Navigating the blurry line between moderate drinking and alcohol dependency can be a real challenge in today's society. As a woman in my 40s, entering peri-menopause and juggling a Pilates studio alongside family responsibilities, I started questioning the impact of alcohol on my health and energy levels.
Fed up with waking up with mild hangovers and promising myself to cut back, only to find myself reaching for another bottle of wine, I decided to embrace sobriety for a longer period. This wasn't just a short-term commitment like Dry January or a 21-day reset that I had easily completed in the past. This time, it was different. I made a vow to go completely alcohol-free for a year to truly understand its effects on me and discover the benefits I could gain by quitting altogether.
While I never considered myself to have a drinking problem, I began to realize that moderation didn't align with my goals for achieving everything I wanted in life and maintaining my long-term health. Over time, I noticed how alcohol negatively affected my well-being and productivity. At first, I thought I could still consume alcohol responsibly and set targets like "only drink on the weekends." However, I found myself repeatedly reaching for wine mid-week or sooner during stressful times. This regular, almost daily evening consumption of 1-3 glasses of wine left me unproductive, affected my relationships, and left me feeling sluggish and fatigued the next day. I wasn't a heavy drinker or a bad drunk, but it simply didn't feel good in my body. That inner voice that tells us our truth was now screaming for me to stop.
Choosing sobriety in a society that often associates abstinence with alcoholism was tough for me. I felt judged and misunderstood whenever I thought about giving up alcohol for good. People tend to see it as an all-or-nothing situation, failing to recognize the long-term health impacts of even moderate drinking. Constantly questioning whether alcohol truly benefited me led to a resounding "no." It hindered my productivity, my connections, and my mental health. It took courage to admit to myself that it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks; this is a decision I need to make for myself.
It all began with a change in perspective. I had to stop glorifying alcohol as the media and society often do and instead truly understand the real impact it was having on my life. Research has shown that alcohol's harmful effects go beyond addiction. It can lead to liver damage, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Alcohol has also been linked to cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure. Long-term use impairs cognitive function, resulting in memory loss, decreased attention span, and difficulty with decision-making. Most importantly, alcohol can worsen anxiety and depression, ultimately impacting our emotional well-being. Considering my own struggles with anxiety and mental health, this became a driving force behind my decision to stop drinking. Alcohol wasn't alleviating my anxiety; it was actually fueling it.
Alcohol had become my way of coping with stress and discomfort in my busy life. However, I came to realize that these uncomfortable feelings were simply opportunities for personal growth and change. I started to view discomfort as my body's way of telling me to seek healthier ways to navigate challenges and develop a more balanced approach to stress management. By using alcohol to numb the symptoms of tension, I was ignoring my body's warnings and allowing stress and inflammation to wreak havoc on my well-being instead of finding safer and more creative outlets.
To make the transition easier and navigate social situations, I began exploring mocktails. These alcohol-free beverages provided a wonderful alternative and significantly relieved the pressure of explaining my choice to others. They allowed me to fully enjoy social settings while staying committed to my sobriety. I appreciate the efforts of the mocktail industry, even though not all of them are enjoyable.
My decision to quit drinking was further reinforced by the understanding that no amount of alcohol truly benefits our health. I can't be the only one who has searched, "how much alcohol is safe to consume." The research on the long-term effects of alcohol made me question society's glorification of this substance. Discovering the damaging impact alcohol has on our bodies opened my eyes. I'm grateful that Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health recently updated, stating that the risk of health issues begins with consuming 0-2 drinks per week.
I have now reached the six-month milestone of sobriety, and I'm happy to say that I have experienced countless positive changes. My energy levels have increased, my relationships have improved, I've formed deeper connections with my loved ones, my creativity has soared, and I have developed a deeper sense of love and trust in myself. Most importantly my mental health has improved dramatically.
Choosing to live an alcohol-free life has been a powerful decision for me. It has had a ripple effect on various aspects of my life, bringing forth a newfound vitality. One of the most surprising things was how easy the transition away from alcohol was for me. Once I made the decision, I was amazed at how many people opened up about their own journeys without alcohol, making me feel less alone.
If you're reading this article, maybe you've already embarked on a path without alcohol, or perhaps you're considering a new relationship with drinking, just like I was six months ago. If this journey resonates with you, then we share something in common, and I believe you are capable of tackling challenging things. Choosing to go alcohol-free can unlock endless possibilities, allowing you to embrace your truest self and live a life filled with joy, connection, and purpose.
Resources that helped me stay accountable and motivated:
