In the world of nightlife and music, where the beats are loud, and the drinks flow freely, maintaining sobriety can seem like an impossible task. Yet, Leo, a talented DJ with a deep passion for music, has managed to carve out a path of sobriety amidst the chaos of the club scene. His story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. This blog delves into Leo’s journey, offering insights and inspiration for those struggling with addiction, especially in high-pressure, alcohol-fueled environments.
Early Influences: The Seeds of Addiction
Leo’s story begins in a seemingly typical household where alcohol was a constant presence. His parents’ drinking habits set a subconscious example, although Leo didn’t start drinking until he was 17. Before alcohol became a regular part of his life, Leo was deeply immersed in skateboarding, even earning sponsorships between the ages of 14 and 17. However, his first significant encounter with alcohol, during an outing with friends, sparked a curiosity that soon turned into a regular habit.
The transition from a promising skateboarder to a regular drinker was influenced by more than just peer pressure. Leo’s teenage years were marked by significant trauma, including his mother’s cancer diagnosis and his brother’s mental health struggles. These events left him feeling isolated and vulnerable, leading him to seek solace in alcohol and the rebellious culture of skateboarding in Cornwall.
Key Takeaway: Early experiences and traumas often lay the foundation for future struggles with addiction. Understanding and addressing these root causes is crucial in the journey to sobriety – if in doubt, go to therapy!
The DJ Lifestyle: A Double-Edged Sword
As Leo transitioned from skateboarding to DJing, he found himself drawn into a similar culture of excess and partying. The nightlife scene in Brighton, where he started DJing, offered endless opportunities for drinking and drug use. His talent as a DJ began to shine through, but so did the cracks in his lifestyle. The move to London only amplified these struggles, with the city’s nonstop social scene providing constant temptations.
It was in London that Leo began to realize his drinking was more than just a social habit—it was a problem. Despite several attempts to control his drinking, including participating in “dry January” and taking short breaks, these efforts were short-lived. The cycle of excessive drinking, blackouts, and anxiety became harder to ignore, leading to a critical point where Leo had to confront his addiction.
Key Takeaway: The environments we immerse ourselves in can either support or sabotage our sobriety efforts. Identifying and altering these environments is a vital step in recovery. You are the average of the five people you spend your most time with – what do your friends like doing? How do they behave around alcohol and drugs? Start analysing your surroundings and asking questions about those people, as it might just be the kick start you need to get and stay sober. Ultimately, life is a DIY project and blaming others isn’t useful, making changes for yourself to be in environments that suit a healthier version of yourself, is helpful.
The Turning Point: Choosing Sobriety
In March 2019, after a particularly heavy night and a physical altercation, Leo made a pivotal decision to stop drinking. He threw himself into fitness and healthy living, losing significant weight and embracing a lifestyle that starkly contrasted with his previous habits. Navigating festivals and DJ gigs while sober was challenging, especially in a culture where drinking is the norm, but Leo persevered.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, leading to a relapse that was both painful and enlightening. The intense guilt and anxiety he experienced during this period reinforced the realization that alcohol had no place in his life. This time, Leo approached sobriety with a focus on sustainability, setting firm boundaries, and creating exit strategies for social situations that might tempt him to drink.
Key Takeaway: Relapse is not a failure but a part of the recovery process. What matters is how we respond and learn from it, developing strategies to maintain sobriety in the long term.
DJing Without the Crutch of Alcohol
One of Leo’s biggest challenges has been navigating his career as a DJ while staying sober. The music industry is notorious for its heavy drinking culture, but Leo has found ways to manage it. He prepares for gigs with a clear mindset, avoids situations that might tempt him to drink, and brings non-alcoholic beverages to ensure he has a safe alternative. This proactive approach has not only helped him maintain his sobriety but also improved his performance as a DJ.
By focusing on the music and the crowd rather than using alcohol as a crutch, Leo has found a deeper connection with his audience. This shift has enhanced his interactions and allowed him to create more meaningful and enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.
Key Takeaway: Sobriety can enhance rather than hinder your professional performance, especially in creative fields where presence and connection are key. Slightly different niches within the music industry but similar results from Sobriety, check Ben’s podcast/YouTube out as well – Lead Singer of Orange Goblin.
Building a Sober Future: Leo’s New Path
Looking to the future, Leo remains committed to his sobriety. He has channelled his creativity and passion into starting a record label, which has become a significant focus of his energy. The success of his label during the pandemic reinforced his decision to stay sober, providing him with a new sense of purpose and fulfilment that does not rely on alcohol.
Leo has also found new ways to enjoy his passions without the influence of alcohol. His relationship with his son has improved significantly, as he is now more present and engaged, providing the emotional and physical support that was lacking during his years of drinking. He was grateful that he read this little book that he thought was written for him 🙂
Key Takeaway: Sobriety opens up new avenues for personal and professional growth, allowing you to rediscover your passions and build stronger, more meaningful relationships.
Advice for Others on Their Sobriety Journey
Leo’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone struggling with addiction. Here are some key pieces of advice:
- Set Boundaries: Establish firm boundaries to protect your sobriety. This might include distancing yourself from certain social circles or avoiding specific environments. No is a complete sentence.
- Find New Enjoyments: Discover new ways to enjoy your passions and life without alcohol. Whether it’s through hobbies, fitness, or creative outlets, finding alternative sources of joy is essential. You can even check out our 57 sober activities to get you started.
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who support your sobriety. Whether it’s friends, family, or sober communities, having a strong network can make all the difference.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness into your daily routine. These habits support both your physical and mental health.
- Stay Focused on Your Goals: Keep your personal and professional goals in mind as motivation to stay sober. Progress towards these goals can reinforce your commitment to sobriety.
Key Takeaway: The journey to sobriety is deeply personal, but the strategies for success often involve setting boundaries, finding support, and rediscovering joy in a life without alcohol.
For those looking to embark on or sustain their sobriety journey, Leo’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s possible to thrive in environments that may seem incompatible with sobriety. His experience highlights the importance of self-awareness, support, and continuous effort.
If you’re seeking more guidance on navigating sobriety, consider exploring the Sober on a Drunk Planet book series here. These resources offer practical advice and inspiration for those on the path to a healthier, sober life.
Conclusion: A Continuous Journey
Sobriety is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance, effort, and support. Leo’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of a fulfilling life without alcohol. Whether you’re just starting your journey or have faced relapses along the way, remember that every step towards sobriety is a step towards a better, more fulfilling life.
Thank you, Leo, for sharing your journey with us. Your story is sure to inspire and help many others on their own paths to sobriety.
Catch his full podcast here and check out the YouTube video below 🙂
Here’s a list of famous DJs who are now sober:
