I’ve always shied away from watching any of your alcohol related content because I have my own difficult relationship with it. Finally braved watching this and realised I didn’t have anything to be scared of - you deal with the topic very sensitively and pragmatically and I really enjoyed listening to your thoughts on the matter. ❤
I haven't quit drinking but I'm very careful with my drinking habits (alcoholism family history) and whenever I feel like I'm craving a glass of wine to decompress and I'm not sure it would be healthy to have it I buy some fancy nonalcoholic drink and I have it from a wine glass. So good! It often makes me realise that what I was craving was a treat, not necessarily alcohol. Congratulations, Lucy, on your journey! ❤
On the point of having fun, even when I drank, I always made it a point to only do so while going out dancing and super happy. I never had a fun experience when I was slightly sad because the drinking amplified those feelings. In the end, I realized I had more fun just dancing and choosing happiness rather than allow drinking to dictate my mood. If I wasn't in the mood to dance sober, I wouldn't have been while drunk.
I quit drinking because of a misunderstanding. I was a frequent drinker (not as in every day, but when I was around more than 6/7 people, I drank) to numb myself. I have autism and ADHD, and drinking let me blur the differences. I’ve been on ADHD meds about a month and sober just as long. I thought I couldn’t drink full stop if I’d taken the meds that day, when just can’t drink for 12 hours after. I went sober and heavily cut back on vaping (used to go through 2 bars a week, now I use my friends for a puff or two on a bad day) and I like myself so much more. I also had to quit caffeine which is harder than I expected but I feel closer to the world and I’m starting to trust my gut more again. I’ve realised there are people I can’t stand to be around sober, and instead of drinking around them, I let myself decline invitations. It’s incredible to be honest. I always felt like drinking was a moral failure, like ingenuine of me, and I don’t have to feel like that anymore. Yes it’s hard quitting, and it’s hard to go to bars and house parties (I’m 18), but also, I didn’t enjoy those events drunk, I just enjoyed the drink. It’s nice to see other people’s sobriety journeys, I’m hoping I can keep this up for now, but yeah, thank you!
We don’t know each other but reading this, I’m very proud of you! Best of luck and I truly love reading about people’s sobriety journey - including yours. Thank you.
I quit drinking about a year ago, after getting violent when blacked out drunk. It’s been such a wonderful experience not drinking. I find that I actually have more stamina and energy when I’m out partying now that I’m not drinking, and I get a crazy placebo effect just from being around drunk people, so I still have just as much fun when I’m out with my partners or friends when they’re drinking :) and I totally relate to the feeling disappearing of needing alcohol to loosen up… these days, I often seem just as drunk as the drunk people despite not drinking! Side note, I consume THC and caffeine, which also helps when I’m around people who are drinking and still want to experience some type of altered state.
I noticed that I drank a glass of wine or a beer way to often just casually in the evening after work during the week so I gave up alcohol for lent. It really helped me and now I only really drink at special occasions :)
What a wonderful video, it's so heartening to see someone talk about this with so much respect for themselves and others, and with positivity! I'm having just a touch of an identity crisis, because I had a Big Realization a couple of months ago that the reason I drink so much at parties is because I'm anxious at parties... not because I love drinking. It may sound odd, but I truly used to frame it to myself as that I enjoyed drinking, but really I used drinking to help myself enjoy being at parties. Now it's trying to figure out how to socialize without thinking of parties as the ultimate form of socialization, but also finding ways that I can show up for friends when they are throwing celebrations without collapsing in on myself and needing to go too far.
i remember watching you first video about this as a teen and wondering i had an issue with alcohol as well. fast forward to now, i'm 21 and i decided to limit my drinking a lot (i only drink when my family shares a beer on weekends). it's working great for me, i'm able to focus on my mental health more. my close friend group quit as well, so i don't see that much of a difference
I'm not sober but I recently started drinking 0% ready mixed cocktails. i think part of the reason I don't opt for non-alcoholic drinks over a beer/wine/gin is the options are a bit sad. I like cocktails and cute little drinks so having a fun, tasty drink that feels as special as a gin has been great. Also means I look forward to events where I choose not to drink.
