“On a recent holiday, I woke up really early, went to the ocean and had a swim at an empty beach. It was so beautiful, so freeing. Maybe that would’ve been different if I’d had a few alcoholic drinks the night before,” Denise reflects. Her life is full of these moments, when the clarity and presence she feels without alcohol allow her to embrace simple joys to the fullest.
An artist and actress from Hanover, Germany, Denise has crafted a life where alcohol takes a backseat. Singing, acting and working across Europe, she embraces a lifestyle focused on balance, mindfulness and life’s little pleasures.
“I don’t even remember the last time I had a drink. It’s just not something I think about. I never really got into alcohol – I just found I didn’t need it to have fun,” Denise shares. “I can dance without it, enjoy a party without it. It’s just not something that interests me much.”
Whether she's surfing, cooking or exploring new places, Denise finds fulfilment in ways that do not involve a drink in hand. For her, the idea of drinking has always seemed unnecessary, and this sentiment has only grown stronger with time.
Navigating an alcohol-heavy industry
Working in the entertainment industry, Denise is often surrounded by alcohol. “Alcohol is a big part of the industry. People use it to unwind after a stressful day,” she explains. Traditions like the schnapsklappe – a strong shot to mark the end of the workday – are ingrained in the culture. Denise, however, opts out, choosing instead to bring nonalcoholic treats when it’s her turn to contribute. “I’d never bring alcohol. It’s just not me.”
At events, Denise has learned to make her own drink choices. “Instead of settling for water, I ask for a fancy glass with ice and orange spritzer to make it feel special. I love those spritzers but go for the nonalcoholic versions. It’s all about how it looks and feels – I want to enjoy that too,” she says.
People enjoy the alcohol-free experience more than they expect
For Denise, living without alcohol isn’t about following rules; it’s about what feels right. “I enjoy the taste of bitter flavours, but find most alcoholic drinks too heavy or sweet. Instead, I’m all about experimenting with alcohol-free options that are both tasty and visually appealing.”
She adds, “I’ve also noticed how my choices positively affect those around me. When my husband and I host friends, no one expects alcohol anymore and often they don’t miss it. I think people enjoy the alcohol-free experience more than they expect. It can be liberating to have a night without the pressure to drink.”
Recently, Denise even hosted an alcohol-free birthday party. “In Germany, if you throw a party without drinks, people can freak out! But for my birthday, we had music, food, dancing and no alcohol,” Denise recalls. While some guests did bring their own, she stayed true to her plan. “I didn’t have a drink. We ended the night with a restorative yoga class at 3 a.m. in my living room – that was the perfect gift!”
Finding joy and balance without alcohol
Denise’s perspective on alcohol is shaped by her family history. Her father, also an artist, struggled with alcohol throughout his life, which ultimately contributed to his passing. Although Denise didn’t grow up with him, his struggles left a lasting impact. “I don’t think I’d live differently if it hadn’t happened to my father, but his experience did make me more aware of the role alcohol can play in people’s lives.”
Denise reflects, “Not drinking is less about abstinence and more about freedom. I just don’t need it. I’m probably freer than someone who’s thinking about what wine to order or worrying about the cost. This freedom is something I treasure deeply.”
Finding support and more information
If you or someone you know is experiencing harms from alcohol, it’s important to reach out for help. You can find support on your national health ministry website, or by consulting your doctor.
Denise shared her story with us for the “Redefine Alcohol” campaign. This campaign is part of the joint WHO–European Union Evidence into Action Alcohol Project (EVID-ACTION), which aims to increase awareness about harms from alcohol across 30 countries – the 27 European Union Member States plus Iceland, Norway and Ukraine – from 2022 to 2026.