Sober people in the UK, what are the biggest benefits you have encountered?

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jonathananeurysm@reddit

Coming up on 4.5 years sober. My skin is incredible! Frequently get a doubletake when I have to tell people my age or date of birth. I also quit smoking around the same time so I'm guessing that helps too. Also the mental acuity I've regained is nothing short of amazing. I can regularly get several pointless answers per episode of Pointless now so there's that.

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Willing-Major5528@reddit

Congratulations :)

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R0gu3tr4d3r@reddit

Maths doesn't check out. How did you max your ISA out by stopping drinking? That would be £54 a day which is a lot of booze.

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Willing-Major5528@reddit

If they were already contributing to their ISA (say half, so £27 a day) then quitting would be saving the other £27 a day or maybe £150-£170 a week, which as a former heavy drinker is very familiar as a number - I'd do £125 a Saturday and £75 mid-week no problem.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

I was already saving before drinking obvs.

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PatsySweetieDarling@reddit

20+ years sober, benefits are mostly what are mentioned here, better sleep, better finances etc. What people mention less is the social aspect can be fucking bollocks, being the only sober one in a place where most people are drunk is isolating and shite, even more so when you see how dependent so many folks are on drink to have a good time. I’ve also come to learn that dating as a non drinker is a huge red flag for many, dating a non drinker isn’t people’s idea of fun, our idea of fun seems to be a lot different. Many pubs aren’t that welcoming after a certain hour, went out in Bristol for my mates birthday last year and the only place I didn’t get a somewhat shitty look was Wetherspoons. Quitting the booze is good for your health and less good for social life and mental health, you’ll feel both better and worse at the same time.

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Shinebox1991@reddit

I drink shandies and take a few extras Benzodiazepines instead, 80mg of Diazepam if you're not tolerant makes you very social and doesn't posion your body like Alcohol dose. You can tell drinkers miles away, I'm 38 years old now and was once a full blown Alcoholic for a few years, did an inpatient detox (before I hit my 30's) since then I've had a roaring Heroin addiction so I'm now on 80mg of Methadone a day and it's scary when I look at my old class mates when I see them because they look ten years older than me. Opioids don't destroy your looks it's the lifestyle that makes the 25% of stereotypical users look like they do, the other 75% you don't see because they are your colleague, your boss, your mother in law and so on

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Cid4Breakfast@reddit

80mg of diazepam for someone with no tolerance is not a good idea, if you've used them over the years you must have some sort of diminished response. I wouldn't recommend someone with no tolerance taking even half of that amount. Definitely not combined with alcohol. It is nice for socialising in smaller doses apart from the memory loss and how you can disclose more information than you need to. I suppose alcohol is the same and like alcohol once you start to enjoy the effects when socialising it can be hard to enjoy going out without it.

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Shinebox1991@reddit

It may sound like a big dose but that is nothing really. You do know a 2mg Clonazepam is equal to 40mg of Diazepam and they give kids upto 8mg of those. 2mg Alprazolam is around 20mg to 30mg and again you can easily take 10mg of these a day non tolerant and not have much effect.

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WillBeBetter2023@reddit

I was taking over a gram of diazepam at a time (several times a month, not daily, I saved up my prescriptions and topped it up with bought pills that could have been anything really) and I can agree that 80mg doesn’t sound like a lot to me. 300mg wouldn’t touch the sides of my withdrawal. But 80mg *before* my full blown addiction? It would have been like drinking 15 pints

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Cid4Breakfast@reddit

80mg of diazepam for someone with no tolerance is not a good idea, if you've used them over the years you must have some sort of diminished response. I wouldn't recommend someone with no tolerance taking even half of that amount. Definitely not combined with alcohol. It is nice for socialising in smaller doses apart from the memory loss and how you can disclose more information than you need to. I suppose alcohol is the same and like alcohol once you start to enjoy the effects when socialising it can be hard to enjoy going out without it.

