Ideas That Aren't on The Huberman Podcast

I will have been sober for 6 months as this email hits your inbox.

Here are some lessons I’ve learned over these couple of months.

But first, let me give you some context.

If you had met me last year before I stopped drinking, you probably would’ve thought that there was no way I made it through the weekend without something to drink.

For the longest time, I was the quiet kid in school, once I went off to college I wanted to make friends. The only problem, practically being mute all the time doesn’t help with social skills.

I began using alcohol as a crutch to make friends.

Further down the road, it became my coping mechanism to deal with a breakup. It was the only way I could fall asleep and take my mind off everything.

It wasn’t pretty.

After leaving work in a panic attack I decided to move back home with my parents to sober up.

I built my life back without alcohol and moved back out of my parent's place.

What I have learned since giving up alcohol is this:

1. If you are willing to own up to the fact that you had a problem with alcohol not only do you gain respect in some people’s eyes but others will show you their true colors. I have learned a lot about the people I know by their reaction to me telling them I was sober. Everyone will tell you congratulations or that they’re proud of you cause it’s the polite thing to do. The sincerity in their voice is what you’re looking for. If they are genuinely excited that’s a good sign but an unenthusiastic, “That’s great.” may be underlying resentment from them.

2. It feels like there is more time in the day when you’re not drinking. When you aren’t hungover in the mornings you basically get your mornings back. That is kind of the obvious answer. Apart from hanging out and drinking with friends, when you have a drink at night at home after work, time starts slipping away from you faster than you realize. When watching Netflix while having a drink, one episode quickly turns into three or four if you’re not careful.

3. Swapping beer for sparkling water when out with friends is the best way I’ve found to feel included when everyone else is drinking. For example, the Fourth of July is coming up and a few friends and I are planning on going to the beach to hang out. Everyone is already talking in the group chat about the drinks they’re going to have and how they’ll need their girlfriend to drive home. Instead of bringing beer the best substitute I’ve found are the Liquid Death waters. Not only do they taste good but they look like a tall boy. Nobody asks questions about whether or not I’m drinking and the sober streak continues.