Matt Guest, from Bromsgrove, has been sober for nearly five years and recently watched England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway at a pub with friends. He found the experience more enjoyable without alcohol, feeling fully present and waking up fresh the next day.
A Different Kind of Match Day Experience
Matt arrived at the pub several hours before kick-off to secure a table and soak up the atmosphere. "The pub was packed, everyone was excited and the atmosphere was brilliant. Years ago, I couldn't have imagined being in that environment completely sober," he said.
He noted that alcohol-free beer has made social occasions easier. "There are so many good alcohol-free options now. We no longer have to rely on only Becks Blue. Having a cold alcohol-free beer still gives me that ritual of having a drink with my mates and watching the football."
Observing the Night Differently
As the evening progressed, Matt observed others becoming increasingly drunk. "Some were struggling to stay awake and others had probably reached a point where they weren't really taking the game in anymore. I'm not judging anyone because I was that person for years. It just made me reflect on what I was actually there for."
He emphasized that focusing on the occasion itself helped change his mindset. "You aren't giving up the football, the pub, your friends or the celebrations. You're just changing what's in your glass."
Benefits Beyond the Match
Matt highlighted the advantage of waking up fresh on Sunday. "I used to give alcohol my entire weekend. I'd drink on Saturday, feel awful on Sunday, drink more to take the edge off, then feel even worse on Monday morning. Now I get the night and I get the next day too."
Being sober did not diminish the drama of the match. "I still felt all the nerves. I still celebrated the goals and enjoyed being there with my friends. I didn't feel like I was missing out. If anything, I felt more part of it because I actually experienced the whole night and I'll remember it."
Understanding Personal Drinking Habits
Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Matt has gained insight into his past relationship with alcohol. "My mind has always been incredibly busy, and, for a long time, alcohol felt like a way of switching that off. Since being diagnosed with ADHD, a lot of my past makes more sense. I understand why I was always looking for something to quieten my brain or change how I felt."
He advises others to examine their reasons for drinking. "My advice would be to get curious about why you drink. Is it habit? Is it confidence? Is it boredom? Are you trying to switch your brain off? You don't need to have a dramatic 'rock bottom' to look at your relationship with alcohol."
Public Health Perspective
Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health at Worcestershire County Council, commented: "Major sporting events like the World Cup can be a great opportunity to bring people together, but they can also encourage us to drink more than we realise. Taking a break from alcohol, or simply cutting back, can improve your sleep, boost your mood and energy levels, and have lasting benefits for your physical and mental health. Small changes can make a big difference, and support is available for anyone who wants to review their drinking habits."
