So...I'm Giving Up Alcohol | JULY MONTHLY VLOG 2019 

Where my sober pals at? Where my married viewers at? Where my Love Island converts at? Where my veggie meal lovers at? HOW ARE YOU!? (I really really hope youse enjoy this one, m'loves!)

Hello Melanie! Quiet audience member here. I just wanted to say, I am a practicing Muslim and I never drank in my life and never missed it (I also am prone to addictions and I know it is easier for me to say abstinence is better but still, with love: ) Just remind yourself that there is a big portion of world that does not drink. I live in Texas now and I have once lived in Australia for a while (from what I gather, Ireland and Australia are similar when it comes to the drinking culture). And it IS hard to socialize when you are not drinking but girl, it is good for you! You are better off when you have mental clarity, full experiences of life good or bad etc etc. Take care, Peace!

I never started drinking. And once I got over the peer pressure I honestly could not care less. It showed me that I can be just as silly without being drunk and I don't have to deal with the anxiety and the aftermath of the drunk decisions. I also grew up in a neighbourhood with many alcoholics and that instilled a dislike for alcohol in me from a young age because I saw how much damage it can do. So in my books, great decision ❤

I don’t drink at all - i find it just doesn’t suit me at all it makes me anxious, messes up my IBS and just overall decreases my health physically and mentally. Just not for me so I feel you girl 😂❤️❤️

I'm 19 and I don't drink!

I don't drink either! Never have. For many different reasons. Suprisingly, for me most of the pressure I've experienced came from older people rather than my peers, trying to convince me that it's harmless. Also, people can get very defensive when you say you don't drink? Like they have to defend themselves and their drinking, just because you don't. Idk.

My mum is an alcoholic and she would become violent so I had to grow up very quickly and take care of my little brother. She has been sober for three months now. I will be 18 next year and I don't want to drink alcohol because of my childhood.

I’m 23, engaged (will be married in October), vegan and sober! ❤️

I gave up alcohol pretty much exactly 2 years ago, it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I also took up running around the same time, as a replacement habit, and I genuinely believe that if I had still been drinking, I would not have been able to stick to any kind of exercise because most of my mornings were so overtaken by recovering from the previous night, even if it was just 1 drink I'd be more tired and sluggish and less motivated. I also focused on the fact that alcohol made me into the kind of person I didn't like, and that gave me a really strong 'why' to keep going. The hardest bit for me was all the 'accompanying' alcohol I had to give up - like a cornona with mexican food or wine with pizza - but after a few months I stopped thinking about even that and I am eternally grateful to myself for that decision.

I completely understand your whole thing about the culture surrounding alcohol. In my state in the US, alcohol is at the center of every gathering, whether that be small or large and all of a sudden people find themselves having a drink every day. I have had experience with alcoholism in my family and knowing the way that it has affected me I would never EVER wish that on anyone. It's good to recognize that your relationship with alcohol had gone sour and to do something about it. Lots of people don't.

So I just watched this without even knowing you added my 'Bad Day' cover and I was like HOLD UP. THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR. 😂😂😂 Thanks so much Mel! And happy TURTIEH birthday! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ As for the alcohol, I've been reducing my consumption of alcohol because I KNOW my brain and my body doesn't like it. The day after I have a night of drinking, I'm always so demotivated/deflated, down, tired, drained both mentally and physically. My boyfriend feels the exact same way, so we only tend to drink at celebration events or big family events.

Yay, sober pals! I'm sober for about 2 years now, the best decision I ever made! The judgement of some kind of people can be hard sometimes, because drinking is socially so heavily ingrained in my home country. Not drinking is kind of heavily frowned upon. ;) But I'm doing this for me and it benefits me in so many ways. And the people who really count will support you no matter what. You got this girl!!

I'm getting married September 20th :) My first tip would be to figure out your guest list (or at least a pretty good estimate) of who/how many people will be invited. The guest count will determine what venues you can book (because of space limitations and capacity and such), and the venue/date determines everything else...vendor availability, decor, etc. The Big Wedding Planning Podcast and the Bridechilla podcast have been lifesavers!! ❤️

💚When I was a teenager and most kids started drinking for social reasons I decided I didn't want to associate with those people and go to those parties - I had resolved myself to thinking I was the outcast and I was okay with that. So when they all drank together I never wanted to be involved. I never ended up going to house parties and never developed a taste for the social numbing powers of alcohol. I don't have any issue with other people who drink, I just don't myself. I can be just as silly and flirty as all the drunk people. I don't like the dizzy feeling from alcohol, makes me feel unstable. 💚

You are very inspirational and encouraging person. Don't let anyone shame you for making changes that will behoove you. I used to drink here and there and then drank too much. Because I have bipolar II, I don't drink anymore. It made me unable to make decisions that were healthy. And my mixed episodes were pretty bad. I love how raw and honest your videos are. They have helped me so much throughout the years ❤

If you and Jessie make a podcast I will die of happiness 😍🤩💖 thank you for being so open and honest about the shitty days and I’m proud of you for deciding to give up alcohol... will be very interesting to see how you find the journey! 💚💚

I'm 20 and I don't drink, havent for about 2 years now. At first it was hard to get used to being the sober one at partys but now I really enjoy it, I like being the mom friend and drunk people are fun to be around without being drunk yourself. Always takes a bit more time to get into party mood but with the right people, good music, and a glass in your hand (to at least not miss that feeling) you're definitely gonna have fun without the nausea and headaches the next day.

