Sobriety – Is It a Choice?

Sobriety is all about living a life free of alcohol and drugs. But is it always a choice?

I want to explore three things today: sobriety; whether it’s cool to be sober; and regrets.

Interestingly, I read recently that some young people think that being sober equals a life of hell. I would be interested to hear what you think.

There is a movement amongst young people in the UK who are living “clean and sober” lives. They are advocating veganism and healthier food choices. They are also choosing to entertain friends with no or low alcohol substitutes. Despite all the things that some people may think they are giving up, it appears they are still having fun, enjoying each others’ company and living whole and useful lives.

They are not suffering from hangovers, that feeling in the pit of the stomach or waking with a dry mouth from dehydration and a banging headache or having hot and cold sweats throughout the day. There are many clubs and bars in London that serve this community by providing a place to go for food, non-alcoholic drinks, dancing, and being merry which helps them maintain happy and healthy social lives.

Does this sound like hell to you?

When I was younger, we didn’t think we had a good night out unless we were hungover the following day. I look back and struggle now to understand how my peers and I thought this was OK. I have also considered the uninhibited behaviours that I thought at the time were entertaining and fun.

Have you ever looked back?

The person I was then is long gone, and I am so pleased. That person, although she was fun to be with, a daredevil, out there fitting in with everyone else, they didn’t see her come down when it was over. The going home and the tears and depression, the utter despair of loneliness and then the feeling in the morning after the night before of shame, embarrassment and anguish, let alone the guilt in case I had offended anyone. I had to face the world with a stiff upper lip and wear a smile, be a mum, daughter, wife, friend, employee or employer.

Do I have any regrets? No!

I couldn’t write this blog or do my work as a hypnotherapist without working with addictions.

I love this work and seeing the change in others when they suddenly have the light bulb moment that change is possible. They can finally dare to dream of a new future without the pain and despair that being in the prison of addiction brings.

No regrets. Because I made a change, the feelings I experience now are gratefulness for the friends who stood by me, for my husband and children, and for all the new people who come into my life. Now I have a life that feels rich and full of potential and possibilities.