When people ask why I’m not drinking I say the following (thanks boygenius) „You know, I think there’s only so much one that one can drink in one life. That amount is different for everyone and I’m pretty sure I’ve already drunk mine.”
It’s really nice to hear this talked about on the internet. Also, as a side note, your hair is really living its best life in this video! And you are glowing in general
Thank you so much Lucy for continuing to make videos about sobriety. We’re both young women and I really relate to you, especially your first video on the topic. I will not drink with you today. Please continue making videos on it!
Thanks for another great video, I quit drinking last year and started smoking weed instead and my mood and anxiety levels are so much better. That being said I wouldn’t recommend for anyone as not for everyone
Loved this video! I completely agree that after 6 months the need to decompress with alcohol really does fade away! You are not alone living this sober life ❤
I love this video! I very rarely drink and have been really enjoying making mocktails. There's a book called 'Good Drinks' by Julia Bainbridge that's all mocktail recipes (that aren't just like fruit juice!) if you want drinks that still feel special and interesting - or maybe something fun and unique to serve at a party or dinner! I was never a beer person so non alcoholic beers aren't my thing and this has been really fun. It also means that my friends drink less when I host because I can provide unique drinks that are really fun and so no one feels like they're missing out on a fun, special drink just because there's no alcohol!
Hello Lucy and commenters. I didn't think that women were concerned about being sober while being in the dating scene. I know that it was my concern when I was single and considered going sober. Great commentary.
I can't really drink (like I can have a glass of wine occasionally) due to medication and severe hangovers. I'm also in college. Studying abroad. In Belgium. It's honestly been really hard and I've lost friendships and missed out on experiences it ultimately I have to remind myself that my health is more important!
Amazing I loved this! I went sober for 6 months last year to test the waters and it helped my mental health immeasurably, I can defo relate to the talking about sobriety constantly my friends were angels.
I love that you made a video on this; I now very very rarely drink too, because of the meds I take! As my boyfriend loves to have a beer or a glass of wine every once in a while, I have my little stash of fun drinks for me that I keep to drink at the same time: Ramune, non alcoolic amaretto sour, non-alcoholic apple must... However, for event where other people are drinking, I do find it a bit difficult sometimes... But I am the aunt who can bring fun drinks for kids!😊
I don’t know if anyone will see this questions but Lucy/any sober people watching this: Do you drink/how do you feel about drinks that are “legally” classed as non alcoholic but are 0.5%? It sounds super obvious now but I recently learned that people recovering from addiction absolutely should not drink anything with any trace in, as enough of those drinks will still lead to affects from the alcohol, but how about people who are sober but not addicted? Really insightful video Lucy thanks!
My experience with substances is very limited so for me being sober felt very natural, but it’s been 3 years since I tried it briefly and found out it wasn’t for me.Ask me anything about it! Here’s my story (because sober stories, where are they?) : I’ve always been a good girl or, well, let’s be honest: my anxiety has always made me naturally avoid A LOT of things and alcohol was just another thing on the list. When I tried it I didn’t like the way it made my body feel. It made me feel worse, not better. I felt out of control and dissociated. I still had a fear that I might like it one day and become chained to it like I have seen happen to family, in the media etc. Alongside this, what pushed me to drink in the first place was my friends were growing up and I felt left behind. Peer pressure I suppose. I was scared I would lose them if I didn’t go to parties etc. But ultimately I quickly put my needs first and as a result stopped seeing them altogether. What made me lose them however, wasn’t quitting drinking, it was my attitude and strictness around it. I felt scared of myself more than I was scared others. I was treating my sobriety as if it were hanging by a thin thread if somebody just mentioned a party. I was using sobriety as a «if i reject them, they can’t reject me» thing, I was the opposite of easy-going and pushed everyone away. I made sure everyone knew I thought drinking was unethical and made them feel judged. I was like a missioner for sobriety. Quitting drinking was an easy choice for me, but to stop defining myself by it and restricting not just what I put in my body, but my whole life because of it, has been the hardest. It was very isolating, and to be honest it still is, but that’s not the alcohol, it’s me. My brain sure doesn’t need another unhealthy habit so I am happy that I at least stopped before it became a problem. However, I wish I understood the concept of moderation. So, I guess no, your problems won’t be fixed by drinking, just as much as they won’t magically disappear if you stop. I am heavily biased towards leading your life with the clarity that can come from not being drunk. (I have maany reasons for being sober, some are personal convictions, facts, world view, trauma etc. not just one!) However, life is hard, and it’s too short to feel like you can only live a good life if you live by a set of rules, a lifestyle, a box, a label, you have for yourself. There are no gold stars, there is only you. Have a realistic goal and seek help if either choice gets hard. Be kind to yourself and reflect on what drinking or not drinking is doing for you. This is probably not that motivating, i’m sorry, but it’s just one person’s experience so take it as you will! Good luck!❤
Very very well said. Don't judge, let people live there lives while you live yours. Everyone is different and that's the fun part. I'm not a drinker and have been judged on that which just makes me not want to judge. You don't make feel good doing that
Do you think the fact that alcohol is so cheap and available in the uk makes things harder? I'm a brit currently living in Canada and alcohol is more expensive here also not available in supermarkets etc, only from liquor stores with strict open hours. I find I'm not really drinking casually here at all.