Can I just say thank you for posting this. I’ve been saying to myself that I need to better my relationship with alcohol. I’m also not an alcoholic, but I just drink when I’m bored at night. And I drink by myself. And it’s just a depressing mess and it’s fucking with my head. Here’s to a new month.

I didn't start drinking when everyone else did, I just went without it bc I for some reason had a strong aversion to it and now it's just so normal for me and I don't even question my choice anymore, I can be silly and fun at a party without the alcohol so: it's possible!

I dont drink for two reasons: my mental health meds go really wacky if I drink, very small amounts of alcohol totally mess me up to the point its uncomfortable. And secondly, I hate the feeling of being out of control and I find that I am an emotional drunk; that's no good for anyone. Mocktails can be so fun, and theres a ton of other options out there that are not alcoholic. Good luck on your path of alcohol freedom. It may sound boring, but not getting hung over and saving money on what youd spend on 🍷🍷🍷 is great!!

I don't drink too often apart from special occasions during the year and I only like having about 3/4 drinks at one time. I don't go out to nightclubs and pubs as much as a couple of years ago as I usually felt anxious in them places even with good friends around me and alcohol didn't really help in making me feel that relaxed! I prefer doing things with people that don't involve alcohol nowadays, I've saved money and it has helped with my mental health too. Good luck with your alcohol-free journey :)

I can relate to giving up alcohol. I recently learned that I have a slew of health issues, several of which are still being tested for diagnosis, and when I first learned about them I started drinking more than usual. I typically only have a few drinks on the weekends, mainly wine, but I started mixing hard liquor in the middle of the week! Alcoholism runs very strongly in my family and I didn't like where I was headed so it's been a few weeks now since I've had anything to drink and I'm glad I changed it before it got out of hand. You're not alone and it'll be hard but you got this! On a side note, I would definitely listen to your's and Jessie's podcast!! 💚

I gave up drinking a year and a half ago, I absolutely love it. I read Catherine Gray’s The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober when I first gave up and it changed my view on drinking so much! I had such an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and I feel so freeeee being sober. Never being hungover, never waking up not knowing what the hell I did the night before. It’s just so much better 😁

I gave up alcohol when I realised it was fuelling my binge eating disorder. As a reformed party girl I thought my social life would go but I discovered a wealth of time to do the things I love (and saved money)

I admire you so much for looking after yourself and taking action to take care of your body! You inspire me every day Melanie 💚

I'm 25 and have never drank. I've seen alcoholism in a lot of family members and have never wanted to dabble in it, plus I have an addictive personality already. Some people are jerks when you say you don't drink and can make you doubt yourself, but honestly most people are cool about it. The ones that aren't don't need to be a part of your life. Good luck! You'll find life is so much better without the need of alcohol. :)

I live in the Czech Republic and drinking multiple times a week is pretty common here. I usually drink 2 drinks per week. Ever since I had gastritis, my stomach starts feeling bad after 2 glasses of wine, so when I'm at a party I have to stay back and really be aware of the amount I'm drinking. I really love cider though.

That's such a good decision in my opinion, I haven't drank in years and I don't ever feel like I need if or even want it. I'm totally fine without it. I feel like I'm taking better care of my body, my money, and my time with friends feels more valuable! Here with you girl! :)

21 and still havent had a drop. I feel like it ages you over time possibly, I think its healthier to stay away.

I don't drink, mainly because i hate the feeling of not being in total control of myself. I now actually quite enjoy going out and seeing what everyone gets up to when they are a little tipsy, and unlike when I used to drink, I am now normally the last one standing! I usually just get a small coke or lemonade in a bar and people assume its alcoholic anyway. It can be hard when people you are out with question what you are drinking but I have found that as long as I look like I'm having a merry old time people don't really care what I'm drinking. Good luck!xx