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Shinebox1991@reddit

Yes I know, I said "I" dude, I've been on 20mg a day with Lamotrigine since I can remember for epilepsy so a big dose is needed, that is get some stronger BZD's lol. 80mg wouldn't knock them out as its only 8 times the normal dose, it would make them rather vulnerable if mixed with booze though. So don't listen to my advice, I have previous for coming out with BS lol

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Cid4Breakfast@reddit

I thought there had to be some history here 😅

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Shinebox1991@reddit

Mate my history is longer than the bible lol

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Bigtallanddopey@reddit

I think the social side is getting easier. I’m not off drink, but I often drive when out as it’s easier and cheaper than trying to get a taxi home. As I lived rurally, I often had to do this to be able to get home anyway. But now, I see There are a lot more people out there who aren’t drinking on a night out for many reasons. If I ever asked for a soft drink 15 years ago when out, the bar staff looked at you weird and sometimes made comments, as did anyone else in the place. Now, nothing is said as far as I have seen. You can also get a full range of non alcoholic drinks to “fit in”. I don’t think I could do a club sober though. I’m not a massive fan of those places anyway. But the thought of trying to put up with all the wankers in clubs completely sober, is not appealing, I think I would just stay home.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

I have two comments there. I have felt the same on the party side, which has led me into other hobbies. I have resorted into working out, reading, journaling much more. I also go to a lot of raves, and have big nights out though. There is a saying that goes “after 1am, nothing goes well”, which I do believe. On dating side, I agree, but I think it is a good filter, in order to filter people with such bias out of your life. The girls I have dated ever since, that have no problem with my drinking, they have been far way more interesting/acceptable

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WatermelonCandy5@reddit

I prefer, the most exciting things happen after 2am.

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PatsySweetieDarling@reddit

I spent the first 10 years of sobriety doing lots of that, the raving I enjoyed but I don’t find the nights that attract me where I am and going elsewhere is way more expensive. It being more difficult to make new friends too pushes against it, spent far too much time on my own, solitary activities are just depressing these days, probably more depressing than they were in my 20’s, fuck I’m glad I didn’t keep journals, they’d be a miserable read nowadays. After 1am nothing goes well? I feel I must disagree there, you could say the same for 1pm, 11am or 7.15pm, most of us will say the same from the moment we wake up, from the moments we open our eyes. It is indeed a really good filter, I’ve not dated in 7 years because of how good that filter is, gave up on it all a while ago though, too difficult to find connections with folks and seemingly not what folks are looking for.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Yea. I think it is a matter of our own experiences. I started rowing due to the free time I had on my hands, from there joined a club, and its been so much fun. I have been like minded people (ie people waking up sober at 7am on Saturdays) And many other positive experiences since. I think it is also a social component. I have always considered myself very outgoing, regardless of alcohol. Cheers to you brother / sister. Wishing you the best

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PatsySweetieDarling@reddit

Locations too, I lived in the sticks for quite a number of years taking regular trips to the local town, I had to travel 2 hours to be with anyone I’d consider a friend, very few visitors, no clubs or groups or anything to join, it was a massive pile of shit and still is there. I was never hugely outgoing, got bullied horribly for all of my school life and had certain things happen in my teens that ruined my mind somewhat, I know I was using alcohol to escape that but when I stopped it just got shitter. Thank you friend ❤️

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AffectionateCouple0@reddit

Really enjoying reading these comments. I’ve been toying with sobriety in recent months, having not drank over Christmas or new year, and now at 3 weeks having had a pre-arranged lads weekend (read: boozy) in between. Something does appear to have clicked for me, as you said in another comment OP. I can’t see myself drinking again. Benefits for me so far are sleep, which is infinitely better sober, being able to wake up at 6 to take the dog out and actually enjoying it, and a general sense of health and wellbeing. I’ve not lost weight I don’t think. Sadly I’m eating a lot which I need to sort out, but exercise is a lot easier. I’ve not had a huge test of my sobriety yet, having early on decided to avoid social situations involving the pub. Will be going to the football in a couple of weeks though so will see what the reactions are when I say I’m not drinking. Congrats on 1 year - hoping I can do the same and beyond.

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JMackenzieFox@reddit

Micro steps lead to big things... 1 step at a time- the eating will fall in line just as your sobriety did. Trust the process. The very fact you are aware of it is a step in the right direction!

