I’m Not Anti-Alcohol, I Am Pro-Choice

I’m not here to create a world where alcohol doesn’t exist. I’m not anti alcohol, I’m pro choice. But in a society where alcohol is the default, any decision to step away from drinking tends to be viewed as a problem or failure. This leads to sober shaming, which is the opposite of pro choice.

One of our core values is to avoid being anti alcohol and create unnecessary conflict. It would be hypocritical to ask for acceptance in one direction without offering it in return.

Alcohol is already a sensitive subject, due to society’s protectiveness, its culture, and its nature as a drug.

Over the years, people have become tired of outdated shock tactic marketing, making it harder for them to consider change. That’s why I’ve always made a point to keep messaging around alcohol balanced, and non judgmental.

Quitting alcohol can be hard enough on its own. But unlike other drugs, when we stop drinking, we face stigma for not using it, making the decision to stop doubly difficult.

In my early days of sobriety, like many others, I didn’t want a spotlight on me. I didn’t want to be questioned or challenged about why I wasn’t drinking. It’s a personal subject, and I was still figuring it out. It took me a couple of years to build the confidence to say “no” to peer pressure. Sobriety wasn’t a linear path, but it got easier over time.

A poll on our socials revealed that stigma is the biggest barrier stopping our community from quitting drinking. People want to stop, but hold back due to fear of judgment, sober shaming, and being labelled. That’s what I’m trying to change.

Over the years, I’ve faced sober shaming and have been told that I must drink to have fun, date, or be social. But I’ve never told anyone that they must be sober.

Many people in my life still drink, and I don’t judge them for it. The consequences are either minimal or worth it, and that’s their choice.

The AF drinks market has grown 500% since 2015, and seeing people even talk about Low&No is a huge step. It’s subtle, it’s gentle, and most importantly ~ it’s pro choice, which is helping to normalise and humanise the conversation, more effectively than any negative alcohol campaign.