Asa ~ 881 days

“In the past, I would drink as much as the next person and enjoy all the social side that came with it. Beers at the football, a cold Corona in the sunshine, and just social drinking.

There were several reasons why I ultimately went alcohol-free. I turned 40, and you really should try and make an effort with your health. I was mortified when my smartwatch showed me my overnight heart rate after a night out, even after a handful of beers. No wonder the next morning always felt so bad.

My career is as a singer and performer, travelling across the world. Lots of flights, early mornings, and last-minute opportunities. Alcohol always dried out my vocal cords, so I had to really think about when it was suitable to have a drink. Now I’m alcohol-free, I don’t have this problem, and my voice has never been stronger or as reliable. I never have to panic if I get a job come in last minute and am still getting over my last night out. You also never know who is watching you in this industry; your next gig could be the one that changes your life, so you need to always be at your best.

The biggest factor for me, though, has been having kids. I have a 5- and 2-year-old who could wake up at any time in the night like a grenade going off. The thought of that on a hangover… no, thank you. And what if they desperately needed me in an emergency but I’d had too many drinks to drive? The thought of that scares me to death.

I gave up alcohol when my youngest was 3 months old. I’d already heavily cut down after my first, but now was the time to give it a go. There was no single moment that made me do it; it was intrigue more than anything to how different I’d feel.

I can only see positives of giving up alcohol and no negatives. You save money, you save calories, you’re always at your absolute best, and have complete clarity. You’re always the best version of yourself for your children too.

The social side isn’t a problem for me, and I’ve spoken to so many people who want to do the same but think they’d struggle. It takes a lot of confidence in yourself to be the only person in a room not drinking. 0% beers have come on incredibly even since I started drinking them. I think this is one of the biggest reasons why I find it pretty easy not to drink. To me, they literally taste the same, and I genuinely get as excited to drink a 0% beer after a tough day as I did with a regular beer in the past.

I enjoy talking to people who are curious about going alcohol-free. I don’t preach to anyone or judge; everyone has their reasoning for whether they drink or not. I think 0% drinks should be pushed more. There should be more incentives for people to choose them over alcoholic drinks. A tax break from the government? Legislation making their availability greater everywhere alcohol is available? It’s the future, I’ve tasted it :)”