When I started clearing my acne holistically 4 years ago, I decided to give up alcohol completely. Initially it was for the health benefits, but to this day I still don’t drink any alcohol.
Sure, I’ll have a chocolate bar – or even cheesecake – every once in a while (because I love chocolate and cheesecake), but I rarely, if ever, have a drink.
I’m not saying this to sound like a goody two shoes, or because I think alcohol is soooo bad that I won’t touch it. I honestly don’t think it’s a big deal to have a few drinks sometimes. If you like to drink, I’m so not judging you, I’m just sharing my own experiences here.
Unless you’re consuming huge amounts of it on a regular basis, personally I think the sugary soda & stuff it gets mixed with is worse than the alcohol.
The reason I’m talking about this is because some of you out there who are regular drinkers & partiers might be on the fence about giving up alcohol…. you’re thinking about it, but you are concerned about who you will be without that crutch. Which is a totally valid concern.
My Old Drinking Habits
Before I gave up alcohol, I was a bit of a party girl. I liked to go out at least once a weekend and I always drank to get drunk.
Okay, not like black out drunk – I was always great at monitoring my alcohol intake and knowing when to slow down and get on the water. And I never felt like I had a true drinking problem – I never felt like I “needed” it, and I didn’t do it to numb my life or drown my sorrows.
I just thought that inebriated feeling was a lot of fun.
I was never much of a casual drinker, because to be honest – I don’t enjoy the taste of alcohol at all. Beer, wine, spirits (ugh, especially spirits) – never really did it for me. Just having one drink or so never really seemed worth the trouble.
No, if I was going to drink, it was for a purpose – to be tipsy and lower my inhibitions. I liked who I was when I was drunk. I could talk to anyone, flirt with anyone, and I thought I was really funny when I was under the influence (haha… whether that’s true or not remains to be seen).
Of course, that always left me with a pretty little hangover, and a whole day wasted on recovering.
Either way, I’m not going to lie – I had plenty of fun back then. But it was sort of getting to the point where I was getting a little tired of it, and the whole acne thing gave me a really good reason to take the plunge and say enough’s enough.
So I went cold turkey and stopped the binge drinking. And because I don’t like the taste of alcohol, I don’t casually drink at all either.
What Changed When I Gave Up Alcohol
What I have found is that I’m still awesome even without alcohol. I can still carry on a great conversation while sober, and I’m still pretty funny.
I do find it slightly more difficult to strike up random conversation with strangers at parties, but I also realized that I mostly don’t really care.
I sometimes miss that a little bit, but in the end, I just don’t go out as much and don’t feel like I’m missing out on a whole lot there.
I have found now that I much prefer to spend my time with my close friends and husband, all of whom do like to drink. But I feel perfectly at ease, talkative, and funny when I’m with them, and none of them care or judge me for not drinking.
To be honest, I’ve never found that drinking alcohol ever enhanced the experience I have with my close friends. If I feel that comfortable with them, why would I need to lower my inhibitions in order to have fun with them?
And it’s not like I never go out at all. I still sometimes like to go out dancing.
Yes. Dancing. Sober. I have no problems dancing sober. Once I get into it, I’m in the zone. Don’t need no booze, sir.
No Alcohol Benefit #1 – Partying Is Actually Easier
When I do go out to parties, it’s sooooooo much easier.
I don’t have to worry about going to the liquor store, making sure I have enough booze for the evening; and I don’t have to worry about how to get home. I just show up, and I just drive home! Amazing!
And my friends love me because it means they can drink and not worry about how to get home. I just drive them.
No Alcohol Benefit # 2 – I Save a Lot of Money
People spend a ridiculous amount of money on alcohol. But I get to save that for something more lasting.
No Alcohol Benefit # 3 – I Feel Way Better & Get Way More Done
Of course I feel better. I never have hangovers! Ever! Amazing!
And I’m sure my liver’s a lot healthier, which makes me healthier overall (and my skin look way better too).
Now I use my not-hungover leisure time to do things I like that don’t involve lying in bed feeling like ass. I get so much more done now than I ever did back then.
And what I do with my time now feels so much more creative, nourishing, productive, and satisfying than that.
Heck, I built The Love Vitamin from the ground up, which I’m sure I never would have done back then. I wouldn’t have had time between work and hangovers.
There have been a few times since I quit alcohol that I decided I would give it a try again, and maybe throw back a few for a special occasion.
I regretted it almost every single time when the hangover hit. I just hate wasting my time on hangovers now. It’s just not worth it to me anymore.
