Free Bars, the real cost

I’ve just come back from a work event. You know the type, presentations, networking, canapés, and of course… the free bar.

By the end of the day, you could almost feel the shift in the room. People were buzzing with anticipation, eyes drifting toward the bar as the last speaker wrapped up. As soon as it was over, there was this unspoken race. People practically sprinting to get their hands on the free booze, like it was some kind of golden ticket to fun and relaxation.

But free alcohol doesn’t mean better alcohol. It’s still the same stuff. Still toxic. Still addictive. Still a depressant. The only difference is that, because it’s “free,” you’re more likely to overconsume it. Why not have another? It's not costing you anything, right?

Well… not financially, maybe. But the real cost shows up the next morning.

Fast forward to day two:

The vibe in the room was very different. People dragging themselves into the conference room, heads pounding, stomachs churning, eyes heavy from a restless night. There was one poor lad who slept through his alarm and crept into the back around 10:30 am, clearly hoping no one would notice. They did.

Meanwhile, I had a completely different experience.

I still enjoyed the evening, chatted, laughed, and connected with people all while sipping on a couple of alcohol-free beers. I went to bed when I felt tired (what a novelty!), had a solid night’s sleep, and woke up feeling fresh and genuinely grateful.

Because no one ever wakes up thinking, “I wish I’d drunk more last night.”

But you do wake up grateful when you didn’t.

It’s so easy to be drawn in by the illusion of alcohol, especially when it’s dressed up as a “perk.” But no matter how it’s packaged, whether it’s a cheap bottle of wine, fancy champagne, or an all-night open bar, it’s still alcohol. And alcohol is still alcohol. It doesn’t suddenly become harmless because you didn’t pay for it.

It still interferes with your sleep. It still spikes your anxiety. It still messes with your mood. And it still robs you of your presence and your peace.

So the next time you’re handed a glass and told it’s “on the house,” remember: the cost is still high. You're just paying for it differently, with your health, your energy, your clarity, and sometimes even your dignity.

Don’t be fooled by the glittery lure of “free.” Freedom is waking up with no regrets.