Jeroen Van Zanten

We caught up with Jeroen @thissoberjourney recently to find out his take on being LGBT+ and sober.

How long have you been sober?

Almost 7 months, 209 days to be exact. 

Reason for choosing sobriety?

I found myself stuck in the same patterns. Too many parties, too many boys and too little money. Low self-esteem on the rise. In September I decided I really wanted to live my best life and for that the alcohol had to go.

What’s your favourite thing about being sober? 

Plenty of things. That you actually have better conversations without the booze. All the extra free time and extra money. That my hobbies like writing and photography are back. That my relationships are better. That I love myself more.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

That alcohol is poison, and nothing else but poison and that for me booze really makes everything so much worse and that I'm a nicer guy without it. 

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to give up?

That it will be hard the first weeks, but after that things will start to change faster than you could imagine now. And do reach out, there are so many nice people that are here on Instagram to help you. I think the most important thing is to be 100% honest with yourself and stay 100% honest with yourself.  When the weeks pass to by, it really gets better. Be proud of everyday without a drink.

Thanks for sharing your story Jeroen and congratulations on seven months sober!