The Neuro Experience

#344: What Happens To Your Brain and Body When You QUIT Alcohol? | Ruari Fairbairns


Listen Later

Ruari Fairbairns is the co-founder and CEO of One Year No Beer (OYNB), an initiative aimed at helping individuals reassess and transform their relationship with alcohol.

Ruari started his career as an oil broker in London, where he experienced the detrimental effects of a heavy drinking culture. This personal struggle with alcohol led him to take a break from drinking, during which he experienced significant improvements in his health, productivity, and overall well-being. 

Motivated by these positive changes, he founded OYNB in 2015 to support others in making similar transformations.

In this episode, we cover:

  • The impact of alcohol on the brain and body, including its conversion to acetaldehyde.
  • Study findings showing how even moderate alcohol consumption damages brain regions like the neocortex.
  • Ruari Fairbairns' journey from ADHD and alcohol struggles to founding One Year No Beer.
  • The role of meditation in behavior change and awareness creation.
  • Managing social pressure and peer influence related to drinking.
  • Health and productivity benefits of quitting alcohol, such as better sleep and mental clarity.
  • Misinformation from the alcohol industry compared to tobacco industry practices.
  • Addressing compulsive behavior through understanding trauma, stress, and lack of purpose.
  • Future solutions like synthetic alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.


  • Sponsors for today’s episode:

    • Momentous - Use code NEURO to get up to 32% off your first subscription order - https://www.livemomentous.com/
    • Apollo Neuro - Use code NEURO40 and get $40 off - https://apolloneuro.com/
    • Inside Tracker - Use code LOUISA20 for 20% off - https://insidetracker.com/louisa


    • Sign up to The Neuro Athletics Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0

      Connect with Ruari:
      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneYearNoBeer

      My Socials:
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/
      Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_



      (00:00) Preview and Intro
      (01:47) Introducing Ruari Fairbairns
      (01:52) Why People Drink Alcohol
      (03:02) Ruari's Personal Journey
      (08:31) Meditation and Behavior Change
      (10:44) Social Pressure and Drinking
      (11:29) Health and Productivity Benefits of Quitting Alcohol
      (22:18) Peer Pressure and Societal Norms
      (31:13) Understanding Compulsive Behavior
      (35:24) Marketing and Misinformation from the Alcohol Industry
      (36:18) Alternative Solutions and Future Directions
      (46:49) Success Stories of Quitting Alcohol
      (52:10) Holistic Approach to Health
      (53:17) Conclusion and Contact Information

      The Neuro Athletics Newsletter
      Instagram: @louisanicola_
      Twitter : @louisanicola_
      YouTube: @Louisa Nicola

      The Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      The Neuro ExperienceBy Louisa Nicola & Pursuit Network

      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9
      • 4.9

      4.9

      401 ratings


      More shows like The Neuro Experience

      View all
      The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance by Dave Asprey

      The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance

      7,203 Listeners

      Well Beyond 40 by JJ Virgin

      Well Beyond 40

      1,085 Listeners

      The Jesse Chappus Show by Jesse Chappus

      The Jesse Chappus Show

      1,532 Listeners

      HOT For Your Health by Dr. Vonda Wright

      HOT For Your Health

      177 Listeners

      The mindbodygreen Podcast by mindbodygreen

      The mindbodygreen Podcast

      2,055 Listeners

      Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author

      Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

      3,778 Listeners

      Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina by Vanessa Spina

      Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

      782 Listeners

      The Genius Life by Max Lugavere

      The Genius Life

      4,886 Listeners

      Dhru Purohit Show by Dhru Purohit

      Dhru Purohit Show

      3,510 Listeners

      The Dr. Hyman Show by Dr. Mark Hyman

      The Dr. Hyman Show

      9,215 Listeners

      The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel by Karen Martel: Certified Hormone Specialist

      The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel

      333 Listeners

      Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ by Everyday Wellness™

      Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

      140 Listeners

      BETTER! Muscle, Mobility, Metabolism & (Peri) Menopause with Dr. Stephanie by Dr. Stephanie Estima

      BETTER! Muscle, Mobility, Metabolism & (Peri) Menopause with Dr. Stephanie

      610 Listeners

      Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition by Dr. Jockers

      Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition

      803 Listeners

      The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

      The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

      1,200 Listeners