My story
I didn't lose everything
I had everything to gain. This is why Undrinking exists.
For years I believed alcohol was just part of normal life. I had a career, a home and people I loved. From the outside, things looked fine. But alcohol had quietly become a huge part of my life, taking more than it gave.
I didn't need to lose everything before deciding to change. On 15 January 2025, I stopped drinking.
What I found surprised me. Removing alcohol wasn't simply about giving something up. My health, my relationships and my outlook all improved in ways I hadn't expected, and I stopped seeing alcohol as something valuable that I was being forced to surrender.
I don't think you need to lose everything to question your drinking either. That's why I'm here.
Not the traditional route
I stopped drinking without AA
This isn't an argument against AA, which helps many people. It's simply evidence that recovery can take different forms. For me, learning, reflection and changing my beliefs about alcohol played the biggest part.
I've also had to take accountability and rebuild with people along the way. I won't pretend life became perfect the moment I stopped. It didn't, and I think that honesty matters.
What I got back
Possibility, not deprivation
Most alcohol websites focus on what you have to give up. Here is what became possible for me. These are my experiences, not guaranteed benefits for everyone.
My health
My health improved noticeably after I stopped, including my liver health.
My relationships
I became more present and started having deeper conversations with the people I care about.
My mind
I found self awareness, personal growth and a steadier sense of emotional wellbeing.
My time
My evenings and mornings are no longer organised around drinking or recovering from drinking.
My purpose
I went from working on my own recovery to training as a recovery coach and creating Undrinking.
The ordinary moments
What life looks like on the other side
Being present
Being a more present father, and noticing how my priorities have changed.
Finding new enjoyment
Tennis, squash and fitness, and building an everyday life I actually enjoy.
Understanding myself
Therapy, reading and reflection have shaped how I think about myself.
Real connections
Learning to enjoy relationships and conversations without alcohol being central.
Timeline
My journey to Undrinking
- Before 2025A successful professional life alongside a relationship with alcohol that was becoming increasingly harmful.
- 15 January 2025The day I stopped drinking.
- 2025Discovering that life without alcohol could feel different from what I had imagined.
- 2026Training with the Recovery Coach Academy and developing the idea for Undrinking.
- The next chapterSupporting other people as they explore their own relationship with alcohol.
This is about your life, not mine
Stopping drinking was right for me, and I'm glad I did it. But I'm not here to sell you my route. Your starting point is different, and so is where you want to end up. My job is to help you work out what that is, and then help you get there.
My training
Training to do this properly
I'm currently training with the Recovery Coach Academy (RCA), working towards becoming a Recovery Coach Professional (RCP). The pathway includes the 5 Day Academy, further training hours and a panel interview.
My aim is to work as an alcohol coach and recovery specialist, supporting people at every stage, from first questioning their drinking through to building a new life after alcohol.
One idea I've taken from this training is that there are many pathways to recovery, and that your recovery isn't somebody else's. It's why I won't ask you to follow my route.
Being open about where I am. I am not yet a certified Recovery Coach Professional. I will update this page as each stage is completed, so what you read here is always accurate.