After many years of drinking quite heavily at times I've realised over the past few weeks that it doesn't serve me in any way and I feel so much better without it. I enjoy the initial buzz of a glass of wine but it never stops there. I drink more and the next day I feel anxious, unwell and tired. I'm so done with wasted days and the effect it has on my body. Last week I was ill for days with an upset stomach after drinking heavily. Not sure if it was linked but it certainly didn't help.
Friends know me as the one who loves a drink on a night out. Now that lockdown is lifting and we are getting together again the expectation for me to drink will be huge. I would go as far as to say they will be shocked and disappointed if I don't. I'm conflicted because I can't imagine these days/nights out without a drink in my hand and I really don't think I will find it enjoyable being the sober one while everyone else drinks. But am I prepared to have days of feeling shit after? Not really.
It could be my age...mid thirties now...and probably not able to handle my alcohol like i was. But how do I handle this? Do I just reserve drinking for these one off occasions or do I quit completely and just accept people might find it weird and I might not enjoy myself as much? Has anyone else who previously drank a lot just stopped like that? And if so how did life change?