I stopped drinking about 5 years ago for the same reasons you mentioned. My health has improved and I have a clear mind that is easy to calm.

I think as someone who is 19 years old this is a very interesting topic to talk about, because nowadays people my age around me drink and party al the time. Now I am someone who has an anxiety disorder, so I always was very aware that taking drugs or alcohol will make it worse. So I made a promise to myself when I was young I will not try anything untill I am 18 years old. When I turned 18 years old I was so worried about what would happen to my anxiety that I was so afraid to even try anything. Now that I am 19 I tried little sips from multiple alcohol and to be honest, I find it absolutely disgusting. I only drink Thee and water so the taste is so strong. I discovered I am not a drinker I don’t like it and I never will. People my age do not understand me at all but as you said in the video, I also want to be myself. Also speaking about parties, I find them highly overstimulating so most of the time I don’t like them at all. This is a lot of text but I want to share my story because I don’t think a lot of teenagers dare to share that they don’t even like alcohol, so if your reading this whatever age you are. You are fun unique and beautiful just the way you are even without alcohol or anything.

*My wife died at age 54 of liver failure. Alcohol SUCKS!!!*

I actually stopped smoking and drinking in August of 1988. I found it difficult at first to go out with friends after this. So I started to do yoga instead and ended up with different friends. I did have a toast of champagne on my wedding day December 4, 1994 but only had a few sips. And in 1992 I became a yoga and meditation teacher and a Reiki Master. I started studying other forms of healing and meditation and enjoy this much better. It is my passion now to share this with others. Thank you for your beautiful energy and Light. 💖

I carefully avoid situations where drinking alcohol is the main activity. Therefore, I do not go to nightclubs or bars.

Reading "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace was so important for me. I knew that alcohol wasn't helping me but I was having trouble moderating my consumption. After I finished this book, I never had another drink again. That was 3 years ago. I'm so glad I did! Congrats to you for staying alcohol free.

Consider: Alcohol is the only drug you apologise for, for not taking. "Oh, I'm sorry I can't have a drink with you because..... etc....." Peer pressure all around us.

I stopped drinking in 1978. I was a binge drinker and just one drink would set me off. Once I committed to sobriety I viewed alcohol as a poison to be avoided at all costs.

I do not explain why I refuse to drink. Most people do not want to be bothered with listening respectfully to my reasons. Someone who keeps pestering you to drink is not a true friend. An authentic, true friend will want the best of health for you. Therefore, that person will not encourage you to drink.

I too quit drinking almost 3 years ago. I mainly quit because of the pandemic and my mental health. I could see myself drinking too much wine if I continued during this very stressful time. In the beginning I missed wine but not anymore. Everyday I am thankful I quit drinking alcohol. Now I need to work on less coffee. Thanks for sharing. I always find your videos so informative.

I never started drinking to begin with, it just tastes awful, I can count on one hand the times that I've tried alcohol and every time it just tasted horrible. Now I'm 25 and have decided that I don't even want to try a sip anymore and to just count myself lucky that I have no desire or need for alcohol.

I admire your mental fortitude. Don't compromise your values.

Red wine with steak, white with fish, sagria and beer in the summer. My practice is mahayana, the broad road. Meditate, and be in control. Just a practical take.

It's been 8 years since I stopped drinking alcohol. There were many reasons, but now I feel fully myself. I have a son with Asperger's, I'm also a vegan, minimalist. Thank you for your videos. You're a wonderful person. 💓💓💓

I quit drinking after college and was diagnosed with iron overload (hemochromatosis) a few years later. Iron overload mainly affects the liver, and if people go undiagnosed, it can cause enough liver and heart damage to be fatal. One of the main instructions given to hemochromatosis patients is to quit drinking alcohol because of the added damage alcohol causes to the liver. Now, looking back, I wish that I had avoided drinking completely as a way of caring for my body and my future self.

