why i quit drinking alcohol: being sober in your 20s in new york city (my experience, pros & cons)

[@LuciaCordaro]

What is your relationship with alcohol? Have you tried going alcohol free or are you sober curious? Are you doing dry January?

[@israelbautista2623]

I’m one of those people that doesn’t necessarily need to drink alcohol but I do drink when there is special occasions but it’s not something that I crave.

[@milly9897]

Sober by choice because I’m not crazy about the taste. Occasionally as in once in a blue moon is a daiquiri. No beer or hard liquor. I’ve had people get angry at me but I don’t get it.

[@LOSTobsession1415]

I hardly drink at all at 27 which comes as quite a surprise to some people. I always hated the taste of hard alcohol and refused to drink it. Following college, I hardly drank at all maybe 1-2 times per year. Over the past two years, I've had one glass of champagne and that's been it!

[@LOSTobsession1415]

I don't think people realize how expensive alcohol can be. Dinners out are easily $20-40 cheaper if you're not drinking!

[@danielleayde2330]

It's never really appealed to me but maybe I'll have a drink for a special occasion.

[@katieeconnollyy]

I love this!! I used to party and drink so much socially but have cut down significantly too. I did 6 sober months last year and felt amazing! Nowadays I have a drink on special occasions but thinking of cutting that out because even one doesn't seem worth it!

[@montystepura3689]

You go girl you won’t regret it!! Your body, your bank account and your relationships will truly benefit from it.

[@LuciaCordaro]

🤍🤍🫡🫡

[@lexi6115]

I’ve never really been a drinker and as a now 25 year old it’s not affected my life negatively at all lol. Nobody cares if you drink and I’ve saved so much money and prioritize my health!

[@LuciaCordaro]

Love that for u!!

[@Travelfan912]

I have not had a drink in many years. It has served me well. I agree with most everything you mentioned about the pros and cons. Here is food for thought about work events. As someone who was in the corporate world for many years and experienced the work events like you mentioned, alcohol and work do not mix. Bad things can and do happen, sometimes even risking careers. Staying sober with work colleagues will take that risk out your life.

[@LuciaCordaro]

Totally- that’s a good perspective on the work events!!

[@richardottley4611]

Thanks for sharing this video.. its totally okay for anyone not to drink alcohol, its a choice.. that anyone should not be pressured into especially at social gatherings. Btw u do have a lovely glow on your face 😇❤

[@LuciaCordaro]

Def!! 🤍

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

It's so cool that we have non alcoholic options nowadays. Back in my time, it was expected to get a drink at a bar and you were frowned upon if you didn't. And mocktail and non alcoholic options were non existent. Alcohol just makes me sick the next day, it's not worth it, except maybe a glass of wine or prosecco when celebrating something once or twice a year.

[@LuciaCordaro]

Totally! It’s nice there are a ton of options these days

[@montystepura3689]

It would be so wonderful if people would more carefully consider all the things we consume that are poisoning our bodies. Over the holidays my husband and I dug deeper into research around the products we’re using for personal care, household cleaning and cosmetics. Lots of products we’ve used for years are now off the list. We love Diary of a CEO on KZbin and there was an outstanding episode recently with a toxicologist. LIFE CHANGING!!

[@LuciaCordaro]

Definitely. So many toxins! I love that podcast too

[@dogwalker97]

I commend you for sticking with your decision to not drink even when someone may question it in a public place such as a work event at a restaurant or party. Somehow it has become socially acceptable for others to encourage people to reconsider to have a drink instead of accepting their decision. There is a chance there are some people at that same restaurant or party that grew upon a home where alcohol was a issue and they are probably grateful there will be some sober people at that party/gathering.

[@LuciaCordaro]

Totally!!

[@katmariemp3]

Fellow 25 and sober! Happy 150 days 💖

[@LuciaCordaro]

Hi!! 🥰🥰

[@amyfaurote1488]

I rarely if ever,drink alcohol. But I quit smoking on December 31st! It's been hard but also easy. Happy New Year!!!!! Peace 🕊️

[@LuciaCordaro]

Wow congrats!!! U got this!

[@amyfaurote1488]

@LuciaCordaro Thank you for your encouragement, Lucia. You're so kind.

