Finding Freedom: A Journey of Sobriety, Health, and Veganism

Wayne Askew has transformed his life in remarkable ways. Once grappling with decades of alcohol addiction, Wayne now leads a fulfilling and purpose-driven life, embracing sobriety, health, and veganism.

His journey of recovery and self-discovery has not only reshaped his physical and emotional well-being but has also inspired him to advocate for mindful living and compassion.

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It’s not just waffling on about eating the foods that benefit us, but is as much about not consuming the ones that are detrimental…. Then there’s the animals!!!
Wayne Askew

As I sit to pen down my thoughts about my journey and the relationship between sobriety, health, and veganism, I feel encouraged by this empathetic community that shares and supports at such a profound level.

Kia Ora! I’m Wayne Askew, a 55-year-old kitchen designer and joiner, living a wonderfully fulfilled and amazing life here in Nelson, New Zealand.

Although I now describe my life as incredible, I feel I have only recently reached a point where it feels meaningful and purposeful. While I don’t yet consider myself qualified to platform veganism, I am happy to share my journey of addiction, recovery, and how it segued into my vegan lifestyle.

My past—a past I believe many of you might relate to—was largely shaped by generational trauma, a lack of confidence, a barely functioning family unit, violence, suicide, narcissism, and growing up in a rough part of a beautiful country where alcohol became my closest companion.

For 30 years, I relied on alcohol to function, interact, and feel. Those years were filled with blackout moments, leaving behind few and far-between memories, broken trust, damaged relationships, and head-shaking regrets.

Reflecting on those years, I feel fortunate to have survived my early life. Though I cringe at the memories, they taught me invaluable lessons about people, intentions, grace, faith, empathy, understanding, love, pride, and belief.

With my lack of communication skills and timid demeanor, alcohol became a normal, necessary comfort—a defeatist outlook on life. As a slow learner, it took me decades to realize my worth. But when we finally believe in ourselves, our value, and our place in the world, it is incredibly liberating. No opinion can tarnish our positivity, growth, or pride. For me, this self-worth and compassion mirrored the feeling I had when I decided to become vegan.

From Addiction to Recovery to Veganism

My vegan journey began after breaking free of addiction and embarking on recovery, where health naturally became the next step in becoming the best version of myself. However, I must admit, health wasn’t the sole motivator. Five years ago, while I was five years sober, my wife Hayley was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Together, we began researching plant-based living. It quickly became evident how beneficial this lifestyle is—and how detrimental the alternatives are.

Our “aha” moment came while watching For the Health of It and Game Changers. Oh, by jingos! That moment of clarity was unforgettable. Hayley and I looked at each other knowingly and made the decision then and there. We emptied our fridge and freezer that evening, never restocked with animal products, never regretted it, and never felt better. Almost overnight, my historic sport-related aches disappeared as the inflammation reduced with the removal of dairy.

The Transformation

By simply quitting alcohol, I had lost 30 kilograms. I looked good and felt even better, with visible changes that drew compliments. But what I cannot emphasize enough—and what people around me often fail to understand—is how amazing I feel inside since becoming vegan.

It’s frustrating to see people focus only on the visible, external changes. No amount of testimony seems to change their opinions on veganism. Just like breaking free from alcohol addiction, adopting this lifestyle is a deeply personal decision. It’s not something you do for your spouse, family, or even your kids—it has to resonate at your very core. Fortunately, more people are joining this movement daily. Our example and testimony serve as proof for those around us.

A Quality Circle

I often joke that after ditching alcohol, my social circle became smaller. Then, when I went vegan, it shrank even more! But the quality of that circle? It’s incomparable.

I am deeply grateful for this platform to share how overcoming addiction led to a more health-conscious, plant-based way of life. To all of you—my friends, connections, and this supportive community—I care for and love how we grow together.

Liberation Through Informed Choices

There is something incredibly liberating about making informed, stigma-breaking decisions—rejecting the normalization of drinking and cruelty. For a full and healthy life, why would we choose anything other than a vegan, plant-based lifestyle?

Oh, and in closing—Hayley’s last colonoscopy revealed no signs of Crohn’s. Her specialist said if it weren’t on her medical notes, he would never have known. Misdiagnosis? Or proof of the power of plant-based living?

I will never again drink poison or eat death. I will be the change. I am proud. I am understood. I am free.