For Mike Maddox, alcohol wasn’t just a drink—it was part of his identity.
Growing up in North Wales, alcohol was deeply woven into his social fabric, from village life to college parties, and later into his work culture.
But what happens when you start questioning the role alcohol plays in your life?
Mike’s story is about doing just that—redefining who he was without relying on alcohol, and realising that life beyond the bottle is far richer than he ever imagined.
Early Drinking and Social Pressure
Mike’s relationship with alcohol started in his late teens, when he found himself involved in the typical party culture of college and village life.
His childhood home was one where alcohol wasn’t present, but that quickly changed as he moved into environments where drinking became the primary social activity. From hanging out with friends in the village pubs to attending clubs during his college days, Mike began to drink heavily, like many young people around him.
“In North Wales, especially in the winter, you don't really want to be outside. So, we all ended up in the pub.”
By the time he was in his early 20s, Mike was drinking 30 pints a week—far beyond the UK’s recommended guidelines. But to him, this was normal. It was just part of the culture and identity he had built for himself, shaped by the environment he was in.
He didn’t question it much at the time, because all his friends were doing the same.
Mike Maddox
The Wake-Up Call
The reality of his heavy drinking habits hit when Mike contracted pneumonia after a night out, where he had passed out in a shed after getting drunk.
Hospitalised for days, he was forced to confront the amount of alcohol he was consuming.
The wake-up call didn’t stop there. Shortly afterward, he found himself arrested for being drunk and disorderly—a moment that seemed entirely out of character for him.
“That’s when I realised I was drinking six times the recommended amount, and it wasn’t just fun anymore—it was dangerous.”
This period marked the beginning of Mike’s journey toward self-awareness.
He realised that while alcohol was something he used to fit in and relax, it was causing far more harm than good. His anxiety worsened, his physical health declined, and his sense of direction in life became hazy.
Mike Maddox
Taking the First Step: Sober October
In 2019, after an embarrassing episode of heavy drinking at a family gathering, Mike decided to try Sober October—a popular challenge to stay alcohol-free for the month of October.
Initially, the thought of going 28 days without alcohol was intimidating. Since the age of 16, he hadn’t gone more than five days without a drink, and the idea of giving it up for an entire month seemed almost impossible.
However, Mike was motivated by the shame he felt from his previous behaviour, and he was ready for a change.
To his surprise, by the end of October, he realised that life without alcohol wasn’t as bad as he feared.
In fact, he felt better—less anxious, more focused, and with more energy.
“It wasn’t like I was a completely different person, but I felt calmer, more focused, and had more energy. It felt nice.”
Mike Maddox
From a Break to a Lifestyle Change
What started as a one-month challenge evolved into a lifestyle change.
Mike decided to extend his alcohol-free period through the end of the year, and eventually committed to staying sober for all of 2020—a year that proved challenging for everyone due to the pandemic.
But even during the lockdown, with all the stress it brought, Mike stayed sober.
He found that without alcohol, he was a better, more present father and partner. He could wake up without a hangover, ready to engage with his family rather than just trying to get through the day.
“I wanted to be a better dad, to wake up feeling fresh and ready to spend time with my son.”
As time passed, Mike realised that the more distance he put between himself and alcohol, the better he felt. It wasn’t about deprivation but about creating space to explore new habits, like exercise and personal development, that gave him a sense of purpose.
Redefining His Identity
For Mike, the most significant change wasn’t just about giving up alcohol—it was about redefining his identity.
He no longer saw himself as “the guy who drinks,” but as someone focused on health, fitness, and personal growth. He built new habits, like running and playing sports, and created social experiences that didn’t revolve around alcohol.
“I had to redefine who I was and what I wanted out of life. It wasn’t about fitting in with drinking anymore—it was about becoming the best version of myself.”
Today, Mike shares his journey through his website, offering guidance for middle-aged men looking to take a break from alcohol and start redefining their lives.
His message is simple: You don’t have to quit forever, but taking a break can open up new possibilities for who you can become.
Mike Maddox
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