Melanie! I'm sober nowadays and I'm in my early 20s! I've never thrown up from drinking but back when I was younger during college, I drank every weekend, (binge-drinking) and then that turned into drinking most nights out of the week because that was the culture around me. Eventually, it struck me one day when I didn't drink over the weekend, that it had been MONTHS AND MONTHS since I had done that. That, ultimately, I'd been drinking every weekend and through the week for nearly a year straight.. Once I realized this, I scaled back dramatically, and with that, my tolerance for alcohol lowered dramatically. Instead of having a bottle of wine and maybe getting somewhat drunk, I could have maybe one glass of wine before I felt tipsy. That then transitioned into alcohol making me feel quite sick... the feeling of tipsy made me literally feel ill to my stomach. I felt dizzy, I felt nauseous, and I have no idea why. I think the sugar and thought of being tipsy and out of control makes me anxious, and elevates my heart rate to an uncomfortable point... so now I don't drink. If I do, it's maybe once every other month, and it's one or two glasses of wine. But that is so rare. Not to mention, I dropped twenty pounds because drinking food is bad for you typically, and drinking has a lot of calories. Now when I'm out I'll get a sparking water with lime so that it looks like I'm having a vodka soda, or I'll have some cranberry juice and ice so just nobody will ask the uncomfortable questions of why I'm not drinking. But it's a very very liberating thing and I've never felt healthier; and I don't miss being tipsy. Being with friends when I'm out and having them drink on my behalf is fine. I'll just watch, but at this point, my health is more important than feeling buzzed. You'll do amazing Melanie, we're all rooting for you x

For starting your wedding planning just based on my experience: first you both need to decide what kind of wedding it is going to be (family only? dinner only? or lots of people big party?) and then pick a place - sometimes you have to book years in advance so I really recommend doing that before xmas if you want to get married in 2020 :) I love tacos also add some crunchy salad to them you will see it's even better!!

I used to be a very messy drunk girl. I get super emotional when drunk so when life got a little hard and I went out drinking I would get hysterical at some point and ruin the night for me and everyone. Last year mid august I got the news that my mom had cancer and it was so agressive that they could only ease her pain. And I just stopped drinking because I knew that I would create a shit storm when drunk. To this day, almost a year later I still dont drink like that anymore. My tip is just telling friends that you're gonna stop drinking for a while for mental health and that you hope they respect it. Find a good mocktail (I loooove virgin mojito's) and make sure you always have a drink of your own choice in hand already. Hope you will succeed and I wish you all the best with therapy! It really does help!

I just found your page yesterday but I'm hooked, really really enjoying your content and I have entered 2024 with the intention to give up alcohol. I started with the idea of just dry Jan, then I realised I wanted this to be longer term. I'm currently toying with the idea or either three months until my birthday but the more I see videos on longer term giving up and seeing your first stint was a year, I'm definitely steering towards that but as you've said in another video, it's scary (for whatever reason!). Thank you for the content and please tell me where you got your jumper from I'm obsessed!!

Thomas saying thanks softly while dancing is really sending meeee

I so admire and respect your choice! As a fellow young Irish woman, I too often question my relationship with alcohol and how normal it is around me. My partner quit drinking a few years ago and now all the empty bottles of wine in the house are mine 😳 it really shows me how often I drink. I’m currently cutting down on my alcohol intake significantly and if you’re looking for alternatives: there’s a decent alcohol free gin for sale! It’s lovely with a good tonic. Google it, I can’t remember what it’s called now but you might like it! Also, alcohol free red wine tends to be nicer than white and alcohol free beer has come a long way! Good luck!

Love you for sharing you had bad days. I can so relate and it's so nice to see other people succesfully dealing with it ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Congratulations girl! I'm a new subscriber but me and my fiancé gave up alcohol 4 years ago, he doesn't drink at all and I only drank because he drank so now I have a small glass of wine every 2 or three months maximum. I feel so much healthier and I do NOT miss hangovers!! the worst feeling ever, heart racing, sweating being sick etc and people try to make you believe hangovers are normal?! How can going through drug withdrawal regularly (because that's basically what it is) be normal. I don't care if people think it's weird, I'm healthy, I'm aware of what's going on around me and I feel good the next day :P

Good on you Melanie. This video really made me think. I don't drink often at all, and like you I wouldn't say I have a problem with alcohol in the slightest. When I do drink however, I forget my limit...and I'm too "in the moment (drunk) to remember what doesn't agree with me; to remember not to allow my friends to buy me drinks (not good when I mix drinks)...long story short I often wake up the next morning feeling like I've ruined my life...and my friends find this hilarious....it eats me up. And whilst it's happened less in the last few years, I often think about the times where I embarrassed myself and have this fear of seeing certain people again. I actually had some friends who pretended to drink shots with me, turns out I had tequila and they all had water. And they were feeding them to me (of course another terrible night). I don't know why I went on a shpiel....essentially I support your life choice in giving up drink because it's something I've thought about...except my friends don't seem to take it seriously...and then I don't...and then I drink and the cycle starts again. I think my main issue that I need to get over is my lack of confidence. Alcohol helps me in socialising, it helps me to lighten up and dance. Without alcohol I care too much about what people think. And I hate that, but I hate the person I am more than that. I'm just glad that my drinking is few and far between, and although in society's eyes "I don't have a problem", it is definitely something I need to address! (Apologies for the long-winded paragraph that probably doesn't read very well - feels good to get off my chest though).