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snow1985@reddit

Massive congrats! I am just over a year myself (having relapsed Christmas 22) and two and a bit years recovery prior. Here is a list of things that are amazing in recovery: Sleep; falling asleep; mornings; rewatching all the things I’d watched before but had forgotten due to being pissed; the same can be said for albums; concentration; people actually seeking me out for shits and giggles and support and fun (instead of avoiding me because pissed); compassion (self and from people); money money money; some basic drive and fitness; banks like me now. Recovery has meant that I’ve identified new challenges (cyclothymic disorder / mood nonsense and a shite eating disorder) but at least I’m fairly well equipped to deal with those things now. Love recovery. All the best!!

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JMackenzieFox@reddit

👏🏼

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JMackenzieFox@reddit

Its by no means an easy feat when you navigate life in the UK that is plagued with a culture that revolves (predominantly) around alcohol... but some of the positives I have taken away in my 7month sobriety so far are as follows: - I'm actually more confident in social settings, which is surprising when I used to drink to gain confidence - My mood is much more level and when it dips it is far easier to have a little chat with yourself and let it blow over... mark improvement in my MH all over tbh - Sleep is far more improved and consistent, other than the nightly toilet trips 😂 - Friends and family members are curious and I have noticed a shift in their drinking habits - More consistent with exercise and diet!!! - You begin to see how alcohol dims you light and outlook on life, I feel I have more purpose and choose my now free team invested in family and friends more -Time- the lost days plagued to hangovers, gone! Lush Good luck to anyone exploring this new chapter in their life, whatever your motivators! 🥰❤️

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sangreblue@reddit

Fitness, no hangover, but the biggest one : no terrible anxiety day after drinking

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Fine-Bread8772@reddit

Similar situation to you, not a problem drinker but drinks had become a frequent thing by default. Time so much extra time. I would have a glass or two of wine after dinner and then just get nothing else done, I would watch something on tv and then get tired and sleepy. Now I just have endless time get things done. I know if I sit down my evening isn’t a right off. Freedom. I thought going to events without alcohol would be terrible and weird and boring but it actually felt very freeing. Weddings are exactly the same without booze but with less headaches. I definitely hate myself less. I would have a glass of wine or two and open up with someone and then hate myself the next day. Think I’d been embarrassing or inappropriate or shared too much. I Had one of those conversations with my partners mum a few months back while sober and it was lovely. I know if i had had a drink I would have hated myself the next day and convinced myself I’d been annoying or awful. I wasn’t. I was warm and honest and we had a lovely chat about something quite personal.

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BeanOnAJourney@reddit

A clear head with clear thoughts. No stupid decisions. No hangovers. But probably the biggest thing for me is being able to get in my car and drive safely whenever I need or want to.

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Botter_Wattle@reddit

Congratulations on your first year! For me the biggest benefit is never ever having The Fear again. Stopping the booze did let a lot of unresolved stuff surface but I'm dealing with that now with a professional instead of just drinking it down.

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Cid4Breakfast@reddit

The improvement in routine is great, I don't sleep in late anymore. I used to spend days depressed, now it's small moments throughout the day. Helps with diet and your metabolism.

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Sudden_Border_454@reddit

Time, i just so much more time to do productive things or just to relax properly. Losing so much time to getting drunk being drunk and being hungover never registered with me. But just over 2 years of not drinking i have been able to do so much more

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blackskies4646@reddit

For context; I'm losing weight and I've cut alcohol intake from pretty much every other day to once a fortnight (when I go out socialising) to aid with this. Since then I've discovered that I've had way more energy and I'm very rarely tired, it's rare for me to sleep past 9am even when I go to bed late. I enjoy not having hangovers or feeling ill the next day or two. My mind feels way more clear and it saves me cash by not buying booze multiple times a week. As explained, it's helping me lose weight because I'm not investing thousands of calories worth of booze every couple days. In a month I've dropped 6kg.

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LeonardBetts88@reddit

More energy, less brain fog, less anxiety, weight loss, no awful hangovers. I feel like a new person. I wish I stopped drinking years ago!

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ceaselessliquid@reddit

From ~1.5-2 bottles of vodka a day to nothing: I finally realised what the phrase "whites of your eyes" meant. They're actually white! Not greyish-yellowy.

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Lost_Elk7089@reddit

How did you cut it out and how long were you drinking that much for?

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Agitated_Ad_361@reddit

One big bonus is that I have my life back. Almost 4 years sober.

