“I stopped being afraid of embarrassing myself on the dance floor” – Vanessa Addo

OYNB
Nov 17
2 min read

Woman smiling in a straw hat with hoop earrings. Background has trees and a metal fence. Mood is cheerful.

On 1st January 2019, I celebrated one year alcohol-free

It all began after a heavy night of drinking at a Christmas party in 2017 — followed by a brutal two-day hangover. I remember sitting there thinking, “Why am I doing this to myself?”

Living with Crohn’s disease already meant low energy and constant fatigue. Adding alcohol into the mix would wipe me out for an entire week. Something had to change.

I didn’t want to give up my social life — just the alcohol

At first, I worried the fun would disappear with the booze.

But after speaking to a friend, I came across the OYNB Instagram page… and then the member testimonials on the website. Seeing so many people — young, old, from every walk of life — taking the challenge and thriving was incredibly motivating.

The results were inspiring. I knew I had to try.

And so my One Year No Beer challenge began.

The early days were awkward — but only briefly

I felt a little out of place on nights out at first. But that awkwardness quickly transformed into something brilliant:

Memories I could actually remember.Dinners and parties without shame or regret. Zero hangovers.

I didn’t miss drinking — not even a little.

I became more confident, more present, and I didn’t need a gin and tonic to start a conversation. I stopped worrying about embarrassing myself on the dance floor — and just had fun.

My social life got better, not worse

Before going alcohol-free, my friends called me Cinderella — after one glass of wine I could barely make it past midnight.

After going AF?I could stay out all night if I wanted to.I saved money.I travelled with more energy. My skin cleared. My health improved dramatically.

I am so proud of making a change that has transformed my life inside and out.

I genuinely feel like I’m glowing.