Why I Gave Up Alcohol

One night, as I stood watching my kids sleep, I had a moment of absolute clarity. I wanted to be the best dad I could be—healthy, active, and present. Waking up hungover, feeling sluggish, and letting alcohol dictate my social life didn’t fit into that vision.

Drinking had been a constant in my life for as long as I could remember. It wasn’t just something I did—it was part of my identity. In my younger years, as an aspiring country music artist, drinking felt like a rite of passage. Getting drunk backstage before a gig, taking shots with the band, winding down with a beer after a show—it was just what musicians did.

I thought it was part of the lifestyle, part of the culture. And if you weren’t drinking, you weren’t part of that exclusive club. Later, as a pub owner, I saw alcohol from a different perspective. I saw the best and worst of people—the camaraderie and laughter, but also the fights, the slurred arguments, the breakdowns, their troubles pouring out along with their drinks. I saw alcohol ruin relationships, fuel
poor decisions, and leave people emptier than when they started.

Still, for years, I convinced myself that drinking was just a normal part of life. Beers before the footy, Friday night drinks, weddings, family gatherings—alcohol was always there. It felt expected. It helped me fit in, take the edge off, relax. But it never gave me anything lasting in return. Even a couple of glasses of wine would catch up with me the next day.

In my 20s and early 30s, I drank way too much. Looking back, I wish I knew then what I know now: alcohol doesn’t serve you. It’s bad for your physical and mental health. It drains your energy, clouds your thinking, and keeps you stuck in a cycle that’s hard to break.

But there’s no point dwelling on the past. Instead, I want to share my experience and help others realise there’s another way. Choosing to live sober takes commitment and courage, but it’s possible—and worth it.

Now, I wake up at 5 AM every day, go for a run before the sun rises, and I’m on deck with my kids, fully present to start the day. Life is still full of its bumps and bruises—I’m still a busy, tired dad of three beautiful kids—but facing challenges with a clear head makes everything easier.

If you’re on your own journey to sober living, I hope you find the same joy and clarity.

You’re not alone. And trust me, it’s worth it.