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dervish666@reddit

Went to the docs about my painful fingers, she suggested I might have gout. I thought that sounded ridiculous, I only have a drink in the evening, I don't drink much. She pointed out that even only one drink a day is still more than the max suggested. I don't drink now. To be perfectly honest I haven't really noticed much of a difference. My hands still hurt.

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MixAway@reddit

I didn’t give up altogether - still have a drink on a special occasion or when I fancy one - but that’s probably once every few months. I just usually can’t stand the thought of hangovers and the longer I go, the more repulsed I am by the thought of boozing.

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firesky25@reddit

Coming up on 5 months and really I’m just happy to have my weekends back. Managed to finally get all those little odd jobs around the house sorted in my free time. Haven’t quite made it to the fitness guru level yet, but I’m going to start picking up running again now I’m feeling alive in the morning again. Quitting during the windiest/wettest winter in years didn’t motivate me to get outside

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PurpleDec@reddit

I rarely drink because alcoholism runs in the family (I've seen the damage it can do and I'm only 24) and it's easy to fall into drinking all the time to cope so I try and stay away from alcohol as much as possible as well as drugs.

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St2Crank@reddit

I haven’t had a drink in 4 months. Not a decision to stop, just I had another child and booze and babies don’t mix. Second I get chance for a night out I’ll be having ten pints and a kebab, having beers with your mates is great I don’t care what anyone says.

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melanie110@reddit

Sleep. The quality of sleep I a getting now than when’s was drinking is so refreshing.

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Kowai03@reddit

Becoming pregnant and having a (so far) healthy pregnancy is a big bonus. I do miss a nice glass of wine though.

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biscuitman12@reddit

Really interesting reading the comments. The first year after I quit was the hardest - any time I had a bad day I wanted to drink. I am sober 5 years - and have found my attention has turned to other things - I play an instrument now, I bake, I garden, my focus is on the magic surrounding me in everything. I dont remember how it felt to be drunk - and now the difference is - I am happy because I am happy, not knowing I was happy because of my reliance on drink or if it was actual happiness is actually the worst kind of feeling.

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Kenjon60@reddit

I got gout, which if I consumed certain alcoholic drinks I got debilitated for a fortnight. Doctor prescribed medication for gout. The medication reacts with alcohol which makes me feel awful. So I firstly had to avoid certain alcoholic drinks, but could still partake socially with white wine spritzers, then the medication put the final nail in, where I now can't take any alcohol at all. Added side effect of the medication is that it dehydrates the body, so it forces me to drink more water on a daily basis. I am feeling much better because of this daily added water intake.

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Pitiful_Baby7310@reddit

For me, the main benefits have been improved sleep, improved self-esteem (which i think is down to saying no to others when i get offered drinks), and more disposable income.

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Swimming_Ad_1250@reddit

No more hangxiety!!

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SDUK94@reddit

SLEEP! I've only been sober since the 30th december but the biggest improvement is SLEEP that and the fact i have more time to think about other things now that booze and when i'm next drinking isn't on my mind.

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SmegmaSandwich69420@reddit

I don't spend time around drunks. Always a benefit.

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CiderDrinker2@reddit

I stopped drinking at the start of the first lock-down in 2020. Everyone else was hitting the bottle, and I decided to go in the other direction - just gave up alcohol altogether. So it has been a few years now. I find I enjoy the health benefits and the absence of 'bagginess' in my head. I socialise less, but I read more. A few years ago, I might have spent Friday night in the pub, followed by a kebab and chips, followed by falling asleep to porn (I never liked porn, but when I'd had a few drinks my resistance always broke and I'd fall into that trap again). This weekend, I spent Friday night walking on the beach (fresh air and exercise), cooking a healthy home-made meal, reading a history book (expanding my mind), and falling asleep to a podcast by the Churches Conservation Trust That's got to be better for me, right?

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gauravtiwari505@reddit

Good on you mate! Keep it up!

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Thanks!! Cheers to you. Forgot to add. If any lurker is reading this and is entertaining the idea of going sober, I had the same thing going for years, until it clicked for me one day. No, it wasn’t a hangover, no it wasn’t a mistake that took me to sobriety. A small realisation came to me one day, from a very small event, which flipped the switch in my head. Hopefully you can find that too. 🫂

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ResidentPoem4539@reddit

Just starting my journey so this is good to hear.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Once you have surpassed the "PAWG" stage, it gets better.

