“The best decision I have ever made” – Holly Lucas

Before joining OYNB, I felt unable to quit drinking for longer than a few weeks

My health was declining fast. I’d been diagnosed with fatty liver at just 38 — and still kept drinking heavily and regularly.I knew my two sons deserved better. They are adopted, and their birth families entrusted me with their futures.I wasn’t living up to what I had promised them, my husband, or myself.

That became my why.

My Personal Challenge

I wanted to prove to myself that I had the strength to stay alcohol-free for 90 days. To feel genuine pride. To become stronger — physically and mentally — for my family.

Cravings lingered long after the alcohol left my body, but I kept going.And I surprised myself.I pushed through the hardest moments, helped enormously by the OYNB community.

The Journey

I read several books about quitting and combined that knowledge with the OYNB resources.The shift was profound.

For the first time in decades, I felt:

• clear

• focused

• energised

• 
  

I had been a heavy binge drinker for over 20 years.I lost so many days — whole weekends, holidays, my children’s birthdays, family events.Back then, everything seemed like a reason to drink.

Now I see the truth:those moments were reasons to cherish clarity and presence.Alcohol steals your joy before you even realise it.

My New Life

Since going alcohol-free, life has changed in ways I never expected.

We travelled to North Carolina — a huge former trigger — and stayed sober.We visited a water park hotel, took a winter trip to the Colorado mountains, and celebrated family birthdays.

My husband, also a heavy drinker, joined me in the challenge.We’ve now been alcohol-free for 65 days together.

For the first time, we experienced family moments with clear minds and genuine pride.We watched our children play, learn, and grow — fully present, fully ourselves.

I look younger.I feel healthier.I’m happier with who I am becoming.

Most importantly, I can advocate for my autistic son with patience and strength.I am the parent he needs.

I asked the universe for help — and OYNB appeared on my Facebook feed like a life raft.

It has been the best decision I have ever made, and I am endlessly grateful for this community.