Trigger warning: This blog contains reference to substance use and suicide attempts.
April 2025 |
8 minutes
When it came to Lee’s drinking, his turning point wasn't one rock-bottom moment, but more of a cycle of events that were keeping him trapped. Now, sobriety is his superpower.
Like many, I started street drinking at 14-15 years old, as it was customary within my environment. Drinking alcohol was a gateway drug for me and led to the use of other substances that I would label as recreational, and this slowly started to shape my lifestyle. I was convinced I enjoyed the ‘ups and downs’ that came with substance use. The lows were something I began to accept, and I would enter in to cycles of self-destruction. This included being homeless at 16 to losing my family, job, and home at 26. This led to years of deep loathing and negative thoughts and even suicide attempts. My anxiety and mental health were not in a good place, and my mood would depend on one thing: was I drinking?
"My anxiety and mental health were not in a good place, and my mood would depend on one thing: was I drinking?"
My wake-up call came after a family holiday in August 2022 when I realised that I had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I decided I wanted to try another way of living my life and to be the best version of myself for my children. I wanted to break the cycle. When I was on holiday, I could not see how selfish I was by wanting to stay out drinking when my young daughter needed to go back to the room to sleep. There was no telling me or stopping me when I started drinking.
Deciding to quit wasn't easy, but it was necessary. I approached sobriety like I approached my fitness goals — with structure, dedication, and a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. I replaced evening drinks with a relaxing evening routine and a non-negotiable morning wellness routine, whilst immersing myself in learning about recovery and mental health.
"The early days were so challenging. Social situations required new navigation skills and learning to say NO, and I had to learn healthy ways to manage stress."
The early days were so challenging. Social situations required new navigation skills and learning to say NO, and I had to learn healthy ways to manage stress. But with each passing week, the benefits became undeniable. My workout performance improved dramatically. Mental clarity returned. Relationships repaired and deepened as I became more present and authentic in my interactions.
"Today, I'm not just sober — I'm stronger, both physically and mentally. Sobriety has given me a level of self-awareness and discipline I never thought possible. It's allowed me to build genuine connections and achieve fitness goals that once seemed out of reach."
Today, I'm not just sober — I'm stronger, both physically and mentally. Sobriety has given me a level of self-awareness and discipline I never thought possible. It's allowed me to build genuine connections and achieve fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. The most significant revelation has been understanding that sobriety isn't about what you give up — it's about what you gain. Every morning, I wake up at 5 am with clarity, purpose, and gratitude for this new chapter of life. My journey has taught me that true strength isn't found in escaping our challenges, but in facing them head-on with a clear mind.
This transformation hasn't just changed my life; I started Sobafit Legacy and it's become my mission to help others discover their own path to strength through sobriety. Every step forward reinforces what I now know to be true: the best version of ourselves exists on the other side of our comfort zones, and it's worth every challenging moment to get there. As I write this, I am 950 days in sobriety. It is my superpower, and it can be yours too.
To learn more about Lee, visit @lee_stewart_sobafitlegacy on Instagram.