With more and more celebrities trying out the alcohol-free lifestyle, we wanted to hear from Janey on why this might be, as well as her tips on how to engage in an alcohol-free lifestyle in a meaningful, longer-term way even when it’s not hitting the headlines with endorsements from our favourite famous people.
We’re calling time on alcohol in the UK, and it’s long overdue. The idea of choosing to be sober has experienced a remarkable shift in perception. Once relegated to the realm of those who were forced into rehabilitation, sobriety is now being embraced by individuals from all walks of life, and they are anything but anonymous. From celebrities and influencers to everyday people, many are seeking a healthier lifestyle; they are recognising that glamour and alcohol are not synonymous. In fact, there is nothing much that is glamourous about the aftereffects of consuming booze and so the decision to choose sobriety is gaining momentum.
“When you are over drinking, and setting out on your sober journey, it can feel lonely and isolating… so to be able to cite cool celebs as having chosen sobriety helps a lot.”
I love the fact that celebs and influencers, who often help to shape societal norms and behaviours are ‘recovering’ loudly and publicly sharing their sobriety journey. Its super exciting to read that Demi Lovato, Brad Pitt, and the legendary ‘grandfather’ of actors Anthony Hopkins, want to share their sober streaks and remind us that their life is so much better without booze. When you are over drinking, and setting out on your sober journey, it can feel lonely and isolating, especially if there are sober shamers in your circle who make disparaging comments and ridicule your choice, so to be able to cite cool celebs as having chosen sobriety helps a lot. The more we read about celebs going sober, the more we wonder if that’s why they look so good, and of course taking care of themselves means they won’t burn out in true rock n roll ‘live fast – die young’ style.
“In a society inundated with wellness trends and health-conscious movements, it's easy to see how sobriety could be categorised as just another passing phase.”
Clearly this is not just a personal decision but also a fashionable one. And therein can lay the danger. In a society inundated with wellness trends and health-conscious movements, it's easy to see how sobriety could be categorised as ‘just another passing phase’ – particularly in a world where some sober celebs have even launched their own alcohol-free labels, such as Kylie’s alcohol-free sparkling rosé and Katy Perry with non-alcoholic aperitifs. However, with the rise of alcohol-free challenges, along with an increase in alcohol-free bars and non-alcoholic drinks options, it’s now easier than ever for people to give going alcohol-free a try and see the benefits for themselves no matter what background they’re from. For some, choosing sobriety may seem like a temporary health kick or a way to follow the latest craze, but if someone thinks of quitting booze along the lines of ‘rocking up to a boot camp to lose a few pounds and get energised’ they are severely limiting and underestimating the life-changing experience that might be there for them if they push on through.
“Sobriety is not just a wellness trend; it’s SO much more than that.”
Sobriety is not just a wellness trend; it’s SO much more than that. It encompasses a holistic approach to life that prioritizes mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It’s a conscious decision to reclaim your autonomy, break free from harmful habits and cultivate a life filled with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.
“Sobriety invites us to confront our deepest fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.”
As Catherine Gray, author of ‘The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, aptly puts it: "Sobriety isn't just about giving up alcohol; it's about discovering who you really are without it." Sobriety invites us to confront our deepest fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. That’s why it can seem so hard at the beginning, because we literally have to ‘feel all the feels’. Sobriety empowers us to re-evaluate our values, redefine our priorities, and forge meaningful connections with ourselves and others.
“[Going alcohol-free] takes some badass courage to go against the tide and call out the BS, especially in a media culture where alcohol is normalised…”
Many of us quit because we feel we ‘must’. We are scared at what might happen if we don’t, but once we can catch sight of that better life without alcohol, we realise that we are incredibly fortunate to be free from the self-imposed trap. I have only one regret, and that’s not doing it sooner. Sobriety also takes some badass courage to go against the tide and call out the BS, especially in a media culture where alcohol is normalised and literally seen as the social glue for everything from commiserations to celebrations.
It may not be the easiest journey at first, even with a few sober celebs to help quantify your choice. It takes time to ease into your new sober identity, we need to try it on for size, ensure that we mix with the right people, who are going to lift us up rather than bring us down, and connection is a huge link in the chain.
“Choosing sobriety is not just a passing trend or a health kick; it’s the best decision you will ever make for yourself.”
Choosing sobriety is not just a passing trend or a health kick; it’s the best decision you will ever make for yourself. Meanwhile let’s cheer on the celebs, but not raise our expectations too high- they are only human after all- and they need to do the work just as we all do.
Janey Lee Grace is the founder of The Sober Club, a non-judgemental community for the Sober and Sober curious who want to focus on wellbeing and selfcare, she is the author of Happy Healthy Sober – ditch the booze and take control of your life, and is a certified sobriety and health coach.
