Why You Should Take a Break From Alcohol
The most transformative experience I had in my late thirties when it came to drinking was deciding to stop for an extended period—3.5 months, to be exact.
The first couple of weeks, I struggled because my body was going through a detox.
At the time, I thought my alcohol consumption wasn’t excessive—I was casually drinking once or twice a week, but constantly putting a toxic poison into my body had a profound effect on my health.
That’s because I had been drinking alcohol since I was sixteen, and by the time I hit my twenties, I was a full-blown party girl hitting the underground rave scene.
We’d dance through the night, losing ourselves to the music as house DJs spun vinyl records on their turntables, carrying the party into the early morning hours.
Sometimes, the party didn’t stop there. Our crew would eagerly wait for the liquor store to reopen so we could stock up for the afternoon supply.
As much as I loved the community and culture, eventually, the partying and lifestyle caught up with me as my mental health began to crumble, and my body felt the impact of years of neglect—I wanted a drastic change.
That realization catalyzed a significant shift in my life—one that led me to leave that scene behind and start fresh in Vancouver, searching for deeper meaning and purpose.
Due to my early drinking, I did not realize it became more of a habit and belief system that everyone drank alcohol.
When I was sober for those 3.5 months, my life and perception completely changed.
I felt a surge of energy I hadn’t experienced in years or perhaps ever.
My motivation returned, fueling my goals and aspirations.
My self-confidence grew as I reconnected with my authentic self.
Even my sleep patterns improved, bringing me restorative rest and clarity.
I discovered a renewed sense of purpose and a positive outlook on life.
Most importantly, not as many people drank as much as I thought. My environment and the individuals I surrounded myself with made it seem so normal.
After that transformative experience, I knew I could never approach alcohol with the same mindset again. Drinking constantly—or even at all—had no real benefits for me. It only held me back from the life I truly wanted.
Now, in my forties, I’m proud to say I’ve designed a balanced, purposeful, and more fulfilling lifestyle than I ever thought possible. Life feels richer, healthier, and more aligned with who I am.
If you’re someone struggling with alcohol use disorder, seeking professional help is an important and empowering step.
However, if you’re looking to redefine and break free from your relationship with alcohol through nutrition and holistic lifestyle changes, I’d love to support you on that journey. Feel free to reach out—I’m here to help you create a healthier, happier future.
