Episode 32: Dry Spell UK- Taking Back the Choice to Be Alcohol Free with Matt MorrisEpisode 32: Dry Spell UK- Taking Back the Choice to Be Alcohol Free with Matt Morris
Recovery Plus Podcast: F*ck Yesterday, Focus on Today
In 2022, it was reported that there were a little under 40,000 pubs and bars operating in the UK, and declining due to change in consumer behavior - a first in UK history. Despite dropping numbers, British society continues to be heavily alcohol centric. For young professional men especially, the pressure to socialize with drinking is not only expected - its considered weak if they don’t drink. My next guest made the decision to stop drinking despite the odds. Matt Morris age 30, lives in London, and has been alcohol free since July 2021. Matt would always drink socially, both at work and with friends. But he was only drinking because that’s just what happened, not because he actually wanted to. He felt as if the choice was not there. Matt decided to take the choice back; claim back the independence that he had lost to alcohol over many years through most of his 20s. Making the final decision to stop drinking was exciting, but it hit him like a ton of bricks trying to live his old life in the same way, just without the alcohol. This drove Matt to set up Dry Spell - a blog that normalizes sober socializing. In Matt’s words, “it should be totally normal if someone doesn’t want to drink, occasionally or ever. No one should feel weird, left out, isolated or judged. If Dry Spell can make one person feel better about themselves and life choices, then that’s what this is all about.” More Information about Matt Morris: www.dryspell.uk
42:45•25 Jan 2023
Matt Morris: Redefining Social Norms and Embracing Sobriety
“Knowing kind of a trigger or a time to leave an event when maybe people are starting to tell you the story for the second time that you've already heard or when the shots start to come out- usually it's usually the time that I start to leave, but you can still turn up and go at those events and kind of enjoy them to a point.”
Ever felt like you're drinking just because everyone else is? Matt Morris did, and he decided enough was enough. At 30, living in London, Matt chose to quit alcohol in July 2021. Despite the social pressure, especially among young professional men, he took back control of his life. In this episode of 'Recovery Plus Podcast', hosted by Dr. Mei-Li Hennen, Matt shares his journey from being a social drinker to embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle.
He opens up about the challenges he faced, like feeling out of place at social events and the struggle to find genuine support. But it's not all doom and gloom. Matt talks about the surprising joys of sobriety—like discovering new hobbies, enjoying travel without the haze of alcohol, and truly experiencing life. He even started 'Dry Spell UK', a blog that offers support and advice for those looking to ditch the drink.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to go against the grain and live alcohol-free, Matt's story is both inspiring and practical. Tune in for an honest conversation about the ups and downs of sobriety and how you too can reclaim your choice.
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