Six Months Sober

I recently reached six months without alcohol, so I’m sharing some reflections on my experience.

While I didn't initially plan to "quit," I was certainly "sober curious" for some time before starting this journey.

After turning 40, I began noticing changes physically, mentally and emotionally. Although I was a very fit and healthy person who only consumed one or two drinks on the weekend, I couldn't ignore the nagging voice suggesting "maybe you don't need to drink at all."

After drinking, I experienced more joint pain and stiffness, increased bladder irritation, and greater gastrointestinal distress. Sleep disruptions were also common. My mental health also took a hit; the day after drinking, my mood and emotions would consistently tank. I often needed several days to recover, and I found myself asking if it was all worth it.

Alcoholism is in my family history, so this thought was always in the back of my mind whenever I had a drink.

My journey started unexpectedly. I signed up for two CrossFit competitions close together in June 2025 and decided about a month beforehand to cut out alcohol completely. I was working and training hard, and quality sleep and recovery were essential. I initially planned to celebrate the end of the events in July with a cold beer, but the events passed, and I never cracked it open.

Here are some key takeaways I've learned about sobriety so far.

Sobriety Can Make Others Uncomfortable

If someone is wrestling with their own relationship with alcohol, they may not want to hear about your sobriety, and that’s OK. They have their own path. It’s also important to remember that not everyone who drinks has a problem and needs to stop. As long as people have accurate information about the health risks, they can make informed decisions.

Drinking Lowered My Baseline

I didn't realize how much better I would feel physically until I stopped drinking. I used to be stuck in a cycle: drinking a couple of times a week, taking a few days to recover and then drinking again. This cycle became my normal, but it ultimately established a subpar baseline for my overall health. After 20 years of this pattern, I now realize I was wrong to think it was normal.

I Drank to Avoid Feelings

Using alcohol to "take the edge off" is a form of escapism. The pleasant buzz doesn't fix problems; it just dulls your capacity to deal with them. For the first month, I felt fidgety on Fridays when I couldn't cap off the work week with a drink. I chose to sit with those feelings, and the more I did, the easier it became. Avoiding tough emotions isn't the answer; I believe we become more resilient the more we practice dealing with them.

Quitting Alcohol Has Been the Single Best Thing for My Physical Health

People will eliminate food groups, fast, use saunas or avoid processed foods—but they often won’t stop drinking. If you are desperate to keep consuming what is literally a toxin, it is worth examining why.

You Can Still Be Social

I worried about navigating family gatherings and social events. The question I eventually had to ask was this: Do these relationships require alcohol? The answer was a hard-hitting no—I love my family and my husband just as much when I am sober.

It’s a Day-to-Day Choice

I never set out to be sober forever. After three months, I decided to aim for six. Now that I’ve reached six, I’m aiming for a year. While I genuinely enjoy a good drink, I truly love how I feel without alcohol.

My takeaway is that I didn't know how good it would feel to feel this good, and it’s something you can only understand by experiencing it personally. 

My suggestion is simple: Take it one day at a time. Try one sober weekend, then another. Like any habit, stack the days and see where you end up. You won't regret the improved mental clarity, physical well-being and emotional stability.