One year ago, I decided to quit drinking alcohol.
Before I dive in, I want to clarify that I’m neither an expert on sobriety nor am I writing this to shame anyone who drinks. I am sharing my personal experience, one that’s been nothing short of transformative.
My decision to quit drinking wasn’t the result of a rock-bottom moment. Simply put, I was tired of the way alcohol made me feel, and I had a hunch it was taking more than it was giving. Here’s what I noticed when I drank, even just a glass of wine or two: Increased anxiety (a scientifically proven side effect, despite what alcohol marketers claim. Search GABA + alcohol to learn more), interrupted sleep (again, backed by science), brain fog, headaches, and occasionally the dreaded hangover. I also noticed when I drank, my patience—especially with my kids—was shorter.
I initially decided to quit drinking for 30 days—just an experiment that I was sure wouldn’t last. After all, how could I toast at a wedding without champagne? How could I relax by the pool without a margarita? How could I go on vacation without happy hour? Yes, it was just an experiment until it wasn’t.
What I discovered was a lifestyle that felt better, clearer, fuller, and healthier than before. Some of the research was also pretty sobering (pun intended). I had no idea that ethanol, the main ingredient in alcoholic drinks, is the same substance we use to fuel our cars. I also didn’t know that just three alcoholic drinks a week can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 15%. And, just recently, the Surgeon General, for the first time, called for a cancer-warning label to be put on alcohol.
While those facts made me think twice about the innocent glass of bubbles I was using to celebrate milestones, the only thing that truly made me feel differently about drinking was quite literally feeling differently.
After my 30-day experiment, I wanted to keep going. I’d discovered the holy grail for better sleep and more energy. But beyond that, my stress level and anxiety dropped, my mind was clearer (zero brain fog in the morning!), and, of course, I never had a hangover. What started as 30 days turned into 60, then 90, then 150—and eventually, I lost count. Better said, I stopped counting because what began as an experiment had become a way of life.
In June of 2024, my mom died unexpectedly. I think it’s important to note that I believe being firmly planted in my non-alcoholic journey when my mom passed away was no coincidence. I am certain my grief journey would be far more difficult to manage if I was also drinking alcohol, even just a little.
As I’ve shared pieces of my journey, I’ve been surprised by how many people, especially women, are curious about cutting back on or even quitting drinking altogether. Many tell me they’ve experienced the same side effects I did, but they’re unsure how to quit while living in a society that’s so obsessed with alcohol.
One friend recently mentioned she was considering setting rules for her drinking. I did the same for years. I promised myself I’d only drink Thursday through Sunday. But then, on Wednesday, a girls’ night would pop up, and I’d have a drink. To stick to my rule of three to four drinks a week, I’d tell myself I wouldn’t drink on Friday. But after a long work week, I’d convince myself I deserved a glass of wine, breaking yet another rule. Suzanne Wrye of The Sober Mom Life podcast calls this rule-setting “mental gymnastics.” And honestly, I wanted to get off the balance beam.
When I first quit, the hardest part was finding a substitute for alcohol that still made me feel part of the party. I’d grown accustomed to the ritual of toasting with a glass of wine (not just water or Diet Coke), and I enjoyed experimenting with new cocktails or trying different beers. Fortunately, we live in a time when non-alcoholic options are more abundant than ever. In Indianapolis, we’re
lucky to have Orangily, a women-owned, alcohol-free bottle shop with two locations in Carmel and a third location opening soon in SoBro. I’ve discovered countless non-alcoholic drinks there, and they’re not only delicious but also lower in sugar and calories compared to their alcoholic counterparts. They won’t give you a buzz, but they won’t give you a hangover, either!
Will I ever drink again? Forever is a long time, and I don’t feel compelled to make that declaration today. What I do know is that I’m incredibly proud I listened to that quiet voice inside me urging me to explore an alcohol-free life. It’s been a full, beautiful, fun, and deeply clarifying journey. I’m grateful I gave myself the space to discover it, and I’m excited to continue living this way—authentically, with more clarity and freedom than I ever imagined possible and, of course, with much better sleep!
Written by Guest Author: Sarah Holsapple