Compared to before I started is night and day – Curtis Cochrane

I was never a during the week drinker – but soon as Friday came, I would get this feeling that I have completed the week and it was time to reward myself.

It was my time to wind down and relax as I was giving so much of myself to my clients, kids and work. Friday was the day I would let loose. I had a feeling I had to be somewhere, doing something, with anyone. The same Friday texts were sent saying “hi mate what are you up to what’s your plans tonight”, to multiple people, then I would choose the best option. Basically, just using people to get drunk with.

Before OYNB

I tended to binge, drinking to get drunk. This would give me horrible hangovers and leave me in bed for days, often sleeping the weekend away. I was missing out on time with my kids, leaving my wife to take them out on her own.

I had stopped drinking once before, for 8 months as I was training for a fight – so I know I can do it. But I snapped my knee ligaments which lead me back into drinking, and a lot more this time as I felt depressed from not being able to train.

Starting my OYNB journey

I was determined to stick to it this time. I was not expecting anything miraculous from joining the OYNB Alcohol-Free Challenge, but I was intrigued by all of the incredible success stories I had seen online so I signed myself up to motivate me to stay on track.

What I have learned over the course of my challenge was the ability to be comfortable at home on a Friday and not having to be anywhere else. I can be content, just sat on the sofa with my girls watching a movie or having pizza.

I have also lost over 20lbs in weight, train every day and don’t have the usual 3 day lull of getting over the weekend hangover. My memory and mental clarity have improved, and my focus is amazing. I have got things done that I have been talking about for years like building a games room and starting the extension for the house. I now football coach on a weekend too which is a responsibility I love.

OYNB really helped me to reach this place

I looked forward to the daily emails, to see what day I was on and what inspiring content they held. Whenever I felt myself wavering, I would read the success stories from other people on the page.

I now have a bar at home fully stocked which my friends are welcome to drink from and it doesn’t affect me one bit. I don’t even think about drinking anymore and I have set my sights on achieving the 365-day challenge milestone. I feel as though if I chose to drink again, I could do so in moderation, but for now, I have no interest in drinking again.

I have learnt so much from this process, and compared to before I started this is night and day. I don’t want to go back there so I will do everything I can to stay on this path.

 

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