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OurSoul1337@reddit

How long did it take you to get past that stage? I've been off the booze for about a month and still feel like shite.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Define shite?

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OurSoul1337@reddit

No energy in the morning/tired all the time, poor concentration, no motivation etc.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

It took me 2 months. It is progressive. Depends how much was your last month drinking. If you went hard will take more. There are documented for severe cases that go for 5-10 months. Hopefully you are not there. Just think: what other options you have? Getting drunk and starting from zero again?

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OurSoul1337@reddit

Well December was basically a non-stop bender for me so maybe it will take a few months. Your point about getting drunk and starting from zero again is spot on. Thank you for your advice.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Forgot to add. The only scientific way proven to decrease this time is: 150 minutes zone 2 cardio per week, Omega 3 (get fish oil or supplement), 45 minutes of sun exposure minimum per day, and if possible add creatine

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

You will get there mate. I am in data, love data. Have made some research. Every hour it passes without a drink, more likely to not drink. Keep going, one day at a time. Today is day one for all of us.

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SignificanceOld1751@reddit

I assume you mean PAWS, PAWG is something else...

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Yes, my bad.

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teedyay@reddit

Can I ask how much you were drinking before? You say 2-3 nights a week, but was that just a drink or two each time, or were you getting properly drunk?

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

I am a tall guy, and wine/spirits drinker. I wasn't doing 2-3 every single week, but, on average, I would have 3 wines AT LEAST. Not drunk, drunk per se, but the minimum to get 'tipsy'.

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simonburgess84@reddit

My event is just turning 40yrs old

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MarthaFarcuss@reddit

Not losing Saturday, Sunday, Monday and even Tuesday to physical, then mental hangovers. I realised that no beer tasted as good as waking up bright and fresh on a Saturday morning feels

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glasgowgeg@reddit

> I realised that no beer tastes as good as waking up bright and fresh on a Saturday morning feels. It's entirely possible to drink without getting drunk, and still wake up bright and fresh on a Saturday morning.

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MarthaFarcuss@reddit

You know different people react differently to alcohol? I never had a problem problem with drink, hiding alcohol etc, but I never knew when to call it a day. One beer would be great, so another wouldn't hurt. And the second got me into the swing of things so I'd have a third, and then I couldn't stop. I'm a small-ish guy so it doesn't take much to get me drunk. I'm sure a lot of people would have no issue the next morning after a couple of pints, but I'm not those people. The older I got the more it affected me the next morning. I enjoy being healthy as I hurtle towards 40, running, cycling, going to the gym. It's pretty hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle as it is without deliberately making yourself feel ill. So I don't

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glasgowgeg@reddit

Nobody is saying a few pints, it's possible to have a single drink with a meal and then stop.

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firesky25@reddit

unfortunately that just isn’t the case for everyone, there are many people that have a switch inside them where 1 drink unlocks that need to get smashed

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glasgowgeg@reddit

I reckon most people are probably capable of having a single beer or glass of wine with a meal without getting pished afterwards.

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firesky25@reddit

spoken like someone that has no understanding or empathy for addiction

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glasgowgeg@reddit

I'm not denying the existence of addiction, or minimising it, I'm saying the majority of people are probably not alcoholics, and are capable of enjoying a single drink. You've made up something and gotten angry at it.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Speak about yourself mate, I cannot drink unless I feel tipsy. As of 2020, approximately 25% of regular alcohol drinkers in the UK binge drink. So, open your eyes, not all of us work the same.

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blahdee-blah@reddit

Unfortunately since I hit my late 40s even a glass of wine makes me feel a bit grotty in the morning. I think it’s a hormonal thing so I don’t drink anywhere near so often

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lifetypo10@reddit

Slightly different but I can have one drink and feel completely fine the next day but mentally I feel shit, I'm more likely to be down or irritable the day or two after drinking.

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blahdee-blah@reddit

That’s so true. I feel like a lose a productive day. Also, without getting too much TMI, my gut really doesn’t like booze any more.

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FocaSateluca@reddit

Yes, but also no. Even a pint or a glass of wine affects the quality of your sleep. It is not a big deal if you don't drink often, but you don't wake up feeling as great or rested as you would if you didn't drink any alcohol.

