This is an AF MKE project. We share sober stories from Wisconsinites - follow here.

How long have you been alcohol-free or trying to be alcohol-free? What’s your sober date?

My sober date is 8/30/20, so I’m one week shy of 3 years in recovery!

What helped you see that you needed or wanted to quit drinking? What helped you make that choice?

I had been using alcohol to self-medicate my anxiety for years, starting when I was in college. It had escalated when my brother’s cancer became terminal and I was living away from home in New York City, just drinking all the time. After my brother passed in 2019, I used the grief as an excuse to fall deeper into my addiction. During the pandemic when I was living at home with my parents, I experienced firsthand how my drinking was affecting my family and my relationships. I checked into rehab in August 2020, and I have not picked up a drink since.

For what reason(s) did you quit drinking alcohol?

I wanted to live my life freely, healthfully, and authentically, and I knew I could not do that with alcohol in my life. I wanted to get to know myself without alcohol.

How did living in Wisconsin impact your experience quitting drinking?

Living in the “drunkest state in the USA” had given me a distorted view of alcohol. For too long, I thought that binge drinking was normal and even glorified. However, with there being such high rates of alcoholism here, I discovered there is also an extremely strong sober community here. The Milwaukee AA scene has connected me with some incredible people.

What are two things you would tell your old self about alcohol now?

There is a life that awaits you in sobriety that is more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

There is no shame in getting help.

What do you enjoy most about alcohol-free living?

Being in complete control over my life and my decisions, being healthy in mind, body, and spirit, and having renewed relationships with my loved ones.

What are the biggest benefits for you of living alcohol-free?

I am so much more present in my life. I feel like I missed out on actually participating in life when I was drinking. Now, I’m really able to soak it in and experience everything in its purest form.

What would you say to someone who is new to quitting drinking or is sober-curious?

Don’t ignore “red flag” drinking behavior. My only regret about getting sober is not getting help as soon as I started looking at my drinking behavior and saying, “this isn’t normal.” Be honest with yourself. There is no shame in getting help, and resources are available to you as soon as you are ready to use them.

Any tips on making friends without drinking?

You’d be shocked at how many people will have deep respect for your decision to not drink! I thought getting sober would be isolating, especially given the drinking culture in Milwaukee, but I have found it to be quite the opposite. I have found it super easy to connect with other sober people through AA meetings, sober Instagram accounts (like this one), and even at my local dog park. People quit drinking for so many different reasons, and I am really loving how my favorite MKE spots are embracing that and making their spaces inclusive for us by having NA beverages available. Don’t shy away from new experiences in your sobriety, it’s the best time to try new things!

What is your favorite thing to do in MKE?

I love walking my dog around Bay View, exploring the vibrant food/restaurant scene, and going to the South Shore farmers market on Saturday mornings with my fiancé.

Want to connect with Emily?

Follow her here.