sleep

I quit drinking for a year

2 months 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.