A year without alcohol

Dr Becky Howie explains why she challenged herself to spend 2024 teetotal, and highlights the health benefits of limiting your consumption

Last year, I decided to undertake a personal challenge; let’s call it ‘scientific research’. I committed to a full year without alcohol, which, for someone who has always enjoyed a nice glass of wine, or a gin and tonic, felt like a substantial challenge. 

I have never had an alcohol problem but have been a social drinker for most of my adult life. Admittedly, there were a few years in my teens and early 20s when I didn’t get this balance quite right.