You are wise not to drink alcohol because you have family members with an alcohol problem This really increases your chance of eventual alcoholism unless you stop completely

Thanks for sharing this!! As someone who never had partaken in a lifestyle with drinking, I have alwayd found it difficult to find like minded people. Casual situations, work functions, weekend outings, concerts... all get alcohol offered and or suggested in the event! I live authentically and it just has not been convenient to find other authentic and sober others. Cheers to health!!!! We are worth it!!!!

I am about to turn 25 and giving up drugs and alcohol as well. I have been drinking and using since a teenager... Yet the road ahead is scary! I too worry that I will be bored, because all I have known for the past ten years has been a party life style. I hope to live a meaningful life. I really like how you are able to "be yourself." I am 50 days in and hope to show up authentically as you have. Thank you for the video, I needed to hear this :)

Hey wonderful woman - me again, your scandinavian friend. Another great video Saga, thank you so much! I am 51 and stoped drniking alcohol 1 year ago. Reasons: 1) Health (especially now being in the menopause) 2) Spiritual health (overall containing a higher vibration when not driking, since alcohol actually lower the frequency) 3) My family (I want to be a 100% sober mum and whife, plus I want to show my children that life is better without alcohol) 4) Being the real me (just like you mentiond) and this bullet actually covers up all the previous three bullets The first 5-6 months or so I was worried that other people would find me boring when being totally sober at a party or at a dinner table saturday night. Now I am the one being bored when socializing with people who drinks! This has really made me reflect .... and it has also changed my view on some friendships. Were they really that valuable since I only truely enjoyed being around them when driking? Great people even, but we might not have so much in common after all ..... Hmmm.... I wonder if this is a normal experience for alcohol-free people? PS: I also went makeup-free 2 months ago (thanks to you actually) but even more so, I also went 'skincare product' free after reading the book 'Under the Skin' by Yael Adler (skin doctor). Actually 2023 was the year I let go of alcohol, makeup and skin-products. My life is truely more simple, easy and natural.

Thank you for adding the last clips with word bloopers, it made the video even better

I'm 70 years old. I have not been a drinker for half my life. I stopped drinking alcohol for physical and mental health reasons. Many of my family members are, or were alcoholics. My brother and cousin died from alcoholism, because of liver failure and internal organs shutting down. There are several members we are caring for now who are dealing with so many mental health issues because of their substance abuse, which is very difficult to be with. When I was younger, drinking seemed like the thing to do. But the recovery after drinking made me very sick, sometimes for a few days. I decided not to lose so much of my life recovering from drinking. Sometimes I feel blessed because of this experience. I also realized I could enjoy myself and be happy without it. I'm really glad you're speaking about this subject. Of course when we are young we try so many things, but if a person can understand the cost when they are still young, they can get off the substance abuse train and enjoy their own special life. I really enjoy your videos. thank you

Saga, You are my joint-favourite KZfaqr (together with Anja's Artworld). Your messages always resonate with me; you just seem to have reached the same conclusions much earlier in life! The binge-drinking culture is particularly obnoxious in the UK. While drinking was highly prevalent in the years I spent in Brussels, it was in a more Continental style. You didn't have people staggering down the street and engaging in anti-social behaviour because of drink (in Ixelles, at least). But it was still odd to not drink. It was very much part of the social fabric of the city. I loved visiting Venice and did have a martini in the Gritti Palace Hotel bar, but I don't miss that sort of life ... I like the comment made by a teacher in my local Buddhist group, though, who commented on giving up drinking and becoming vegan. He comes from a corporate background like me too and his observation was you don't get invited to the boozy work socials and the barbecues anymore. But you find yourself surrounded by different people, who share your values. Love your channel and message.