I don’t drink much at all. I have the odd one now and again but I can go months without having alcohol. I have had bad experiences with my mums ex boyfriend who’s an alcoholic so that puts me near to being tea total, although it is not the only reason. I am so proud of you taking the leap as I can imagine it is going to be difficult for you, but keep it up as you are strong woman and I believe in you! Also if you mess up, don’t be too hard on yourself, just get back up and continue trying! Sending you love and all the luck!! Btw I am team Love Island, it is always nice to watch something that makes me forget about the problems! ❤️xxxx

As a woman of faith, I've never drunk alcohol in my 20 years of living. Although I was surrounded in a drinking environment and friends and peers always tried to coerce me into drinking which obviously never happened. It's funny because I always accepted their drinking habits but when they became aware that I didn't drink or the concept of non-alcoholic lifestyle, there is always a confusion which I find funny! I've compiled a list below on factors that may help: pros: 1) saves a LOT of money (studies show on an average night out, consumers spend somewhere between £20-100 on alcohol alone) Save that money for a rainy day or some lactose-free milkshakes! 2) saves your life. Alcohol is the lead substance killer after nicotine yet it's allowed for legal purchase at your local corner shop. Quitting alcohol will definitely benefit your body and release it of toxins and decreases your chances of liver cancer/failure. you want to be around for a good time AND a long time 3) helps mental stability. although people say that drinking away your sorrows can help you, it's quite actually the opposite. studies show that alcohol increases episodes of anxiety and depression and increase of heavy alcohol substance abuse can lead to damaging effects of the brain, causing slower reactions and effect with memory. 4) unnecessary fats. Unbeknownst to a lot of people, alcohol, especially beers and ciders, contain a lot of calories. One can of beer is equivalent to 3 and a half of Maryland chocolate chip cookies. I know which one I'd prefer! Cons: 1) can be hard to quit, especially if you've grown accustomed to it for so long but you CAN do it! The reason why we're above other species is that we're mentally developed to make our own decisions and curb our animalistic cravings. So, you CAN DO IT, it just takes time and a little willpower. There are always substitutes for your favourite alcoholic beverages so perhaps that can soften the blow. It's not always easy to quit something you've been committed to for so long but it's not impossible either. It's just going to take a bit more time that's all. I wish you the best on your journey and pray it goes well! Lots of love Mel!

I'm currently twenty and have no interest in drinking. I don't like feeling out of control and tend to have an addictive personality so I figure I'm just better off without. I also don't know what it'd do to my mental health. As for veggie meals, I've been vegetarian for about two years now and absolutely love it. Ever since I've adapted the lifestyle I've found myself trying so many new foods that I would have never tried before.

I’m 24 years old and never drank alcohol. People often try to persuade me but I’ve never given in. They tell me “you are missing out on the fun”. But I feel sorry for people who cannot have fun without a drink. I have plenty of fun without being intoxicated. Some of my friends and family stopped drinking because they saw me having fun without the alcohol.

I'm determined to do Dry January 2021. I'm not an alcoholic, but I definitely have an alcohol issue. I really enjoy drinking, love a nice glass of wine in the evening, and I'd be lying if I said I hated going out and getting drunk (obviously pre-Covid.) I'm a uni student, so the drinking culture is everywhere. But I used to have such a healthy relationship with alcohol, my consumption was very moderate, I would go weeks without even thinking about it, and I would rarely drink to excess, even on nights out. I was very in tune with myself and my mind; I would realise when I was tipsy, and then I would stop drinking for a bit, and then maybe have one more when I felt a bit more sober. But then I started university and I was so intensely lonely and homesick. I was drinking more because of the partying at uni, but soon I realised that I was drinking every night, even on my own. By the end of first year, my uni room was full of empty wine bottles. It was then that I realised this was a problem, but because I was still struggling and liked drinking, I just didn't really stop. In the two years since the problem began, I've had a really bad heart break, family troubles, the struggle of moving to new cities and being really lonely, uni stress, and then obviously covid. So, I've just kept drinking, not every night, but more than I should. I realise now that I always look tired, I've gained weight, my anxiety and OCD are terrible all the time, and I haven't written anything- I'm a writer and study english at uni- in a really, really long time because my brain just feels cloudy all the time. I can't concentrate, I feel numb, like I can't focus. So, I am going to give up alcohol for a month, for a start, and see how it goes. I'm expecting positive results, so I might continue after. I want my moderation back, I want that healthy relationship with alcohol back. I just want to be myself again, to be honest. And I'm honestly really excited about it.

