“More Energy to be a Better Father, Husband, and Human”

I’ve been drinking since I was a teenager

Growing up in Australia in the 1990s meant one thing: alcohol was everywhere, and everyone drank. Weekends were synonymous with binge drinking, and that pattern became embedded in my life before I was even old enough to understand what a “habit” was.Through adulthood, I always thought my relationship with alcohol was typical: heavy on weekends, “a glass or two” during the week… but gradually, predictably, it spiralled upward.

Music and Academia

Drinking never stopped me from achieving big things.I completed a PhD in English Literature, worked in academia and commercial research, and built a successful career. But I was also a professional musician — which meant long nights, loud bars, and an endless supply of booze. The culture around me made heavy drinking seem normal, but deep down the toll was building.

On Tour

Between April 2017 and May 2018, everything escalated. My band toured twice in Europe, once in Canada, once in the USA — and life on the road pushed me to the edge. The constant pressure, performing nightly, sleeping poorly, and being surrounded by alcohol meant that drinking became my coping mechanism.

My anxiety skyrocketed. My relationship with my wife and young daughter strained.Nightly binge drinking was the norm.

Instead of numbing my stress, alcohol amplified it — and by the end of touring, my mind and mood were barely holding together.

Back to Reality

Returning home should have been grounding.Instead, I couldn’t readjust.I tried to make up for lost time with my family, but my alcohol use spiralled even further — often 1–2 bottles of wine a night. Moderation felt impossible.

When I saw myself step on the scale at 90kg for the first time ever, something broke inside me. I knew I couldn’t keep going like this.

OneYearNoBeer

A friend had mentioned OYNB before. One evening — half drunk — I signed up for the 28-Day Challenge.I did 5 days… then caved at my daughter’s 2nd birthday party.

That Monday, I restarted.And this time, I went all in.

My New Life

In those early weeks, the OYNB emails were my lifeline.Even when my cynical side rolled its eyes, I followed the guidance anyway — because for once, I admitted I wasn’t in control and needed help.

And everything began to change.

• I started exercising again• I wake up at 5:30am to run or hit the gym every morning• I’ve lost 6kg and feel strong for the first time in years• My anxiety dropped significantly• My patience and energy as a husband and father skyrocketed

But the biggest transformation?

Alcohol had stolen my love of music.Sobriety gave it back.

After a few weeks AF, I picked up my instrument again — and remembered why I became a musician in the first place. Touring hadn’t burned me out… drinking had.

Now I’m playing again, regularly, and loving every minute.

Take the Challenge!

Life without alcohol isn’t always easy — but it’s always worth it.With the support of the OYNB community, what once felt impossible became achievable, sustainable, and genuinely exciting.

I’m now taking on the full year.I’m rebuilding my health, my passions, and my identity — unencumbered by alcohol.

And if you’re thinking about taking the leap:Do it. Your life can change more than you ever imagined.