Lynn's story*: “My anxiety is much reduced, I feel healthy, and I sleep well”

*Name and image have been changed for privacy.

I took on the Dry January^® challenge in January 2022. I had kept putting it off as I didn’t seem like the stereotypical "harmful drinker": I worked at a busy job and was married to a lovely, supportive partner with two lovely children. Family life was busy, but full of love. However, all was not well.

I had experienced depression and anxiety in the past but now, having reached menopause – I was experiencing a return of my anxiety, along with trouble sleeping, digestive issues, and weight gain. To cope with my increasing unhappiness, my occasional G&T was getting larger and more frequent, and my weekend Cava was seeping into my week. What bothered me the most, was my awareness that I was using alcohol to shut down emotionally, as a way of getting space from life. This scared me – where would that end?

I signed up to the Dry January^® challenge initially just to go dry for 1 month. I had no intention of ever giving up alcohol. I completed the month with no problem, and then afterwards I assumed I would moderate and continue to enjoy my wine. I used the Try Dry^® app to log my dry days and drinking days in a bid to change my previous habits – but it was so hard.

I was horrified by how my drinking units were creeping up again. I became painfully aware of how obsessed I was about planning when I could have my next drink. I reluctantly admitted to myself that I needed to consider quitting alcohol completely. I had felt so much better during the Dry January^® challenge, I was more relaxed, happier, freer – why would I throw that away?

With the support of the Try Dry^® Online Community Facebook group, I took on Sober Spring in 2022. I have now been alcohol free for over 3 years have never regretted my commitment. My anxiety is much reduced, I feel healthy and I sleep well. And I feel I can manage weight fluctuations much more easily.

The most useful advice I was given by another Dry January^® challenge participant was to read lots of “quit lit” and listen to podcasts on benefits of quitting alcohol. There are lots of choose from and this helped me reset my attitude towards a substance that was wrecking my life. Also, it was helpful to consider how much time and energy I was spending trying to moderate. If I could really moderate, if alcohol really wasn’t a problem, surely I wouldn’t need to spend so much time policing it and worrying about it.

The first year of being without alcohol was the hardest. I had to be so vigilant and “play it forward” if I craved a drink. No one in my family or friend circle can believe I have actually given up alcohol – I was the one who always had a few bottles of Cava in the fridge, who made the best G&Ts! But it wasn’t fun anymore, and no one will tell you that. I cringe then feel sad when I see my Facebook memories filled with my sparkling wine glasses, using alcohol to connect. It’s a big lie, I’m much more connected now.

I learnt that giving up alcohol is only the start – I'm learning to sit with my feelings, travel through difficult emotions. I honestly think giving up alcohol has given me my life back. I feel free! I couldn't have done it without the wonderful Try Dry^® Online Community group on Facebook, so much support with no judgement.

My advice to anyone wondering about giving up alcohol is that if you are wondering then you owe it to yourself to give it a go. It’s all a journey, all learning, so you don’t have to be perfect or get it right first time. I got stronger the more mistakes I made. Just don’t give up on yourself.