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For the Opinion Section of the Gazette
A month without drinking could be the beginning of a significant transformation.
A better option, a healthier choice, and the possibility of a longer life.
It's alright if you missed the start of "Dry January." You can kick it off whenever you like. How about starting today?
Maybe you've considered the idea of abstaining from alcohol before this moment:
1. During your recent physical examination, things didn't go as planned. Your doctor advised you to consider halting certain activities because of your elevated blood pressure and has opted not to raise your medication dosage just yet.
2. Your diabetes is not showing signs of improvement and may even be deteriorating.
3. Your blood test shows an increase in liver enzyme levels.
4. That stubborn belly fat just won't budge.
5. Friends, relatives, and even colleagues have voiced their worries, recommending that you take a break from drinking.
6. You often find yourself engaged in debates and feeling the need to justify your alcohol consumption.
After more than four decades of experience assisting individuals with alcohol and substance abuse issues, I've come to recognize two fundamental truths that are rooted in common sense:
1. If you find yourself worried about your drinking habits and question whether there's an issue, then there likely is. 2. If others express concern regarding your drinking and question if there's a problem, it's a sign that there is.
Should you choose to embark on this journey, make sure to consider the following questions carefully:
Have you noticed yourself contemplating drinking throughout the day? Are you realizing that you crave alcohol more than you initially expected?
Do you find yourself feeling bored because your social interactions primarily involve drinking? Are those around you surprised and perhaps even happy that you've chosen to quit? Are there some who doubt your ability to go 30 days without alcohol?
How challenging do you find it to decline a drink when someone offers it to you?
Those who drink excessively on a daily basis may have realized that going just a few days without alcohol is extremely challenging. They often face withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, tremors, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, hallucinations and seizures.
It is essential to inform your doctor or the alcohol/chemical dependency treatment facility right away before you proceed with your abstinence.
Furthermore, some individuals might find that their depression, anxiety, or other emotional health problems worsen during periods of abstinence, since alcohol has often been utilized as a means to cope with these underlying issues.
If you extend it to 30 days, have you noticed improvements such as deeper sleep, feeling more refreshed, increased energy levels, and an overall boost in your health?
Have you noticed an increase in your work productivity? Have any of your relationships seen positive changes? Are you now more willing to engage in activities that don't involve drinking, particularly with family members you may have overlooked in the past?
Have the friends you used to share drinks with drifted away from your life because alcohol was the link that brought you together? It's worth noting that even family members who aren't supportive might be struggling with their own issues related to drinking.
Allow the 30 days to transform into 31, 32, and so forth.
Embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle brings a sense of liberation. If other substances come into play, are you prepared to adopt a similar approach?
If you weren't able to complete the 30 days, what obstacles did you encounter? What justifications and excuses did you come up with? Did it turn out to be more challenging than you anticipated?
How about giving it another shot, this time with a little help and encouragement?
The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (www.samhsa.gov) is a good place to start.
The Partnership for a Drug Free America (drugfree.org) is also an excellent source of information, especially if you need assistance to help someone else.
Keep pushing forward. You are worthy of a life filled with health and happiness.
Mark DiMartino, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from Glenville, has over four decades of experience supporting individuals struggling with chemical dependency.
FORUM FOR READERS
Readers Forum is a Friday feature of the Opinion section designed to allow readers to express their thoughts on matters of the day in essay form. Readers Forum essays are strictly limited to 550 words and must be approved in advance by the editor. To submit an idea for a Readers Forum essay, contact Editorial Page Editor Mark Mahoney at [email protected].
