Michael’s story: Without alcohol I can be the father I’ve always wanted to be

My alcohol use took a toll on my daughter,” says Michael Andreassen, a radio host and media personality from Norway.
While she never felt unsafe, it was an incredibly lonely time for her. I’d pass out on the sofa, and she couldn’t wake me. Sometimes she would lie down beside me, just to feel close. I still get emotional thinking about it. Now we talk about everything, openly and honestly. Without alcohol I can be the father to my children I’ve always wanted to be. I’m always there for them, and our relationship has improved significantly.
The turning point for me came 12 years ago, when I collapsed at work. I had nothing left to give.”
Michael Andreassen, radio host and media personality, Norway
Alcohol, unpaid bills, and mental health struggles drove him to rock bottom and forced him to confront the reality of his situation.
Rebuilding relationships – the impact of alcohol on parenting
I’ve experienced many benefits, such as losing 30 kilos, becoming a personal trainer, and improving my mental health, but the greatest has been as a father – finding the strength to reach out and rebuild my relationships with my children.”
Many parents who I speak to tell me, ‘I never thought about how my children felt about my alcohol use, or how much alcohol I’d drink if they could decide’. The answers are eye-opening.
Children perceive things differently. Even small changes in a parent’s behaviour, like being louder than usual, can make them uncomfortable, while we might think we simply had a fun night. Protecting children from the impacts of alcohol creates a safe environment and allows us to give them the best versions of ourselves as parents – a comfortable and reliable space they can always depend on.”
Michael Andreassen, radio host and media personality, Norway
Rethinking the role alcohol plays, knowing its harms to our health
The alcohol norm is strong, creating perceptions of alcohol being woven into celebrations, relaxation, and work events as well as holidays. Michael believes change is possible if we take the time to reflect on the role and impact of alcohol.
He encourages open conversations with family about alcohol use, noting that this advice applies to everyone, not just those struggling with alcohol use disorder or dependence.
Many people worry that they won’t be able to relax or have fun without alcohol, but that’s simply not true. What’s important is defining your relationship with alcohol.
Ask yourself: What does alcohol consumption do to me? Why am I consuming alcohol? Is alcohol really that important?
Be honest with yourself. This shift makes alcohol use a conscious choice, not just an automatic response because it’s Friday or you’re on vacation.”
Michael Andreassen, radio host and media personality, Norway
He also advocates for better labelling and public awareness regarding alcohol.
Consumer information is readily available on everything in the grocery store, with warnings on tobacco and chemicals. Yet, there are no similar warnings for alcohol, even though it causes cancer and over 200 other diseases. It’s puzzling, especially for a product that plays such an important role in our society, while many remain unaware of the associated health risks.”
Michael Andreassen, radio host and media personality, Norway
Verena’s story: Living alcohol-free, finding stability after burnout

I thought I was a work-hard, party-hard girl, living the dream. But I was a slave to alcohol. My alcohol use escalated to the point where it consumed my weekends, leaving me depressed and anxious on Sundays,” says Verena Titze, an Austrian cabaret artist, podcaster, entertainer, and author.
An alcoholic is not just a person who drinks vodka in the morning. That’s one end of the spectrum, but it’s a broad spectrum.”
Verena Titze, Austrian cabaret artist, podcaster, entertainer, and author
Verena is now in her 30s. Her struggles with alcohol began in her 20s, a time when her life was dominated by late-night parties and endless workdays in Austria’s media industry. As her dependence on alcohol deepened, Verena found herself trapped in a cycle that became increasingly difficult to break.
She says she burned out on February 5, 2020 and that she has been sober since September 18, 2020.
The turning point: burnout and rehabilitation
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Verena’s fast-paced life came to a screeching halt. She experienced a severe burnout, which she describes as “losing the ground under your feet”. Unable to function, she moved back in with her mother, where she was so debilitated that she could not perform basic tasks or care for herself.
My mum picked me up and took me to the supermarket. She asked me to get some milk, and I didn’t even know what milk was or how to get it. That’s how badly my brain was struggling.”
Verena Titze, Austrian cabaret artist, podcaster, entertainer, and author
Verena then entered a rehabilitation facility, a decision she now describes as the best she ever made.
I needed that distance from my old life,” she says.
In rehab, I began to unravel the reasons for my dependence and realized that alcohol was just a stand-in for dealing with some of my deeper issues. I spent my days walking in nature, reflecting on my life and undergoing therapy.”
Verena Titze, Austrian cabaret artist, podcaster, entertainer, and author
This period marked a crucial turning point. Verena began to see a path forward, one that did not include alcohol.
After rehab, I rediscovered the things that truly brought me joy. I spent a summer kitesurfing, reconnecting with nature, and pursuing hobbies like yoga, tennis and music. All the time I was spending in bars, I suddenly had that time back.
You start to find new things. You also have the headspace because you’re not always hungover.”
Verena Titze, Austrian cabaret artist, podcaster, entertainer, and author
Feeling fresh and grounded
After years of therapy, recovery, and self-discovery, Verena has forged a new path – one that is free of alcohol, full of creativity, and driven by a mission to destigmatize addiction and burnout.
I am so much more stable in this world. That is the biggest gift I’ve received.
Of course, life still happens. I’m not happy 24/7 just because I don’t consume alcohol, but I feel more grounded, like a tree with roots firmly planted in the ground.”
Verena Titze, Austrian cabaret artist, podcaster, entertainer, and author
On a side note, she adds:
People tell me I am glowing all the time. Seriously, alcohol makes you puffy and sweaty. When you drink a lot of alcohol, every pore of your body shows that something is not right.”
Verena Titze, Austrian cabaret artist, podcaster, entertainer, and author
Today, Verena uses her voice to raise awareness about alcohol issues and inspire others to seek help, sharing her story through her book, podcast and solo stage show in the hope of helping others who are struggling.
Recovery is possible and life without alcohol can be richer and more fulfilling than you ever imagined. If you keep an eye on your consumption, maybe you will never get as lost as I did.
But, if you do, know that there’s a way back – and it’s a life worth living.”
Verena Titze, Austrian cabaret artist, podcaster, entertainer, and author
Sources
Verena shared her story with WHO Europe for the “Redefine alcohol” campaign.
Michael shared his story with WHO Europe for the “Redefine alcohol” campaign.
This campaign is part of the WHO and European Union-funded Evidence into Action on Alcohol project (EVID-ACTION), which aims to increase awareness about harms from alcohol across 30 countries – the 27 European Union Member States and Iceland, Norway, and Ukraine – from 2022 to 2026.
WHO Europe: “Without alcohol I can be the father I’ve always wanted to be“
WHO Europe: “Living alcohol-free, finding stability after burnout – Verena’s journey“