Yahoo Lifestyle 22 Stories Of What *Really* Happened When People Decided To Become Sober
Being alcohol-free or joining the "sober curious" movement is a lifestyle many choose long after dry January comes to an end. I recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to share the best part of their journey to sobriety. Here's what they had to say:
1."For me, a surprise in sobriety was how much of it is learning to let go — of fears, of control, of wanting to escape, and just being in a place of acceptance. I didn't think that was possible without numbing myself. But in that numbing, I became someone who lived in a grey zone. Fear of the 'bad' emotions also prevents you from feeling the 'good' ones, especially joy. I could not be present. You could say I had a problem with drinking, but in retrospect, I had a problem with reality, and drinking was my solution to avoid dealing with it."
"Just a glass of wine after work to 'take the edge off,' but it never stopped with one. I also do not miss the mental obsession of how, when, where, or how much I was going to drink ran like a background track in my mind far more than I realized. I marvel at people who can drink moderately, but that was never my experience. I don't miss it, but I needed support and tools, for which I am grateful."
2."I'm approaching eight years of sobriety, and one of the things I value the most is having my freedom back. Alcohol made all of my decisions for me. Now I know how to take care of myself, instead of seeking oblivion every day."
3."I sleep deeper and have less anxiety during the day."
4."When I reflect on my journey to sobriety, so many incredible changes come to mind, but the absolute best part? It's the freedom. For years, I felt chained to a cycle that promised relief but only delivered regret. Sobriety broke those chains and opened the door to a life I never imagined — a life filled with clarity, joy, and authentic connection. The clarity I've gained is priceless. Without alcohol clouding my mind, I can truly experience life in its raw, beautiful form. I've learned to trust myself again, to embrace who I am without the numbing effects of alcohol."
"Sobriety has also deepened my relationships. I'm more present, open, and vulnerable with the people I care about. I'm no longer hiding behind a drink or using it as a shield to cope with life's ups and downs. Instead, I face those moments head-on with courage and grace. And let's not forget the energy! Waking up without a hangover, ready to tackle the day with purpose and intention — it's a gift I never take for granted. Sobriety has elevated my health, my focus, and my ability to dream big and pursue those dreams."
"Ultimately, sobriety has given me a chance to live fully. It's not about what I've given up; it's about everything I've gained — peace, empowerment, and a deeper connection to my true self. If I could tell my past self one thing, it would be this: The journey to sobriety is the most loving gift you can give yourself. Life on the other side is brighter, bolder, and more beautiful than you could ever imagine."
5."I first got sober at 22, and it was the best thing I could've done for myself and my family. I learned about who I am as a person and learned that I don't need to hide from myself, I'm still getting to know myself. There's a learning curve with these things. I learned about my fears, I'm learning to be better because it's what I want for myself, not because I think others around me might expect me to be a certain way. I got my dignity and self-respect back. I'm learning about honesty, and it comes first and foremost from myself."
"I'm 29 now and I'm nowhere near achieving my career goals. But I've accomplished a lot in other areas of my life, still learning that I am enough because of who I am, and I am not my failures or even my successes. I learned I can't just have one drink, and that's okay. It's a huge world of self-discovery, and it wasn't available to me until I put down the drink."
6."You become so much more positive and truly have a glow that shines internally and externally."
7."Not saying and doing dumb stuff! I would always cringe the next morning looking at my texts and messages. Also, I would get the WORST hangovers for two days sometimes. I've been sober for a year and haven't looked back. I don't miss drinking at all."
8."Two years sober and there's not a single part of my life that isn't better since I stopped drinking. It felt like an actual superpower. I had such great mental clarity and felt alive. I hadn't realized how groggy I felt all the time, even when I hadn't been drinking. It evened out now and has become my 'new normal,' but overall I have greater control of my emotions and more time to do more productive things. Giving up alcohol was one of the best decisions I ever made."
9."For me, the best thing is waking up and knowing I have full control over my life. I can handle my emotions, and I don't fear making a fool out of myself at work parties!"
