Julien: From intoxication to clarity

Starting to drink: a social norm

Like many young people, I started drinking alcohol quite early. By the age of 14 or 15, having a few beers after football matches or during nights out with friends was the norm. The drinks were often of poor quality, but that didn't matter. The ritual of drinking had become a way to socialise and have fun. Back then, drinking seemed like an integral part of social life, and having a good time often meant nights spent drinking.

Escalating consumption

Over time, nights out became more frequent and the alcohol stronger. By the age of 16 or 17, I was regularly drinking spirits, often to excess. Hazy memories of nights out and wasteful spending became the norm. Alcohol was seen as an essential part of social life and entertainment. I spent several years going out almost every night and getting drunk, thinking that was what it meant to enjoy life.

Realisation and change

At 20, a realisation began to dawn on me. I turned to entrepreneurship and started questioning the kind of life I wanted to lead. As I began focusing on my health and overall well-being, I realised that alcohol didn't align with my goals. Gradually, I cut back on my consumption until I was drinking only very rarely. This transition happened slowly, but it allowed me to better understand what I truly wanted.

Lessons learned

Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Judgement from others: a reflection of their own insecurities: When I stopped drinking, I noticed how other people's reactions often mirrored their own struggles to do the same. This realisation helped me boost my own confidence. People often projected their own insecurities onto me, and understanding this allowed me to detach myself from their judgements.
2. Finding pleasure in moderation: By drinking alcohol only occasionally and by choice, I rediscovered the genuine enjoyment of a drink, free from social pressure. Today, every glass is a conscious choice rather than a social obligation. This has transformed my relationship with alcohol into something much healthier.
3. Building real connections: Far removed from the artificial euphoria of alcohol-fueled nights out, I have learned to forge sincere, lasting relationships with people. Conversations have become deeper and more meaningful, and I have been able to build solid friendships based on shared interests and values.
4. Handling social pressure: Breaking free from alcohol-related social pressure has allowed me to make choices aligned with my values and goals. Saying no to a drink at a social gathering has strengthened my ability to say no to other pressures in life. It taught me to stay true to myself, even when it was difficult.
5. Defining values and habits: Inspired by books like James Clear’s Atomic Habits, I learned to anchor my habits in my core values, making them easier to maintain. By affirming that I do not drink alcohol, I have integrated this habit into my identity, making temptation easier to overcome.