Progress Report
Two weeks ago, I wrote regarding my concern about my alcohol use. At the end, I indicated my desire to limit my consumption to an average of one drink a day, and never more than three in a day. I succeeded with the first goal, but not the second.
I have long been susceptible to binge drinking when in a safe environment, having a good time with others who were also imbibing. As indicated two weeks ago, I think I am an alcoholic, able to control myself just enough to have avoided significant negative consequences.
I believe there is another component of my binge drinking. I have always been a “rule follower”, and pride myself on being responsible and dependable. When I foresee no negative consequence, I am prone to saying “what the hell, I’m going to kick back enjoy life.” Doing so equates to breaking the rules of limiting alcohol, and chugging beer after beer. Of course, the next morning that choice does not seem very wise, and I suffer the usual consequences of depression, headache, and bowel irritation.
Alenda (who drinks only moderate amounts) has always tolerated my binge drinking but also lets me know it concerns her. Recently she returned from shopping and told me she had a gift for me. The gift was a twelve pack of beer. I expressed surprise, and she said, “the girls think you will really enjoy this.” “The girls” refer to our three daughters
I remained a little puzzled at the gift but agreed to try it. Alenda and I sat on the back porch, enjoying pleasant weather, as I sipped at the new beer. When I finished, Alenda asked “Well, how was it.” “Very good” came my reply, “Thank you.” “Read the label carefully,” were her next words. I did so and quickly spotted “non-alcoholic.” Wow. The irony of the situation was compounded by the fact that only a few days prior, I had explained to a friend that non-alcoholic beer did not work for me. It simply did not taste the same and was not satisfying.
Yesterday there was a large party at our shore house. There was plenty of beer, and plenty of people drinking large quantities of it. It was the classic setting for me to go into binge drinking mode. Fortunately, I had brought the new non-alcoholic brew along and substituted it regularly. I feel fine this morning.
I cannot be sure, but I suspect that if Alenda had told me in advance that the new beer was alcohol free, I would not have enjoyed it. Such is the power of the subconscious mind. I have since been told that the art of making non-alcoholic beer has improved dramatically over the past few years. Regardless, I have been given a new tool in my battle to avoid over-imbibing. That is a good thing. Stay tuned, I will share more later.
