Why I (Nearly) Stopped Drinking: The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages and My Journey to a Self-Aware Life
Not long ago, a glass of wine after work or cocktails with friends felt like a normal, even necessary, part of life. But over time, I began to feel the quiet toll alcohol was taking on my body and mind — from noticeable inflammation to the exacerbation of my leaky gut, and heightened emotional and anxious moods. My health was speaking loud and clear, and I had to listen. What started as a personal wellness experiment turned into a deeper journey into mindful drinking and embracing a more alcohol-free lifestyle. This shift didn't happen in isolation — it's part of a growing global movement towards self-awareness, social wellness and reflected in the rise of the sober curious community, as well as a reimagining of how we socialize, celebrate, and unwind without alcohol. Side note: This isn’t me giving you a speech on why you should quit drinking — it’s a candid, personal story about how alcohol affects our bodies and why self-awareness matters. (Plus keep reading for a little mocktail recipe I love at home.)
My Wake-Up Call: Inflammation, Gut Health, and Emotional Fog
Like many people, I didn’t stop drinking overnight nor have I now. It was a gradual realization that alcohol was no longer supporting the life I wanted to live. My skin was breaking out, my digestion was off, and my energy levels were inconsistent. I started to connect the dots between alcohol consumption, chronic inflammation, and mental instability and ultimately, the health of my liver and gut. Physically, many people don’t realize that alcohol can significantly increase stomach and gut inflammation for several reasons. Most alcoholic beverages are yeast-based, and if you have any level of gluten sensitivity (which many people unknowingly do), it can heighten irritation of the gut lining. Additionally, alcohol itself (being a toxin and depressant) places a heavy burden on the liver’s detoxification process. When we’re already exposed to toxins from processed food, environmental pollution, and daily stressors, alcohol adds another layer of strain. An overworked liver can lead to impaired bile flow, causing bile to be recycled improperly in the digestive system rather than being efficiently eliminated—contributing to further imbalance and discomfort. But I would not have known any of this if I didn’t start explerimenting and minimize drinking and subequently see the positive impact it had.
Emotionally, I noticed something even more significant: I just didn’t feel like myself the day after drinking. Not necessarily hungover, but emotionally lower, more anxious, and mentally less clear. I would often spark fights or aggressive conversations with my husband over nothing, and I would end up deeply sad or crying by the end of the next day. We all know that alcohol is a depressant but I did not realize how hard it could hit me emotionally. As I dug deeper, I found research showing that even small amounts of alcohol can affect brain health—and that no amount is truly “safe” for some people and that it could exacerbate anxiety and emotional imbalances.
A Family History That Made Me Think Twice
There’s also a deeper, more personal layer to this story. My father and grandfather both struggled with alcoholism, growing up in a small town in Ukraine, the Soviet Union was known for alcohol abuse. Obviously there is a stereotype of Russian people drinking a lot of vodka (just like in the movies) but unfortunately this story was one that rang true in my father’s side of the family. Although I never wanted to get out of control with drinking, in my 20s I had a dark period where a few times I drank so much I would black out not knowing where I was on some nights (scary). Which was different than other young people’s drinking experiences. This most likely unknowingly also contributed to the emotional imbalances I feel to this day (as my youthful brain was still growing at that time) around alcohol. When I started to tune into my body I began to realize most of my own emotional reactions to alcohol had something to do with my genetic wiring. It wasn’t just about physical health—it was about emotional balance too. Furthermore, as an energetic and spiritually in tune person I noticed that I also felt less “high-vibrational” the next day. I know it sounds woo-woo but it really felt as if my aura was cloudy. A spiritual teacher confirmed that alcohol can minimize our energetic connection to our spirit and connect us to negative channels of energy. Which I fully believe.
All of the above together gave me the realization to make a choice: I wanted to feel better, think clearer, be connected to my light energy and and live more in tune with my body and mind. So I started experimenting with alternatives and actively refusing to drink during regular nights out.
Finding New Rituals: CBD Drinks, Mocktails, and Mindfulness
When I decided to cut down on alcohol at first, I was nervous about what social life would look like without alcohol. But to my surprise, the growing world of non-alcoholic beverages made the transition not only easy, but exciting. I discovered CBD-infused drinks (My ultimate favourite: Trip) that helped me relax without the crash. I tried beautifully crafted mocktails that felt celebratory and satisfying. These alternatives gave me the ritual I was used to—without the after-effects I was trying to avoid.
And I’m far from alone. The rise of non-alcoholic beverages is being driven by a growing number of people seeking balance, wellness, and clarity. More bars and restaurants are offering thoughtful zero-proof options. Brands are investing in alcohol-free wines, beers, and spirits that don’t compromise on taste. The market is booming because people are ready for something different.
Redefining What “Having a Drink” Means
Choosing not to drink is no longer a buzzkill although at first it felt extremely uncomfortable and almost like you are saying no to socialization. In some cases you may start feeling that you need to make an excuse for yourself. But over time it becomes a conversation starter demonstrating that I have chosen my health over social pressure. I’ve found that being open about my experience invites others to share their own stories of an interest in sober exploration or quitting alcohol and incites people to get in tune with themselves too. The right people always understand why you are choosing yourself, and even if you have to remove yourself for a period of time from certain situations if you come back to your “why” on the importance of what this means for you, I have always found the right people will be there to support you through this. It’s not always about addiction or hitting rock bottom but it’s about choosing what is best for you. For me it was just about wanting to feel better, live clearer, and take control of your well-being both mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
What surprised me most was how empowering it feels. I didn’t give something up—I gained energy, emotional steadiness, clearer skin, better digestion, and a deeper connection with myself. On the flip side, I know that for me too much restriction in life can also cause a lot of pressure on oneself and that life truly is not about perfectionism. I have found that having a drink or two once in a while on a special occasion when I truly feel like it and enjoying the moment is super worth it. Then, also having the experience of the emotional rollercoaster the next day, as well as the inflamed body, reminds me of why I do not drink on a regular basis. Its like eating a whole bar of chocolate (or two), you may do it once but then you feel sick and then you probably avoid this for a while (Guilty!).
This Is Bigger Than Me
While my story is personal, it’s also part of a larger cultural shift. More people are questioning the role and the consequence of alcohol in their lives and realizing they have more options than ever before. Non-alcoholic beverage brands see this as a moment to capitalize on and new drinks are being created that aren’t just a lame substitute—they’re becoming a movement rooted in health, self-awareness, and conscious living. And if you are not into a substitute try the classic, sparkling water and lemon drink, and enjoy being hydrated all night without after-effects.
So if you’re thinking about cutting back—or even just curious—know that you’re not alone. The future of drinking is about choice, not pressure. And it just might start with listening to your body, one mindful sip at a time.If you need help discussing your health and wellness goals, reach out to me for a free consultation so I can see how I can support you best.
Mint Condition – A Refreshing Digestive Mocktail
Ingredients:
4–6 fresh mint leaves
2 thin slices of fresh ginger (peeled)
Juice of ½ lemon
Sparkling water (chilled)
A handful of frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
Fancy it up: A dash of elderflower cordial or a few drops of orange blossom water
Garnish: Mint sprig + lemon twist + edible flower (optional but gorgeous)
Instructions:
In a shaker or sturdy glass, gently muddle the mint leaves and ginger to release their oils.
Add the lemon juice and optional elderflower or orange blossom water. Stir well.
Fill a serving glass with frozen berries (they act like fruity ice cubes).
Pour the minty mixture over the berries.
Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, a lemon twist, and an edible flower for full botanical beauty.
