YouTuber Evan, who runs The SAHD Life channel, tried giving up alcohol entirely for 30 days and the results left him flabbergasted. The transition from regularly drinking alcohol — something he’d done since he came of age — to drinking none at all was a huge adjustment for him, but it’s one he doesn’t regret. He now says it did him more good than harm.
TW: This article contains depictions or discussions of alcohol abuse and may be triggering to some readers.
His mood was more stable
After his four weeks of abstinence, the work-from-home dad found himself more patient and less agitated by the kids. He was surprised by his ability to cope with stress, as he feels that his brain now releases more endorphins. He said he substituted alcohol with tea.
Alcohol no longer tastes the same
After his “fast,” Evan tried alcohol again. He said that it didn’t taste the same and shifted from loving the taste to feeling like the taste was very bad, noting that his brain fogged up quickly. He was scared at first to break the 30-day streak, but now he is thankful, as he couldn’t wait to sober up from the drinks he had.
He saw his friends more
Evan admitted that when he was a regular drinker, he didn’t have much energy for friends. Now that he’s more sober and endorphin-fueled, his social life changed for the better. Evan recounted how he and his wife didn’t drink with their buddies and they felt great the next day. They even took the kids out!
More energy and new hobbies
Evan felt good about himself. He was able to read books, practice mindfulness, and do things he would normally make up excuses for. The moral of the story for him was: “The more I take care of my body, the happier I am, and the more energy I have.”
Other Noticeable changes
When you cease alcohol drinking, your skin, energy, and sleep quality can improve. Your immune system may experience a boost as well, which may help you avoid sickness. With alcohol cessation, you are also reducing the risks of liver cirrhosis and heart disease, and you may notice some weight loss due to these improvements.
What to do if you want to stop drinking
Dr. Rafaat Girgis, a triple-board certified psychologist, and JW Wiseman, founder of the non-alcoholic craft cocktail brand, Curious Elixirs, told Vogue that it’s helpful to continue to set clear goals and seek support. This support can be a loved one, a friend, a group, or a therapist.
Find yourself elsewhere
Alcohol is not the answer to everything. Wiseman recommends that you immerse yourself in another activity so that it can be a crutch you can rely on during your sobriety journey. For instance, picking up a book, doing some yoga, riding a bike, and many more activities are great substitutes and be more rewarding than drinking.
Self-care is key
It is imperative that you hydrate yourself and make better healthy food and drink choices. Additionally, being physically active can go a long way, even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood. The walk will supply you with endorphins that will keep you going.
Understanding why you resorted to alcohol
If your drinking is becoming an issue, it might help to sit down with yourself and address the root of the problem. Is it depression? Is it anxiety? Is it low self-esteem? A certain experience you are trying to run away from? If you come to terms with what you’re avoiding, you may feel less of a need to drink alcohol.
Don’t succumb to social pressures
The pressure to be ‘perfect’ and have everything sorted out can be very hectic and take its toll on you. Just remember that life is more than just a race, and embrace every moment you go through.
