Amidst a tumultuous era of shifting priorities, a growing number of people are turning their backs on alcohol to embrace a life of sobriety. VML Intelligence spoke with two women, Alice Wilson and Hayley Louise Allens, who have discovered joy beyond the grasp of alcohol.

Two images, spliced. On the left: a black and white image of a woman dancing. On the right, a color image of a woman with dark hair smiling at the camera.
Alice Wilson

Alice Wilson (she/her)

Wilson is a trainee patent attorney at a law firm in central London. She recently launched The Pocketful of Peace, an online platform empowering women to cultivate good mental health. After a chaotic night in February 2022, Wilson woke up with intense hangxiety, leading her to change her relationship with alcohol. Initially aiming to cut back, she ultimately chose complete sobriety, a decision she has never regretted. Now approaching one year of alcohol-free living, she will be celebrating her soberversary in July. Wilson discusses the impact of alcohol on her mental and physical wellbeing whilst delving into personal fulfillment and underscoring the importance of finding a supportive community.

Pretty much all my socializing revolved around alcohol. I started to notice that the alcohol was taking a toll on my mental and physical health. I would go out pretty much every weekend and just feel so ill and anxious the next day.

I realized that I didn’t want to write off any more of my weekends, and that it was completely in my power to stop myself from feeling like that ever again.

Initially my intention was just to cut back, but I soon realized that I wanted to stop drinking completely. It’s a decision that I’ve never once regretted, and one that I’m extremely proud of myself for!

I used to be very insecure, and when I would drink, I would be in constant pursuit of validation and attention from men, just to prove that I was worthy of it.

Since I stopped drinking, I have built authentic confidence and self-worth so that I no longer need to be constantly chasing external validation, and I care much less about the opinions of others.

My number one priority nowadays is protecting my peace and doing the things that bring me joy.

When I stopped drinking, I didn’t really know many other sober people, but I’ve made some lovely friends through Sober Girl Society events and it's so nice to connect with people who are on the same journey as you! I’m constantly raving about it!

My life feels so much fuller and more vibrant since I stopped drinking - I have so much more time and energy to do the things that I love, so I have no reason to want to start again!

Two images spliced. Left: a blonde woman wearing a black shirt and shorts dancing, her side facing the viewer. Right: a woman with dark hair wearing an orange crop top and matching long skirt stands barefoot on a beach.
Hayley Louise Allens

Hayley Louise Allens (she/her)

Allens is a person-centerd therapist who is dedicated to helping people create a life they love. Motivated by the profound regret she experienced after a hangover-disrupted a birthday party organized by her family, she bid farewell to alcohol. Despite facing mockery for choosing water over alcohol, she has persevered. Her soberversary falls on December 8th, just a day after her birthday. Allens discusses the pressure of drinking culture, her personal transformation and the varying attitudes and perceptions surrounding a life free from alcohol.

Drinking culture is huge, especially here in the UK. I found it very difficult to avoid.

It’s everywhere from adverts, to billboards, birthday cards and celebrations. No wonder people find it tough to escape from.

I wanted to fit in and to be invited to events so sadly, I found myself drinking to appease others.

I remember being asked a powerful question when I first started to consider sobriety. "Does alcohol bring out the best or worst in you?"

My life has changed drastically since I stopped drinking. I am happier, healthier, and much more assertive now.

I have received a real mix of responses and reactions from people when they find out about my sobriety. Some are supportive, curious, and compassionate. Others are judgemental, unpleasant and appear to be threatened by me.

I look back at the old me and wish I could envelope her in a hug, tell her to stay true to herself and to forget what anybody else has to say.

More and more individuals are realizing their worth and recognizing that alcohol no longer serves a purpose in their lives.

By highlighting all the wonderful sobriety success stories, alcohol free beverages, sober events and activities, we could open people's minds and hearts to the possibility of a lifestyle that doesn't reek of regret.

Main image of the NoLo bar at Dusit Thani, Dubai.

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