I am now over 250 days alcohol-free, and for a long time, years in fact, I would battle against the habit of drinking by thinking that if I could moderate, I could enjoy having a drink without the hassle that comes with having too many.

Well, unfortunately, if you are stuck in a habit, then moderation won’t work.

People will tell you it can, but when alcohol is involved, it won’t, plain and simple!

To be fair to those who are encouraging you to moderate, they are doing it with your best interest at heart, but the noise it creates in your own head will drive you mad.

For those of you who are struggling with the idea of giving up on alcohol and are therefore likely to be caught in the moderation trap, let’s look at some interesting stats from Aviva which were published in 2024.

• Nearly half of UK adults who say they drink alcohol (48%) plan to stop drinking alcohol or reduce the amount of alcohol they drink over the next year.
• Just under one in ten of these (9%) say they plan to completely stop drinking alcohol altogether.
• While over a third of UK adults who plan to reduce their alcohol consumption over the next year (34%) said that they are doing this to save money, health was also a key motivator for this move to adopt more responsible drinking habits.

Aviva’s research also explored the motivation for adults who had already taken the decision to stop drinking alcohol. 

• Not surprisingly, wellbeing featured highly with more than a quarter (26%) saying they lead a sober lifestyle because they feel healthier, and just under a quarter (24%) said that they feel happier. Slightly fewer (23%) said that they want to be healthy as they grow older.
• Just under one in ten (9%) say they have never drunk or tried alcohol and more than half of those who now don’t drink (52%) say it has been more than a year since they last consumed an alcoholic beverage.

For the full article, the link is here : Nearly half of UK drinkers plan to reduce their alcohol intake over the next year – Aviva plc

What is interesting in this data, is that nearly half the adults are planning to stop or reduce. Reducing will mean moderation, and for those who have gone through the cycle and have been successful in giving up alcohol, they will very likely say that moderation is almost as stressful as maintaining the habit, so avoidance is the better option.

The benefits of making the decision to go alcohol-free clearly has a positive bearing on your health and bank balance, but there are many other benefits to be had, this of course will include your career prospects.

If you have found that your career has stalled, or you are not progressing at the rate you think you should, and the reason is down to your relationship with alcohol, then why would you want to keep fighting a battle which you can’t win?

I understand firsthand the challenges involved in pushing yourself for ensure the career has a purpose. At Phil Adderley Coaching, I help individuals not only achieve their goals but also overcome significant life obstacles through personalised coaching that addresses both mindfulness practices and employment challenges. My approach recognises that recovery requires holistic support, developing physical strength alongside mental resilience, rebuilding professional confidence, and establishing healthy routines that sustain long-term wellbeing.

I invite you to take that crucial first step toward positive change by booking a complimentary Zoom consultation. This initial meeting gives me the opportunity to understand your unique needs, challenges, and aspirations, allowing us to create a tailored coaching plan that addresses your specific circumstances. Whether you’re seeking to improve your performance, enhance your mindfulness practice, or overcome employment hurdles, I’m committed to supporting you throughout your journey. Send an email to phil.adderley.coaching@gmail.com today to schedule your free session and discover how we can work together toward meaningful transformation and lasting success.