she even paid for my membership to the challenge.

At the beginning, I didn’t feel optimistic at all. I kept thinking:

“How can someone my age ever give up alcohol?”

But as the days passed, it slowly started to feel like a realistic achievement. I didn’t know what would happen after the 90 days, but being part of the Facebook group gave me accountability and a constant reminder of why I was doing this.

The OYNB support

The community has been the most amazing part of taking the OYNB challenge. I genuinely feel supported by the people I’ve come to know through the Facebook group. It’s such a safe, positive space for like-minded people.

People share their stories, support one another, seek advice, celebrate wins and help each other through the tough days.

I honestly don’t think I could have stayed alcohol-free without it.

In the beginning, the daily emails were especially helpful. Watching the day count increase felt really rewarding. The daily videos were full of tips, advice and powerful life lessons that helped keep me focused.

Alcohol-free lessons and benefits

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is how strong I really am. I never believed I could go back to university and stay sober—but I am, and it’s been an incredible journey so far.

I am completely in control of my life and the choices I make.

Some of the benefits I’ve experienced include:

• better mental health

• improved sleep

• clearer skin

• a healthier appetite

• greater productivity in my degree

• more focus and stability day to day

I also have a much better relationship with my friends and family. My drinking habits affected them just as much as they affected me, and now they’re proud and supportive of the changes I’ve made. I feel very lucky to have that.

My relationship with alcohol now

My relationship with alcohol is completely transformed. I don’t miss the grip it had on my life at all. I can be sober, be happy, and have far more fun without it.

I feel perfectly comfortable being around people who are drinking. I sit there and remind myself why I don’t drink and how powerful that choice makes me feel—and that keeps me on track.

What’s next?

Right now, I feel like my life is truly mine again.

I am completely in control of my life and the choices I make—and that changes everything.

I don’t think I could recommend OYNB enough. It’s a brilliant concept and it can literally change your life.