"Being 23 and watching people's faces turn after you tell them you can't drink anymore can be daunting.

My father was an alcoholic, so when I started drinking, I always had a problematic relationship with it. Like him, I used it as a coping mechanism to deal with past trauma.

However, it did nothing but suppress my emotions for a while. As alcohol is a depressant, my feelings would inevitably resurface with what felt like vengeance, often leading to no good.

Alcohol, for me, ultimately, was a quick fix to a much larger problem that I was too afraid to deal with.

After some time and much support, I realized I might have a better chance at life without alcohol and intoxication. I was fed up with continuously falling out with friends and family, and most importantly, I wanted to be a better role model for my brother.

People always ask me what I do now instead of drinking. Go on walks? The answer is yes, and it's so peaceful!"