Alcohol actually is a poison, however the most important thing you said is don’t do ANYTHING just because someone else does, be true to yourself always. Bravo saga.

nice. I do enjoy drinking, but my own rule is never to drink while feeling low, to numb the pain. I think all drugs are enhancers so when I'm enjoying myself, I really appreciate the flow of speech that wine gives a nice conversation or some beer while in a "roda de samba" (I'm Brazilian, samba is catharsis so quite healthy). But I do commit to full months or longers periods without alcohol so that when I use it, it is a bonus, not a need. As for other drugs, I use them very very occasionally (while carnival, for ex., it can be a very vibrational/ spiritual experience) and mindfully, always accompanied by people I trust.

You are wise and sensible beyond your years... Your decisions to stop drinking and change your lifestyle for the better will benefit your future self profoundly! I have been sober for 7 months following years of alcohol abuse since my divorce from my abusive husband of 14 years 15 years ago. I realised I couldn’t have a ‘healthy’ relationship with alcohol...finding a balance was not easy for me. At my 30 school reunion, one of my old classmates had given up alcohol 5 years ago to take care of his two children following the breakdown of his marriage to his alcoholic wife, and he so inspired me. He was proof that it was possible, and so I followed his example and quit drinking the very next day! Wishing you all of the very best from sunny South Africa!

Excellent video! Thank you so very much for your thoughts!

I was shocked to the core, when i visited Stockholm a few years ago. On a friday night, at 1am, in the city, all men - all - are drunk like a skunk. 14 and up. All you see is someone puking, peeling, pooping all in public areas and those who dont, they are laying in their own vomit. It was awful. Equally awful was when i said i dont drink at all, and people told me they are not comfortable around me. My father ordered a small glass of beer after lunch and because he liked it, he ordered a other one, this time a different one. The waitress asked him if he has a problem with alcohol.

Great video! Thanks.

i stopped drinking about 35 years ago, it was one of the best things i ever done, i couldnt move to a different country or anything, but rehab helped a lot, but i sure noticed how many places you could buy alcohol, and how so often you get pressured to drink alcohol , but i never slipped up , except once when i picked up the wrong drink , i took a sip and even tho it was one of my favourite drinks i spat it out , so stick to no alcohol , its the best way i reckon

Imagine a world without alcohol. It would be a much better place! Thank you for sharing this ❤

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, I naturally abstained from alcohol. Afterwards, even the smallest amounts (two sips of wine or beer) had a noticeable effect on me, but that was actually rather funny. But I always had the feeling that if I am responsible for a child, I definitely must not drink so much alcohol that I am not fully attentive and capable of reacting. This led me to continue not drinking. Eventually there came a time when the child said how strangely altered adults behave when they have alcohol in them. I never want to be in a situation where the child says: "Mum, what's wrong with you, why are you being so strange?" In the meantime, the child is already a teenager and I drink about 1x a month max. half a glass of wine or beer.

You seem to be an amazingly and refreshingly sweet and beautiful young woman, and I am so happy to hear that you don't drink alcohol anymore. I wasted many years of my life that I will never have again, due to alcohol and drug addiction. Please stay safe, free, and happy! ❤

I'm at the same or similar stage as you, I don't drink alcohol and I don't like the feeling of being intoxicated even slightly.

#3 is the most important.

I’ve always had to be careful with alcohol, drugs, etc. because of my family history on my dad’s side. Many of them are alcoholics who have passed away from live cirrhosis, cancer, diabetes…

We fully quit drinking for our health. More fresh air, fun exercise like dancing to gardening. Much more healthy eating etc. Thankfully neither of us is a drinking problem so quitting 100% was easy. We both have alcoholics galore in our family.

Excellent video!

