What’s it like to stop drinking at 23 years old?

We've all stood at a crossroads in life, wondering which path to take. For me, one such moment arrived in January 2023, fresh out of college at the age of 23. That's when I made a choice that turned a few heads: I decided to kick alcohol to the curb. This decision wasn't out of left field; it was a response to a health scare that had me bedridden for six grueling months. I was tired of feeling lousy and determined to do whatever it took to regain my well-being. As I fought my way back to health, I embarked on a journey that would improve my life.

Why Did I Start Drinking?

In high school, I wasn't much of a party animal. My encounters with alcohol were limited to those moments when I wanted to blend in with the crowd at parties. But everything changed in college. That's when I joined a fraternity, a decision that came with a unique set of expectations—chief among them, the unwritten rule that said you had to be part of the drinking scene. Fear of being labeled a "SOfT puSsY" and the pressure to fit in led me to the world of college parties and alcohol.

In those college years, I found myself chasing that initial "buzz" we all know so well. I thought, "If two drinks make me feel this good, why not five? Ten?" Little did I know, it would only lead to dreadful hangovers the next day. But it wasn't just about fitting in; my drinking habits were also fueled by a deeper insecurity. Alcohol seemed like a temporary solution to my social anxiety, especially when it came to talking to girls. I later realized it wasn't helping me address those insecurities; it was just masking them.

Life after college brought its own set of challenges. As I transitioned to a new city and started an intensive internship, I turned to alcohol to lull my racing mind to sleep. But the sedation didn't provide real rest or address the underlying issues. Instead, it delayed the inevitable—facing the root causes of my problems. It also couldn't salvage a relationship that was on its last legs.

Then, "mystery sickness" hit me like a freight train, robbing me of my well-being and quality of life. It was my body's way of saying, "Enough is enough." Reality finally caught up and punched me in the face. It was time for a change.

Why I Chose to Stop Drinking

My primary motivation for quitting alcohol was to reclaim my health. Eliminating alcohol was just one piece of a more comprehensive lifestyle transformation aimed at enhancing my well-being. As my health improved, I became curious about the experiences of others who had chosen sobriety. I sought a community of like-minded individuals to connect with.

What really solidified my decision was the realization of how detrimental alcohol is to our bodies. Simply put, it's a known toxin to human cells. Introducing such a harmful substance into my body didn't align with my goal of living a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Listening to experts like Chris Williamson on the Modern Wisdom Podcast reinforced my conviction:

"Imagine aliens coming to the U.S. and they explain human life to their counterparts. They are going on about this and that. Then they say, 'Oh yeah, there’s this drug you take, you're kind of not forced to take it, it will shorten your life, it will also give you memory loss, it also makes you fat, it makes you feel depressed and terrible the next day too."

It was clear that alcohol was a losing game from a personal health perspective. So why does society push us to consume it? Why do we put this in our bodies?

Another eye-opener was the Andrew Huberman podcast, "What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain, and Health." Two key takeaways shook me:

There is a 4 to 13% increased risk of breast cancer for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed. (10 grams ≈ 1 beer/1 glass of wine/1 shot)

1 beer/1 glass of wine is roughly equivalent to 10 cigarettes in terms of its impact on your health.

The reality was stark: a single beer held the same health risks as ten cigarettes. It begged the question, why wasn't this front-page news?

But the decision to stop drinking wasn't just about health; it was a gateway to a more fulfilling life. As Gurwinder from The Prism Blog put it:

"We’re easily led to desire distractions because we desire distraction itself. It helps us forget life’s troubles. But in doing so, it also prevents us from fixing them."

I had just graduated college, my health was returning, and my major no longer spoke to me as it once did freshman year. Currently, I’m trying to figure out my next move in life. Sobriety became a tool for self-discovery and a push towards a life filled with purpose. Starting this blog is just one step in the right direction for me.

In summary, alcohol wasn't enhancing my life in any way, particularly from a health perspective. It was a toll on my well-being, a burden that had to go. Especially after enduring a painful period of sickness, the change was a necessity.

So… What’s it Like to be Sober?

Now, let's dive into the real game-changer: life after alcohol. If you've made it this far, pay close attention, because these benefits could be your formula for improvement.