Great video! I find it hard to admit that I could have a problem with alcohol because I don't drink at home. I grew up in my late teens just with my mum who doesn't drink (just out of choice not because she used to be an alcoholic or anything like that) so there was no culture of drinking in the house. We'd have very little alcohol in the house and when we did the bottles would basically stay there until they catch dust (we still have a half drunken bottle of mould wine sitting in the kitchen). I have always found it weird to just crack open a drink when just at home without friends around. But when I do drink I can go crazy. If I'm not having a good time instead of leaving I would just head over to the bar and if I got rejected by a girl at a club I could easily just order three or four shots for me. I've been going through some life struggles post university with having to move home, having no job and returning to a difficult dating scene in London (i.e. can't get a date) so I've been very afraid of alcohol for the last nine months or so since I know I could easily drown my sorrows away. Thanks Lucy for being so open with your experience. I'm glad that sober life is working out for you!
Recently went to a wedding and I'm nearly 3 months alcohol free and I didn't feel deprived while everyone else was drinking. That being said, trying to dance with the bride without alcohol was weird. I was so self conscious since I suck at dancing and when you drink you don't care. 😅
Re: dating and drinking- I think it's really weird to treat not drinking as something that needs to be approached with caution or timed sensitively to mention to a date...? I hate that one person's choice to not drink is viewed as impactful on those with whom they interact socially, bc people honestly need to sort out their own issues if they feel uncomfortable having a drink in the presence of a non drinker (I'm speaking as someone who doesn't have issues with being around alcohol). As someone who's never gotten into drinking because of bad experiences with binge drinking family members as a kid, I'm so done with people acting like my own personal choice has anything to do with them, or that it's my responsibility to make them feel comfortable by abandoning what I know to be the right choice for me. It makes me angry that drinking is so normalized that it seems radical to just...not, to the point it's even worth mentioning as a Big Deal? Are we gently waiting for the right moment to mention to dates that we're vegetarian, or don't smoke, or prefer vanilla to chocolate??? Not to my knowledge.
Te doy tu poderosísimo solo porque me encanta tu voz, amo tus piernas y me agradas. Aunque no te entendí nada jajaja. Así que solo te diré "la tuya" (por si acaso).
I’ve always shied away from watching any of your alcohol related content because I have my own difficult relationship with it. Finally braved watching this and realised I didn’t have anything to be scared of - you deal with the topic very sensitively and pragmatically and I really enjoyed listening to your thoughts on the matter. ❤
You are seriously glowing since you gave up drinking for good. Love seeing other young women talk about this topic
I haven't quit drinking but I'm very careful with my drinking habits (alcoholism family history) and whenever I feel like I'm craving a glass of wine to decompress and I'm not sure it would be healthy to have it I buy some fancy nonalcoholic drink and I have it from a wine glass. So good! It often makes me realise that what I was craving was a treat, not necessarily alcohol.
