Advice from Pierre Littbarski - my Conscious Abstinence from Alcohol
A Recognized Drug
I abstain from alcohol. Always, without exceptions. This is a conscious decision I made a long time ago. In our society, however, this abstinence is often seen as unusual. Alcohol is deeply rooted in German culture. Consumption varies across different parts of the country. For example, in Bavaria, beer is considered a necessary accompaniment to a pork knuckle. In regions with wine production, wine festivals are regularly celebrated.
Even though alcohol is a socially accepted indulgence and part of culture and many religious rituals, it remains a drug. And like any drug, it harms the body and can lead to addiction.
The Negative Side of Alcohol
As a footballer, peak performance has always been extremely important to me. For this reason, I have always paid attention to a balanced diet. I don’t want to burden my body unnecessarily and want to stay mentally clear. Alcohol stands in the way of these goals. The negative effects of alcohol on the body and mind are numerous.
What particularly concerns me is the issue of peer pressure. In "good company," people often drink more than they intended. The pressure from others can drown out the feeling that one has had enough. Unfortunately, alcohol is often trivialized.
Being Sober Doesn’t Mean Less Fun
I am cheerful and in a good mood when I surround myself with great people or engage in fun activities. Alcohol doesn’t make a bad party better. Here are some ways you can abstain from alcohol at the next opportunity:
Decline: It sounds very simple, but due to peer pressure, it is often a small challenge. The desire not to be an outsider or a prude leads many to agree, for example, at parties. Overcome this and politely decline. If someone makes a snide comment, consider whether to overlook it or if the company might not be the best, and you might want to spend your time elsewhere.
Alternatives: Nowadays, there are countless alternatives to alcoholic drinks. A non-alcoholic shandy, a non-alcoholic cocktail, or simply lemonade are just as refreshing and hydrate the body much better.
Avoid Situations: Meet your friends in places where little or no alcohol consumption is common. A beer tent or a bar are not good meeting points in this regard. Arrange to meet for coffee or a walk. Pleasant conversations are much easier in a calm environment.
Dry January
Many people see January as a challenge. "Dry January" calls for abstaining from alcohol for a month. At the start of the new year, this can be the first step towards a healthier life. I think this is a great way to find out if you really need alcohol in your life. It also makes you aware of how much you actually consume.
My advice: Just try it out! The AOK found that after just two weeks, the first positive effects are noticeable. These include deeper sleep, better performance, an improved immune system, and lower stress levels. If you abstain for the entire month, you may also notice lower blood pressure and improved skin. Over a longer period without alcohol consumption, the body continues to recover and regenerate.
Try abstaining from alcohol and give your body a break. It doesn’t have to be January. You can start your path to a healthier life tomorrow. If you tackle the challenge with someone else, even better. You can support and motivate each other excellently.