The Beginning of My Relationship with Alcohol

My drinking saga began during my teenage years in the 60s when alcohol was the primary choice, while marijuana and hallucinogens were just emerging. Unlike some of my peers, I was not drawn to drugs; the buzz from alcohol was far more appealing.

We would often cross into New York, where the legal drinking age was 18, to experience the vibrant bar scene filled with youthful patrons, all united in the pursuit of inebriation.

Photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash

Society often normalizes drinking, leading us to underestimate its dangers. As noted by authors Beverly A. Potter and Sebastian Orfali, alcohol is one of the most potent and toxic legal psychoactive substances.

My Adult Drinking Patterns

As I transitioned into adulthood, drinking became a routine part of my life, both socially and at home. For years, the only time I abstained was during my pregnancies.

Though I didn’t drink nightly, I cherished weekends, indulging every Friday, Saturday, and often Sunday. As F. Scott Fitzgerald remarked, "First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you."

A New Chapter: Post-Retirement Life

Fast forward to my retirement over nine years ago. I remarried Bill, who had already settled into a laid-back routine filled with casual lunches and enjoying the pool.

Over time, I began to join him for cocktails. Initially, I enjoyed a glass of wine, but soon I craved cocktails, leading me to Black Russians and later Cosmopolitans — inspired by the characters from Sex and the City.

However, my casual drinking quickly escalated into something more concerning. I found myself needing multiple drinks each evening, only to wake up in a panic, regretting my choices.

I decided to quit drinking after three months of sobriety, only to be tempted at a wedding. Despite my intentions, one Cosmopolitan turned into a night of excess, leaving me feeling worse than ever the next morning.

A Shift in Perspective

This ongoing struggle with alcohol took a toll on both my physical and mental well-being. Hobbies I once loved, like hiking and reading, were overshadowed by drinking and the hangovers that followed.

By September 12, 2018, I realized enough was enough. I had been unaware of how foggy my mind had become due to my drinking habits, often dismissing it as allergies.

I started reading various resources about sobriety and addiction, including Allen Carr's "Stop Drinking the Easy Way" and Annie Grace's "This Naked Mind." These texts became my lifeline as I navigated my journey.

Four years have passed since I last drank, and I can honestly say that my life has vastly improved. While there were moments of temptation, especially during holidays, I found strength in my resolve to stay sober.

Have you ever reflected on your drinking habits? If you’re feeling uneasy about your relationship with alcohol, it might be time to reassess. It’s never too early to make a change, but it could be too late if you wait too long.

Now, I am free from the cravings for alcohol and have gained a clarity I never knew was possible. No more sluggish days; instead, I am full of energy and passion for life.

I’ve returned to creating art, exploring collages, and publishing my thoughts on Medium. This newfound joy is something I wouldn’t trade for any drink.

Life may still present challenges, but I embrace each moment as a sober woman.

In this video, Steve-O shares his gratitude for overcoming severe alcoholism and the lessons learned from his journey.

In this insightful video, the speaker reflects on their experience of being sober for 100 days, discussing the challenges and triumphs of quitting alcohol.

Empowered women empower women. — Annie Grace, author and sobriety advocate.