what i have learned during my ‘no buzz summer’
I want to kick this off by saying that I am not an alcoholic. Deciding to go sober for the summer was totally a personal choice, not because I was dealing with any substance abuse issues.
If you had told me two years ago that I’d give up alcohol for an entire summer, I would’ve laughed and called you crazy. But here I am, writing about it, and honestly, I’m pretty impressed with myself.
My first real night of drinking was on my 18th birthday. After that, drinking just became part of social life — like it does for a lot of people. So, giving up something that’s so deeply woven into my social scenes felt impossible at first.
My sober journey started on March 17th — yes, St. Patrick’s Day. Talk about a challenge right out of the gate. That weekend truly shamrock-ed me.
It’s been five months, and let me be real — I haven’t been perfect. I’ve had tiny sips of friend’s cocktails or new drinks on the market. I did take a shot for a free hat, & quite honestly, I have no regrets about that.
If I’m being technical, I’d probably call this summer my “No Buzz Summer.” I didn’t set any strict rules or deadlines for myself, but so much good has come out of this experience. So, here’s what I’ve learned and how things have changed.
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Being active is a non-negotiable in my life. I love HIIT classes and enjoy being outside. One of the things I wanted to gain from this was time back to do activities that were good for my soul. I truly wanted to gauge if reducing my alcohol intake would help my performance.
The most surprising thing? The amount of weight I lost — which is not always something easy for me. I wasn’t unhappy with my body before, but the change in my body composition was definitely noticeable. We often forget about all the extra calories that come with a random Tuesday night beer or those shots at the bar. I didn’t go into this expecting a major difference, but I can honestly say I’m in the best shape of my life!
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I’ve noticed a major boost in my natural energy levels, making me more active and productive with my time. I’m usually not a morning person, so waking up without a headache has been absolutely life-changing.
On top of that, I’m naturally a pretty anxious person — I’m always stressing about what could go wrong next. This journey has taught me so much about patience and being present. It’s no secret that alcohol can mess with your blood pressure and heart rate, putting extra stress on your body. By cutting it out, I am feeling less anxious and in better spirits.
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I’m definitely a night owl, and if you know anything about me, you’d know I live for late-night adventures. Hitting the city with my girls used to be all about the buzz (or, let’s be real, the booze).
But surprisingly, going out without drinking hasn’t been as tough as I expected. I’ve learned to set some pretty solid boundaries: being upfront about why I’m not drinking, choosing the right company, and steering clear of situations that make me uncomfortable.
I’ve realized that going out is something I genuinely enjoy, alcohol or not. I love the dance floor, the music, and the vibe under those disco lights.
The big change? I’m now in control of my behavior and decisions. As a major people-pleaser, I used to let others make choices for me, often without even realizing it. But now, I’m way more confident in how I approach situations and decide what’s best for me. If I want to go out, I’ll go out; if I don’t, I won’t. I’ve come out of this experience with a newfound power of choice, and I’m so grateful for it.
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This journey has been an emotional rollercoaster in ways I never expected. While resisting the buzz wasn’t as hard as I’d imagined, the toughest part has been dealing with all my emotions head-on. Normally, after a rough week, I’d look forward to drowning my frustrations in a drink. But that wasn’t an option anymore.
This experience has really pushed me to understand my triggers. It’s not something you figure out overnight — it takes time and introspection, especially in moments of uncertainty and dissatisfaction. I’ve started spending quiet time with my thoughts (basically meditating) to get to the root of the issues that drinking used to numb.
I’ve also noticed a shift in my mindset — I’m more positive and peaceful than I was before. I feel more comfortable in social settings because I’m showing up as my true self. No alter egos, no liquid courage. As a result, I’ve had deeper, more meaningful conversations and have even come home with new ideas and inspiration from the night.
While my journey isn’t over yet, it’s been so beautiful to watch myself reconnect with my energy and sense of self. I’ve traded in my “hang-xiety” for activities that align more with my goals and passions.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth truly happens in discomfort. You’re stronger than you believe, braver than you seem, and smarter than you think. Taking on this challenge has been 100% worth it, and for anyone considering trying this, I stand by and encourage this.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, please get in touch with resources to best support your needs. Here are some resources that can provide help:
SAMHSA National Hotline - SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) Confidential Hotline - 888–985–2217
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