See Ya Later, Alcohol: Embracing a Simpler Life Without It
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Chapter 1: The Cultural Acceptance of Alcohol
Alcohol is widely accepted in our society. Many individuals can enjoy a glass of wine with dinner without any issues, savoring both the taste and the experience. However, others may find themselves unable to control their drinking habits, consuming more than their bodies can handle.
In many cultures, it’s normal to order another drink or to indulge in a few more as long as it seems to fit within the social norms. Alcohol often serves as a means to unwind, providing a respite from daily stresses and fostering camaraderie among friends. Yet, despite its social acceptance, we are aware that consuming alcohol alters our behavior, raising the question of why it is treated differently compared to other, more dangerous substances.
Additionally, our bodies must work hard to detoxify after alcohol consumption. It’s common knowledge that alcohol does not benefit our health, yet we knowingly choose to drink it. This acknowledgment of its toxicity is evident when we experience adverse effects after overindulging, reinforcing the idea that alcohol is harmful.
Section 1.1: Taking the Step to Eliminate Alcohol
Two years and three months ago, I made the decision to eliminate alcohol from my life. As I’ve aged, my body has increasingly rejected it, leaving me feeling unwell after just a couple of drinks. The recovery time after a night of drinking has lengthened, prompting me to take action.
Initially, I faced questions from those around me. “Why not just join us for one drink?” or “How about trying this new cocktail?” However, after a few months, I developed a habit of opting for water, tea, coffee, or sparkling water instead. For me, it wasn’t a significant change; I was fortunate to easily adapt to this new lifestyle.
Subsection 1.1.1: Shifting Social Dynamics
Photo by Giovanna Gomes on Unsplash
Now, when someone offers me a drink, my husband quickly clarifies, “No, she doesn’t drink anymore. It doesn’t agree with her body,” and the conversation moves on. My friends have come to understand that alcohol isn’t for me, so they often provide non-alcoholic options when I visit.
The pressure to consume alcohol has dissipated. My habits have transformed, and I no longer have the desire to try new alcoholic beverages. I consciously avoid alcohol, knowing I’ll feel much better the following day.
Section 1.2: A Personal Challenge
Your body might not react to alcohol in the same way mine does. Perhaps you can enjoy a drink and feel perfectly fine the next day. However, I challenge you to consider whether you can have two or more drinks and still feel completely normal the next day. What if you chose to set alcohol aside for a month, two, or even three? Would you still enjoy spending time with friends? Would you be able to laugh and have fun?
If the answer is no, it may be worthwhile to reflect on what that implies. If you find that you need alcohol to alter your state of mind, perhaps it’s time to consider changing your reality instead.
I encourage you to try abstaining from alcohol for a set period. Regardless of the challenges you might encounter, take a moment to reflect on their significance and assess your experiences. Life could be simpler and more fulfilling without the influence of alcohol, allowing you to discover a more authentic version of yourself. I dare you to try it.