No Alcohol Benefit #4 – My Friends Have Changed
You might see this as a blessing or a curse. When I quit alcohol, I did in fact grow apart from many of my friends who I used to party with.
It’s not that I don’t like them anymore; it’s just that it happened naturally because it turned out we didn’t really have all that much in common besides partying.
This might make you a little sad, but if people don’t align with who you are and don’t jive with your new choices, then they don’t. You will then attract people more aligned with who you are now, and that’s okay. In fact, that’s awesome.
My friends now all like healthy outdoorsy stuff like me, and while they do drink casually, it’s not like drinking is the only thing they’re all about. So we have things in common outside of drinking. And most importantly, they totally don’t care that I don’t drink. They know I’m awesome with or without it.
You may get different reactions to your new choice to not drink. Some people will accept it and love you unconditionally, and some people might not respect it and try to pressure you to do it anyway.
Just stay strong and confident in your choice, and if people don’t like it and don’t see your value beyond alcohol, then they aren’t worth your time. You are totally loveable and fun just as you are, without any extra “helpers”.
So anyway – that’s that. For me, there hasn’t been a whole lot of downside to quitting. People, including my family, might think I’m a little weird because I refuse to have even one drink, but I don’t really care. For me at least, life’s better sober.
(ps: I tried out some background music in my video this week! ha… I don’t know if the track was the right choice, but I’ll play around with it!)
Do you drink? Heavily? Casually? Do you enjoy it, or do you kind of wish you could quit but aren’t sure how? Share your alcohol stories in the comments below!
Hayley says
August 6, 2014 at 6:00 pmI love this post! I don’t drink either, for a lot of the same reasons as you (health, don’t like the taste, no desire to experience the shitty hangover) and I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything…except the people in my life are a bit more judgemental haha. Most people think I’m weird because I won’t even drink a glass of wine on a special occasion- but the point is, I don’t enjoy drinking so why would I do it? I’m not trying to be a killjoy- I think it’s hard for people who really enjoy it to understand why I don’t actually want it.
Tracy Raftl says
August 7, 2014 at 12:45 pmHi Hayley – I agree, people don’t really understand so much, but I figure it’s not a reason to drink if we don’t want to. It’s not like I haven’t been there done that! – I know why I don’t want to! Luckily no one bothers me too much about it too much even if they think my choice a little different, probably because I’m confident about my choice… do you find you actually get a lot of shit about it from people? or not really?
Sigal Sahar says
August 7, 2014 at 4:04 pmHi Tracy!
This post literally could not have come at a more perfect time. Thank you so much for sharing your story & decision! I just decided earlier this week & officially last night on the phone with a good friend to stop drinking as well. I don’t consider myself to have a problem since I would usually drink pretty casually, but I also enjoyed drinking to get drunk. I found it especially difficult to abstain from drinking before since I’m a performer in New Orleans (an especially alcohol-heavy city) & all the venues are very bar-centric. (It was especially hard to turn down free drinks!)
But the more I tune into my intuition & higher-self the more I feel called to fully detox myself in all ways. I’m from California, so I’ve also grown up partaking in a fair amount of “herbal inhalation therapy” if you catch my drift 😉 Although there is no comparison between the effects on the body between these two substances, I am just feeling the overwhelming need to be completely present & sober to truly enjoy life to the fullest. I am tired of trying to maintain an altered state of mind through different means & am ready to surrender to the pure beauty of the now. And I’m already experiencing so much more time & energy to pursue the things I love!
I couldn’t be more grateful for your story & words of inspiration right now; Especially since university will be starting up again in a few weeks & I know there will be many changes in dynamics with my friend circles. It’s funny that I finally turned 21 in January & am already making this decision, but like you- been there, done that! It just doesn’t seem worth it anymore & I am so happy to know a few people that share this healthy decision.
To a clear-headed, vibrant now & future! Lots of love <3
Tracy Raftl says
August 8, 2014 at 7:27 amHi Sigal, that’s awesome! You’re exactly who I wrote this post for – a person who was thinking about letting go of it and would benefit from hearing of my experience. I’m really glad you found the post so useful. Good luck on your new path 🙂 Hope it turns out brilliantly for you! x
Masako says
August 7, 2014 at 10:49 pmHi Tracy, I am impressed with how you conducted yourself on this sensitive matter. (I am saying this because I expressed my opinion on the different subject in my blog the other day, and received a huge back rash on that …ha ha ha. )
Anyway, this is an interesting subject for everyone …both drinkers and non-drinkers. They say “everything in moderation” but when it comes to alcohol, it is hard to keep it at moderate level for many.