[@binesait]

Now I am 51 ... and I don't drink alcohol ... sometimes just a glass of wine in a special lunch, but maybe 2/3 times a year. Good for you! Alcohol is so bad!

[@LuciaCordaro]

Thanks 🤍 and nice!

[@Leabeltramino]

I loveee this video. I would have needed this during college when I didn’t drink and always felt like I had to explain myself (drinking even half a drink would cause seizures).

[@LuciaCordaro]

🤍🤍🤍 don’t feel like you have to explain yourself!

[@israelbautista2623]

I commend you for making this big decision in your life especially since you are in your mid 20’s and listening to of people still like to go to bars and get drunk. You doing the opposite is very inspiring and will hopefully lead to you have a long and healthy life

[@LuciaCordaro]

Thanks so much!! 🤍

[@sam1016]

Hi Lucia, I also have an autoimmune disease and have felt for most of my life that it’s better to avoid alcohol. I was one of those “unfun people” that you didn’t like in college lol. But ultimately, you can’t let peer pressure make you go against what you know is best for yourself!

[@LuciaCordaro]

Haha I was immature for thinking that. But good for you for doing what’s best for ur body!

[@breadbaker-wj3pl]

i’m old and at this point i have about 1 cocktail a year. it is terrible for every cell of your body also i get migraines and alcohol is a trigger and so not worth wasting a sumatriptan on! Happy new year to you! wishing a happy and healthy one!

[@LuciaCordaro]

Totally! Happy new year to you too!

[@christinechapman2074]

I've always avoided alcohol (only ever had alcohol by accident). It gets easier over time as you get more confident in yourself and your own decisions and as you surround yourself with friends who respect your decisions. Also we now live in an era with great mocktail options for when you want to celebrate something.

[@LuciaCordaro]

For sure!!

[@Cub242]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m 32 and I found myself drinking less since I became a mom. Being hungover with a baby is not fun. I really hate hangovers at my age and I want to avoid them. For 2025 I want to only drink on special occasions and being sober for TTC reasons! Best of luck on everyone’s sober journey’s!!! 10 years ago I was your typical Post college binge drinker and I wish I took these steps when I was younger.

[@LuciaCordaro]

That’s a great goal! And omg I can imagine it’s hard to drink w a baby!!

[@peggyball-z3s]

I haven't ever been one to drink I would rather spend my money on clothes or purses jewelry or traveling We all have to make the decision to drink or not. I am so proud of you for doing the break my son is your age and I showed him this vlog and I hope he understands that ( drinking is not ok if you have health problems and medications ) Thank you for sharing

[@LuciaCordaro]

Ofc 🤍 and agreed! So many better things to spend money on

[@LisaI2016]

the last time i ordered a drink was november 15. i don’t have an addiction, but i don’t want it in my life any more. Over the holidays i got non alcoholic beer which has .05% alcohol. It is kind of a bummer to me that I decided to have n/a bit at the same time, i still consider myself to not have alcohol since november 15. I also agree with you on the fact that i feel prettier. It feels good!

[@LuciaCordaro]

Proud of u!! Don’t beat yourself up it’s still fun to have n/a and whatever makes the most sense for u!!

[@alangiles776]

Hi Lucia 🙂 I agree with you and most of your subscribers in the comments section. We are brainwashed into believing that we should drink alcohol at social occasions (maybe twice a week) but it's not good for the brain, heart or liver, you tend to put on weight, you tend to behave in an irresponsible way (hookups, fighting) and it's really expensive. I haven't had any drinks since christmas 2023. I know that you're not looking for compliments but you are looking really good in this video.

[@LuciaCordaro]

Totally echo what u said!

[@SarahSchneider2]

I pretty much only drink on special occasions(holidays, birthdays, etc) Newer reports that are coming out about alcohol being linked to more cancers makes me want to really limit any alcohol consumption.

[@LuciaCordaro]

Exactly my thinking!

[@marciamakoviecki3295]

I've never seen any logic in working out every day, eating well and then getting drunk. Save $, save on carbs and save your brain!

[@LuciaCordaro]

Haha ikr

[@tinamontevecchi223]

I also have an auto immune disease. It’s called Hashimoto’s. I wish I would have known better at ur age but I really didn’t quit drinking till my 30’s. And honestly, I only drink when it’s a very special occasion but even then it’s just one drink or one sip like a wedding toast etc

[@LuciaCordaro]

Thanks for sharing 🤍

[@willmax95]

LETSGO!!

