I started last year with the resolution to have an alcohol-free lifestyle for one year after having had several terrible hangovers at the end of 2021. And with some moaning and groaning (along with some proud moments) I can say I did it. I went 365 days without one drop of alcohol (not even one sip), and these are some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way:
-I can have fun without it. I can be social and open without it as well, but I just have to go with the mindset of being an engaged listener. Alcohol was such a crutch when it came to social situations in the past (I didn’t think I could be interesting without it). But thanks to this year’s experiment, I’ve found I can still be fun and enjoy myself without it. Also La Croix has become my party drink of choice—don’t know if it’s good or bad but I’m such a La Croix addict now lol.
-I can crave alcohol and not succumb to it. The cravings pass. I learned how to “surf the urge”: notice the craving, thinking of why I might be craving it, then letting it go without acting on it. For me it goes something like this: “Oh man I want a beer right now! Hmm why do I want to drink? It’s probably because I’m traveling (and I want to try a local brew) and it’s a sunny summer day (side note: I couldn’t believe the Pavlovian reaction I had with hot days and alcohol). But this is my year of no drinking (it’s not even a possibility rn) and I know it’ll make me less present with my daughter later on this gorgeous day.” And poof, the craving passes.
-Learning to pass up alcohol has provided useful for surfing other cravings as well. I’ve become less addicted to watching tv shows/movies and scrolling through my phone (though it did not work for food—give me all the sugar ahhh). On an Airstream trip to Pinnacles with zero service for about 48 hours I had zero cravings for my phone. I was able to shut it off, put it in a drawer, and not think about it for that whole time.
-I like myself better without it. I like feeling healthier. I like my consistent sleep routines (seriously this post could also be titled “my year of the best sleep ever”). I feel I’m more productive because alcohol seems to be a habit that sets off other bad habits (mindlessly watching TV or mindlessly scrolling). Or maybe it’s the hangover and tired bouts thanks to alcohol that fuel the mindlessness. Either way, this year of no-drinking led to a lot more reading, a lot more learning, and a lot more doing (I got a job!). A coincidence? I think not. Also I felt less bloated and my skin was the clearest it has ever been.
-I feel less “cloudy” (less dulled if you will) when I’m alcohol free for long periods of time. After reading the book 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, I realized how many of my 4000 weekends (that we get in an average lifetime) do I want to spent feeling hungover and poisoned?
-Maybe alcohol is something “I can’t F with.” I got this gem from Quit Like a Woman, but there are definitely things I can F with and things I cannot. For example, most people can’t F with opioids or meth—just don’t try it IMO. Most people can F with alcohol, but I think towards the end of 2021 I became one of those who could not (some drinking led to a lot of drinking which led to massive hangovers). After a year of no alcohol, am I still that person? Perhaps, we’ll just have to see I guess.
-I saved a ton of money.
Anyway as I write this I already have purchased my first drink for 2023 (a very nice bottle of Dom) and plan to reintroduce alcohol back into my life. But I’m so happy I tried this little experiment on my 39th year of life. I feel like it gave me the clarity I needed for new endeavors for my 40th year (hello Fairly Curated Shop).
And you’re interested in trying out a specific time span sans alcohol, these books helped me immensely: Quit Like a Woman, Dopamine Nation, and Essentialism (to help you figure out that alcohol is not essential and what to do with all the hangover-free time that you now have lol).
P.S. I wrote this ahead of time before the new year, and since I’ve had my first couple of drinks of champagne I will say this: I had a buzz for maybe 30 minutes (maybe less) and then just felt dead tired for the rest of the night. The drinkers in the group told me I had to keep drinking to keep the buzz going (true), but it just didn’t feel worth risking a hangover (which I still had mildly the next morning). Overall the experience has reinforced how I don’t need alcohol in my life. I’m thinking of drinking alcohol like I eat dairy—only on special occasions.