A bit unrelated to this video, but you made a post on instagram a few days ago about how 10 years ago you were depressed, broke, friendless, loveless, lost...i sadly really identify with that right now. My 30th birthday was in October and it was really hard. I felt betrayed and heartbroken. I’m glad to know you made it to the other side of so much despair, and I’m wondering if you’d be willing to make a video about your journey out for those of us who are still in it. I hope your birthday was an amazing day. 💕

I've also recently to stop drinking/be teetotal after always struggling mentally with the social pressures around it and not enjoying the taste or sensation of being drunk. I hardly drank anyway so feels like a nice solid decision and avoids the awkward "I kinda drink sometimes but not much because I've had bad family situations with alcohol" 💚 I wish you all the best with this change and cant wait to see myself the positives it brings 💚

I just kinda stopped drinking alcohol about 5 years ago.. It never made me "tipsy" or even drunk, I literally just threw up or passed out and I never liked the taste of it. It also makes me kinda sad, that a lot of my friends can't really "loosen up" or genuinely have fun without drinking, because they're somehow ashamed of being funny and reckless and they feel better if they can "blame" it on the alcohol. I never had any disadvantages of not drinking, but one thing that's been bothering me is that people always assume I'm boring to be around or somehow prude, just because I don't drink. Like I can't have fun without getting hammered... Luckily my friends don't think that way and they're just amused by my "natural crackhead-personality" as they call it, because I usually seem like the most drunk out of us all when we're out dancing, even though I'm always sober :D

I live in Ireland and recently realised the amount I drink was causing most of the horrible moments in my life. I literally started keeping a tracker of my intake two weeks ago due to a 'bad day' so your vlog was really helpful. If you read this and think moderation is possible for you ; limiting myself to the recommended units and keeping track in an app has made my life so much better. I still get to go out and enjoy myself but I dont get drunk. Thanks for talking about this topic

What helps me is remembering how horrible the hangovers feel and throwing up the next day. Tbh I don’t mind having a drink once awhile but know your limit and for some people it’s better to give it up for good. Stick to fizzy non alcoholic and pop (not healthy) but for me it satisfies as a drink other than water and it’s better than alcohol. Plus alcohol is horrible for your liver and it’s technically poison for your body. I wanna keep my ovaries, body and mind in check ✌🏻 for future family.

3 years off the booze now, i was advised to bad liver typical Irish 😂, i miss it on the frustrating days where you just want to shut your self away, still like to go out and enjoy a night, best of luck don't be to mad with your self if you have the odd wobble you will find what's comfortable for you. For your wedding, remember it's your day and enjoy the experience from the day it's self to organising it

I quit drinking a year ago due to chronic utis and hating hangovers. Ive never looked back, i genuinely love sober life, i hate who i am when i drink and the fear the next day is awful. Im from Northern Ireland so i understand the irish culture of it believe me. X

Totally understand! Being 21 and making the conscience choice to not drink is something that is not heard of from where I'm from

It'll be difficult but you'll see the benefits outweigh it all! xx

Hi fellow sober pal ☺ never been a big drinker, tried it as a teenager and just didn't fancy it. It also caused my IBS to really flare up. I'm now 27 and married to another non-drinker. Shloer on special occasions is where it's at 💜

my advices would be explain why you do that to close people and during parties don't say it: people might even not notice it and think you drink only one soft, always keep a FULL soft drink so people don't ask you if you want a drink. You will find that you have some "alcohol friends" that you see only to get drunk and you will naturally burn bridges with them. find your alternative drink for your "let's take a drink" night out (personnaly it is coffee 😂). And the beggining is harder because it changes a lot of your habbits but then it become your life, you adapt and it become soooo easy. but the most important is find why you drink (fun, avoid your problems, shyness, borderness...) and find a way to remplace alcohol for those situation.

Wedding tips: do not stress the little things, you will not remember them; spring for a good photographer; spend at LEAST as much on the honeymoon as you spend on the wedding - the honeymoon is way more important! It is your first time together as a married couple!

YASSSS A PODCAST!!!

Thank you for the amazing monthly vlog as always ❤️

My tips for not drinking: - find a soft drink that you like but that makes you feel a bit fancy! For me it’s appletiser because when I was a kid it was a posh drink for us - when out a bar you can always ask the server to put your drink in a cute glass: my local pub will put orange and lemonade in a gin glass and dress it up for me if I ask - don’t feel pressured! People who don’t think you can have fun without alcohol are probably really boring people You’ll be fine! Not being hungover it’s the best!

I can't drink! Whenever I do I turn into sleepy from snow white and the seven dwarves lol It's just not worth it, you are a disney princess Melanie

I NEED THOSE GLASSES.. the dots omg

Neither my partner or I drink. He is straight edge, I gave up because of some hardcore meds I used to take and when I do have a drink now it makes me really ill so it's easier just not to do it! You can still have fun with your pals at social events and drink non-alcoholic beverages, which a lot of people don't seem to think is doable, but it is! You just become intolerant to people who are absolutely wasted lol. Good luck!

