In my mid-twenties, I used to go out drinking about 4 nights a week. After all, staying home was boring, what else was there to do? After a while though, drinking became boring. I decided to chuck in my job and travel through Asia for a year. But with one unique difference. I would give up alcohol completely.
Are hangovers in Ireland and Asia the same?
Hangovers in Ireland and hangovers in Asia. I’m sure they are more or less the same. In typical cliché fashion, I went travelling to find myself. Sure, I could get pissed every night over there. I could have lots of drinking buddies and lots of photos showing I was having a great time. But then, I would still come home to myself, that quiet space where there is just me, not an Irish man, just a man, wondering what is this all about?
One whole year without drinking
So, I committed to travelling one whole year without drinking. I achieved it. I had an amazing time. I met some really genuine people that I have stayed in touch with. I would n’t change that experience for the world.
Tee totalling back in Ireland
As I had such a good time abroad not drinking, I thought I would carry on tee totalling back in Ireland. For another few years I stayed off the booze. Initially, I found myself going out and not drinking. But I wasn’t enjoying myself. The music was loud, drinks were getting spilt on me, and everyone was shouting. It all seemed very different under a sober eye.
Not drinking became boring
It became clear. I didn’t enjoy going out anymore. So I stopped. I had no hobbies, no social life and work which was fairly tedious. Not drinking became boring. Going to bars and nightclubs sober, left a bad taste in my mouth. But now I had no social life. Quite frankly, I was stressed and miserable and had very few friends left.
Back on Booze
I decided to start drinking again. But before I did, I had to have an honest conversation with myself. What did I enjoy? What did I want from a night out? Did I have friends that felt the same?
I enjoyed eating out with friends. Having a couple of drinks made the night a little bit more relaxed and fun. So those were the kinda nights I tried to go out on most. Because it’s what I enjoyed and it turns out I had friends that felt the same.
I got tired of binge drinking
I got tired of binge drinking. Feeling like shit for most of the week but I still needed friends and still wanted to go out. I think as Irish people, we are very good at knowing what we don’t want.
I don’t want to work here
I don’t want to be fat
I don’t want to be lonely
Figuring out what you do want is more than half the battle. For me, that meant going to social occasions where drink was a side dish and not the main course.
What do you think change would look like for you? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
Editor’s Note
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