[@aprilbeilfuss3751]

I am also exploring being sober after 10 months of accutane. Aka forced sobriety. It really changed the way I view drinking

[@LuciaCordaro]

Ah very similar journey to me!!

[@heather5933]

Could you list some of the podcasts you listened to that influenced your decision and reinforced that alcohol is poison / how it impacts your body? Thanks !

[@LuciaCordaro]

Mainly ones from huberman lab!

[@willmax95]

Im pretty sure i’ve shared this with you before, but im 29 and there’s not a single drop of alcohol in my body. There has not been a single day in my life where it even seemed appealing. I grew up always wanting to do the opposite of what the masses did LOL (I think thats the neurodivergence) & so when a lot of people started drinking at like 18 it motivated me to never drink ever😂 As I got older, tons of my friends complained to me about the amount of $ they spent on beer & I remember hearing a friend order a 23 dollar drink once at a music venue & I almost shouted “Yikes” realizing how much a single drink can cost… this is all a POV of someone without an auto immune disease so I can only imagine having that added in… power to ya for making this decision! We as Americans get too locked in to social norms early on. Nowadays when I tell people what I just said, they start to re think their own decision to drink & i’ve inspired a few different people and its cool. I seriously dont give a flying shit what someone thinks of me not drinking. If they dont like it, I dont need them in my life. Especially with dating.

[@LuciaCordaro]

Wow! That is so impressive ! Good for you

[@JustMe-fo4ev]

I drink because I can pretty easily moderate it. I never even drank to get drunk in my early 20s. As I got older I learned to appreciate the taste of a very good craft cocktail or glass of wine. I also am one of those who drinks good coffee for the flavor, not the caffeine. To each their own, too. I've never felt pressured to drink and I've never been around people who judge non-drinkers. I think as long as neither side is turning their nose up at the other it's all good. I know plenty of non-drinkers who frivolously spend money on other stuff, but act like drinkers spend a lot. Just one example.

[@LuciaCordaro]

Totally! I also grew to appreciate the taste of a nice cocktail so I get what u mean!

[@JustMe-fo4ev]

@@LuciaCordaro Absolutely, and really enjoyed hearing your own perspective on things.

[@nash5262]

I don’t drink but I’m watching the entire video and applying the same logic to added sugars. I used to not eat added sugars at all, but somehow I’ve gotten really hooked on sugary foods even though I don’t enjoy them. It’s been terrible for my health.

[@LuciaCordaro]

Smart! I also have limited added sugars and I love how it’s made me feel so far!

[@jankaufmann4305]

I also tried quit drinking, but unf. I didn't felt better. My depression got worse.

[@LuciaCordaro]

It’s different for everybody! Whatever works best for you

[@RuebenNomura]

Aloha that was a good story on quite drink alcohol good for you

[@LuciaCordaro]

Thanks!!

[@jeriheggie]

💛

[@Randilynn66]

Im 58. I have an autoimmune as well. Ive never drank alcohol. I despise the taste. It's very difficult socially to hang out with people who drink. you're constantly trying to explain why you don't drink. I think a lot of people secretly think that i've had issues with alcohol, such as i'm an AA.

[@LuciaCordaro]

Yeah definitely- people not understanding is a con

[@ValthatBish]

good for you im almost 40 and i have glass of wine here and there maybe a marg lol but im obs with dr pepper lol

[@LuciaCordaro]

Haha valid

[@TonyaS]

I can imagine that in a city like nyc not drinking would be a HUGE savings for your budget.

[@LuciaCordaro]

It definitely is!!

[@Marizzzz1]

I just don’t like the bitter taste at all so I never opt for alcoholic drinks ever. Something that always stands out to me is the fact that a bottle of wine (or something else) is a go to ‘present’. Giving poison lol, what the heck 😅 And I do feel that I always need to explain myself why I don’t drink. It’s soooo normal for people to do so, that not drinking is a big shock.

[@LuciaCordaro]

That’s true I never thought of that

[@kristinestocker]

Flowers or a candle are also great hostess gifts.

[@LisaI2016]

@@kristinestockergreat ideas!

[@samtyers8236]

I've been sober for about 24 years

[@LuciaCordaro]

That’s amazing!

[@ValthatBish]