Congratulations, it sounds like you’ve made great progress. I’m especially impressed that you’re able to drink moderately without falling back to old habits.

I couldn’t agree more about alcohol impairing productivity and quality of life. A healthy nervous system and intestinal lining are two things that I think have a significant influence on health and quality of life. Alcohol damages both of them, and the damage caused to the nervous system (including the brain) is irreversible. Even when having just a few drinks in a social setting, I often think about this and question if it’s really worth it. I suppose it’s not a big deal in moderation, but I prefer to error on the safe side.

I think for many people, knowing that alcohol is harmful isn’t enough. They have to realize how they’d be better off without it and have a true desire for that improvement. Your appreciation of simple things like enjoying the morning sun, better moods, and better cognitive function are a great example of this.

One last thing. Instead of going to the liquor store and getting a soda and a candy bar, why not have a glass of water with some nuts or a piece of fruit? I’m sure you were joking, but it’s relevant since many people end up replacing a drug or alcohol addiction with a food addiction, and it often involves sugar.

Your life may be full of problems but drinking them away dosnt work trust me ive been an alchoholic a long long time and those problems need to be dealt with and you will be supprised how much you get done! I challenge any alcoholic to drink every day..yes i do and make a list of the things you get done and then go sober for 30 days and you will see the diiference its amazing thinking for yourself instead of your subconsious or slightly buzzed self calling the shots…

The first few days are hard : shaking hands perpetual hangover, but it gets better and after about 2 weeks you can feel the saratonin or whatever it is actually comming back when you wake up and the bright sun becomes your friend:)

Just tell the ones around you you only drink weekends and preety soon you will have bright eyes and a brand new future!! of waking up feeling good and smilling!

and hey who knows you may have a free hand to work on those projects like the car or whatever..or get to remember your kids growing up ..

So when you go to the liquor store get a coke and a candybar remember those? you can do it!!!

While minimal alcohol consumption is best, I completely agree that it’s better for a heavy drinker to gradually reduce their intake than to reduce it greatly and eventually revert to their original habits. A small reduction is definitely better than no reduction at all. However, not everyone has the discipline to drink in moderation, especially those with addictions, and as such, some are better off being much more strict.

Alex – I agree and think that many people who drink too much are either missing something in their lives or are hiding from a problem. I also think this applies to indulgence in general. When we have purpose and meaning in our lives, the desire and dependency on indulgence naturally subsides. As a result, we can much more thoroughly enjoy the infrequent occasion when we do choose to indulge.

Bud – That’s a very responsible outlook, especially at your age! I typically enjoy a drink or two a couple of times a month, and on rare occasion, I’ll have a few more than I should.