I don't have a problem with alcohol but sometimes I drink just because it fits the event. I don't like a lot of types of alcohol and mostly I drink for the taste so this inspired me to only drink when I really want to.

I stopped drinking for mental health reasons!!! Hang in there. You can do it, girl!!! 😉❤

We’re also trying to give up booze. It’s not easy but totally worth it!! We drink a lot of sparkle waters to make up for the beer we like.

Like you said, drinking can be a culture thing ,and knowing that it is becoming problematic for you is the First step in the right direction, I basically am Alcohol free , I prefer Mocktails or a favorite of mine is Lemon lime and Bitters, I have to say I find it hard dealing with drunk ppl these day's , got my support good on you LOve what u do

I am a 21 year old girl from Norway, and I have given up alcohol too ❤️Norwegians are heavy drinkers, especially people my age.. So It definitely is a social disadvantage. Nice to see more people give it up! I gave up because I am not comfortable damaging my health. Im a vegetarian too and I loved this season of love island hahahaha

I genuinely love the taste of good wine and I consider myself a big beer snob, so I don't think I could give up alcohol completely. But honestly, I wish I could rely less heavily on alcohol to ease my anxiety in social situations, at parties and when I'm being intimate with my girlfriend, who has the same issue. We both go to a 'prestigious' university with an awful drinking culture and an even worse workaholic culture, and if I want to relax and enjoy myself at the end of a day when I've spent 8 hours in the library, it can be really difficult for me to let my hair down properly without alcohol. All my peers at uni who don't drink often seem a lot more stressed than everyone else- if they don't have other vices, that is. Add that to the fact that I perform a lot in public (I'm a musician) and have awful performance anxiety which makes drinking almost a necessity, as well as going to a lot of gigs where alcohol is used as a 'payment', and giving up drinking seems like an impossible task in the foreseeable future. Well done to both of you for giving up drinking- Melanie especially, since like me you've struggled with your mental health.

She’s hit The Wall

Pro-tip: to replace alcohol in social situations or as something you drink at the end of a long week, get into all the crazy types of fruit juice, or tea (so many more kinds than most people know about), or syrups! You can find syrups of about anything! My favourite is elderflower syrup, but the last interresting one I tried was vervain. Once I tasted cucumber syrup, but I woudn'r recommand XD Syrups are fun. And underrated.

TEAM LOVE ISLAND!!! Also agree, wanted Chris and Maura to win because she is such a badass.

I was born and raised in Ireland and I rarely drink (for physical health reasons). I would actually love to be able to drink a few glasses of Prosecco now and again, but sadly it would cause so much physical pain in my bladder for days it would not be worth it. Nobody ever bugs me or says anything about it. And even before I developed chronic UTIs I didn't drink for health reasons. People are so used to me not drinking, and I think that is the key. Maybe people pressure you more to drink if they are used to you drinking. If someone tried to pressure me into drinking, I would just look at them. Like you seriously want me to do something that will cause physical pain for days? Em, no. After all, it's fine for them with their healthy bodies. I am not so lucky. Re: wedding, the most important things are the food, the music, and the photographer. Plus, people adored our sweets counter and we did it on the cheap by buying our own jars on ebay and chocolate and sweets from the supermarket. No need to shell out for a sweets company. A great band is worth spending money on too. Things to save money on include: flowers (nobody really notices them - have you ever heard anyone talk about flowers at a wedding? ), wedding invites (you can get cheap but nice ones online), and a whole host of bridesmaids/groomsmen (the cost of each rapidly adds up due to hair, makeup, dresses etc.)

I don't drink! I've never been drunk, I'm 26 and it's not too bad, I don't know what it'll be like in Ireland cause it Canada but generally people will respect your decision!

My bf is a recovering alcoholic, and my mental health is really bad if i drink so we are both sober:) It's so hard in a culture (i live in Denmark and we are just as drunk as Ireland ) where people drink all the time. You will need support and a friend to drag along you being sober going out ect:)

I personally grew up with a dislike for alchohol, perhaps mainly because I've associated it to unpleasant memories from relatives drinking and emotions getting more out of control than was ever necessary. That and I don't like to feel out of control of my own actions and thoughts, so the closest I've experienced of strong alchohol was 1 shot of tequila which was enough for me to know I don't like the feeling.