10."Not waking up hungover. I spent years nursing intense hangovers, fighting to get out of bed and get through my day, just to drink too much that night and do it all over again. When I first stopped drinking, I would have panic attacks when I woke up because I felt too awake and healthy. Now, I go to sleep with a peace I can't describe, but even 10 years on, I still appreciate it."
11."Aside from the money saved, you no longer have to deal with free-loading 'friends' that hang around your garage beer fridge. Sober for seven years!"
12."My skin! My husband has been sober for seven years and I joined him two years ago, mostly because I hated how badly alcohol was drying my skin out. Even if I only had one or two drinks, I always felt crappy the next morning and my skin was dull and lifeless. I look better, feel better, and I'm not wasting money. I cannot recommend it enough. Our culture puts far too much emphasis on wine and whiskey."
13."So many things! Better sleep, better mental outlook, and better relationships. But also, I've saved so much money. It is a rude wake-up call when you see just how much alcohol has affected your bank account. The money I saved helped me fix other areas in my life. I could afford vacations. I could afford a treadmill. I could afford those little luxuries that were always beyond my grasp."
—Alison from Texas
14."I quit drinking 36 years ago and my life changed for the better. I had the courage to leave a dreadful job and find the perfect one a year later. I saved a lot of money, purchased a condo, and traveled the world. This was all due to AA and my commitment. I highly recommend it."
15."I've been sober about seven years now, and one of the best things is being there to make sure my friends or family get home safe. I have no problem being the designated driver. I even tell people to call me if they need a ride. I am more than happy to get you home safe. Also, not losing the next day nursing a hangover is pretty nice, too."
—Amanda from North Dakota
16."The best part of being sober is my memory. I don't forget things, and I'm healthier and happier. My problems didn't go away if I drank and didn't go away if I didn't drink. So we deal the best way we can. Constant alcohol use will land you in the hospital in some way or another."
17."I've been sober for six years. I wouldn't have been able to do it without a community around me. I truly found who I am in the first year. I went through the 12 steps and made lifelong friends. I will never regret giving up alcohol."
18."I grew up in a home with an alcoholic father, who I love dearly to this day. I never started drinking. The best part in my opinion is knowing my kids will never have memories of me doing stupid drunk things and I am the same person 24/7. I made it through a Marine Corps enlistment, work, and family functions where there was plenty of alcohol without a drop. It can be done."
—John from West Virginia
19."I've never been a big drinker, and it made me realize how much money I've saved and am continually saving. I told my husband that we're lucky that my vice is coffee and not alcohol."
20."My mental and physical health has been a lot better. You don't realize the constant loop of anxiety and depression alcohol does to you until you go awhile without it. You just think those feelings are a normal part of who you are but it's the alcohol. I lost a lot of potential in my 20s because I was an alcoholic. Now at 31, I'm attending school to become a nurse to help others with mental health and addiction issues. I want to use my experience to motivate and inspire others that it's never too late, and you can get sober."
—Kelsey from Canada
21."I just celebrated two years of sobriety and although it was super challenging at first, it is the best decision I have ever made for myself. I was flying every week for work, going to 10+ weddings a year, including bachelorette parties, and drinking almost every day. I quit drinking and did dry January right before a family vacation. People were placing bets on whether or not I would make it the first week. Here I am over 750 days later, still sober, and happier than ever! I truly found myself again and was able to figure out what led me to drink so much to the point that I was blacking out constantly. I quit my toxic job, sold all of my things, and am preparing to move to Europe to go to school as a 30-year-old woman!"
22."The best part about being sober (nine years and counting) is no longer being ashamed of the person I see in the mirror. Drinking to forget or deal with my problems was never going to make them go away, it was only going to make me feel worse when I eventually had to deal with them anyway. I'm so proud of how far I've come. From being unable to imagine a single day without alcohol to being unable to imagine returning to that life of hiding away, creating nothing, and being dishonest with myself and everyone around me."
"Some people can drink reasonably and rationally. I am not one of those people. And regardless of whether you have trouble with alcohol or not, it's always worth looking at your habits and deciding if you're okay with them. At worst, it won't hurt you. At best, it could save your life. I know it saved mine."
What's the best part of a sober lifestyle? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