Thank you for this video 🙏 I have similar reasons and I agree, as a kid seeing adults drunk and especially family members drunk was scary and honestly horrific. It’s like they went from being a responsible caretaker to a child less capable than I even was. I really wish it was not so normalized, as it definitely is not healthy and contributes to many, if not most diseases. I have seen way too many people negatively affected by it, and these are people who would not even consider themselves alcoholics. Life is so much better without that artificial “fun”, and I have grown so much as a person since I stopped drinking. I hope kids and teens (and anyone) know that it’s okay not to drink and that they are strong and admirable for choosing not to among a world that seems to glorify it. I will say I use legal cannabis as a spiritual and personal development tool and I don’t think ppl should compare it to alcohol. One is a toxin and the other is a plant with actual healing abilities. It has helped my mental state and growth immensely, however it should be used responsibly and in moderation of course. Love you and hope to see more videos about topics like this!💞

stopped 4 years ago for the same set of reasons. there was a somewhat hard long term to restructure inner gain-loss accountancy - after all alcohol was there for a reason, so it's not that I could just throw it away without breaking a balance. healthy brain is a key point for me in a long run. also I catch flu much rarely.

3.5 years alcohol free. It's pretty amazing how I was defending my relationship with alcohol. Did the same with smoking, now 1.5 years nicotine free.

I loved this video!🌹🌹🌹🌹

Hi, this video brought a lot of memories. Haven't drink in years but just to add to the many comments. I used to drink socially and it got to the point I became addicted to alcohol. It took a lot of work and prayers to stop drinking. It was a scary time because your body wants you to drink and you can't help it. The next I'm going to say is why you really don't want to drink. After stopping the alcohol it took more than a year that wanting to drink was a daily battle to stay out of it. A whole year. Finally that desire went away. All that struggle is now just a memory but I want you to be aware that addiction is a terrible thing to deal with and I don't wish it on anyone. Afterwards I could drink a beer here and there occasionally but ultimately decided to stop it completely. Like you are saying there is a lifestyle alcohol doesn't fit in. Thanks for sharing your story and wish you stay well and healthy. ✌

Good for you!! Be your best authentic self! Good decision!

Good video - thanks. Subscribed.

Thanks for this video. I am 59 years old and rarely drink alcohol. Like, I had a small glass of champagne on my birthday about 10 years ago but overall in the past 40 years I have had very few drinks. I have a few reasons for not drinking but the main one is that I just don’t really like the taste of alcohol. Other than that I would say that I don’t drink for health reasons. I am diabetic and alcohol certainly does not help blood sugar levels. As well I have had rosacea in the past and drinking alcohol could leave my face looking like a tomato 🍅. Alcohol is also expensive and I would rather spend my money on other things that bring me more happiness. Finally I would say that not wanting to get drunk and act like an idiot is another reason that I don’t drink alcohol😂

Very good video and quite helpful for people who would like to quit...👍🙂

You are an inspiring person and I appreciate you so much...👏

This was a refreshing video. I can't stand the taste of alcohol, so I never picked it up. It's certainly challenging when others look at you differently because you choose to not drink.

Also drinking a lot of alcohol might contribute somewhat to unwanted weight gain. Especially beer. Probably because you eat more when you're drinking.

I grew up in an alcohol-free religion so it was partially programmed into me to avoid drinking. But mostly I thought consumption was stupid: bad for my health and expensive besides. Coming to Sweden 12 years ago, alcohol-culture was definitely something I worried about. However I did have my boss, a native Swede, who decided against alcohol because "I only have one brain and don't want to damage it" plus a few co-workers from India as well as a few who practiced Islam. So there were always alcohol-free options for our work-related gatherings. 😊

I want to see and be the best Me so I'll be sober . Thanks for the video

Having never started with drinking or smoking, didn't have to quit them. Being sober has many benefits, including being able to drive at a whim or to carry a gun.

It has taken me until my late 40's to realize I don't want "to drink today". I have DRAMATICALLY cut down on drinking and realized that some people just don't like you sober! Isn't that crazy?! I recently had a drink with a friend...JUST ONE...and the next day I was SOO tired and out of it! I also quit coffee a few years ago and switched to green tea. That calms my anxieties rather than alcohol numbing it (and then it gets worse later) and coffee heightening it! Now I am drinking black tea, but I do miss the green tea, so I'll probably go back. Have I quite drinking alcohol 100%...no, but I recognize how much worse I was before! I am proud of where I am at today! Being self-aware is AMAZING!

