Sober Influencer: Pioneering Change for Women and Alcohol
Sarah Turner - Founder
Sober Influencer: Pioneering Change for Women and Alcohol
In today’s world of social media, the term “influencer” often conjures images of fashionistas, food bloggers, or fitness enthusiasts sharing their curated lives. But over a decade ago, before the concept was mainstream, I embarked on a journey to influence lives in a profoundly different way: by breaking the stigma surrounding women and alcohol misuse.
For many years, I misused alcohol myself. In my twenties, it was fun. By my mid-thirties, it became a dangerous coping mechanism, harming not just me but those who loved me. By 42, my world had unraveled, and my late husband arranged for me to enter rehab. While I stopped drinking, I still felt confined, resentful, and isolated around others who seemed able to “just have one.”
It became clear to me that sobriety should not feel like a life sentence. Determined to find a better way, I immersed myself in research, earning qualifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Addiction Counselling. This journey led me to open Harrogate Sanctuary in 2010, where I began working with women locally. By 2013, my book, The Sober Revolution, and the Six Week Plan were published, reaching a global audience and becoming bestsellers. These works brought my approach to the forefront, offering a lifeline to women seeking freedom from alcohol without judgment or deprivation.
My method is far from one-size-fits-all. Each programme is tailored to individual needs, respecting the complexities of life and ensuring therapy fits seamlessly within it. Clients set their own schedules, and together we work to build a path where alcohol no longer defines them. My approach has always been about creating a future-focused, empowering sobriety—one that celebrates joy, growth, playfulness, and opportunity.
Since those early days, Harrogate Sanctuary has grown into a hub of support for women worldwide. My unique therapy methods have inspired hundreds to build their own businesses and movements based on the foundations I pioneered. While imitation can be the sincerest form of flattery, it also underscores the significant impact of this work.
Looking back, I realize that, in modern parlance, I could be called a “sober influencer.” But my goal was never about titles or recognition; it was about creating a space where women could reclaim their lives from alcohol’s grip. It was about addressing a societal norm that had made excessive drinking among women seem acceptable, despite the tragic consequences it often carried.
Today, as we see conversations about alcohol and mental health gain traction, I am proud of the ripple effect Harrogate Sanctuary has created. Through my books, therapy programmes, and soon the Alcohol Free Friend app, the mission remains the same: to empower women, all genders, to live their best lives, free from alcohol’s hold.
Being a sober influencer isn’t about following trends; it’s about starting movements. It’s about breaking barriers, challenging stigmas, and offering hope. And for me, it’s about honouring the journey—both mine and the countless women I’ve had the privilege to work with—toward a life of freedom, fulfilment, and possibility.