I made a really old video about what happened to my body because of alcoholism (also at 19) and I still suffer from it (the issues it caused to my body) - stopping it was the bloody best decision of my life (+ I lost ALL the beer weight now one year after stopping binge drinking) - I'm now not completely off alcohol but I had to make an abstinence break and had to have a few fallbacks (NOT! THE! END! OF! THE! WORLD! its a part of the road of sobering up) - (I had a really hard time with that) and now I've got it completely under control, I even give up drinks if I feel like I'm getting too drunk (which I would never have done before) and I drink maybe once a month, a year ago I struggled to not drink for one day a week

I've never had more than two drinks at a time, and 99% of the time I opt out. I still love going out to bars (especially drag bars omg) and parties, and if it's not fun, then that's probably because the company/music isn't that great anyway. Best of luck!

I wouldn’t say I’m sober but since my breakdown couple years ago, having a baby and now being pregnant again my alcohol is VeRY limited. It’s really not worth drinking, here in Spain it’s normal to drink every day. I wouldn’t know when to stop and would black out and I would have regret and hate the way I am on it. I prefer being clear headed, and with baby number two due in November, booze isn’t the same as what it is pre babies hehe. I can enjoy one or two but that’s it. But I would easily just not touch it at all. You can even get no alcohol guinness :) I’ve had maybe two hangovers in a year... Well done babe. Kids will help haha! It’s a tránsition stage haha. Better off drinking a fizzy water with fruit and berries in summer and hot Ribena in winter haha x

Hi Melanie! I don't drink alcohol as it's not allowed in my religion. You've got this! You are in control.

If you wanna know your relationship with alcohol you can always take the AUDIT test it's googable and free just make sure you get the self report version and of course discuss it with your psych before you do the test it may not be necessary. On the love island part, check out Russell Howard's video on his RU-vid channel about that program, I really like what he said and is one of the reasons I don't watch programs like that or any reality tv. Good luck with your alcohol free year 💚💚

MEL IM SO HAPPY I GET TO SEE YOUR DOC AT BUFFER

For the past few years i haven't been able to drink because it messes up my stomach, even just a tiny sip. Idk if it's my ibs or what. And before that my limit was like half a small glass bc i'm a lightweight, so you're not alone. I've found your friends will respect your decision without problems. And even at pubs or bars with friends i'll order myself a lemonade or glass of water and it's fine lol

Jeeez...thank you for the alcohol talk. I needed to hear someone else say this stuff. I am currently getting my head ready for quitting, but yet, here's more wine I just bought. Ok... So. I'm in. Much love from Massachusetts, U.S.

Woo I'm starting therapy next week too. Therapy buddies! :D

See as long as you keep yourself right; appreciate that others are having a drink and are going to get into a bit of a state but know that you don't have to stay for the whole madness if you don't want to or absolutely can if you're having a laugh and a good time. Nothing should change in how you go about nights out/nights in - you still do it to suit you. I am currently in Sligo, as I have come every year for my whole life to visit family, and I'm Scottish so I get what you're saying about the general consensus towards drink being pro-alcohol. But apart from the odd "Ahhh go on" in jest, not drinking doesn't really affect me. Like you it's a choice and so if we want to have a drink we can, we're just saying nah no thanks for now. I definitely think it's about mindset and you seem like a positive and driven enough person to see it that way too. All the best.

I was never a big drinker. I could hold my drink well when I did. My mom and sister don't drink. One year to save money, I didn't drink for a year and a half in college. And then next time i did drink, my tolerance plummeted, and became more light weight. I think I have something close to depersonalisation/derealisation mixed with my anxiety and I think these proved on halloween just gone that I shouldn't drink. I had only had a couple and I freaked. Crying. Balling. And I didn't like the effect the drink was having. I don't like not remembering or not feeling like I am somewhere or present and alcohol did that. I sat outside for an hour alone to try calm down and eventually my Boyfriend found me and brought me home. I never really vomited from alcohol but this was my decider of nah drink is not for me. I now have a cider once every dinner out every few months, and barely finish it at that. Trust me it will annoy others more than it will affect you , "oh my GOAWD you don'T DRinK hOw Can...." jst ignore them. You don't drink just cause you don't. That's all.

30 years old and have never had a sip of alcohol. It was for religious reasons at first, and still is to some degree, but after seeing my friends struggle with maintaining healthy relationships with it, I’ve just kept away. It’s never something I’ve had an interest in anyway.

I turned 21 this year and for some reason I think drinking will help my anxiety but in reality I end up just feeling crap the next day so its not worth it. I’m just in a confused state right now 🙃