Thank you! I agree with every point. I stopped drinking aged 19 (almost 5 years ago) and it's surprising how little validation you get from the people around you when you make that choice.

Love this video, love this person! Another reason for people not to drink is that alcohol is expensive - esp. in countries like Sweden :-)

Just a pet peeve regarding the (very common) statement "you should eat more fruits and vegetables", especially with fruits in the first place. It's really only just vegetables you should focus on, a lot of fruits just means a lot of simple sugars, better than junk food, yeah, but not ideal either.

Thank you for sharing your story. When I was young I tried to start drinking like my friends. But I didn't like the taste at all, I didn't get any positive effect (relaxation or fun or smth), an I was sure it hadn't been good for my health. I stopped drinking alcohol at about 19 without even starting) I don't mind that other people drink. But it seems to me that many people drink just because 'everyone else does'. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable, people don't understand me, they try to make me drink or get offended at me. But I can't torture myself with alcohol. I hope in future people will become more open-minded, and alcohol won't be a must.

i like when you say its good to not hook to something that is addictive in the first place. I live in the US and weed and alcohol and any drugs are the things people around me used to do and never come to full conclusion to start. I like hiking and biking and some day will do camping and back packing all over the world. Peace. thanks for the show. referring your other great video, Fika is common in Somalia where I originally came from and they call casaria.

Well, my grandgrandfather went into a fight drunk and killed a man, my grandfather was a hardcore drinker, not an alcoholoic, but drink a lot in some specific ocassions, they said he was a "social" drinker, he was never involved into a serious issue by that, but it was not a pretty healthy behaviour, my father refused to drink, he only raise a cup on a "brindis" but never drink, and i was raised away from alkohol, so, for me was natural not to start to drink even when the social pressure was sometimes pretty hard, i am 48 years old, never drinked alkohol, and is no time to start, so, congratulations for your resolution, life can be funnier when we have all our 5 senses awake and we are in chargue of our own thoughs to join the trail.

I used to drink too, and never really liked going out and partying, so at some point, I decided to stop and got involved with other people who are not drinking. Today I am old, and pretty healthy, eating a plant based diet, and trying to live a genuine life.... And congratulations to you for making that change. I also decided to stop drinking coffee and any caffeine. It also tells me that I'm not myself, so I feel better, and if something doesn't feel good, I am better at figureing out what it is. Much of these changes have taken time, but I knew that if I were persistent, I'd get to the point I wanted to be. I have wonderful meals, all plant based with no oil, salt, or sugar. There are so many people who enjoy this lifestyle, that it's not hard in this age to connect with others who live the same lifestyle. I just found your channel, and subscribed. Thank you for posting.

Thank you. I started drinking (and smoking weed) to make the life a bit different. After years these substances became the main factors that made everything the same all over. So I go rid of them.

Hello!!! My name is Renato and I am from Brazil. I stop drink álcool, now I am AA.

I started young but gave it up in my 40s cuz i didnt like how i felt the next day !!! It wasnt worth it !!!

To me, it's so easy to forget the alcohol I've bought. Having it lying in a shelf for years and when I tidy my space there are bottles. Oh! Think I bought this one 5 years ago... Ooops! 😆

Smart of you! I stopped drinking alcohol 13 years ago.

I don't drink alcohol very often. Sometimes I do taste from hubby but I actually I get panic attacks when drinking alcohol. I drink a soda instead if I go out. If they ask me I just tell them about my panic anxiety and that gets them pretty bored so they kind of drop the question all together 😂😂😂 Yes, alcohol isn't good for your health. Not inte huge amounts. Love ♥️🌹♥️🌹

I quit alcohol because it stopped working. I mainly used it to sleep, but after awhile the sleeping hours lessened, the quality of the sleep decreased, and the hangovers became worse and worse. I don't really miss it.

bruce lee said or written "I don't drink nor smoke and those events are many times senseless. I'm not a smoker because I don't think putting smoke into your body is quite the thing to do. As for alcohol, I think it tastes awful. Don't know why anyone should want to drink the stuff As for gambling, I don't believe in getting something for nothing" it is mentioned in striking thoughts book by bruce lee and complied by john little.

