Unexpected Benefits of Sobriety: What I’ve Learned from My Clients
During a recent Zoom session for my group coaching program, Rediscovering Me, one of my clients shared a profound realisation. She said, "Sarah, it’s so much more than just not drinking. I can’t believe how my life has transformed in ways I never expected just from giving up alcohol."
Moments like these are why I love my job—witnessing how women’s lives shift beyond their wildest dreams simply by choosing sobriety.
We often anticipate the physical benefits of not drinking—better sleep, clearer skin, potential weight loss, and improved liver health. But there are additional physical and emotional benefits that many don’t foresee. Here’s a look at some of the surprising benefits that come with sobriety:
Physical Health Improvements
A ground-breaking study on grey area drinkers revealed some astonishing physical benefits for those who decided to quit drinking:
An average weight loss of 3kg
A 40% reduction in liver fat
Decreased risk of various cancers, with a notable impact on breast cancer (the World Health Organization has identified alcohol as a leading risk factor for breast cancer, yet 80% of women are unaware of this link)
Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
Improved cholesterol levels
As Professor Kevin Moore from London Royal Free Hospital aptly put it, "If these benefits were found in a pill, everyone would want it and it would be worth billions." And all we need to do is stop drinking!
Hormonal Balance
Alcohol is linked to estrogen dominance, which can lead to heavier, more painful periods, increased PMT, mood swings, and a higher risk of fibroids. I experienced this firsthand; a hormone test in December 2018 revealed dangerously high estrogen levels. My naturopath advised me to take a break from alcohol. Many women notice that avoiding alcohol can alleviate menopause symptoms, lighten periods, and reduce bloating. This is because drinking forces the liver to prioritize detoxing alcohol over processing estrogen, leading to increased estrogen dominance. Even small, regular drinking can significantly affect your hormones, especially during perimenopause.
Enhanced Mindset
As one client put it, "It’s like going from living in black and white to living in colour." Sobriety often brings a newfound vibrancy to life. Without the dulling effects of alcohol, you might find yourself dreaming bigger and pursuing new opportunities. Clients in Rediscovering Me have shared that they've applied for promotions, enrolled in courses, picked up new hobbies, and considered career changes—things they felt unmotivated to do while drinking. Sobriety can reignite your confidence, clarity, and motivation.
Stronger Boundaries
Sobriety teaches you how to set and maintain boundaries, freeing up time and energy for what truly matters. Many women come to me feeling overwhelmed and stressed, often because they lack clear boundaries. Drinking can exacerbate anxiety and diminish our confidence to assert ourselves. By learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-care, you can create a life filled with joy and fulfillment, rather than constantly doing things for others at the expense of your own happiness.
A Sense of Calm
This one surprises (and delights) my clients the most: They experience reduced anxiety and a greater sense of calm. Alcohol increases stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. We “take the edge off” stress with alcohol but it spikes cortisol – the stress hormone, leaving us feeling more stressed than we were before. Sobriety helps you manage stress more effectively and achieve a state of contentment. While life will always have its challenges, learning to handle stress without alcohol leads to a happier, more peaceful existence. And when you’re calm and happy, everyone around you benefits as well.
Which of these benefits surprised you the most?
If you’re ready to explore these benefits for yourself, consider joining the October Alcohol-Free Challenge starting on October 1st. Spots are filling up quickly, and I’d love for you to join us for a transformative month filled with learning, support, connection, and tools that can change your life. Most women find my challenges to be "absolutely life-changing." Grab your spot HERE.