Congratulations, Lucy, on your journey! ❤
On the point of having fun, even when I drank, I always made it a point to only do so while going out dancing and super happy. I never had a fun experience when I was slightly sad because the drinking amplified those feelings. In the end, I realized I had more fun just dancing and choosing happiness rather than allow drinking to dictate my mood. If I wasn't in the mood to dance sober, I wouldn't have been while drunk.
I quit drinking because of a misunderstanding. I was a frequent drinker (not as in every day, but when I was around more than 6/7 people, I drank) to numb myself. I have autism and ADHD, and drinking let me blur the differences. I’ve been on ADHD meds about a month and sober just as long. I thought I couldn’t drink full stop if I’d taken the meds that day, when just can’t drink for 12 hours after. I went sober and heavily cut back on vaping (used to go through 2 bars a week, now I use my friends for a puff or two on a bad day) and I like myself so much more. I also had to quit caffeine which is harder than I expected but I feel closer to the world and I’m starting to trust my gut more again. I’ve realised there are people I can’t stand to be around sober, and instead of drinking around them, I let myself decline invitations. It’s incredible to be honest. I always felt like drinking was a moral failure, like ingenuine of me, and I don’t have to feel like that anymore. Yes it’s hard quitting, and it’s hard to go to bars and house parties (I’m 18), but also, I didn’t enjoy those events drunk, I just enjoyed the drink. It’s nice to see other people’s sobriety journeys, I’m hoping I can keep this up for now, but yeah, thank you!
We don’t know each other but reading this, I’m very proud of you! Best of luck and I truly love reading about people’s sobriety journey - including yours. Thank you.
I quit drinking about a year ago, after getting violent when blacked out drunk. It’s been such a wonderful experience not drinking. I find that I actually have more stamina and energy when I’m out partying now that I’m not drinking, and I get a crazy placebo effect just from being around drunk people, so I still have just as much fun when I’m out with my partners or friends when they’re drinking :) and I totally relate to the feeling disappearing of needing alcohol to loosen up… these days, I often seem just as drunk as the drunk people despite not drinking! Side note, I consume THC and caffeine, which also helps when I’m around people who are drinking and still want to experience some type of altered state.
I noticed that I drank a glass of wine or a beer way to often just casually in the evening after work during the week so I gave up alcohol for lent. It really helped me and now I only really drink at special occasions :)
What a wonderful video, it's so heartening to see someone talk about this with so much respect for themselves and others, and with positivity! I'm having just a touch of an identity crisis, because I had a Big Realization a couple of months ago that the reason I drink so much at parties is because I'm anxious at parties... not because I love drinking. It may sound odd, but I truly used to frame it to myself as that I enjoyed drinking, but really I used drinking to help myself enjoy being at parties. Now it's trying to figure out how to socialize without thinking of parties as the ultimate form of socialization, but also finding ways that I can show up for friends when they are throwing celebrations without collapsing in on myself and needing to go too far.
i remember watching you first video about this as a teen and wondering i had an issue with alcohol as well. fast forward to now, i'm 21 and i decided to limit my drinking a lot (i only drink when my family shares a beer on weekends).
it's working great for me, i'm able to focus on my mental health more.
my close friend group quit as well, so i don't see that much of a difference
I'm not sober but I recently started drinking 0% ready mixed cocktails. i think part of the reason I don't opt for non-alcoholic drinks over a beer/wine/gin is the options are a bit sad. I like cocktails and cute little drinks so having a fun, tasty drink that feels as special as a gin has been great. Also means I look forward to events where I choose not to drink.
When people ask why I’m not drinking I say the following (thanks boygenius)
„You know, I think there’s only so much one that one can drink in one life. That amount is different for everyone and I’m pretty sure I’ve already drunk mine.”
Because I don't want to and why do you drink? It's really nobody's business.
I'm quitting because I really dislike who I am when I do consume alcohol. I'm on day 1 but I know I need to keep going. Thanks for this video
It’s really nice to hear this talked about on the internet. Also, as a side note, your hair is really living its best life in this video! And you are glowing in general
I'm not sober but I do sometimes choose to not drink alcohol. And to just avoid questions or pressure I get tonic with lemon or lime juice.
