Former top chef Toomas Laigu on sobriety: "My path led only downward"

Former top chef and current real estate broker Toomas Laigu has been living alcohol-free for two and a half years. Speaking before Midsummer, he describes how morning "recovery drinks" and an inability to take responsibility forced him to fundamentally reassess his life. Laigu believes that Estonian party culture is heading toward a healthier change.

As Midsummer approaches and many Estonians prepare to celebrate summer with bonfires and singing, former top chef Toomas Laigu speaks instead about sobriety. Now working as a real estate broker, Laigu revealed on Radio 2's "Hommik!" show that he has been alcohol-free for two and a half years and says the change has made his life better.

"I feel that my energy and health are in a much better place," said Laigu.

Morning drinks and inner struggle

Laigu did not hide the fact that his relationship with alcohol was far from healthy. There were times when he needed morning "recovery drinks" to cope with the day. The decision to quit drinking, however, did not come overnight; it was preceded by roughly eighteen months of inner struggle.

The turning point came with the breakdown of his relationship. His partner accused him of running away from problems and being unable to provide real answers or actions. "That kept gnawing at me. What do you mean I can't take responsibility and be a real man," recalled Laigu. That same moment forced him to seriously question his way of life.

"I realized that my path led only downward, because I couldn't take responsibility," he said.

Estonian party culture is changing

In Laigu's view, Estonian society is moving more broadly toward a healthier lifestyle. Older generations were accustomed to partying until morning, but increasingly young people are choosing a different approach. "They want to go for a run when they wake up in the morning, but you can't go running with a hangover," he noted.

As an example, Laigu cited a song festival where alcohol sales were restricted. "People there under the song tent were much clearer, more beautiful and more loving. I really liked that," he said.

According to Laigu, excessive alcohol consumption often stems from the belief that a drink helps you be more open, braver and more sociable. "Many people feel they're simply not talkative without a glass in hand," he said. In reality, though, one needs to learn to cope with discomfort; a sober person can be completely fun and an interesting member of any company.

A daily choice

Today, Laigu says he has won back his partner and the change has not been a one-time decision but a conscious daily choice. While he does not rule out having a glass of champagne on a trip someday, the role of alcohol in his life has fundamentally changed.

Before Midsummer, he recommends thinking about whether alcohol is really necessary for celebration. "There are options. We can come out of the closet in the best sense and say that I'm not drinking today, tomorrow, or this month," said Laigu.