Why sobriety feels freer than ever
Disclaimer: This post is part of a paid partnership with Eisberg. All views and opinions expressed are our own. we only collaborate with brands we genuinely use and believe support a positive, alcohol-free lifestyle.
When I first stopped drinking seven years ago, one of the hardest parts was dealing with the way people saw me. Sobriety was often viewed as boring or restrictive, as if I’d chosen to cut myself off from fun. I can’t tell you how many times I was asked, “Don’t you miss it?” or “What do you even do on a night out?”
The truth is, sobriety hasn’t felt restrictive at all. If anything, it’s been the opposite. I’ve found freedom in not having to waste Sundays feeling rough, in remembering conversations, in dancing all night without needing a drink for confidence. Sobriety gave me space to actually live, rather than just stumble through. The only part that did feel limiting at the beginning was the lack of choice when it came to what to drink instead.
Back then, alcohol-free options existed, but they weren’t celebrated in the way they are now. Even if they were being made, they were rarely stocked in pubs or bars or your favourite restaurant. Fast forward to today, and it feels like we’ve entered a completely new era. Alcohol-free drinks are exciting, innovative, and, crucially, delicious. They’re not about compromise, they’re about inclusion.
I was reminded of this recently at the launch of a new alcohol-free drink in Cromer. Eisberg was unveiling its BE FREE cans range, which is canned sparkling alcohol-free wine. The experience went so far beyond just a commercial drinks launch and we weren't just there to sip drinks - a few of us surfed, played with kites on the beach, laughed in salty wind, and ended up declaring that we were changing our lives and moving to the beach. The cans themselves featured vibrant artwork by Samuel Thomas, inspired by Cromer's seaside charm, and they looked as joyful as they tasted. I tried both, and they were fantastic - it didn't feel like I was drinking an alternative, it just felt like I was drinking something really good - showing how far alcohol free has come.
And for me, that’s the point. Sobriety isn’t about restriction, it’s about freedom. Having choices like these means I can turn up to a picnic, a barbecue, a festival or even just sit in the park with friends, crack open a can, and feel included. No questions, no awkwardness, no compromises. Just the freedom to join in.
Through Eisberg, I learned about the history of alcohol free, and how it reaches different audiences to ensure there's something for everyone looking to cut back on alcohol. They’ve built ranges like Signature and Selection that mean there’s something for every occasion - from full-bodied reds and crisp whites. The new BE FREE cans feel like the next step, something designed for today’s on-the-go lifestyles, without losing sight of that original mission: to make alcohol-free drinking joyful, accessible, and inclusive.
But beyond the drinks themselves, what excites me most is the cultural change they represent. When I started out, it sometimes felt like sobriety set me apart. Now, it feels like more and more people are joining me - not necessarily by going sober, but by choosing to drink differently. There’s a growing recognition that fun, connection, and celebration don’t have to revolve around alcohol, and that shift feels powerful. And every time an alcohol-free product is launched, it chips away at that old stigma that sobriety is dull or restrictive.
Seven years in, I can confidently say that sobriety has given me more freedom than I ever imagined. Freedom to be present, freedom to protect my mental health and the freedom to show up as my full self. With options like Eisberg’s BE FREE cans, that freedom now extends to the small things too: choosing what’s in my glass or can without it being a big deal.
People often ask if I feel like I’m missing out, and the truth is, I don’t. If anything, I feel like I’ve gained more than I ever lost. Sobriety isn’t about saying no, it’s about saying yes - to clarity, to connection and to choice.
The new Eisberg BE FREE cans are available on Amazon at £6 for a pack of 4.
