Not Anti-Alcohol ~ But Pro-Choice

One of the reasons I first started spending so much time outdoors is not just because I liked taking photos and feeling less stressed

It’s a place where there’s no expectation to drink.

In my early days of sobriety, I dreaded being asked why I wasn’t drinking. 

But I realised out on a trail no one asks.

The excitement I still get from when tide times align, good weather and a new camera clash beats any high that I’d get from alcohol. 

I’ve never judged people for drinking.
I think deep down, I just wanted the same acceptance in return.

Because alcohol is the only drug we have to justify not taking.

The irony of alcohol stigma is we need to talk about it to change it.

But the moment we do, especially from the perspective of choosing not to drink ~ it’s often seen as preachy or condescending.

At Arclett, we never focus on the negatives of alcohol. 

We don’t try to shame or make people feel bad about drinking.
We only talk about the benefits of not drinking ~ because we’re trying to make an alcohol-free lifestyle visible, and attractive.

We’re here to open up the conversation for those who need it ~ If you’re quietly questioning your relationship with alcohol, tired of the hangovers, the social pressure, or feel excluded. 

For us, challenging stigma isn’t about shouting from the rooftstops that no one should drink.

It’s not about shaming people with the negatives of alcohol either. 

It’s about creating space for people who want to improve their relationship with alcohol when drink responsibly doesn’t resonate 

We can’t change the narrative around alcohol without looking at how society reacts to someone who says, “I don’t drink.”

That starts with allowing that choice to be as valid and as respected as drinking is.

That’s why we’re not anti-alcohol. We’re pro-choice.

Through talking about low & no, Dry January, and sober curiosity ~ we’re making an alcohol-free lifestyle culturally relevant.\

People are more likely to change when they’re inspired, not shamed.