The experience of watching major sporting events like the Euros football tournament in 2021 left Daisy Buchanan with severe hangovers, overshadowing the excitement of the games. Buchanan describes waking up exhausted and sobbing after drinking heavily, a stark contrast to her husband's ability to moderate his alcohol consumption. This recurring pattern led to a year of concern about her drinking habits, with each hangover prompting an existential crisis.
In June 2022, Buchanan decided to quit drinking alcohol entirely. After nearly four years of sobriety, she has found ways to participate in social events such as weddings, barbecues, concerts, and festivals while abstaining from alcohol. She recounts celebrating her 40th birthday with Sanpellegrino and attending pub gatherings to watch sports like the World Cup and support the Lionesses and the Three Lions, all while remaining sober and enjoying the experiences.
Buchanan offers several strategies for individuals looking to cut back on alcohol or maintain sobriety during social occasions. She emphasizes the importance of choosing comfortable and safe environments, suggesting that if a pub feels too tempting, hosting friends for viewing parties is an alternative. She also highlights the value of having a sober buddy or informing a trusted friend in advance about one's decision to abstain, seeking their support in declining drinks offered by others.
Contrary to what some might believe, Buchanan advises against announcing sobriety to everyone, noting that drawing attention to it can lead to teasing or pressure to drink. She has found that by not mentioning her sobriety, most people do not notice her choice not to drink, as non-alcoholic beverages can often be indistinguishable from alcoholic ones.
To enhance the experience of sobriety, Buchanan encourages adventurousness in beverage choices. She points out the growing availability of diverse and appealing non-alcoholic options in pubs and bars, including zero-proof beers from brands like Days, Lucky Saint, and LOAH, and alcohol-free wines such as Nozeco and products from French Bloom and Elton John's range. She also recommends fermented drinks like Momo ginger kombucha for its adult flavor and perceived health benefits.
Thorough planning is also a key element in avoiding alcohol, according to Buchanan. She stresses the importance of being well-rested, fed, and managing anxiety before attending events where alcohol will be present. For those watching late-night matches, she recommends eating dinner beforehand. She also suggests listening to sobriety podcasts, such as 'This Naked Mind with Annie Grace,' 'The Life Of Bryony with Bryony Gordon,' or 'How Do You Cope with John Robins,' to mentally prepare for social situations involving alcohol. Buchanan concludes by reassuring those who are sober that they are not alone and that many others share the same experience, allowing them to enjoy events fully and wake up the next day without regrets from a hangover.