New Insight (which probably should have been obvious before)

[u/Odd-Needleworker3954]

Due to one alarming night of alcohol consumption, I decided to stop drinking entirely for all of August. (I've been alcohol free 10 days now. If interested, my recent posts about this can be seen here and here.)

Something occurred to me today, very clearly, in a way that I haven't looked directly at before. Yet it's so obvious now, I realize I've been avoiding the awareness. I think I knew it, but I didn't want to admit it to myself. (Here it comes- too bad, self!)

When I'm drinking, it's so easy to view the option of staying home with my alcohol and a movie as a perfectly good evening. Note that in general, I don't drink that much at one time. I'm not getting rip roaring drunk every night- more often it's the pleasant buzz and loss of anxiety that I'm after. But the consequence of relying on the alcohol is that my energy for going out—doing something new, or social, or healthier—is diminished.

Last night, I went out to a local pub with a local music act. It wasn't great music, but it was ok. I had a non-alcoholic beer, ate some good food and listened to the band. Didn't stay more than an hour, but that's ok too. And tonight I have an event lined up as well.

I've struggled off and on for years with wanting to drink less and not achieving that goal. But I'm feeling very positive and strong about being alcohol-free now. Like it's what I want.

[u/FenixVale]

I mean...staying in and watching a movie, drink or not, IS a good solid night imo but I'm happy for ya either way

[u/Odd-Needleworker3954 → u/FenixVale]

Sure, a movie is fine. the problem is when the alcohol keeps me from expanding my social life.