His five-year sobriety anniversary, recently celebrated, is just one of many markers indicating Phil’s incredible journey of change from living in addiction to recovery and empowerment. Though he committed to his sobriety on August 2, 2020, Ray passed away at the age of 57. As we discovered in talking with Daoust, her journey began well before that. At just 17, he agreed to attend an alcohol test and drank to the point of vomiting. For decades, he lost thousands of nights and afternoons inebriated. He was rarely without a nice buzz during his years in London and then rural France.
Daoust’s relationship with alcohol is not one-dimensional, including jubilant festivities while serving as a coping mechanism from alienation. He recounts in painful detail the time he wasted pouring hundreds of thousands of pounds down the drain on drinks nobody liked. He ended up spending money on extravagant dinners and nightlife activities that didn’t bring him satisfaction. Cheap plonk at 50p a bottle or £15 a glass was too hard to pass up. Tethered together with a passion for pilsner, it created a culture deeply enmeshed in detouring straight to the bar.
During his 40s, he retreated to the serene rural French countryside. There, he started to think critically on how he’d been living his life. The breakthrough moment After a workout, his personal trainer, Tara LaFerrara, posted an emotional thread on Threads. This kind of emotional tribute came on the heels of her mother’s surprising passing. Her words made an impact on Daoust and motivated him to change his own behavior.
LaFerrara’s story was a true testament to overcoming the odds. She remarked, “I could have easily drunk alcohol during this time of grief, family drama and loss, but I have not. Not one sip of alcohol in almost 1,000 days. Proud of that.” Daoust’s declaration lit a fire inside Daoust and motivated him to get sober.
Since giving up booze, Daoust has made drastic changes to his life. He now has a more active lifestyle that includes running, yoga, HIIT and calisthenics. He credits being physically active, among other things, with keeping him sober.
“Getting outside in nature, walks, meditation, and working out has helped more than anything else.”
Now, Daoust has made it through countless social situations sober. At the other two wedding receptions, we drank only non-alcoholic wine and beer. He has gone to Christmas parties and office goodbye celebrations and remained sober. This is an example of how inspiring it can be to live a full life without alcohol.
His new lifestyle has led to some surprising changes. Daoust expresses satisfaction with his decision: “I just realized it wasn’t serving me any more.” He’s sleeping better now, has more energy, more clarity, better relationships with friends and his partner.
Public health professionals, including former HI CEO Dr. Jeevan Fernando, are well aware of the myriad health-related dangers linked to excessive alcohol use. As he puts it, “Alcohol is a very well known carcinogen – very, very related to breast cancer, liver cancer, bowel cancer…” This information deepens Daoust’s resolve to remain sober, as he focuses on being the best version of himself possible.
Considering all he’s been through, as Daoust looks back on his life it’s impossible not to confront an overwhelming awareness of what those experiences have cost him. He admits that these feelings can be all-consuming. Facing them sober, without the numbing effects of alcohol, has brought him a tremendous feeling of freedom.
“I wasn’t tempted. Sitting in this pain and really feeling your raw emotions is wild.”
In the five years since his last drink, Daoust’s understanding of special occasions has undergone a radical transformation. At first, he liked the concept of getting boozed up at festivals but then realized that was stupid.
“After a while, the idea of going back becomes absurd. And you think, ‘Well, I could maybe drink on special occasions’ – but I don’t know what occasion could possibly be special enough.”
Daoust’s journey is an inspiring testament to the positive change that is possible. His story is a meaningful reminder not just of the pain of addiction, but the joy of finding life again outside the bottle. He has come out the other side stronger and more self-aware, but still full of wonder and excitement about what lies ahead.