Thank you so much Lucy for continuing to make videos about sobriety. We’re both young women and I really relate to you, especially your first video on the topic. I will not drink with you today. Please continue making videos on it!
Thanks for another great video, I quit drinking last year and started smoking weed instead and my mood and anxiety levels are so much better.
That being said I wouldn’t recommend for anyone as not for everyone
Loved this video! I completely agree that after 6 months the need to decompress with alcohol really does fade away! You are not alone living this sober life ❤
I love this video! I very rarely drink and have been really enjoying making mocktails. There's a book called 'Good Drinks' by Julia Bainbridge that's all mocktail recipes (that aren't just like fruit juice!) if you want drinks that still feel special and interesting - or maybe something fun and unique to serve at a party or dinner! I was never a beer person so non alcoholic beers aren't my thing and this has been really fun. It also means that my friends drink less when I host because I can provide unique drinks that are really fun and so no one feels like they're missing out on a fun, special drink just because there's no alcohol!
im so proud of you!!! remember your first video. and then how you started to drink again and now i really feel you're doing this for you!!
your honesty is such a like a big breath of fresh air, cheers!
Hello Lucy and commenters. I didn't think that women were concerned about being sober while being in the dating scene. I know that it was my concern when I was single and considered going sober. Great commentary.
I can't really drink (like I can have a glass of wine occasionally) due to medication and severe hangovers. I'm also in college. Studying abroad. In Belgium. It's honestly been really hard and I've lost friendships and missed out on experiences it ultimately I have to remind myself that my health is more important!
Thank you for making this
Amazing I loved this! I went sober for 6 months last year to test the waters and it helped my mental health immeasurably, I can defo relate to the talking about sobriety constantly my friends were angels.
I love that you made a video on this; I now very very rarely drink too, because of the meds I take! As my boyfriend loves to have a beer or a glass of wine every once in a while, I have my little stash of fun drinks for me that I keep to drink at the same time: Ramune, non alcoolic amaretto sour, non-alcoholic apple must... However, for event where other people are drinking, I do find it a bit difficult sometimes... But I am the aunt who can bring fun drinks for kids!😊
These videos are really important! Keep up the great work 🎉🙌🏻
I don’t know if anyone will see this questions but Lucy/any sober people watching this: Do you drink/how do you feel about drinks that are “legally” classed as non alcoholic but are 0.5%? It sounds super obvious now but I recently learned that people recovering from addiction absolutely should not drink anything with any trace in, as enough of those drinks will still lead to affects from the alcohol, but how about people who are sober but not addicted? Really insightful video Lucy thanks!
0.5 is the same % as kombucha or orange juice so I wouldn’t worry too much about feeling the effects!
This was a really interesting and insightful video - even as someone who’s lucky enough to just be a light occasional drinker. Thank you!
My experience with substances is very limited so for me being sober felt very natural, but it’s been 3 years since I tried it briefly and found out it wasn’t for me.Ask me anything about it!
Here’s my story (because sober stories, where are they?) :
I’ve always been a good girl or, well, let’s be honest: my anxiety has always made me naturally avoid A LOT of things and alcohol was just another thing on the list. When I tried it I didn’t like the way it made my body feel. It made me feel worse, not better. I felt out of control and dissociated. I still had a fear that I might like it one day and become chained to it like I have seen happen to family, in the media etc.
Alongside this, what pushed me to drink in the first place was my friends were growing up and I felt left behind. Peer pressure I suppose. I was scared I would lose them if I didn’t go to parties etc. But ultimately I quickly put my needs first and as a result stopped seeing them altogether.
What made me lose them however, wasn’t quitting drinking, it was my attitude and strictness around it. I felt scared of myself more than I was scared others. I was treating my sobriety as if it were hanging by a thin thread if somebody just mentioned a party. I was using sobriety as a «if i reject them, they can’t reject me» thing, I was the opposite of easy-going and pushed everyone away. I made sure everyone knew I thought drinking was unethical and made them feel judged. I was like a missioner for sobriety.
