Chapter 1: The Turning Point

John Mayer, a prominent singer-songwriter since his debut album in 2001, has achieved immense success. However, he realized that alcohol was a barrier to reaching his full potential. In 2016, Mayer made the pivotal decision to stop drinking. In a revealing interview with Complex two years later, he shared the moment that prompted this drastic change.

His final night of drinking occurred at rapper Drake's 30th birthday bash, where he became so inebriated that he felt embarrassed and suffered a hangover lasting an entire week. It was during this prolonged hangover that Mayer began to reflect on his relationship with alcohol. He questioned how he had allowed himself to drink to excess, still feeling its effects days later.

He pondered the question, "What percentage of your potential do you want to achieve?" Initially, he thought it was acceptable to live partially up to his potential while drinking. However, he ultimately recognized that he aspired to reach 100% of his potential, which necessitated quitting alcohol.

Mayer explained that evaluating drinking through a risk-reward lens reveals that it often carries "some of the worst odds imaginable." His interview with Complex featured him alongside fashion designer Jerry Lorenzo, who also quit drinking. Interestingly, neither of them took the conventional route to sobriety; Lorenzo attended a single AA meeting and disliked it, while Mayer admitted to still smoking pot after giving up alcohol.

As more celebrities speak openly about their choice to abstain from alcohol, various methods of quitting are emerging. It's refreshing to see individuals who don't conform to the typical stereotype of an alcoholic still benefit from their decision to stop drinking.

I've previously mentioned that I find smoking pot inconsistent with my sobriety, yet I appreciate learning about diverse paths to quitting alcohol. Addiction is a complex issue, and I welcome different viewpoints that broaden my understanding of it.

In the interview, Mayer highlighted how drinking is a deeply personal topic for many. He remarked, "It’s the most personal thing to people," and noted that drinkers often become defensive upon learning someone has chosen sobriety. When people discover Mayer's decision to quit, they frequently reflect on their own habits, assuming he is judging them.

I've experienced similar reactions when I share my own journey of sobriety. While most people respond neutrally, a few seem as though I've personally criticized them.

Another thought-provoking insight from Mayer was the impact of social media on perceptions of alcohol. He stated, "You have to fight really hard to look at it [drinking] from a critical point of view," as social media often promotes drinking culture, especially on weekends.

He suggested a proactive alternative: waking up each day and discussing how people are thriving without alcohol. This simple shift could challenge the prevailing narrative that drinking is essential to social life.

I checked John Mayer’s Twitter, but unfortunately, he hasn't pursued this idea. Nonetheless, many individuals on Twitter exemplify what he proposed, providing encouragement through hashtags like #RecoveryPosse, #SoberLife, and #SoberAF.

The final point of the interview worth noting was Mayer's reflections on the impact of quitting drinking. He initially found sobriety "boring," but as he committed to it and focused on self-improvement, he found that the year following his decision was the most productive of his life. By eliminating alcohol, he started each day with a renewed appreciation for life.

If you're curious about John Mayer's journey to sobriety, the full interview is available on Complex's YouTube channel, with discussions about alcohol beginning around the eight-minute mark:

Chapter 2: Celebrities and Alcohol

In a revealing discussion, John Mayer shares insights on his relationship with alcohol and its impact on creativity and personal growth.

John Mayer reflects on his two-year milestone of sobriety and the challenges he faced along the way.

About Benya Clark: I’m a lawyer turned writer, covering addiction, mental health, and more. Make sure to check out my latest project — a weekly newsletter of essays on sobriety.