“I made the decision to quit drinking alcohol at 26 after a glass-shattering moment where I realised how it could bring out the worst side in me. In British culture it seems any moment, a celebration, a sunny day, or even just finishing work on a Thursday, can be coupled with a beer or glass of wine. 

So I had to quickly adjust to turning down drinks and repeating ‘no thank you, I don’t drink’. I tracked my progress via an app and threw myself into new hobbies and activities to fill my time I used to spend drinking with friends, or being hungover in bed, to help with this new lifestyle. 

It’s been easier than I expected, but my new moment of realisation was how supportive people were. Friends I’d known for years, friends I’d recently met, my partner, my family, and even new faces on the internet had made me feel uplifted and filled me with positive energy on my decision. 

So as I approach my 500-day milestone, I want to give back and be a better person, friend, and stranger on the internet to whoever listens or needs someone to listen to. It’s a scary step, but still the best decision I’ve ever made.”