Episode 52 - Alicia Butler

Alicia Butler began drinking at 16, initially for confidence and belonging. What started as social drinking gradually became a way to switch off, manage stress, and escape her own thoughts. For years, alcohol felt like a relief, until it quietly became something she relied on more than she wanted to admit.

After her mum died in 2011, Alicia tried repeatedly to cut back on drinking, knowing it was something her mum had hoped for her. Over the years, she set rules, took breaks, and attempted moderation. She once made it almost 90 days sober, but the emotional fallout felt overwhelming and she returned to drinking. Other attempts lasted weeks, sometimes only days. The pull of alcohol was strong, and there was always a reason to start again.

By her late 40s, Alicia realised her drinking was no longer under control. She was regularly drinking more than a bottle of champagne a day, waking with shame, exhaustion, and regret. At events she looked forward to all year, she barely remembered what had happened, sometimes missing entire performances, and often behaving in ways that left her deeply embarrassed. Alcohol, combined with tiredness and strong emotions, created a dangerous volatility. At her lowest points, it pushed her into emotional states that scared her and those closest to her.

At 48, tired of the mental and emotional toll, Alicia decided to try something different. After watching other women her age openly document their sobriety journeys online, she posted a raw, unfiltered day one video as a way of asking for accountability and help. What began as a quiet experiment quickly became a turning point.

The early days of sobriety were emotional. Alicia cried openly, struggled with raw feelings, and had to learn how to sit with discomfort without numbing it. Over time, however, the benefits became undeniable. Her mood stabilised, her sleep improved, her memory sharpened, and she found she could handle stress without spiralling. She stopped taking antidepressants, became clearer about her goals, and discovered a level of mental strength she hadn’t known she had.

Fitness had always been part of Alicia’s life, even when she was drinking, but sobriety allowed it to support her rather than compete with alcohol. Sharing her journey publicly, not wanting to let others down, and refusing to reset her daily counter helped her stay committed. Alcohol free drinks also became a lifeline. Once someone who drank only dry wines and champagne, Alicia now enjoys alcohol free gins and beers, finding they allow her to keep rituals without the fallout.

Now over 150 days sober, Alicia shares honestly about midlife sobriety, habit change, and rebuilding self trust. Her work focuses on realism rather than perfection, and on the quiet freedom that comes from no longer negotiating with yourself every night. She didn’t quit drinking because she hit a single dramatic rock bottom. She quit because she was exhausted by what alcohol was taking from her time, money, energy, and peace of mind.

Find Alicia on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/champagnetochange

David Nutt - Drink:

https://amzn.eu/d/62xPsgT

Louisa Evans - Becoming A Sober Rebel:

https://amzn.eu/d/aSILJXt