Two years alcohol-free and everything is different – James Hall

Pretty much my entire life has changed, and quicker than I thought it would

I decided years ago that alcohol was causing blockages in my life. I was sick and tired of using it as a crutch when I felt low or angry and, although I didn’t realise it at the time, it was making all of those feelings much worse.

I wasn’t happy with my life choices. I’d made some big mistakes and it felt like I was just repeating the same patterns over and over again. I was in a challenging relationship, which certainly wasn’t helping.

Becoming sober curious

I managed to quit alcohol for a few weeks here and there and felt good each time, but I kept giving in to cravings. I read a book that helped me understand more clearly what alcohol does to you. I began to realise that what I was experiencing was actually very common, and that maybe I just needed some help and support.

I kept seeing OYNB pop up on Facebook and the advert wouldn’t go away. Eventually I decided to take the 365 day challenge.

A turning point

The relationship I was in ended and I decided it was the right moment to make some positive changes. It took a few days of reading other members’ posts before I found the courage to share my own story, but when I did, I was overwhelmed by the support I received. That gave me the confidence to participate more and join in with other discussions.

We’re all relatable here. We’ve had the same thoughts, the same feelings, the same pull towards “just having a drink” even when we knew it wasn’t helping. That sense of sharing and connection creates the togetherness you need to get through the difficult early stages.

Finding support

I made a few close connections, and they helped me enormously. They were a little further along in their journeys, but we really related to each other. Looking back, I can see that these relationships were pivotal in helping me keep going when it felt impossible.

Where I am now

Now I’m almost two years alcohol free and everything is different.

I’m slimmer, I’ve given up red meat, I take essential supplements and I genuinely care about my health. I pay attention to what I eat and drink, I walk when I don’t need to drive, and I cycle when I can. Work has improved, I don’t feel anxious or depressed, I read more and I’m more positive.

The most important change has been my relationship with my children – it’s the best it has ever been. Pretty much my entire life has changed, and faster than I expected. I’ve saved over £17,000 and I’m now doing things for myself that genuinely make me feel better.

What’s next

Occasionally the thought of a drink still passes through my mind. After drinking regularly for 30 years, that’s to be expected. The difference now is that I can play the tape forward and see clearly that I don’t need to rely on alcohol.

You never wake up wishing you’d drunk the night before. Instead, there’s that blissful feeling of being fresh, alive and full of gratitude.

I would definitely recommend OYNB to anyone who, like me, has ever googled “do I drink too much?”. For me, those first searches were the earliest sign that I needed to regain control. Now I see that I simply don’t need alcohol in my life, and I’m enjoying the ride – and this time, I can actually remember it.