Sober Sis Blog

Jun 21 | Written By Jenn Kautsch

How My Relationships Changed When I Took a Break from Drinking

When I first decided to take a break from drinking in 2017, I had no idea just how much my relationships would change.

Honestly, I expected some pushback — and I got it. But what surprised me most was the depth and clarity that came into my life once alcohol was no longer clouding my connection with others… or myself.

Here’s what I’ve learned on the other side of the wine glass.

1. My Relationship with God Grew Stronger

As a Christian woman, my faith has always been important to me. But if I’m being honest, there was one area I hadn’t fully surrendered — my drinking.

I used to tell myself, “God can have everything else… just not this. Don’t take my one thing.”

But the truth? I was hiding. I was inviting God into my life — except for the area that needed Him most.

When I finally let go and handed over all the parts of me (including the part clinging to that nightly glass of wine), I felt a weight lift. I experienced what it meant to be spiritually whole again. God wasn’t disappointed in me — He was just patiently waiting for me to partner with Him.

That’s where the real transformation started.

2. My Relationship with Myself Got Healthier

Here’s the thing about alcohol — it doesn’t just impact your social life or your health. It erodes trust with yourself.

Every time I drank when I said I wouldn’t...

Every time I used it to numb out instead of leaning in...

I was quietly abandoning myself.

Learning to stay present — to abide — was one of the most courageous things I’ve ever done. And it didn’t happen overnight. I had to relearn how to feel my feelings, set boundaries, and rebuild that inner trust.

Today, I talk to myself like I would a friend. I’m not chasing perfection. I’m practicing presence.

3. My Relationship with My Family Deepened

Before my alcohol-free journey, my family got part of me — but not all of me.

I wasn’t falling-down drunk. I was a high-functioning, over-performing, over-doing woman who checked every box. But after 5pm? Something shifted.

I wasn’t as present. I wasn’t as connected. I was on autopilot.

When I finally acknowledged that drinking had become too big in my life — not because of a rock-bottom moment, but because of how much space it was taking up — everything changed. I got honest with my family. I told the truth. I followed my apologies with action. And slowly but surely, we built something more real than ever before.

Now, my adult kids know the full me. And that is a gift I wouldn’t trade for anything.

💛 This Isn’t About Perfection — It’s About Presence

If you’re in the messy middle…

If you’ve been feeling off, out of alignment, or unsure where you fit…

I want you to know you’re not alone.

I created the 21 Day Reset Challenge to help women like you take a break from drinking without shame, pressure, or labels.

It’s not about rules. It’s about tools.

It’s not about being “good” or “bad.” It’s about getting curious, staying present, and seeing what happens when you take alcohol out of the equation for a few weeks.

🎉 Ready to feel better, sleep deeper, and reconnect with what matters most?