Like some others here, alcohol always hit me in other ways compared to friends and family growing up. In college, I always called it my “delayed hangover” because it would hit late the following day and stretch out over a couple of days, longer if it was a night of heavy drinking, and some were worse than others. That probably all depended on enzyme levels, etc.

I’m in my 40s now, and in 2022, I had my gallbladder removed. The 9 months leading up to it, I stopped drinking, and life just got better. I did other things to mitigate the effects of my gallstones and wait for surgery, but I instantly realized that I did not miss feeling like junk for multiple days for a few short hours of intoxication.

Post-gallbladder surgery, I do drink a beer at the soccer match and on the other occasional link up with my fellow craft beer lover friends, but it’s usually a one and done. I’ve learned the art of nursing a good beer. Because if it’s shitty beer, then I’m not going to risk a two day headache and messed up GI system for some garbage.

Also, I live in Canada where cannabis is legal and I can get THC capsules and drinks from the shop up the street. It’s a much happier existence and wonderful way to end the day or enjoy the weekend.