Following the launch of our Harms Across the Drinking Spectrum report, in this piece we hear from a range of individuals about their experiences of the ripple effects of alcohol.
From being tired, teary, and tempted by junk food to feeling like the environment around them makes it hard to cut down; these stories tell us how even drinking small amounts of alcohol takes its toll.
For others, they explain the benefits they have seen since cutting down or cutting out alcohol. From regaining extra energy, running on full battery, optimising their thinking, supercharging their fitness, and unlocking mental clarity.
Lisa, age 57
“Over the years, I’ve become more mindful about my drinking and have made a conscious effort to cut down or take longer breaks, especially as I’ve started to really feel more impacts. It definitely makes any menopause symptoms like my temperature and general mood worse!
“Even though alcohol helps me nod off or wind down in the short term, my sleep quality really suffers, and I often feel more tired and lethargic than when I went to sleep, which means I just don’t function properly or as well the next day. I also eat less healthily, opting for junk food because it feels like the easier option when a hangover makes you crave salty or sugary food.”
Dan, age 33
“As a single guy, most social situations revolve around alcohol. Spending time with male friends is often done at the pub. Going on dates usually involves having a drink. Business events have alcohol at them. I understand the health issues, but attempting to avoid alcohol is extremely difficult under the current circumstances (I know, for example, that if I was in a relationship I wouldn't drink as much).
"For me, even having one drink impacts my sleep and recovery. After more than one drink, I'll start the night having a good sleep but then usually wake up a few hours down the line with increased temperature, fidgeting and difficulty getting back to sleep. The next day, healthy eating often goes out the window and productivity is a lot lower.”
Beth, age 33
“The thing I notice the most these days after having one or two glasses of wine in an evening is that I just don’t feel as on form the next day. It's not as noticeable as a more severe hangover but has a definite impact – I’m way more tired, less productive and generally it’s just harder to parent! It compounds my already disrupted sleep around wake windows and then during the day, I have less patience for tantrums and toddler battles than I'd usually have as I'm tetchier and more sensitive!
"I don’t think it’s widely known or accepted that alcohol is a major drag on sleep or mental wellbeing, and I’ve become more and more aware of the ’mommy wine’ culture surrounding parenting. How often do you go into shops and see greetings cards, Mother's Day cards, seemingly lighthearted novels/books about 'Why mummy drinks', or displays for seasonal moments normalising gifts of wine, alcohol and drinking?”
Brian, age 52
“For most of my adult life, alcohol was just part of the routine. I was a consultant traveling for work, and bars became my living room. I drank when I was bored, stressed, lonely, celebrating—really, for any reason at all. I didn’t think I had a problem because I wasn’t hitting a dramatic rock bottom. I was high-functioning and “successful.”
“But over time, I slipped into a chronic rut: constant fatigue, low motivation, brain fog, irritability, poor sleep, terrible nutrition, anxiety, and apathy. I didn’t realize how much alcohol was impacting my health and overall sense of purpose—until I removed it. I finally did my first dry month in late 2018 and it changed my life. I finally felt clear. And from there, everything shifted.”
Nathan, age 37
“I’ve massively reduced my alcohol intake and now I can get up in the morning without any brain fog, being able to make clear rational decisions without getting to emotionally over the top about them, fitness goals etc were never the driver for me it was more about me knowing that cutting that down and running etc would help me make better life choices. I’ve slept better too and I feel I’m generally a nicer person to be around!”
Chloe, age 32
“Alcohol used to be a bigger part of my social life in my twenties. However, since becoming a mother, I’ve become far more conscious of how alcohol affects my sleep, mood, and energy levels. Me and my partner would often share a bottle of wine on a Friday and sometimes a Saturday night; I noticed that my sleep would be broken, and I would wake feeling sluggish and drained. This left me struggling to feel fresh and eager for the weekend with my two-year-old daughter.”
Want to share your personal story of how alcohol has affected your life?