People always ask me how I have managed to give up alcohol while working in hospitality and being surrounded by the stuff… ‘it must be tough.’
‘It’s easy, I’ve done it loads of times.’
And it’s true, I have taken a number of breaks (ranging from 2 weeks to 10 weeks) over the course of a few years but I was never ready to give it up completely. In fact, each time I was looking forward to having a drink again despite the very obvious physical and mental benefits I had experienced.
Before I continue, I want to stress that I am not anti-alcohol just pro-awareness. At the time of writing, I am 517 days or 17 months Alcohol Free
26 years in the licensed trade had conditioned me to see alcohol as a reward and an answer to all my problems. Now, you can argue that it is the same no matter what industry is but when you’ve sold alcohol all your working life, visited vineyards, champagne houses, distilleries and breweries and have been educated in the production and taste of drinks, then it’s obvious that you will hold alcohol in high regard.
Bad shift = Drink
Good shift = drink
Busy shift = drink
Big event = drink
On the close = staff pint
On the day shift = pint after work… You get the jist.
I classed myself as a ‘normal’ drinker, in that middle lane with 70% of drinkers who are between abstinence and addiction. I wasn’t getting drunk very often, but I was drinking almost daily.
So, what changed? Four things really:
- A very stressful event in a previous job led to drinking too much in the month leading up to it. Drinking to relieve stress, drinking to get to sleep etc etc. The day after the event I set myself a target of going 100 days without drinking. The day of the event was my last drink.
- During the early stages I watched, listened to and read a huge amount of ‘quit-lit’. I soon realised that all of things I thought alcohol was good for (stress relief, sleep aid, a requirement for having fun) was all bullshit. When I learned what was going on in the brain and in the body before, during and after just a few drinks, it completely changed my perspective.
- I hit 100 days, hadn’t missed it and was enjoying the benefits too much to start drinking again.
- Trained to be an Alcohol Free Coach – no turning back!
The benefits were not a surprise as I had experienced them in previous breaks. This time though, as the break was longer, the benefits were far more profound. Less stressed, less anxious, better mood, more energy, better sleep, better temperament, better relationships, better skin, weight loss and just being more present and consistent.
That extra energy was converted into my 1st ever marathon in May with my 2nd coming in a few weeks in Lisbon.
In a working capacity my patience, tolerance and ability to deal with setbacks, all improved. The firefighting we all have to do in hospitality became that little bit easier.
With Christmas just around the corner, stress levels will start to increase no doubt. October will be manic – phone calls, emails, deposits, question after question after question!
The ideal time to go Alcohol Free!
Why not join the campaign, To go alcohol free for the month of October, why not participate in “OctSober” and raise funds for Hospitality Health, please register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/octsober-for-hospitality-health-tickets-1570294766919?aff=oddtdtcreator
David Carson
Alcohol free coach