Andrew’s Story

Meet Andrew. He drank from the age of 17 until he realised alcohol was affecting his mental health. In his own words, he shares with us his inspiring journey.

“One thing I haven’t really spoken about since entering sobriety is how alcohol affects you.

Life is full of personal choices, and while I can’t speak for everyone, I can share how my relationship with alcohol, and now with sobriety, has changed.

I was often described as a social drinker, someone who enjoyed a drink and rarely said no.

When I struggled with poor mental health, many people would remind me, “You do realise alcohol is a depressant.” Of course, I knew that.

Alcohol was something I genuinely enjoyed. I’m probably one of the last people you’d have thought would give it up—maybe you feel the same about yourself.

I drank for many reasons. Some good. Some not so good.

I drank because I felt good.

I drank to socialise.

I drank because of the weather.

I drank to block out trauma.

I drank to manage stress.

I drank out of boredom.

I drank because of loneliness.

When I drank, I often went too far. Once I was out, I felt like I had nothing to go home to, so I stayed out, long into the nights and early mornings. I woke up in different states, facing the same demons daily, repeating the cycle to block out emotional pain.

Weekends blurred into Friday night’s straight after work, all-day sessions on Saturdays, and—if I wasn’t bedbound—a couple of drinks on Sunday afternoons to calm the anxiety about the week ahead. I used to say those were “great weekends” because I was always out. The truth? I didn’t go anywhere meaningful. I didn’t achieve anything. I just drained my bank account and damaged my health.

From blackouts to not remembering how I got home, who I was with, or what I said, I became little more than a functioning zombie, running on a hamster wheel, terrified of stopping, yet with no idea how to get off.

Eventually, I told myself enough is enough and made the decision to stop.

After the first three months, I noticed real changes: I was calmer, more in control, and my anxieties had disappeared. My mental health improved significantly. Even now, I still can’t believe alcohol, something I leaned on for so many years, was actually one of my biggest triggers. It had simply masked deep cracks, allowing me to avoid my emotional stress and long-standing trauma.

Now, I sit with my emotions. It isn’t always easy, but it allows me to face myself and feel comfortable with who I am.

I’ve lived with the stigma of depression, so I know how harsh judgment can be. And yes, stigma also exists around sobriety, especially when it challenges what others are comfortable with. Some people have tried to belittle me for no longer drinking. Over time, those people have naturally faded from my life, and I trust that re-education and compassion will eventually find them.

I didn’t stop drinking because I was forced to. I chose to. Alcohol no longer served me. When drinking is just about “taking the edge off” in social situations or numbing trauma, it loses all value.

Now, three years on, life looks very different.

I’m happier.

I can see myself clearly.

I’m comfortable with who I am.

I have direction.

I’ve rediscovered my passion for life.

I know what I want, and I won’t sacrifice myself just to fit in.

I deal with drama in a more balanced, thoughtful way.

I’m healthier – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

My relationships are stronger, with better boundaries.

I’m learning to be vulnerable, and I actually like it.

I’m not here to tell you what to do. But I will say this: live your life for you. Do things because you want to, not because they’re expected of you.

When you do, you’ll find your truest, happiest self.”