8 Lessons from 500 days without drinking alcohol

500 days and I'm still loving this new way of living. Stopping drinking has been the single best decison I've made that's had the highest improvement on my overall health and happiness.
The book "This Naked Mind" made such a difference to my mindset: thisnakedmind.com/
The subreddit r/stopdrinking is a great place to share stories and see that you're not alone: / stopdrinking

[@SeanStewart88]

Waking up early with no hangover no foggy brain and more energy, well it’s hard to beat that feeling.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

better than being buzzed, buzzed on life

[@AndyGinny1]

Without fail. Every one of these videos I watch says the same thing : your life improves 100% when you quit drinking and things just get better. 👍🏻

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Congratulations to you Adam. It's been 10 years for me and I feel so much better in mind and body. You are to be commended for sticking to your decision. Life is grand. My worst day sober is better than my best day as a drinker. All the best, Steve

[@stephenflowerday4038]

Thank you for your positive videos Adam. I've made the decision to stop drinking today. I'm 46 and have been a drinker (apart from a 4 year break when I got married) since 15. Like you I was a party animal and people seem to like the drunk me. I'm a very easy going drunk. Everything you've said I can relate to and see my life would be so much better without it. Looking forward to a sober future

[@jimmyngpchoon9228]

Hi Adam, so glad you passed 500 days alcohol free. I chose the same decision 35 years ago and I feel so good till today. I just celebrated my 72nd birthday last week and still biking around. Have a blessed time in Kenya!

[@anigiainvhi1799]

Congratulations! My mantra, not today, maybe tomorrow but not today.

[@1603_theadventure_mattrix]

Well done mate. You where a portion of my inspiration. 19 October is 365 days for me. You are bang on no hang overs and I am more in tune with my body then ever.

[@BramboBOY10]

Keep going buddy. Nearly a year that’s brilliant! 👏🏻

[@user-bn3ed4db3b]

It's my first year clean TODAY 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I'm not missing anything about it and I don't have any cravings whatsoever thank goodness. Not 1 hangover in a whole year, didn't spend anything, didn't do anything embarrassing.... life's so much easier without booze 😊

[@tomrobertson9402]

Congrats Adam, a huge achievement! I have loved following your videos not just during your trip, but also after. It looks like you have grown just as much off the bike than on it and that's something we can all learn from.

[@AdamHugill]

Thanks mate. Appreciate the kind words.

[@ipswichcycler3364]

That is spot on.

[@ronnetteharvey6781]

I went my entire thirties with no sex. Now from 50 to 65. Can't tell you how great that is in finding no one gets me. But I don't want to tell my past. I love who I am without it. My mother was an alcoholic my whole life. I tried to get her to stop but it was more important than me and my brother. I'm so happy for you. Even one day with out alcohol is wonderful.

[@stueightfish1216]

Great achievement, it's so difficult to stop drinking but it is even harder to stop and then talk about it. You are a great help for me and I'm sure many others.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Wow literally glowing compared to the earlier videos!

[@MartinDef_]

Congrats! I’ve been sober for 1 year now and I feel fantastic.

[@655Louisa]

Love your videos! Your skin is glowing so your new lifestyle is agreeing with you!

[@brendansullivan7867]

Stay strong Adam, you are doing amazing, keep up the good work.

[@AdamHugill]

Thanks, you too!

[@toofargonetours]

I really respect how open and honest you are in these types of videos man. ✌️

[@gaylenorman6176]

Happy Birthday Wishes Adam! 🎂 Happy to hear that your wellness journey is going so well.🤙

[@Smaffs59]

Well done Adam. Regarding the putting on weight, I gave up for a couple of months a few years ago and realised after a few weeks that I was eating packets of biscuits which I would not normally do. I was told that it was my body craving sugar that it had been getting from Alcohol. I am in my yearly dry January but something tells me to knock it completely on the head. Did three months a couple of years ago.

[@profesam8457]

So happy for you. Glad that you are happy! Terrific accomplishment.

[@lindawoody8501]

Belated Happy Birthday wishes! So happy you are no longer imbibing. Good for you! Better health!

[@BramboBOY10]

Well done mate. Big fan of your videos and this really came at the right time for me as I’m currently on a sober journey so thanks for sharing.

[@AdamHugill]

Glad it can help.

[@davidcummings5826]

I haven’t completely given up drinking, but I have severely cut back in the last year (I realized CoVid had really upped my drinking). If I do drink now, I only have one drink in an evening. I feel so much better for all the reasons you mentioned. I don’t NEED to drink to have a good time. There are so many delicious alternatives! And the people I’m with don’t care one way or the other - they’re true friends. Kudos to you and keep enjoying life!

[@erwinrogers9470]

Congratulations 🔥

[@paulleighton7078]

Im now a non drinker.. Its really a no brainer, once you realise how good life is sober🤗👍

[@jonabriggs8829]

New Subscriber, Girl in the Woods sent me !! Can't wait to watch all your Video's :)

[@soberisbetter6904]

great message!

[@achnamara]

Fantastic, well done.

[@rajeshkadam7917]

You are looking amazing. I watched your 6 months sober video.you are inspiration for me. I am trying hard but relapse again and again. Now will try hard.thank you for such a wonderful video.

[@herenowlife]

Great for you ! Personally gave up alcohol worked hard really hard lost my boat, lost my girlfriend. Got done over for a person worked for !. Went back to alcohol and now feel allot better about having something to blame for any problems rather than society and the way life goes for me and feel better about staying alive. It may work for some didn't work for me. Great it worked for you. Real friends? Its no different if you change religions or go from fat to thin or you get wealthy when poor or other way around you change realities you change friends. Real friends are friends that stay with you through all those changes sometimes that's more you than them. Enjoyed the talk however move on from the cliche... think cost is a big one. For me at my age. At this point now cannot think of a good reason. Cause got little left anyway. Alcohol isn't great but in the end it's what's your drug ? Sugar ? THC? Pshcy? Money ? Ego ? Shopping ? I'm unsure watching people what's more worthy.

[@maxflight777]

Powerful video. Super points.

[@suzannebolt7949]

Fantastic well done ⭐️

[@joydeepmoitra6521]

10 days sober. Pray for me so that I no longer fall off the wagon...

[@user-wg8eb6jz9s]

Lol 10 days... I'm 10 minutes

[@kmg2947]

Fantastic. Congrats

[@medieval4203]

500 days with no booze is awsome. Great job for sure, keep it up Adam. I was curious and hoped to see how much money you saved in that 500 days. That could be another incentive to not drinking. If you kept a jar ,and put your daily or weekly alcohol funds in it and saved up for 500 days , that would be a good vacation.

[@AdamHugill]

I recently read a study that showed that we spend an average of £75 a week. On that logic I’ve saved £5,314. Could afford to travel a long way by bike with that.

[@TI_Ted]

inspiring, am going to do the same

[@donnamartin4388]

Congratulations Adam. I saw you te talking to girl in the woods. Now I'm following you.

[@richmiller2012]

Coming up on three weeks alcohol free. I've had many of the same symptoms and looking forward to all the benefits you've been talking about. Cheers

[@kevintanner5307]

It's been 21 days for me I'm dizzy and sweating a lot is that normal I used to drink pretty happy for years

[@Richard-R-S]

Well done, good on you Brother👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. God Bless🙏🏻🚴🏻‍♂️🦋

[@Korschtal]

Well done, keep going. I never touched the stuff, but I'm probably making up for it in excess calories... I also find people expect me to drink but it isn't a big deal when they find I don't. Mind you, I'm so used to not drinking I don't have anything to compare it with. I agree on the idea of alcohol being as harmful as drugs for society. Having worked with alcoholics and drug users I'm not sure it's less harmful for individuals.

[@TheWatchernator]

I should make a video on what happens when you stop drinking though. Not many people are prepared for the major crash you go through in the first week when you stop drinking. That first week is NOT fun.

[@danielfischer1811]

Outstanding

[@bobbyb5710]

23-01-14 will be my 500 day!!! I fullblown (sober) alcoholic. There is no way that I can drink safe ever again so I just stay away from it.

[@BRM101]

Congrats this is a huge achievement in this drug addicted world, I’m coming up to 2 months af, and planning to keep going.

[@russpeaknuckel9525]

You are a very cool guy 😎 Thanks

[@Biking360]

Well done lad. Keep it up. I wish I'd have stopped when as was your age as I think my life would have been much more productive. Never mind though as I'm now making up for lost time. Take care. JP

[@AdamHugill]

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

[@Biking360]

@@AdamHugill How true and well said :)

[@kie1937]

Same.

[@markl2815]

Good for you mate. I drink but have gaps for a lot of the same reasons. I’ll admit to mild versions of what you describe and also more severe ones if I get carried away. Increasingly over time, I’ve brought the gaps in to ensure it isn’t a habit. Ps. Both my parents dies directly and sort of indirectly from booze and I was born in a Yorkshire pub in the early 60s Living in france though, I don’t do the “pub culture thing”. It’s a glass or two of wine after the day We’d care if you don’t drink and visited (as invited).. Mainly so we could ensure you have something you liked instead … same way as we ask new people “food allergies, intolerances then personal preferences” before just making them a meal when they come. No big difference really Ps. The drugs comment is bang on

[@gaychubby1221]

Watching from Maehongson Province Thailand .