Woah alchohol is one thing... but COFFFEE!!

My father when he lived in Sweden drank alcohol only once a week only after he returned to Brazil he started drinking almost every day and became increasingly unbearable, now he gave a time of alcohol but he was unbearable when he crossed the line, yelled at my mother, insulted my brother and more

Saga seems like she was quite the baddie in her party years ngl.

when your drunk your blind you don't see the beauty of the world and the beauty of friends you only see the darknees

Being a non-drinker can be a bit lonesome. I used to be able to able to drink alcohol and caffeine without any issues. Now they make me feel sick. I abstain because I simply just want to be healthy and feel good being myself.

I can't sit up outside all the time. Bugs hot sun. Id rather party🎉

I never cared for alcohol and it tastes horrible. All it takes for me is hot tea or coffe and I get real hyper and goofy.

I value my health too much to drink. I'd rather drink green tea to relax. 😅😅

I NEED things to smoke and drink my trouble away

Hello, I wonder, why is it that you don't get bored of nature as you said. Would you kindly share with me reasons, why you think so? I only drink at parties with my friends and recently, after one party I just got so bored the next week. Now I wonder, whether I should go give nature a shot. I also appretiate and admire your work here on youtube. So, thank you very much.

I prefer a clearer mind without alcohol

Alcohol is too expensive and taxed by the government. I literally can't afford it. And I don't see a reason to drink it while alone and not under pressure of other people. In the past I was sometimes asked to join for a drink. They didn't appreciate that I refused.

good luck on your non-drinking journey.

Very A.A.. "Flexibility of mind"...adorable. Riddle me this...How can one move from country to country, Sweden to France to Japan...etc. Seems some privilege is afoot. Good for you and your little world.

I took my first shot on my 21st birthday and it was the worst darn drink I’ve ever had.

My sober self is my true, real self, not my drunk self. I want to be me for free. I don't want to depend on buying alcohol in order to turn into my real self. It's cheaper to be my sober self.

I never understood why people drink alcohol. I mean, it just does't taste good! I can't even drink a glass of wine because i don't like the feeling it gives you. It makes you drowsey, lethargic, sleepy, at least in my experience. This is not "relaxation". I want to be alert, awake and conscious of my experiences. People feel like they have to drink at an event to feel like they have permission to act how they really want. But if they realised that they can be themselves without any substance, then no one whould need it.

We all DIE in the end anyway

Alcohol is great fun... until it isn't. You have a hole in your pocket and although it can be fun it makes you meaner and lowers your hopes. Over the years my list of reasons to not drink got bigger and bigger. Alcohol is not in my future. The addiction can be to yourself i.e I drink therefore I am cool and macho, rather than silly mean and sad.

It is sad to hear that you grew up with mum who was drinking and grandad. As children, seeing this can really affect you in your adult life and makes a significant impact on your personality. I mean the way you behave and act when you grew up as adult later on. Growing up with alcoholics is a nightmare for children. We as children growing up collect memories and growing up with alcoholics these memories are......... tragic incidents which often will never leave us and continue living within us. Swedes are very closed up society. So, within your circle you should promote the same attitude of young women not drinking. Become next Swedish "Greta Thunberg" and advocate for sober way of life for young Swedish girls. Swedish women are indeed very attractive for many men but woman drinking is a disaster. The UK is a good example of this and for others to reflect. Our Easter European girls don't get that drunk on night out and have good morals and values when they do go out. Nothing like what I have seen in the UK on university campus and High streets. So good to see a young Swedish girl leading a sober way of life. Although we know that the sale of alcohol in Sweden is tightly regulated female alcoholism still exist. Well done young lady !!! Your parents should be proud of you.

Try sitting up reading a boring book