Why I Stopped Drinking—and a Reflection for the Sober Curious - wopman looking through a wine glass of water with her eye distorted

Why I Stopped Drinking—and a Reflection for the Sober Curious

1st April 2025 marks a big milestone for me—13 years of sobriety.

On the 1st of April 2012, I made the decision to stop drinking. A choice I’ve upheld ever since. I’m incredibly proud of that decision, and I plan to keep going for the rest of my life.

This month, to mark that milestone, I’m dedicating my weekly videos and content to a topic I increasingly hear more people talking about: alcohol. Whether you’re completely sober, exploring sobriety, or simply feeling “sober curious,” these next few weeks of SNAPs, I’m sharing tips and insights from my sobriety journey.

The Rise of the Sober Curious

Maybe it’s my age (I turned 50 this year), or maybe it’s a broader cultural shift, but more and more people I speak to are questioning their relationship with alcohol. Some want to reduce how much they drink. Others are thinking about quitting altogether. And many have never really been into drinking but feel more confident now to say so openly.

Whatever your reason, it’s a conversation worth having—and an invitation to reflect more deeply.

What Need Is Alcohol Meeting?

One of the most powerful reflections I’ve had in my own journey is this:

What unmet need was I trying to meet through alcohol?

That question changed everything. Because ultimately, we drink for something. Maybe it’s confidence, connection, escape, stress relief, or to feel a part of something. Understanding what that “something” is, can open up entirely new ways to meet those needs—ways that support your wellbeing, rather than compromise it.

If you’re curious about your own habits, I’m not here to tell you to quit or make any sweeping changes. My suggestion is simply this: start by getting curious. Ask yourself what need alcohol meets for you—and then ask if there’s another, healthier way to meet that same need.

This Isn’t About Rules—It’s About Awareness

I’ve found that once we start to understand the motivations behind our behaviours, we’re far more equipped to change them. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. But awareness is powerful.

And if you’re someone who’s thinking about your relationship with alcohol—maybe just nudging the idea around a bit—you’re not alone. There’s a growing community of people exploring what it looks like to live with less (or no) alcohol, and the benefits can be surprising.

I’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts

Whenever I post about sobriety, the conversations that follow are some of the most open, honest, and enriching I get to be part of. I’d love to hear your story—whether you’re sober, sober curious, or just starting to question your habits.

Leave a comment or drop me a message. And if this resonates with someone you know, feel free to share it with them.

Here’s to reflection, curiosity, and doing what’s right for you.


If you are considering sobriety and are looking for support, there are lots of resources available via the NHS website.

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