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selfishcabbage@reddit

I had the opposite realisation, that actually I didn’t want to be sociable at all

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MarthaFarcuss@reddit

Depends who it is. The circle of friends I've known since I was a kid and am still very close to? Always. After work drinks with colleagues. Fuck no

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smeetebwet@reddit

Lol me too, the only reason I was hanging out with most people was because I could drink, I spend a lot more quality time on my own now

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CosyBosyCrochet@reddit

I was never a huge drinker but whenever I did I always embarrassed myself, never anything major but just shit like knocking over drinks or nearly falling asleep, I just hated people laughing at me

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destria@reddit

I haven't had a drink in about two years, firstly for my mental health and now I'm pregnant it's just been a continuation of sobriety. I wasn't a huge drinker before so there's not been significant financial benefits, but I've found a clarity of mind that's been really refreshing. I'm much less anxious now. Not having hangovers has been great too. I've also found some non-alcoholic alternatives which honestly I prefer to the real thing. There are non-alcoholic gin options which are just as tasty as gin without any of the negative side effects. I don't think I'll switch back.

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AppropriateBass6058@reddit

At 4.5 years down the line and having accomplished most of my ‘firsts’, I’d say it really comes into play when something big happens, good or bad.

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Cromises_93@reddit

Haven't drank since New Years. I feel just better about life in general really. I haven't got that fogginess that comes with drinking and I can get up and make the most of my days!

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According_Ad2783@reddit

Boring

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modumberator@reddit

Just over a month now. Lost weight. The biggest benefit is not having those hangovers, there's no way that drinking eight units was ever worth that feeling

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jonathananeurysm@reddit

Keep at it. IWNDWYT

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JayR_97@reddit

Surprised more people havent mentioned this. Whenever I dont drink weight loss is much easier.

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Luvbeers@reddit

10 months + here. Being able to get up earlier so I can run before work. Money of course. But the best part really is not having that itch that I neeeed something to help me wind down, relax, take the edge off, etc.

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Lonely-86@reddit

Username no longer checks out? ;)

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Luvbeers@reddit

I still LuvNAbeers

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danieljamesgillen@reddit

You should check out Kava in a way it's like the ultimate NABeer as you still feel quite a lot from it but no hangover.

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Sad_Cardiologist5388@reddit

I remember you used to be able to buy kava year's ago but it was banned wasn't it?

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danieljamesgillen@reddit

There are sellers in the UK who will sell UK-to-UK online but it's a bit of a murky area. Not 100% legal risk free as I understand.

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Luvbeers@reddit

I've heard about it, but to be honest I am so high from my morning run I don't need anything for the rest of the day anymore. By the evening I am naturally very relaxed and ready for bed. I just like some NA beers with certain foods, but can't drink more than 1 normally.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Luv me NA beers, luv me healthy lifestyle. None of that stella stuff. Not racialis’ just dont loik em.

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Mammoth_Revolution48@reddit

What an awesome and inspiring post. I’m two months sober from a drinking habit of 4 pints a day. And 8 on weekends which included day drinking. My problem, was that I had no consequences, no hangovers and just functioned normally. I’m currently in the phase of barking at my friends for making me feel socially awkward about not drinking. I moved from the UK to Thailand where beer is much cheaper and the drinking culture is in your face. From one Buddhist to another, I have felt my intuition is much more accurate. I am able to avoid other addictions since being solving my alcohol problem. I’ve quit smoking, fast food cannabis. Overall, I’m much happier and plan to go on. Thanks again for the inspiring post.

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OccultTech@reddit

Well done, you! I'm 9 years 3 months sober, and for me, it's been a slow and steady upwards improvement. Wish I'd done it years before, but we all can only start when we do, so

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Ne5far1ousnessFit751@reddit

1. Money We save so much money. I can't describe how good this is. I have friends who spend £100 a week on alcohol yet won't put the heating on. I'm happy to say my heating is on 24/7! 2. Fitness My partner started having sleep apnea, and once he gave up drinking, the sleep apnea disappeared! He also noticed his little beer belly, disappeared. I will add we do now drink however it is probably 3 or 4 pints/glasses a year if that is, we just don't see the point anymore and we've managed to brush off the peer pressure!

