Lisa - 427 days

“Going sober has been the best decision I have ever made in my life.

Cutting out alcohol for Dry January was a wake-up call. I’ve definitely hit ‘rock bottom’ prior to that, and my drinking was becoming unsafe - blacking out every time, missing important events due to benders and hangovers, and making ‘party girl’ my personality. But no alcohol for just a month really opened my eyes.

Now, I live what some people might call a ‘boring’ life. But I’ve found peace in myself. I’ve found peace in profound interactions with people and my surroundings. I’ve found peace with my own company. I’ve found peace in a number of crafty hobbies. And I wouldn’t change it for the world. Sure, I guess I’m not going out and partying like most Londoners in their 20's, and that still is sometimes tough, but I am supported and loved by my circle, and most importantly, by myself. There’s a certain tranquility I was able to find in sobriety, time to do nothing, sit with your thoughts. I’m no longer stuck in a loop of substance use to keep the party going, I can just be myself. This year I am spending some time travelling around the UK, going away to a cabin solo, and just overall thinking about my health and wellness now I am not a raging party girl. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Remember to allow yourself to adjust to sober life - then, you can take on the world. I had to learn to take pleasure in the fact I can enjoy the rollercoaster of all human emotion, and am grateful to now feel things fully and deeply. This is a process of adjustment - but the outcome is so profoundly worth it.

I’ve felt like I didn’t really connect with a lot of sober communities that focus on the ‘having fun sober’, like going out sober, partying etc. I realised I enjoy the quiet life, and I’m so glad Arclett exists.”