Man who gave up nicotine and alcohol for six months shares everything that changed
It's shandy summer, Tommy Tactics and his Three Lions are on a World Cup charge and another heatwave isn't far away.
It's safe to say pints are getting sunk left, right and centre across the UK this summer.
In fact, millions of brewskis will be downed well into the early hours of Monday morning as England take on Mexico in the World Cup, with kick-off coming at 1am at best and god knows when at worst given potential thunderstorm delays.
Monday will be a bad day to be a lover of engaging Zoom meetings, that's for sure.
Advert
Despite all the fun and shenanigans, many of us will often stop to consider the impact alcohol is having on our bodies and even our minds.
Sobriety challenges like Dry January and Sober October suggest lots of people feel they want to knock the booze on the head every now and then.
Whether that's to feel healthier, get into better shape, save money or just to see if you really need a drink to have a good time.
Lasting a month can feel like a great achievement. Like a celebration is in order! I wonder what the best way to celebrate is?
But what happens if we go beyond a month? Are visible, concrete transformations possible?
Jack Hopkins says so.
The benefits of going six months sober
YouTuber Jack Hopkins has recently passed a six-month sobriety milestone, which also includes nicotine products as well as alcohol.
Jack wanted to see what life would be like without relying on substances to 'spike' his dopamine and named the major changes he has noticed in himself over the past six months.
The most eye-catching change is a physical one.
"I have the best physique I've ever had in my life. I have the most motivation I've ever had in my life," he said in a YouTube video.
Interestingly, Jack then listed a string of positive changes that all had to do with changes in his own mindset, rather than ones concerning his body or physical well-being.
He has found that he has become more productive, motivated and confident, found new hobbies, and experiences a better sense of accomplishment in his work.
"Life became so much easier," he said. "I wasn't losing days to hangovers any more.
"Instead of thinking about going out drinking, I wanted to build things, work, exercise and actually get things done.
"I wake up hungry to achieve things. I get my dopamine from making videos, making money, travelling and doing adventurous things instead of alcohol."
He continues: "When you remove alcohol, nicotine and reduce caffeine, you're no longer relying on artificial dopamine. Things like working, exercising and achieving goals become naturally rewarding again.
I thought alcohol was what made things fun.
"Now I spend my weekends kite surfing, reading, travelling, going to the gym, learning new things.
"I've realised you don't actually need alcohol to enjoy life.
"I'm better with my friends. I'm better in relationships. I'm better with women because I'm no longer relying on alcohol for confidence."
He even still meets friends and stays partying late into the night, but can do without being debilitated by hangovers the following morning.
Jack admits he still experiences cravings, but his period on the waggon has changed his mindset towards addiction.
"I still think about drinking. I'll be travelling or see people having drinks and think about it, but then I remind myself why I stopped.
"I don't think I've beaten alcohol because that's the mindset that made me relapse before. I know I have to stay aware of it."
Maybe it's worth giving it a try.
Daniel Murphy