Three Bendigo women who have given up alcohol at various stages over the past two-and-a-half years have shared their stories about what motivated them to change their habits.
They are sharing their experiences in a bid to encourage others to embrace Dry July, an initiative in which people stop drinking alcohol for the month to raise money for those living with cancer.
No time for a hangover
Hanna Shea is a single mother who works full-time as a case worker and is also studying sociology and psychology at university.
A busy lifestyle was the catalyst for taking a break from alcoholic beverages three months ago.
"I don't have time for a hangover," she explained.
"So I decided to say no from the start, and make use of my nights and weekends off. It's been a game-changer."
The 39-year-old said abstaining from alcohol has helped with her stress and anxiety levels.
"It hasn't solved any of my life's problems. But it's made a difference in the way I can approach things and my peace of mind. I'm much more able to cope with life," she said.
Ms Shea has also had a positive response from her eight-year-old son.
"He's super proud of me. He has, unfortunately, had to see some not-so-pretty things that Mum has done when she was drinking," she said.
'I was a blackout drinker'
Briana Cowan gave up drinking a year ago and the move has inspired a podcast series — Booze Free Bants — she hosts with close friend Claire Mason.
On the podcast, the pair discuss their alcohol-free journey and the growing industry of alternative drinks.
"I've got a lot more mental clarity and energy."
Briana's initial motivation to quit was her son and daughter, aged eight and nine.
"I was a blackout drinker; I lost a lot of memories I can't get back," she said.
"I was telling the kids a story about something I'd done, and they asked if I was drunk, so I thought, 'These kids are picking up on what I'd modelling'."
The 42-year-old said exploring alcohol-free drinks had helped her deal with cravings and temptations.
"It's allowed me to have that ritual and ceremony of drinking with friends or having bubbles with a celebration or beer after work," she said.
'I don't care what other people think'
Kristy Nihill's competitive nature sparked her alcohol-free quest two-and-a-half years ago.
"I enjoyed a drink but I wasn't enjoying how I felt afterwards," she said.
"I felt like I needed to take a break. It started as a month, but I'm a competitive person so then I challenged myself to a year and I've kept going," the mother of four explained.
The personal trainer said she had more energy since making the change.
Having now gone through many social seasons without a beer or wine, the 43-year-old said it had become easier.
"We're involved in the footy club and social things we go out to. At first, it's against the status quo and you're kind of looked upon as 'not normal' because you don't drink," she said.
"Once they all start drinking alcohol though, they don't pay attention to what you're doing.
"But I'm a driven person and having fun, so I don't care what other people think."
And for those considering Dry July, Ms Nihill had some advice.
"It's one month of your life, 30 days; it's not that long. Be driven, focused, and get that goal," she said.
"If they want support, reach out to people. I'm here too, I'd be happy to help someone who needed that extra bit of support."