Hmm. I MOSTLY don't drink. Maybe a couple times a year? And honestly that just depends if I go on vacation or not cause I mostly drink on vacation. But that wasn't a big choice I made, it kinda happened naturally. When I was younger I was pretty bad at limits. If I told myself I'd only have one drink that went out the window and I'd get completely drunk. Instead of trying to learn self control I just adjusted how and when I drank, and how I thought of it. Like I only got drunk maybe twice a year but I KNEW I was gonna do it so I planned it like a day at the amusement park. I'd gather a group of friends, we'd get on the list for some huge club (I always want to dance when I drink) we'd plan who was sleeping where and make sure we had safe transportation. It would cost a lot because cocktails at clubs are pricey, plus door cover, food, cab, etc. So again, it was like a twice a year big blowout drunk adult prom where you just overindulge without remorse. Friend night, no boyfriends, no hookups. Just dancing and drinking and bonding. And afterwards when my body FINALLY recovered and my brain FINALLY cleared I was set. I had NO desire to do that again for at least 6 months and liked feeling good and thinking straight MUCH better. I couldn't stop showering, I just felt so gross. Lol As I got older those nights stopped as friend groups changed, people got married, got promotions, moved away. Got busy, had more important things to spend their money on. There was one relationship I had where we always drank a lot on date nights, maybe once or twice a week. We had issues. And years later a really stressful job where it was common to have a drink (1glass of wine tops) at the bar next door after work a couple time a week. With coworkers so we could complain. But without those outside influences I don't drink much at all. I go to Europe once a year and drink every day. A glass of wine with dinner and maybe one at lunch. I have it with really heavy food and while walking around all day. I don't let myself get tipsy let alone drunk. And I don't want to. I love travel and on vacation there is so much to see in such a short amount of time (I over plan trips to be more adventurous than relaxing) that being incapacitated by alcohol is just getting in my way. So I guess I drink on trips because I know I won't want to drink much. At home I don't at all. I've never kept alcohol in the house, don't drink at home, and never ever drink alone. It's always been a social thing for me, an "experience" not a way of life. And my biggest alcoholic regret was once getting too drunk at someone's birthday party and making myself into an unpleasant chore for them on their birthday. Luckily I'm a happy drunk but I got really sick and it was awful. I felt incredibly selfish and try not to really drink at special occasion parties or weddings. So I guess by putting drinking into a once in a while category like "vacation" "going dancing" etc instead of an every week category like "dinner" "watching a movie" I find it easier to not. My one big weakness is social anxiety. I'm perfectly comfortable talking to people, to strangers, but only if we meet naturally or are introduced. I have the inability to walk up to a stranger or group of strangers and just start talking to them. Alcohol is still my go to helper for that and that's one habit I just don't know how to break or replace. I've been given suggestions before and well intentioned advice but honestly nothing else has ever worked for me. So there's that. 🤷‍♀️😂

I LOVED this video and I totally relate to everything you said about your relationship with alcohol. I also totally want to try giving up alcohol for a period of time as well. Thanks for inspiring me

My sobriety started 28th December 2017. I was aiming to be sober all last year but I got the sober as fuck workbook by Sarah Ordo and going through that book made me realize it was a much needed lifestyle change. Currently on my 20th month of sobriety. I don't miss my drinking days at all. Life is better without alcohol.

I"m 25 and I have never been a big drinker. I have an occasional drink but never more. 1 reason is that I cannot really have a lot of carbonated/fizzy drinks because I just get insanely bloated so even though I like beer it's kinda off limits. Then the other reason is that I simply just feel shit when I drink (low amounts I have been tipsy but never drunk). It makes my legs heavy and odd, my stomach can start burning and despite the fact that it's supposed to relief anxiety I get anxious. I dont mind if others drink but what I hate is how rooted drinking is in our society. I'm Swiss and I dont think we have a drinking culture like Ireland or the UK. But you are treated like a weirdo if you dont do it. I think that's worrysome, why is it weird if you do not wanna drink and get intoxicated? I also know quite a few alcoholics which is why I dont like how accepted and wide spread alcohol is in our society. It is a drug and it destroys lives and through our culture it is so easy to slip in there.

I feel like at some point I will need to give up alcohol too, I can’t control my limit and it makes me feel like crap multiple days of the week. I lose my memory at least once a week. I’m from an Irish-heritage family and I live and work in South Korea, both cultures that drink super heavily. It would super impact my career and social life though, and I’m not ready to give that up. But one day...

I recently heard it called wobbly-pop, kinda cute 🤗

I drank so much because I had a horrible day. I had the worst hangover I was throwing up everywhere and felt so sick 🤮 and then I realized this is not worth it. Drinking alcohol is not worth the headache. I can have fun without it. 👊🏽😘🤭So I stopped drinking 🍻 🚫

Love the music choice for this vlog!

I gave up drinking for a year when I was 20/21 and I’m thinking of doing it again because even though I don’t drink a lot, I get very emotional the day after I drink. It just doesn’t suit me and it’s not good for my anxiety

Where I live, the age limit for drinking is 16, so I know a loooot of people who started drinking at as young as 13-14. I myself don't drink, never drank and not planning on ever drinking alcohol

Well I've bought a bottle of gin last year and it's almost full. I don't crave alcohol at all. I like cocktails but I think it's because of their sugary taste and not because of the alcohol in them.

Shaaba on youtube just planned her wedding with her partner jamie and made a couple wedding videos that you could check out!