It’s impossible to ignore the staggering reality of alcohol consumption in the United States. Recent data reveals that nearly 70% of American adults consumed alcohol in the past year, with a notable percentage indulging in heavy drinking. This national inclination towards alcohol isn’t just a social norm but a lens into the complexities of our relationship with this ubiquitous substance.

My parents didn’t drink alcohol much growing up.  We had the customary liquor cabinet but we rarely opened it.  The liquor bottles were so old I used wonder if they were still good. There was a light layer of dust on all the bottles.  I remember there were few warm cans of Budweiser in there.  When by chance a guest would come over and want a drink, my dad would grab one of these old cans, crack it open warm and pour it over ice.  Haha!  The cans were definitely past their born on date. 

I would categorize myself as a casual drinker with a love for good craft beers.   I love me a good IPA which can have 300+ calories per pint.  I don’t drink brown liquor much.  I prefer a good tequila or gin with a lime.  COVID caused me to drink more mostly because I was bored.  Moving to Utah didn’t help because the lack of good beers made me want it more.  I drink mostly on the weekends but I was picking up the “I need a drink after a hard day” midweek drink more often.  My casual drinking was adding up mostly around my waistline. Plus, hangovers were progressively becoming a problem.  I would feel hungover consuming less booze and the recovery times were getting longer! 

It all started when my wife said to me “if you cut back your drinking I bet you would lose 10 pounds”.  I responded, “No way but I’ll give it a try.”.   Of course, she was right.  She’s always right.     

I’m 70+ days into not having a drink and I feel great.  Partially as an health experiment but also because it seemed like a waste of time and money. 

• I have lost 12 pounds.
• I have higher energy levels. 
• I have better mental clarity and focus.
• I feel more hydrated. 
• I have better workouts. 
• I sleep better. 
• I saved money. 

When people notice, they usually ask me —

• “Are you ok?”
• “You’re kidding right?”
• “How about just one?”
• “What do you do wrong?”

To which my responses are —

• Yes, I’m ok. 
• No, I’m not kidding. 
• I’m good but don’t let that stop the fun. 
• I did nothing wrong or I don’t think I did.  Haha.   

Through this process a few things surprised me —

• The social pressure to drink is real.  “Let’s go grab a drink” was my go to phrase to hangout with someone. 
• Business trips involve lots of drinking.  So much drinking.  A drink on the plane.  A drink at the bar when you get to the hotel.  Couple of drinks at dinner.  Maybe a few more drinks after dinner with colleagues. 
• Waking up without a hangover is amazing.  Hangovers are they worst! 
• The marketing around booze is overwhelming.  I found myself noticing the ads more.  We are bombarded by booze ads all day long! 

I feel better without booze.  I’m not advocating that everyone quit because everyone should live their life the way they want. I’m going to continue on my sobriety experiment into 2024.  Let’s see how this rolls!  More updates coming. 

-rjm