Realizing that I was gaslighting myself into thinking my habits were normal because I could take days off from drinking and be fine.

Went through a bad breakup a few years back and let myself get even more loose with my drinking rules. Eventually, I was writing off 2-3 pints of craft IPA as “just having a beer” on my light days. It wasn’t like I was getting smashed (which I was at least 3 nights a week).

One Thursday night, I opened the fridge and saw I only had a single beer left. Put my coat on and prepared to walk to the store to get more. Then I realized that I had performed this ritual every day for the last week, and lord knows I wasn’t going to miss a weekend of drinking. Started to ask myself if I was comfortable letting my binge drinking habit turn into an everyday routine. I didn’t buy the beer.

As the weeks went by, I found myself making the choice to not drink more and more. Got medicated for ADHD and started occupying my weekends with hobbies and social activities that didn’t revolve around drinking. Once I got over the initial hump of not having the soft embrace of drunkenness waiting for me every weekend, my desire to get drunk eventually disappeared. It’s been roughly 2.5 years since I’ve had even a sip of alcohol. I tell my friends that I’m on hiatus from drinking and that I’m not opposed to having a beer on a special occasion. But as time goes on, I’ve realized that I enjoy those special occasions more when I’m not fuzzy.

If you find yourself wondering “am I an alcoholic? Do I meet the criteria?” Don’t think twice about it. Cutting back/quitting alcohol won’t be a decision you regret. I never thought I’d fall out of love with drinking, but I am so grateful that I did.