The Sunday Sober Stories

The second in my monthly series chatting to sober women, this time it's the wonderful Noreen Golding who is three years sober TODAY!

This week I’m so excited to share the story of Noreen Golding. Noreen’s journey is a powerful reminder that sobriety isn’t just about putting down the drink – it’s about stepping into clarity, confidence and a deeper connection with yourself and others.

In her interview, Noreen opens up about what her relationship with alcohol used to look like, the fears she faced when she decided to stop, and the surprising gifts she’s discovered along the way. Her honesty and insight shine through, and I know her words will resonate with anyone who might be questioning their own drinking.

I’m so grateful to Noreen for sharing her story with us – I think you’ll find it both inspiring and empowering.

Noreen Golding

1. Can you tell us a little about what your relationship with alcohol used to look like?

My drinking was habitual, emotional and at times out of control. I enjoyed drinking socially but always wanted more when the party was over. When alone, I drank faster and harder, found it difficult to stop. It was progressively getting worse and having a day off from drinking was very testing.

2. What was your “enough is enough” moment — or did it happen more gradually for you?

When I knew I couldn’t drink enough. The last night I drank, I knew I had gone too far, I knew in that moment that I never wanted to drink again. The control of its consumption had shifted, the alcohol was in charge. The three-day hangover served to reinforce my decision to return to sobriety.

3. What were your biggest fears about stopping drinking? And did any of them come true?

I felt like my drinking defined me. I was the party girl. I was scared to admit that I had a problem. I didn’t identify as an alcoholic and didn’t know about middle lane/ grey area drinking. I had previously been sober for 6 years+ but without any support, I was using willpower and found the benefits of not drinking were worth not drinking for. But then I worked out that my drinking was emotional, so I was also a bit scared of unpacking all of that.

4. How did the people around you react when you decided to stop drinking?

Mainly supportive, but they were a bit dismissive or well “you weren’t that bad” attitude. Plenty of my friends were like me, over drinkers, so I was highlighting their own issues with drinking. People were very interested and inquisitive about how and why I stopped drinking. I knew was standing out and away from the crowd. There have been a few friends lost... but I’ve made new sober friends, and I remain non judgmental about those who continue to drink.

5. What surprised you the most about sobriety — good or bad?

Clarity, self awareness, ultra HD optics, appreciating nature and the simple things in life. Better relationships with family, friends and the one with myself. Trusting my own instincts and understanding others better. Nothing bad happened, but learning to sit with feelings was challenging. Being sober shone light on my marriage and we had some issues to deal with, but this has turned into a positive.

6. What’s been the most helpful thing in staying sober (tool, mindset, habit, or support)?

A sober community, which led to learning and self awareness and growth.

7. Have your social life and relationships changed since becoming alcohol-free? If so, how?

I’m more socially active, more interested in new experiences which has affected some relationships positively and others negatively. They have changed because I’m different, I have more fun and more energy, I think my old friends may be threatened by my interest in making new friends.

8. What does self-care look like for you now that you’re not drinking?

I make sure I rest, I say no, I am working on boundaries, I examine my reactions, eat well, sleep, exercise, solo travel, say yes to things that are outside my comfort zone so that I know I am growing. Taking full responsibility for how I do my day and doing what I need to do to stay sober, if I do that the rest will come.

9. If you could go back and speak to yourself in those early days, what would you say?

Keep at this, your sobriety will reward and repay you in ways that you cannot possibly imagine… until one day it all clicks. You deserve and are worthy of a sober life. One day you’ll see that sobriety will give back everything it cost you to drink.

10. What’s one thing you want other women to know about life without alcohol?

It’s about empowering yourself to live your best life. Sobriety is a superpower, it brings about better relationships, a healing of deep seated wounds, a freedom from the shackles of drinking. You learn empathy, I’m softer, yet stronger. Confidence levels boosted have come from trusting myself, knowing my core values, and being generally nicer to be around.

You can follow Noreen on Instagram here: @goldingnoreen

If you’re sober and would like to take part in The Sunday Sober Stories, drop me a line ali@alipaynecoaching.com or DM me on Instagram.