My Unexpected Romance with Sobriety - Caitlin's Story

Picture this: a 15-year-old me, grimacing as I sipped my first alcoholic drink. I hated it. But like a trooper (or a fool, depending on your perspective), I persevered. After all, isn't that what we're supposed to do? Acquire a taste for something that tastes like fermented shoe polish? Ah, cheers to youth.

Fast forward to my late teens and my American adventure, where I discovered beer that actually wasn’t that bad. Suddenly, I was that person—you know, the one who shows up to parties with enough beer to drown a small village. It was my ticket to social stardom, transforming me from a wallflower into the life of the party. Who knew liquid courage came in such convenient six-pack form?

But then, in my late 30s, I had a torrid affair.

No, not with a person—with champagne. Bubbles became my new best friend, helping me navigate the treacherous waters of an unhappy marriage and the subsequent divorce. As a single parent, I found solace in the bottom of a glass, justifying it as a coping mechanism for the dreaded "witching hour" with the young kids. Because nothing says "responsible parenting" like a nice buzz, right?

Little did I know, my casual fling with alcohol was turning into a full-blown relationship. It was the kind of relationship where you wake up one day and realise you're in too deep, but you're not quite sure how you got there. Sound familiar?

Then, like a rom-com plot twist, I stumbled upon the sober curious movement and Sarah’s Facebook group. Suddenly, I wasn't alone.

There were thousands of women just like me, questioning their relationship with alcohol. For the next two years, I played a game of "will-I-won't-I" with sobriety, taking breaks only to be lured back in by the alluring song of cheer and social obligations.

The final straw?

A Christmas vacation that left me needing a vacation from my vacation. As I nursed my hangover and my wounded dignity, I made a bold declaration: 2024 would be my year of sobriety. A full 365 days of clearheaded, hangover-free living. It was time to break up with booze for good.

Now, you might be wondering, "How on earth did she do it?"

The journey to sobriety wasn't a straight path, but it was certainly an eye-opening one. I dove headfirst into what I like to call "Sobriety Boot Camp."

Picture me, surrounded by stacks of alcohol-free literature taller than my wine rack ever was, devouring books like they were the last slices of pizza at a party. I became a podcast junkie, binging on sobriety shows like they were seasons of my favourite Netflix series. I absorbed information like a sponge that had been drinking nothing but knowledge for years. Slowly but surely, the fog in my brain started to clear. It was as if all these sober gurus were pieces of a giant puzzle, and suddenly, they all clicked into place.

But let me tell you, the real game-changer wasn't just the books or the podcasts. It was finding my tribe—a community of like-minded women who were on the same journey. Imagine a group chat that's part support group, part comedy club, and part cheerleading squad.

A Hub of ladies that have become my rocks and whom I will forever be grateful for. We share our triumphs ("I survived a wedding without champagne!"), our challenges ("Help! There's a wine tasting at work!"), and our newfound superpowers ("I can actually remember entire conversations from last night!").

Together, we laughed, we cried, and we celebrated every sober milestone like we'd just won the lottery.

This community has become my secret weapon. When the wine witch comes calling (you know, that little voice that says, "Go on, just one glass won't hurt"), I have an army of sober warriors ready to swoop in and save the day. It is like having a personal squad of sobriety superheroes on speed dial.

Now, 10 months into my sober journey, I can confidently say it was the best decision I've ever made.

My life has expanded in ways I never imagined and I am a better mum, friend and co-worker because of it. Who knew that not drinking could be so... intoxicating?

To anyone out there contemplating their own relationship with alcohol, I say this: 'Give sobriety a chance. It might just be the love affair you never knew you needed. And unlike that ill-advised booze binge, I promise you won't regret it in the morning.'


Written By: Caitlin Behrens