Quitting drinking was an easy choice for me, but to stop defining myself by it and restricting not just what I put in my body, but my whole life because of it, has been the hardest. It was very isolating, and to be honest it still is, but that’s not the alcohol, it’s me. My brain sure doesn’t need another unhealthy habit so I am happy that I at least stopped before it became a problem. However, I wish I understood the concept of moderation.
So, I guess no, your problems won’t be fixed by drinking, just as much as they won’t magically disappear if you stop. I am heavily biased towards leading your life with the clarity that can come from not being drunk. (I have maany reasons for being sober, some are personal convictions, facts, world view, trauma etc. not just one!) However, life is hard, and it’s too short to feel like you can only live a good life if you live by a set of rules, a lifestyle, a box, a label, you have for yourself. There are no gold stars, there is only you. Have a realistic goal and seek help if either choice gets hard. Be kind to yourself and reflect on what drinking or not drinking is doing for you.
This is probably not that motivating, i’m sorry, but it’s just one person’s experience so take it as you will!
Good luck!❤
Very very well said. Don't judge, let people live there lives while you live yours. Everyone is different and that's the fun part. I'm not a drinker and have been judged on that which just makes me not want to judge. You don't make feel good doing that
Do you think the fact that alcohol is so cheap and available in the uk makes things harder? I'm a brit currently living in Canada and alcohol is more expensive here also not available in supermarkets etc, only from liquor stores with strict open hours. I find I'm not really drinking casually here at all.
Thank you so much!
Great video! I find it hard to admit that I could have a problem with alcohol because I don't drink at home. I grew up in my late teens just with my mum who doesn't drink (just out of choice not because she used to be an alcoholic or anything like that) so there was no culture of drinking in the house. We'd have very little alcohol in the house and when we did the bottles would basically stay there until they catch dust (we still have a half drunken bottle of mould wine sitting in the kitchen). I have always found it weird to just crack open a drink when just at home without friends around.
But when I do drink I can go crazy. If I'm not having a good time instead of leaving I would just head over to the bar and if I got rejected by a girl at a club I could easily just order three or four shots for me. I've been going through some life struggles post university with having to move home, having no job and returning to a difficult dating scene in London (i.e. can't get a date) so I've been very afraid of alcohol for the last nine months or so since I know I could easily drown my sorrows away.
Thanks Lucy for being so open with your experience. I'm glad that sober life is working out for you!
this is amazing!! thank u
Recently went to a wedding and I'm nearly 3 months alcohol free and I didn't feel deprived while everyone else was drinking. That being said, trying to dance with the bride without alcohol was weird. I was so self conscious since I suck at dancing and when you drink you don't care. 😅
She is mesmerising.
Thank you so much for making this
Can't wait to watch!!
Me watching this while cooking my Aftar while fasting being a muslim who doesn’t drink 😂 i just really like ur content lucy 😂♥️
Hahaha thank you for your solidarity! Hope Ramadan is going well 🤍🤍
Re: dating and drinking- I think it's really weird to treat not drinking as something that needs to be approached with caution or timed sensitively to mention to a date...? I hate that one person's choice to not drink is viewed as impactful on those with whom they interact socially, bc people honestly need to sort out their own issues if they feel uncomfortable having a drink in the presence of a non drinker (I'm speaking as someone who doesn't have issues with being around alcohol). As someone who's never gotten into drinking because of bad experiences with binge drinking family members as a kid, I'm so done with people acting like my own personal choice has anything to do with them, or that it's my responsibility to make them feel comfortable by abandoning what I know to be the right choice for me. It makes me angry that drinking is so normalized that it seems radical to just...not, to the point it's even worth mentioning as a Big Deal? Are we gently waiting for the right moment to mention to dates that we're vegetarian, or don't smoke, or prefer vanilla to chocolate??? Not to my knowledge.
Sometimes I think I would drink less wine of I enjoyed coffee.
I'm wondering if this can be applied to Tech addiction !
Te doy tu poderosísimo solo porque me encanta tu voz, amo tus piernas y me agradas. Aunque no te entendí nada jajaja. Así que solo te diré "la tuya" (por si acaso).
Girl we going to Islam? x
Got one for quitting weed?🥲