Understanding Alcohol Consumption

It's important to clarify that this isn't a tale that shames those who enjoy alcohol. I find condescending narratives about sobriety quite frustrating. Personally, I relish my evening drinks and have no desire to overhaul my lifestyle. This sentiment mirrors my approach to meat consumption. There was a time when, after losing weight and enhancing my running routine, I swore off meat entirely. That endeavor ultimately failed, as I found no compelling reason to be so extreme with my diet, and I still occasionally craved a good steak. Today, I've struck a balance: I don’t indulge in red meat frequently, but I certainly savor a delicious ribeye every couple of weeks.

When it comes to my alcohol habits, I've enjoyed two to three drinks most evenings for years. Primarily beer or wine—never hard liquor—and I abstain from drinking during the day. There's something particularly refreshing about a beer after an evening run, especially in warm weather. Last year, I began to question whether my drinking was bordering on addiction and decided to quit cold turkey. Surprisingly, I managed weeks without a single drop of alcohol. However, during the Christmas holidays, I found myself indulging again, enjoying a glass of wine alongside my wife. This pattern of stopping and restarting continued, including a sober period leading up to a recent marathon.

Taking a break from drinking has been beneficial. It allowed me to clear my mind from the haze that alcohol tends to create. While this fog wasn’t particularly severe—never affecting my routines or running—it was still present. After completing my marathon, I celebrated with a grilled steak and a bottle of chilled Chardonnay, which I promptly finished. The day was beautiful, and I was thrilled with my personal record in the race, leading me to resume moderate drinking for several days.

However, I now find myself wanting another break, which leads me to the crux of my story. There’s an abundance of advice on cutting back on alcohol, so what I’m about to share is likely familiar territory for many.

While my alcohol use isn’t an addiction, it does form a habitual pattern. There's nothing sinister about it; after my evening runs, I typically reach for a beer or a glass of wine. Dinner follows, often accompanied by another drink as the evening winds down around seven or eight o'clock.

The key to altering this habit is pinpointing the exact moment I usually indulge and substituting it with a different action. For me, enjoying a glass of electrolytes or a cup of hot green tea works wonders. Following that, I have dinner. Though the thought of a glass of wine doesn’t vanish completely, it diminishes with each passing minute. After hydrating and eating, the urge to add more to my stomach—like beer or wine—diminishes significantly, making a trip to the store for wine seem almost absurd.

This is precisely what I did today. After returning from a cycling session—my rest day from running—I would typically reach for a beer or pour a glass of Chardonnay. Instead, I opted for a Nuun tablet dissolved in water. Then I spent some time watching the Lakers-Nuggets game with my son, delaying any drinking or eating. During a timeout, I brewed some tea and prepared a salad. After finishing the game, I sat at my desk, enjoyed my salad and tea, and began writing this narrative. By intentionally missing my usual wine-pouring time, I found that I didn't crave a drink. If I stick to this for a couple of days, the habit tends to dissipate, and I no longer anticipate my evening drink.

Of course, this approach wouldn't be effective for someone facing chronic addiction. However, if you recognize particular triggers that prompt you to drink and wish to embark on a dry spell, consider establishing a specific alternative action. Ice cream, for instance, has been mentioned by others as a satisfying substitute for alcohol.