2 days ago
- The author impulsively decided to quit drinking for a year after being triggered by someone doing a 'damp January' (drinking less, not quitting).
- Not drinking was surprisingly easy because alcohol was no longer an option, eliminating the mental negotiation of whether to drink.
- Cravings for alcohol were actually cravings for 'a thing,' which could be satisfied with non-alcoholic substitutes like desserts or tea.
- A bag of whiskey-filled chocolates caused significant struggle, as the author couldn't eat them due to the alcohol content.
- Alcohol severely impairs sleep quality; the author experienced much better sleep after quitting.
- Not drinking reduced fun at social events centered around alcohol, as the author felt less participation in the shared experience of lowered inhibitions.
- Other minor effects included saving money at restaurants and slight weight loss despite increased dessert consumption.
- After the year, the author resumed occasional drinking but rarely thinks about alcohol, having broken the mental link between wanting a thing and drinking.
- The author advises trying a period of not drinking to gain full information about its effects on your life.