"When I observe my two teenage children, I am struck by how many challenging things they do, and all the emotions they experience, without alcohol." This stopped me in my tracks.
This essay is full of so much honest self-reflection, Amelia—no easy answers, but you're in good company as lots of us tackle the same questions.
thanks Maddie - it's "better living via parenting" LOL - on a serious note, it's amazing how many people are reconsidering their relationships with alcohol now - and I think a lot of it comes down to the information we're getting about the health risks and a better understanding of how addictive it really is. I grew up in an era when red wine was definitely billed as "good for you"
Great article Mil! I can relate to a lot of what you say. I’m happy where I am now being the not wild one drinking at parties and being the designated driver.
I decided to break from alcohol for one month in August. Then 2 more months to feel it out... and then in mid December I decided to have one (ONE!) fancy cocktail at a restaurant and now I’m on a “0-2 drinks a month” plan ... for now. I was shocked at how hard the first few months are -- “not drinking” became like my whole personality, haha. It’s interesting to see how one drink IMMEDIATELY makes me want 1-3 more, but I’m trying to stay firm at one at a time. I like modeling not drinking to my kids, and just seeing I can still be... me (!!!) without drinking, and I’ve rebranded it as like, extra me and unique and independent bc it’s a unique choice in my orbit. Good luck with whatever you choose!
Thank you for the encouragement! I think I'm the same as you and have a suspicion that if I have one glass of wine I'll end up having a lot more! I am enjoying some n/a wine I found online as a stand-in for my old habit. I can easily just have one glass of that and not crave more. I'm ordering a case so that I can take it to dinner parties with me! 😉 Thanks so much for sharing your experience. ❤️
I'm not a beer drinker but have also heard great things about Athletic. What I've learned so far about n/a wine is that the German ones are best - apparently they've been working on n/a technique for 70 years. I don't know if any n/a wine will ever be GREAT but I quite liked this white: https://boisson.co/collections/leitz/products/leitz-eins-zwei-chardonnay-non-alcoholic-750ml - I think it's sulfite-free. I've tried some others that still have sulfites in and still get a tiny headache from that.
I also quite like the Recess canned mocktails - ginger lime mule and paloma!
Wow thank you for including that NY Times article! As a personal rule, I don’t drink during the week, but I do on the weekends. That article made me realize that I still could be over the recommended servings even if it’s limited to two days 😱
Good luck on your sober party journey! I may join you 😬
"When I observe my two teenage children, I am struck by how many challenging things they do, and all the emotions they experience, without alcohol." This stopped me in my tracks.
This essay is full of so much honest self-reflection, Amelia—no easy answers, but you're in good company as lots of us tackle the same questions.
thanks Maddie - it's "better living via parenting" LOL - on a serious note, it's amazing how many people are reconsidering their relationships with alcohol now - and I think a lot of it comes down to the information we're getting about the health risks and a better understanding of how addictive it really is. I grew up in an era when red wine was definitely billed as "good for you"
Oh my gosh, 100%. The "one glass of red wine a day for your heart!" advice was absolutely *everywhere.* Times have changed!
I'm fascinated to see what it's like for the next generation. Apparently they're already drinking less.
I was at my college reunion in 2022 and was struck that the class of 2015 (so they were like 27) weren't drinking. Lots of vaping/weed but no alcohol.
I'm seeing it a bit in the teens I hear about - less alcohol and tobacco but definitely other things
Their (our!) non-alcoholic drink options are So Much Better now. I have a case of Athletic NA beer in my fridge, which puts O'Doul's to shame!
🤣
👍👍👍
Great article Mil! I can relate to a lot of what you say. I’m happy where I am now being the not wild one drinking at parties and being the designated driver.
Thanks Sal, you are a huge inspiration. ❤️
I decided to break from alcohol for one month in August. Then 2 more months to feel it out... and then in mid December I decided to have one (ONE!) fancy cocktail at a restaurant and now I’m on a “0-2 drinks a month” plan ... for now. I was shocked at how hard the first few months are -- “not drinking” became like my whole personality, haha. It’s interesting to see how one drink IMMEDIATELY makes me want 1-3 more, but I’m trying to stay firm at one at a time. I like modeling not drinking to my kids, and just seeing I can still be... me (!!!) without drinking, and I’ve rebranded it as like, extra me and unique and independent bc it’s a unique choice in my orbit. Good luck with whatever you choose!
Thank you for the encouragement! I think I'm the same as you and have a suspicion that if I have one glass of wine I'll end up having a lot more! I am enjoying some n/a wine I found online as a stand-in for my old habit. I can easily just have one glass of that and not crave more. I'm ordering a case so that I can take it to dinner parties with me! 😉 Thanks so much for sharing your experience. ❤️
I would love to know what NA wine you like! I have enjoyed Athletic NA IPA and Curious Elixir mocktails
I'm not a beer drinker but have also heard great things about Athletic. What I've learned so far about n/a wine is that the German ones are best - apparently they've been working on n/a technique for 70 years. I don't know if any n/a wine will ever be GREAT but I quite liked this white: https://boisson.co/collections/leitz/products/leitz-eins-zwei-chardonnay-non-alcoholic-750ml - I think it's sulfite-free. I've tried some others that still have sulfites in and still get a tiny headache from that.
I also quite like the Recess canned mocktails - ginger lime mule and paloma!
Wow thank you for including that NY Times article! As a personal rule, I don’t drink during the week, but I do on the weekends. That article made me realize that I still could be over the recommended servings even if it’s limited to two days 😱
Good luck on your sober party journey! I may join you 😬
Thanks! I kind of wish I didn't have this information but now I know it I can't unknow it! 🙃
Damp January 😂
I love all these titles for different permutations! 😉