Try being alcohol-free for 30 days and see the difference

Could you do it? No drinking of anything containing alcohol — not even a beer? Maybe you’ve been thinking about it or at least cutting back on your use. Your last physical didn’t go so well and your doctor suggested you stop because of high blood pressure, diabetes or to lose that belly fat that seems to keep growing. Perhaps there have been people in your life, friends, family and even coworkers who have expressed concern and have told you, you ought to give your drinking a rest. You’ve even found yourself in arguments about your drinking and defending your use.

The thought of having a problem with alcohol isn’t something that is pleasant to think about. To stop drinking doesn’t seem necessary when all one should have to do is drink less and then no one can complain. Besides, to stop would give others the satisfaction that they were right when you know they’re not. But then again, you’ve tried cutting back and it only lasts so long. Why are others even concerned? Why have you been concerned?

When you ask people who drink, what kind of drinker they are, chances are they will answer — “I’m a social drinker.” That may or may not be true. In reality, a social drinker is never concerned about their use of alcohol, and no one else is either. There are no hangovers, no arguments over how much they drank, no memory lapses over what they said or did and no involvement with the police because of driving under the influence. Social drinkers treat alcohol as just another beverage among the many choices available. If at a social gathering, no alcohol is served, they merely choose something else without any feelings one way or another. Would you feel the same or would you be disappointed, annoyed or even angry? Would you have even attended if you knew beforehand?

Thirty days without drinking — if you decide to try this, pay special attention to the following questions: Do you find yourself thinking about drinking often? Are you finding that you miss the alcohol more than you thought you would? Are you bored because your social life revolves around drinking activities? Are people surprised and even pleased that you’ve stopped? Are some skeptical that you’ll be able to last 30 days? How difficult is it for you to say no when alcohol is offered to you?

There are some, however, who drink such excessive amounts that to stop on their own can be physically life threatening due to withdrawal symptoms such as sweats, shakes, tremors, vomiting, severe diarrhea, hallucinations and even seizures that begin usually one or two days after the last drink. Alcohol detoxification is then necessary. Speak with your physician about getting the medical help that you need and deserve. Ironically, most people in this situation return to drinking to stop these symptoms.

In addition, some may have an underlying depression, anxiety or other emotional health issue and have used alcohol to medicate the discomfort. When drinking is stopped, the discomfort can increase and not go away on its own. Again, your physician can evaluate the need for additional help.

If you make it to 30 days, then ask yourself these questions: Do I physically and emotionally feel better? Am I more rested after sleeping and have more energy? Have any of my relationships improved? Am I spending more time with my family, my children? Am I getting along better with coworkers and even find myself more productive at work? Have any of my drinking friends limited their contact with me? Was drinking the activity I had most in common with them? Anyone who is not supportive, and unfortunately this may even be members of our own family, consider that they may have their own problem.

For those who don’t make the 30 days, what got in the way? What rationalizations or excuses did you use? Was it harder to stop than you thought? You don’t have to feel ashamed or guilty. Maybe you could try again but this time with some assistance and support. Even for those who make the 30 days, why stop there? This could be a new beginning. Again, some assistance and support can help keep the momentum going to 31 days, 32 days — there is freedom in being alcohol-free.

An excellent source for information to determine whether a problem exists and where to seek help is at www.drugfree.org. You can also make a confidential phone call to 1-800-662-HELP. These are sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug Free America.

Mark DiMartino

Scotia

The writer is a licensed care social worker for Capital Area Substance Abuse Council.