From Alcohol-Fueled Nights to a Life of Purpose: Hernan’s Sobriety Story
It started with a hangover and a mirror. Hernan, exhausted and emotionally drained from yet another night out, found himself staring at his own reflection and realizing the truth: something had to change. What followed wasn’t just sobriety—it was a complete life overhaul.
This isn’t a story about rock bottom. It’s a story about self-awareness, courage, and the decision to stop lying to yourself. In today’s Blog, we recap Hernan’s story as he recently joined the Sober Strong Podcast to share the journey that took him from late nights in New York City to a sober lifestyle built on helping others.
🎧 Watch the full episode of Hernan’s story on YouTube:
👇🏻 Sober Strong Podcast Episode – Hernan’s Sobriety Journey
The Mirror Moment
There was no intervention. No DUI. No tragic accident. Just one of those mornings where the fog of alcohol wore off, and the truth hit harder than the hangover.
Hernan looked in the mirror and said out loud, “You need to stop.”
Bloated, drained, and full of self-doubt, he decided in that moment to cut through the excuses. No more “just one drink.” No more trying to control the uncontrollable. The inner voice was crystal clear. Either keep going and lose everything, or stop—for good.
Rethinking What “Alcoholic” Means
Like many, Hernan didn’t drink every day. His struggle wasn’t with daily dependency, but with social binge drinking. Nights that started at 2 p.m. and ended at sunrise. Bars, lounges, bottle service—every weekend became a blackout cycle.
Through his time in recovery, he discovered how easy it is to deny a problem when it doesn’t look like the stereotype. But needing alcohol to “have fun,” to “take the edge off,” or to “make it through the weekend” is a problem.
“If you think you might have a problem with alcohol, then you have a problem with alcohol.”
From Anonymous to Accountable
Early in his recovery, Hernan attended Alcoholics Anonymous. While he found value in the community, one thing stuck out to him: why are we anonymous?
Sobriety shouldn’t be hidden. That realization became the foundation for his bold decision: every month on the 18th, Hernan began posting his sobriety coin on social media—Instagram, Facebook, even LinkedIn.
This public accountability wasn’t about attention. It was about ownership. And almost immediately, people started reaching out.
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The Ripple Effect of Sharing Your Story
Hernan’s posts created a ripple. Quiet DMs turned into powerful conversations. Strangers began following his journey and finding the courage to reflect on their own.
“You don’t realize how many people are watching until they message you, weeks or months later, just to say thank you.”
Now, nearly four years sober, Hernan has posted every month without fail. Each update isn’t just a milestone—it’s an invitation to anyone feeling stuck, ashamed, or unsure of what’s next.
One Day at a Time—And Then Some
Sobriety didn’t just help Hernan stop drinking. It helped him start living.
He began seeing measurable progress in his business, relationships, and mental clarity. The same principles he learned in sobriety—consistency, honesty, structure—soon expanded into other areas of his life, especially fitness.
Today, he tracks both his sobriety and his workouts. His new mantra? “One day at a time—everywhere.”
Help the Next Person: Turning Purpose Into Action
Hernan isn’t just sharing his story. He’s building something bigger: a nonprofit called Help the Next Person. Inspired by a simple idea—use your recovery to lift someone else up—his nonprofit is designed to help cover the costs of rehab or recovery programs for those in need.
Initial fundraising efforts are already in motion, with goals to support 2–10 individuals in the first year. Longer-term plans include sober living housing and more scalable support systems.
You can follow Hernan’s story and updates on his social media page 👉🏻 https://www.instagram.com/hernanp_1979
Breaking the Stigma, Publicly and Proudly
Part of Hernan’s mission is to push back against the stigma that surrounds sobriety.
We live in a world where alcohol is the centerpiece of every celebration—birthdays, holidays, even office parties. People who choose not to drink are often seen as “different,” or even “a threat.” Hernan calls that out directly.
“It’s okay to say you have a problem. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s more than okay to tell people you’re sober.”
He’s living proof that sobriety isn’t just about quitting—it’s about reclaiming control over your life.
No More “Trying to Control It”
Many of us try to “control” our drinking—spacing out drinks with water, limiting it to weekends, sticking to wine instead of liquor. Hernan calls that what it is: delusion.
If alcohol owns your thoughts, your plans, or your ability to relax—then it owns you.
Sobriety starts when you stop negotiating with your addiction. When you stop saying, “I’ll do better tomorrow,” and instead say, “I’m done.”
The Domino Effect of Recovery
One story turns into another. One post inspires a message. One conversation changes a life. Hernan has already seen his influence reach friends, old classmates, and complete strangers. A ripple becomes a wave.
Your story matters—even if it helps one person.
Key Takeaways:
Sobriety starts with one honest conversation—with yourself.
You don’t need to hit rock bottom to change.
Sharing your journey helps others find their way.
It’s okay to be public. Sobriety doesn’t need to be anonymous.
Your story might be the reason someone else decides to get help.
📢 Ready for Your Reset from Alcohol?
If this story resonated, don’t wait for another rock bottom. Get help, get honest, and get moving.
👉Qutting Alcohol? 1:1 Sober Coaching. https://shop.beacons.ai/soberstrong/sobercoaching
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