Reduced Anxiety

Without a doubt, the most significant change I've experienced is my anxiety calmed to levels I have never felt before. While it still surfaces occasionally, it's nothing compared to the constant cloud of fear and unease I felt during my drinking days, especially after a night of heavy drinking. I've never felt such a stable mood. Social situations and public settings no longer trigger anxiety like they used to. This has boosted my self-confidence and made me more capable of tackling life head-on.

Enhanced Productivity

Sobriety has led me to confront my remaining anxieties and deal with them head-on. This newfound clarity has thrown me into action, leading to decisions I might have postponed while drinking. For instance, this very blog might never have come to life if I were still drinking.

Improved Sleep

Sleep quality has improved since I stopped drinking. The days of battling sleep anxiety are gone. Falling asleep has become as easy as it was when I was a kid, and I wake up energized and ready to conquer the day.

More Fulfilling Weekends

My weekends have transformed into productive, hangover-free periods. I now have more time to engage in fulfilling activities, from working out to spending quality time with friends and fully immersing myself in the present moment. You might even find the motivation to start that long-dreamed-of side project. There's something special about getting an early start on the weekend, accomplishing tasks, and unwinding in the afternoon. It's an experience you have to live to understand fully.

You’re Going to Look Better for Longer

Embracing sobriety has placed me in the best physical shape of my life. I've set higher standards for my health, which has translated into improved self-confidence and self-esteem. You are bound to lose some extra pounds, have healthier skin, and radiate a positive energy that will draw people in. It's a wise long-term investment that yields returns, while most people's health habits from their younger years catch up with them later in life.

Improved Social Skills

Sobriety has pushed me into social situations without the alcohol safety net. This has accelerated the development of my actual social skills. It's now easier to discern genuine connections with people without alcohol clouding my judgment.

More Free Time

Giving up drinking might mean you go out less. Or not. You might even feel a little bored. But this isn't a bad thing. This means more time to think for yourself and generate fresh ideas. You'll find yourself accomplishing more.

Choose Your Social Circle

You might become more selective about the people and events you engage with. You may find it challenging to tolerate certain individuals and activities that you once enjoyed while drinking. So, why engage in those activities in the first place?

Optimism and Hope

Successfully eliminating a challenging habit that no longer serves you fills you with a sense of optimism and hope for the future. You just cut out drinking, which is tough. What else can’t you do now?

No Regrets

You won't make as many impulsive, regrettable decisions.

Save Money

It's not just your well-being that benefits; your wallet will thank you. Overpriced drinks from one night out or a trip to the ballpark can drain your finances. Save for more important things.

Were There Any Challenges After Becoming Sober?

Insecurity About Boredom

This one feels weird, and it might be only specific to me. But sometimes, I feel a little insecure about being boring to other people, especially around others my age. I don’t want to be known as that “square” who doesn’t drink. But trust me, I still like to have my fun. You just have to get to know me more (:

Dealing with Anxiety

Initially, facing anxiety without alcohol can be intense at first. It was at times for me, whether I was meeting new people or doing something else out of my comfort zone. But remember, it's a journey worth taking. The long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort.

Occasional Doubts

You might have doubts about whether certain activities will be less enjoyable without alcohol. However, these doubts tend to dissipate as the positive changes in your life take center stage. I recently went out to a bar with my friends and still had a fantastic time simply enjoying their company and observing everything going on. It offered a unique perspective that I believe is worth trying the next time you go out. You won't truly know what it's like until you experience a sober party where many others are drinking. It could be a pleasant surprise, especially when you surround yourself with good people. This time you'll have a clearer sense of who your people are.

Overall, saying goodbye to alcohol was a clear choice to initially regain my health, but it turned out to be a game-changer in more ways than I expected. If you're aiming to boost your health, and confidence, or figure out your purpose, why not give up alcohol? There's nothing to lose by giving it a shot. If I can do it, so can you.

And for those who enjoy a drink, that's totally cool. I just hope it adds to your well-being and brings happiness. Everyone's different, and in the grand scheme of things, we're all doomed anyway. So, whatever path you choose, take it easy, don't stress too much, and enjoy the ride.