Before and after alcohol
- Sarah Bennett
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
If you don’t follow me on Instagram (@thesobrietysocietyuk), you probably haven’t seen these before and after photos from when I stopped drinking!!
One of the biggest visible changes? I lost weight. Alcohol is the second most calorific substance after fat, so when I gave it up, the pounds started to drop off, helped by being able to be more consistent in my fitness journey.
But losing weight was just one benefit. Over the past two years, I’ve noticed so many positive changes, some expected, some completely surprising. Here are some of the many things I’ve experienced since going alcohol-free:
Weightloss – I had been stuck for years
Much better sleep – I drift off quickly and rarely wake in the night (other than my dogs getting me up!)
Brighter mornings – I wake up refreshed and rarely hit snooze
No more morning anxiety – that nagging feeling has completely gone
Clearer skin – fewer spots, brighter complexion and my decades-old psoriasis has vanished
Less stress – life still brings challenges, but I can handle them without feeling overwhelmed
More confidence – I feel more self-assured in all areas of life, including launching my coaching business
Calmer and more content – I just feel happier and more at peace
Saved money – about £2000 a year, which I now spend on things that genuinely matter
Fully present – whatever life throws at me, I’m able to show up for it
Making better decisions - Whether that's what I eat, whether I go to the gym, or deciding if it's time to go home from a night out. Nothing clouds my decisions anymore.
Not all of these benefits showed up straight away. For example, my sleep actually got worse before it improved. But honestly, sobriety feels like the gift that keeps on giving. Even now, I’m still noticing new positives.
So if you’re thinking about quitting alcohol but feel unsure, this is your sign. There’s so much to gain and nothing to lose! Except for some weight maybe!
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