[@norseman1137]

Good work 👍... New sub ... I identify with all your points. I've stopped for short periods but wine always pulls me back... Did you find any alternative non alcoholic beverages or use anything else "if you know what I mean "

[@vacher45]

Interesting and have been inpsired by your journey. The second one relating to stomach issues is exactly why I had to stop and question why I have been drinking almost daily in large and small amounts. Went to A and E and thought I might have an ulcer. I don't look forward to the camera down my throat however. Is it unpleasant?

[@josmyth5579]

Thank you for your video. I have that harm chart stuck to our fridge!!! Yes really enjoying eating again, as i used to "save" my calories for wine....insanity yep. Im in the health n fitness sector n i def didn't practice what i preached. Its asjusting to all the new things tho as you say pubs culture etc is huge and take that away theres a big huge alcohol shaped hole needing filled (not all with cake!). Not easy but going to keep going! (Day 50 btw!)

[@78kombi]

Im glad you made this video and mentioned r/stopdrinking. Yes, alcohol marketing is EVERYWHERE. Sadly. Stay cool 😎

[@Keeshloves]

Good for you I ALWAYS feel better without alchol

[@ericptam]

50 days in 😊

[@pedalingthru2719]

Hey cake is good.

[@germcevoy]

Much respect. I’m considering a full quit. I love a drink but my trouble is stopping when I start. I’m a binger and I drink too quickly when caught in good company and banter but there is no off switch. A few casual pints turns into an all day bender and oblivion. I am trying to drink more responsibly in the first instance as I would have some more respect for myself as an adult for not drinking like a twenty year old (I’m 33 this week). If I don’t manage that then I will cut it out completely. I look back at the weekends I have lost this year to hangovers, the expense and the friction caused in my home life as a result and I just ask myself why? This is the year I sort it out.

[@AdamHugill]

This resonates with me so much and explains pretty much how I felt, only 500 days ago now. The turning point for me was deciding not to moderate, but to quit completely. I then read "this naked mind" by Annie Grace. It changed my view on alcohol completely. I still enjoy socialising with friends but no longer feel that I need to drink to do so. It's difficult to do, but it's worth the journey in my opinion.

[@anniemarshall5480]

How is your non drinking journey going? 😃

[@germcevoy]

@@AdamHugill I’m now seven months without a drink. I thank you for making these videos.

[@AdamHugill]

Congratulations Gerard. You should be proud of the progress you’ve made so far. I’m really happy to hear you’ve made a positive decision to change part of your life.

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Gave up the piss and finished a tour with drone unlost. Result 👊👊💥💥💥👊👊

[@AdamHugill]

😂

[@kevintanner5307]

Heavy drinker for years quit drinking 21 days ago I'm dizzy plus I'm sweating a lot is that normal

[@AdamHugill]

Keep with it! Your body is recovering. 21 days is a great achievement. Take it one day at a time.

[@Bicyclesidewalk]

Are you still making videos?

[@casper1240]

I still find it wierd that people still dont think alcohol is a poisonous drug !!

[@johne1956]

Where are you Adam. What's happening? I hope you are well.

[@AdamHugill]

All is well with me. Living on the English south coast, still riding bikes and swimming in the sea daily.

[@johne1956]

@@AdamHugill Fantastic news. I wish you well!

[@user-wg8eb6jz9s]

33 ?! How much did you drink prior you look 48

[@SilverSniper75]

Disadvantage of drinking: makes you look 10 years older than your real age 😆 just taking the piss Adam, Happy birthday. Well done, I can imagine the temptation is always there and it takes alot of self discipline to keep yourself in check. Keep doing what you doing, it's obviously working for you 👌🏻

[@matthewhughes1473]

I'm on my 2nd month

[@BEACHDUDE71]

97 days of no alcohol

[@pedalingthru2719]

So Adam are you done creating videos and going g on adventures ? If so I guess there is no need to stay on as a subscriber.

[@AdamHugill]

Adventures are still happening but I’ve decided not to film them recently. I may come back to filming them again when the time is right.

[@english1222]

But all foreigners drink,smoke everyday but why they leave 90+age also,in that age also they smoke,drink early morning I see Many peoples

[@scottjackson163]

Day 362 for me. Should I celebrate # 365 with a few shots of Jack Daniels? 😂

[@russpeaknuckel9525]

Alcohol destroys lives.

[@Bikepacking]

Some people can drink some can’t being I got Irish I was breast feed on Guinness .. for me no problem . But English people have issues I hear

[@AdamHugill]

I'd disagree with that as a standalone statement. I'd say it's more accurate to say most people 'can' drink. Some people probably shouldn't because they become horrible with it. I was better than most at drinking and had many great nights on it. The issue is if anyone drinks regularly, there's no way to avoid the damage it's doing to your body.

[@Bikepacking]

@@AdamHugill it was a joke while watching your video in the bar lol

[@Bikepacking]

Don’t take life to seriously have a drink

[@AdamHugill]

I only saw half your comment for some reason. It didn’t show the Irish Guinness but.