Chapter 1: The Decision to Quit

This reflection serves as a reminder for anyone contemplating reducing or eliminating alcohol from their life. Please read thoughtfully.

Much love,

???? missmedieval

For months, and perhaps years, I found myself wrestling with the idea of quitting alcohol.

The longer I hesitated, the more ashamed and weak I felt about my ongoing choice to drink.

I often found myself in the company of others who shared my drinking habits, which made my choices feel validated and normal.

Gradually, I accepted this behavior as part of my life without truly questioning the reasons behind it.

With a full-time job, possibly a side hustle, children, a drinking partner, and friends who enjoyed weekend outings, I rarely declined invitations to drink.

My home was always stocked with beer and spirits, and I had a wine rack ready for any occasion.

To ensure I never ran out, I even joined a wine club, receiving small-batch wines at a fraction of the cost of retail brands.

I spent evenings alone after the kids went to bed eagerly anticipating opening yet another bottle.

Despite engaging in yoga, jiu-jitsu, and midday walks, I convinced myself that I was living a "balanced" lifestyle.

However, deep down, I recognized that I was deceiving myself. I felt unhealthy, aware of my dependency, and tried to mask it with claims of being active.

I believed I had everything under control: a job, family, friends, a stable home, and enough funds to sustain my habit.

But the reality was that I was avoiding confronting my feelings of emptiness, pain, and fear, and the impact of my past traumas.

As time passed, my health began to deteriorate. I felt increasingly fatigued, and maintaining my weight became a challenge.

I observed changes in my appearance, such as sagging skin and wrinkles, and I began experiencing persistent joint pain.

Evenings were filled with heavy breathing, and my partner complained about my snoring.

They noted that I became irritable when drinking, which affected my relationships, especially in the bedroom.

My libido was overshadowed by self-doubt, leading to a disinterest in intimacy, and I found myself feeling less motivated in various aspects of life.

I often neglected my children, relying on screens to occupy them more than I cared to admit.

All my relationships suffered, leaving me feeling distant and unapproachable.

The only thing preventing me from facing this reality was my poor memory, which made it hard to recall conversations from the night before.

I began to question my reasons for continuing to drink.

One day, I realized I was squandering my time and resources on a habit that was degrading my physical and moral well-being.

I had sacrificed my health, integrity, and relationships, settling for a life that lacked fulfillment.

Yes, I had changed—I had become someone I hardly recognized, a drinker whom I didn’t like.

Now, I knew it was time to stop.

If I desired a better life, I had to confront myself in the mirror and ask, "Is this how I want to live?"

Then, I needed to listen to the answer.

I had to stop making excuses and consciously choose a better path for myself and my family.

I had to become the person I always aspired to be.

No matter how tough the decision felt or how isolated I might be during this process, I resolved to make a choice I wouldn’t regret.

I decided to embrace sobriety.

After waking up one morning and declaring, "No more," I stopped drinking.

This turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

While I may lose some things along the way, I gained much more in ways I never anticipated.

So, here’s to me for that!

Thank you for reading this far. I hope you found it insightful.

Originally written in the second person during my journey, I’m pleased to share that I’ve remained committed since my last drink on May 28, 2023.

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Chapter 2: Embracing Sobriety

In this informative video, a medical professional discusses the complexities of alcohol withdrawal, detoxification, and treatment options available for those seeking to overcome alcohol dependency.

This video features Dr. Akhil Anand sharing valuable insights on how to support someone struggling with alcohol addiction, highlighting the importance of compassion and understanding.