I think it is a matter of priority by comparing pros and cons. Do you wish to have a clear skin? or prefer to party with few acne?
I am a non-drinker wanna-be. lt is funny I could quit 16 years of smoking cold turkey one day, but it is not the same case with drinks. I am exploring fabulous “mocktail” recipes for alternative and plan to write an article about this subject on my “running” blog.
Anyway, thank you for sharing : )
Thank you for sharing! and keep doing what you are doing!!
Tracy Raftl says
August 8, 2014 at 7:38 amHi Masako!
Haha yeah I was a bit wary as I know this is a sensitive subject… I really don’t want anyone to feel like I’m telling them they have to do something. I totally agree with you about the pros and cons – if not drinking is going to make you feel sad and lonely and like you’re missing out, then hey…exactly, you have to decide if perhaps a bit of acne is worth that fun. Sometimes I would say it is!! And after all, feelings of sadness and isolation totally aren’t great for wellbeing or your skin either. For me, alcohol isn’t worth it to me anymore and missing out doesn’t create any of these problems. When I was younger I may have said something differently.
However, while I used to really enjoy the party, I am not someone who ever had an alcohol “vice” or a particularly hard time going without it for long periods of time, or knowing when to slow it down on a night of drinking. It was never the alcohol for me that I liked or felt dependent on, it was the social part I liked, of which alcohol was just an assistant. So I don’t know what quitting is like for someone who, as you describe yourself, finds it quite hard to keep it at a moderate level. Let me know how it goes, good luck x
Kit says
August 13, 2014 at 4:38 pmMasako, I think one of your statements is a little extreme. Giving up alcohol and partying doesn’t equal magically clear skin for many (I’d say most) people, especially acne-prone people. It might be the magic bullet for a few, but if it were that easy to get clear, I doubt this site would be such a booming business 😉 And having a drink doesn’t necessarily make us all break out.
I appreciate that this post is coming from a non-preachy standpoint, especially as a regular reader who does drink. I’ve given up alcohol in the past for long stretches of time but it didn’t do much for my skin – I cleared up using totally different and unrelated methods. I enjoy light drinking for both social and taste reasons (there is NOTHING like a gin and tonic in the summer, or a craft cider in the fall). And, yes, also for the lowered inhibitions, as I’m somewhat introverted and a little liquid courage is nice sometimes.
But you know what, you’re right. It does tax the body and it’s not for everyone. If it doesn’t hold any appeal or draw for you, why do it? I think it’s stupid that people would openly comment on your choice like that. Just do you If that means no booze, cool.
I do especially like the point about how some friends are really just drinking buddies and not much more. Very insightful and hit home for me a little.
Tracy Raftl says
August 13, 2014 at 4:59 pmhah good call Kat for pointing that out… actually when I was writing the reply to Masako, I was kind of like … hmm I hope this doesn’t sound like I am making the statement that I think “alcohol = acne” and that if you have a few drinks it’s definitely going to mean breakouts… because I don’t. Otherwise I would probably talk about alochol more! haha. I think it probably affect’s people’s skin very differently, and of course excessive drinking isn’t healthy all around which is going to make it harder for your body to maintain healthy skin. But hey if you’re smart about it and drink in moderation… and you really enjoy light drinking… i mean really truly enjoy it, then that’s gonna equal things out 🙂
C says
August 8, 2014 at 10:13 amNice post Tracey. I really like the taste of beer and wine but have always been a very moderate drinker because I’m too thrifty to splurge on beverages when I’d rather save my money for clothes or world travel. I’ll have a beer or glass of wine maybe once or twice a month. Lately I have been realizing that even after just one drink, the next day I tend to feel foggy, lethargic, and kinda blue and depressed. Maybe my liver just doesn’t process alcohol well, but realizing this has been making me think twice lately before imbibing. If I want to function the next day at my fullest, I need to say no to even one drink.
MJ says
August 9, 2014 at 9:11 amEverything in moderation. When I was younger I would be the guy that goes out with everyone to get drunk. Now, when I do drink, which is rare, I’ll drink 1 or 2 beers and switch to water, even if I am at a bar with friends.
Drinking is a way the majority of people socialize and I like to socialize, but I had to learn how to control it. There are many people that can’t and make fools of themselves.
Volunteer to DD if you are out with friends so they stop hassling you to drink. Drink with them, but just drink water or tea.
Tracy Raftl says
August 10, 2014 at 7:28 amGood call! Yes everyone totally appreciates the DD 🙂
Sufyan says
August 10, 2014 at 11:00 amI so agree with you Tracy! People think that getting drunk is fun but they feel like shit after. It’s just that buzz they get for a few moments and then they complain about going on a alcohol detox because of the Alcohol they’ve consumed.
If they didn’t drink in the first place they wouldn’t need to go on Alcohol detox.
And I’m not talking about this being acne related I’m talking generally here what it does to the body and generally how it impacts your life.
As you said life can be enjoyed without Alcohol! it’s nice seeing and knowing you don’t drink Alcohol cause I don’t too. I’ve hardly been near it let alone drink it. I’ve been Alcohol free since the day I was born.
Anyways, so much love from me and I hope you stay in the best of health! <3
Julia says
August 11, 2014 at 7:58 amDear Tracy,
Thank you so much for the love vitamin. It’s been a great source of information and positivity in my journey towards clear skin. I still have a ways to go, but I’ve seen huge improvements since switching to a holistic skin care regimen and cutting myself some slack for my past skin care mistakes. I’m finally commenting on your site because of this well timed post. I’ve been partying for ten years now (I’m 27) and I’m so over it. Just like you, I enjoyed drinking to get drunk for years. When I was younger it was exciting, you never knew what was going to happen or who you were going to meet. Now it just feels sad, especially as I watch some of my close friends crossing over into full blown alcoholism. I’ve been reducing my drinking over the past several weeks and I feel ready to quit the partying altogether. I do enjoy the taste of wine, but luckily I have never had a problem with with stopping after one or two drinks at a nice dinner out with my husband. The hardest thing is that we moved to a new city this past February and drinking is huge down here. I use it as a crutch to overcome my shyness and meet new people. But knowing that there are others out there who have overcome this problem is empowering. Thank you so much for all you do to inspire confidence.
Julia
Tracy Raftl says
August 12, 2014 at 7:33 amHey Julia, that’s awesome, you are exactly who I wrote this post for 🙂 Give going dry a try and see how it goes. I totally relate to what you mean about using it to help with shyness with meeting new people, but now is an opportunity to try meeting people through new avenues related to your interests in order to find like minded friends… hobbies, groups, clubs… maybe try meetup.com ?
Abdul says
August 13, 2014 at 10:23 amThis is a great post. I don’t drink either. Never really took it up in the first place!
The Palate Peacemaker says
August 19, 2014 at 7:36 amTracy, this post made me so happy. Everything you said truly resonates with me. I have a glass of wine a few times a year and that’s about it. I have zero desire for anything more. The only thing about it that frustrates me is that whenever I meet new people here in NYC who share many of my interests, they ALWAYS want to “meet for drinks.” I’ll often suggest alternatives, but it still is an obstacle for me. I don’t enjoy the bar atmosphere very much. :/ Anyway, thanks for posting! You’re lovely.
Shar says
February 18, 2015 at 12:32 amHi Tracy!
Its funny, this article came at just the right time! I just turned 21, so obviously people who I know that drink wantme to drink with them now. The thing is that I realllllly hate the taste of alcohol, it all just tastes like cough syrup to me, even the kind that hardly has any alcohol in it. I actually had my first real alcoholic drink last night and it only had 5% alcohol in it but I hated how it made me feel afterwards. I felt like I had taken some cold medicine or strong allergy medication. I realized that my body is really sensitive to anything with alcohol in it, and I’d rather drink fun drinks without the cough syrup taste. I was also looking for some “sign” (haha) that told me that I can be a non- drinker ( like “YOU CAN DO THIS!”) Its just so popular for people to drink nowadays. You were my sign. I don’t need to put my kidneys, or my body through anything that isn’t fun and doesn’t feel good or right to me. Thank you for the affirmation and encouragement!!!! Also- side note: I’ve been using raw honey and jojoba oil on my face for two weeks now and my skin is glowing!!! I’m just wondering what I should use for my back acne, and also wondering if there is a difference between the Eco Bee Raw honey and manuka honey? I want to take care of myself and get nice skin before summertime, without going broke :P. I appreciate your blog and your website soooo much! You are an answer to prayer!
Tracy Raftl says
February 18, 2015 at 9:22 amHi Shar… awesome, I’m really glad this hit the spot for you at the right time. Definitely give yourself permission to do and be whoever and whatever you want. It will probably be hard at times to resist the peer pressure but always remember that doing what’s right for you is going to make you far happier in the long run than changing your will for other people. Good luck x