THERE may be a few toasts over the dinner table tonight. Non-alcoholic though, of course.

Why? Because for the last 28 days, 6,000 Australians have spent their days sober. Not one drop of alcoholic drink has touched their lips.

And in the process, they’ve raised $862,431. And the day’s not over yet!

It’s all thanks to febfast, a month devoted to fundraising for vulnerable members of society who are fighting drug and alcohol problems. Punters abstain from alcohol throughout February and ask sponsors to make donations to their cause.

We’ve been following the journeys of news.com.au readers Alysa and Daniel who volunteered to share the realities of the challenge.



Did the succumb to the stress or stay sober?

Alysa

Age: 30

Occupation: Finance\superannuation

Lives: Victoria



I made it! 28 days alcohol-free. To be honest, it wasn’t really that hard.

And I didn’t even slip up, despite a 30th birthday and an annual cocktail party both on the same weekend during the second week of sobriety.

I never realised how ridiculous inebriated people look doing the Gangnam Style. And I used to be one of them.

The only time I run is when I’m late to catch the train to work and even then I’m huffing and puffing by the time I jump aboard. But it’s true - I ran and it was fun. The lack of alcohol was obviously doing strange things to my mind and my body.

I’m feeling great and looking pretty good too, if I say so myself. These last few weeks I’ve not only been taking better care of myself, I’ve also strangely become more social. I’m actually having conversations with my friends now, not just yelling with them in a noisy pub or bar.

Final weigh-in this morning and I’ve lost a total of 5 kilos. Not a huge amount, but seeing I didn’t do anything other than stop drinking, I think it’s quite an achievement. I think the lack of drinking contributed to the lack of greasy hangover food, which then led to feeling better in the morning, which then encouraged the running to continue feeling good.

I’ve decided to continue the no drinking for the rest of the year and possibly beyond. I feel great and really want to get healthy and fit.

Now to begin the baby-making!



Daniel

Age: 35

Occupation: IT Consultant

Lives: Sydney, NSW



It’s now day 28 and I’ve stayed true to my vow of FebFast sobriety. It’s been an interesting few weeks for us teetotallers.

I have had numerous work functions and networking events, two birthday parties, one engagement party, general catchups, and a whole day booze-fuelled junket through the month.

The drinking world has placed temptation in my face at an ever increasing pace. To the detriment of Sydney’s bar economy I’ve pushed through this month without even using a “Time Out Pass that ” FebFast offers for a day off the wagon.

I haven’t touched a drop, so I’m proud to have passed the test of time.

The things I’ve noticed most about being sober for a month:

I’m sleeping better. I go to sleep faster, sleep heavier, wake more refreshed, and need a lot less for better quality.

I’ve saved loads of cash. Somehow it’s very easy to lose track of how much is being spent when drinking. I’m stunned how much money I haven’t spent this month. I think I would have saved literally a thousand dollars.

It’s much easier to get fit. Booze has calories. Lots of ‘em. The burger or kebab after a night on the booze adds more, and a recovery breakfast adds more again. It also reduces fitness, as I’ve noticed my cardio strength is much worse for a few days after drinking. I’m feeling smarter, and know my liver and heart have benefited from by abstinence. It’s easy to exercise without hangovers, so I’m in top fit condition now, and am inspired to keep going.

Alcohol is a stress reliever. I’ve had some hard stressful days this month, and where I’d normally be able to unwind with just a few beers or bottle of wine in an evening, I haven’t been able to take the edge off. I’ve missed those relaxing moments a lot.



So at the end of my dry month, I’ve raised money for a good charity, and made positive changes in my life. Impressive for something so simple!

I’m really looking forward to that first drink. I’m sure I’ll be a lightweight cheap drunk, but I’ve learned the benefits of limits. From now on I’ll keep alcohol intake low, benders few and far between and keep enjoying the positive wins.

Still can’t wait for that first ice cold beer!