We talk with Rachel about choosing sobriety without a rock-bottom moment, how COVID habits quietly escalated, and why better sleep, calmer mornings, and stronger training made the change stick. Clear data, simple choices, and community support shape a confident new identity.

• background, first steps into CrossFit, early intimidation
• COVID escalation from weekends to nightly drinking
• dopamine mechanics and the myth of “chasing the first buzz”
• decision point: moderating vs stopping completely
• measurable wins: deeper sleep, lower resting heart rate, normal blood pressure
• social navigation: dinners, weddings, concerts without alcohol
• discipline transferring to career moves and training consistency
• practical strategies: tracking sleep, swapping rituals, staying busy