“I will always remember the first Monday, craving a few beers.” How Chris transformed his relationship with alcohol
“Chris used to drink a couple of beers every night and then go out on a weekend. It was a radio advert which made him realise that his drinking habits far exceeded the recommended limits. ”
It’s 8am on a crisp Sunday morning at Roker Beach. While most people sleep in, taking advantage of their day off to recharge from the week’s challenges, Chris stands alone on the sand, ready for another invigorating cold-water dip in the North Sea. Since he stopped drinking in 2020 his weekends have undergone a remarkable transformation.
Reflecting on his past, Chris said: “In my 30s, drink was not so much an issue, but it was regular. On a weekday I would have a couple of beers, but most weekends I would binge drink.”
In January 2020, a radio advertisement which referenced alcohol consumption and units prompted Chris to reassess his drinking habits.
“That advert sparked my thoughts and made me realise how much I was drinking.”
Determined to change, he made the decision to cut down his drinking during the week while allowing himself to have drinks on a weekend. “I will always remember the first Monday, craving a few beers.
“It was my way of unwinding, so the following days were equally challenging,” he shared. However, by Thursday, Chris noticed the benefits, experiencing the lifting of a persistent mental fog.
“I hadn’t even realised the fog existed because I’d been drinking regularly for so long.”
By the end of his first week of drinking less, Chris had transformed his relationship with alcohol, choosing only to drink on special occasions. “I’m grateful I didn’t drink during COVID. Though I lived alone at the time and had little to occupy my weekends, I resisted the urge to drink.”
Chris openly admits that his journey was filled with challenges but believes that the benefits – such as avoiding hangovers and maintaining sound judgement – far outweighed the temptation to drink.
He says that stopping the habit of daily drinking is the first step towards improving your relationship with alcohol.
“The initial days are tough, but lean on those around you – family, friends, or neighbours – and communicate your need for support. This may involve asking drinking buddies to refrain from tempting you for a while. If you’re anything like me, you’ll feel a sense of pride after completing the first day, which will motivate you to continue,” he advises.
“By the end of the week, you’ll feel a bit better. If you ever feel tempted to relapse or indulge in heavy drinking, recall how good you felt after that first day. Whether it’s physical or mental, jot down your feelings and use them as a reference.
“I remember a moment when I craved a few cans on a weekend and found myself torn. I had to muster the strength to resist temptation and head home instead of to the shop. Later that day, I felt immensely proud of my decision. I knew I felt better without alcohol.”
He emphasises that slipping up and having a drink shouldn’t be cause for self-criticism.
“If you do slip up, acknowledge it, reset, and seek support. If you’ve cut back for a year and experience a setback, don’t view that year as wasted.”
Back on Roker Beach, the early spring sun continues its ascent, and Chris is joined by a group of fellow thrill-seekers – his community group, Ice Guys dedicated to promoting cold water therapy and fostering connections among men.
After leading his group through some breathwork to brace themselves for the sub-zero temperatures, he marches alongside them toward the shoreline.
A decade ago, such a Sunday morning scene would have been unimaginable for Chris, but now, it’s a huge part of his life.