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BillyBeansprout@reddit

The biggest benefit has been being able to taste weed better.

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Healthy-Grocery6055@reddit

Having a kid was the most sobering thing for me - I would not want to have to deal with her after a heavy night out. I still drink but it is nowhere to the extent that I did in my 20s and even 30s and I certainly don't do late nights anymore. Day drinking is OK as long as I'm home at a reasonable time but that is casual, leisurely supping not quaffing them down as though there will be no alcohol around tomorrow.

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ProperGanderz@reddit

Not being pissed Friday day to Sunday early a.m. hen spending 4 days hungover at work from Monday- Thursday. Fuck me that was an awful time.

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HydroSandee@reddit

Life is just easier and more joyful without alcohol.

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Inside_Ad_7162@reddit

saves money, quit smoking too, don't wake up feeling in the range of *slightly twisted* to *omfg I need an ambulance.* That's about it tbh.

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YGhostRider666@reddit

I grew up around an alcoholic father and I saw from an early age what alcohol did. It killed him a few years ago, I saw an article in the local newspaper and thought, shit my dad is dead. But I didn't shed a tear. Anyways I've been tea total for most of my life. What is an advantage? Spare money with something to show for it would be the main one. You look younger (maybe that's just good genes) I'm 33 but people think I'm in my late teens. And lastly you feel healthy and can actually enjoy your days off / weekend without being stuck at home with your head spinning

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rammscot@reddit

Just overall more happier. Alcoholism runs in my family and I found myself getting close to it so have found it easier to either not drink at all or have like one drink once a year. My skin is clearer. I’m not wasting money on alcohol and don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything by not going out drinking as people I know who do it always complain about the hangovers and having no money and just seem miserable.

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wokeupthismorningg@reddit

No hangxiety worrying and crying about what I potentially said/did. Being sober did wonders for my chronic anxiety.

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elmachow@reddit

Time and energy for me, I didn’t realise how much time looking forward to a drink, drinking, and recovering from drinking I took, also the energy sap of being hungover. Only done dry January (just been on holiday so off the wagon for a week) but will do another stint now. Summer will be a challenge with the weather and beer gardens!

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Geek_reformed@reddit

Not sober, but I've decided to pause drinking because my "fun" money spending account gave me a Spotify-like wrap-up and I saw how much money I was spending on beer (at the local craft beer store). So I've stopped buying anything to drink at home and I have not had an occasion to drink in a social setting yet. Other than financial, I've not really noticed anything. On average, I'd normally only have a few beers at the weekend, maybe 1 midweek. Not a lot volume-wise, but at £5+ a can, we are looking at £60-£70 a month. I never really felt hungover on a Saturday or Sunday morning unless I'd been out which for me happens maybe 2-3 times a year now. I am generally mentally foggy, but I blame my phone usage for a lot of that (which is the next thing I'll be cutting down on). I've not lost any weight., but I guess it has only been 6 weeks. I see a lot of posts like this so and I guess I just expected more.

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griff_biff@reddit

The simple thing that stopped me having a Saturday night drink was not wanting to wake up on Sunday with a hangover and my young kids getting the worst version of me. Being short tempered due to drinking the night before riddled me with guilt enough for me to stop. As soon as I saw the benefits that others have mentioned I just carried it on and have done for a year now.

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rako1982@reddit

I'm 21 years sober now and the main thing is finding a sense of self. Staying sober has allowed me to find out who I actually am, but that's been an ongoing and long process. On a practical level not being scared of dying every time I used to use drugs is the main thing.

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glittermaniac@reddit

Alcohol triggered my migraines, so I stopped drinking about 10 years ago. It hasn’t really changed my life in any meaningful way, but it does mean I always drive when going out with friends. I like it as it means I always have a way to get home and can leave whenever I want. I’m happy to give other people lifts and my husband knows he’s always got a ride. The biggest impact is probably that my husband rarely drinks these days. Only if people are coming over or we are going out with friends/family, as he won’t usually drink alone. The only exception is he might have a bitter shandy if we go out as a family to the pub for lunch or dinner.

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Dydey95@reddit

Been sober since 31st Dec 2022. First thing I noticed was how much my sleep quality was improved and how much more refreshed I feel. Weight is a lot easier to manage and a lot easier to get off because I don't feel as slowed down by a hangover.

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Monkeyboogaloo@reddit

I have given up beer a few times but never really felt any benefit. Possibly because I don't drink a lot and have four days between drinks. But I still am planning to stop. I drink AF beer at home if I want something so real beer is just for nights out and nearly £7 a pint doesn't make me want to drink loads. I first took some time out of drinking about 15 years ago but with such a range of AF choice and society being far more accepting of non drinkers its easier now.

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MrLangfordG@reddit

I'm a lot happier as I didn't enjoy my drinking habits or like myself when I was drunk. It was a massive net negative for me. Towards the end, I would just leave events early to drink alone as I knew I couldn't or wouldn't stop and was trying to mitigate making a fool of myself. Also ended up wasting weekends with hangovers and barely functioning at work. Fortunately, I have been resilient and so didn't really change my life much just don't drink. Still saw my friends and went to pubs, felt happier for making excuses not to go clubbing (which I detested) and took advantage of the weekend.

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just_a_girl_23@reddit

This is an interesting read as I am currently looking at going mostly teetotal (ie special occasions only). I've been more sober the first 6 weeks of this year than ever in a similar time frame. A number of years ago, I certainly was an alcoholic due to shocking mental health issues, but I reined it in and now I like to have a drink or two with dinner/in the evening and do so most nights, I only do 'nights out' maybe 5 times a year and usually regret it. But this year so far I've already been on 2 courses of antibiotics, had a head injury, and generally not been well so have spent multiple days in a row booze free and the head injury really has me on edge when I drink as it seems to (no pun intended) go straight to my head. The better sleep, it being easier to get up in the morning, and the extra clarity during the day has been quite interesting.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

If you hit what we call “the wall” and you surpass it, it becomes statistically unlikely for you to go back drinking, It is the PAWS stage you need to look up for.

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tighto@reddit

more patience with my kids. enjoying watching them grow up x10 more.

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4th_Replicant@reddit

Not waking up with crippling fear over nothing.

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mikolv2@reddit

Money, health and extra time. First 2 are obvious but it's also nice going out to see friends and not being hungover the next day, you come in, you sleep, wake up the next morning and its a normal day.

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TranslatorMundane296@reddit

Seeing my friends drunk making fools of themselves and thinking Thank god that's not me anymore 🤦🏻‍♂️😂😂

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Flat_Development6659@reddit

When I've gone through periods of sobriety the main benefits I've noticed have been financial, having more time available on a weekend due to lack of hangover and better sleeping pattern. I've never really experienced much in terms of improvement to fitness or strength. Even when recovering from a hangover I can warmup with most peoples maxes and back when I was actually fit I was probably at the point in life where I drunk the most. The major disadvantage I noticed during these periods was seeing less of friends, especially in colder months.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Even though not professional, I workout 6-7 days a week. I currently sit at 6’6 and around 110kg. I have decent six pack. Hypertrophy training most weeks, while kayak / rowing / bouldering the other days. I agree, it all comes down to CICO, but my recovery levels have been insane, compared to having a bad sleep day. When I was drinking even 1 day a week, no way I could sustain this schedule.

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Flat_Development6659@reddit

Yeah I'd imagine when there's multiple disciplines involved the recovery aspect will probably have more of an impact. If someone just wanted to get a 3 plate bench or run a marathon though I doubt it'd impact things much.

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Ok-tax-1@reddit (OP)

Last thing I would like to add, I applaud your discipline to stay fit and drinking. I could never. Being drunk meant maccies or cheap takeaway. Those 4,000calories a day would out balance my entire week.

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TURBINEFABRIK74@reddit

Every work party, I’m the one who can show up the next day pretty refreshed, without shame and not being afraid to be fired lol

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Nice-Masterpiece1661@reddit

My skin is better, no blemishes, look fresher and younger, no puffiness. Just looked at photos of myself when I was having at least bottle of wine a week and compared to how I look now after not drinking for a year, it is night and day, although I am older than I was I look younger.

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Jlfitze@reddit

Better sleep, more clarity and more productive in day to day life

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No-Aardvark-3633@reddit

Being able to plan the week ahead better. There’s no more “well I can’t schedule that appointment for Sunday morning because I’ll still be hungover/sick from Saturday”

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