Adding a Decade to Your Life: The Impact of Alcohol
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Understanding the Benefits of Alcohol Abstinence
Imagine if a medical professional suggested that eliminating just one item from your life could extend your lifespan by nearly a decade. Would you take that advice?
Perhaps your response would be, "It depends on what I have to give up." If that item provides joy, boosts your confidence, or helps you socialize, the thought of letting it go could feel daunting. It becomes even more complicated if friends view your decision as odd or question your motives.
In my twenties, I would have probably laughed off such a statement, thinking, "I won't even be around by 70." At that age, living beyond 70 seemed unfathomable. However, as I’ve matured and life seems to fly by, the prospect of adding ten more years to my existence is increasingly appealing. I have a plethora of experiences, adventures, and destinations I wish to explore. As long as my health is intact, I look forward to living well beyond 70, if fate permits.
From my teenage years onward, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of severe illness. Countless hospital visits, emergency situations, and anxious moments have highlighted just how fragile our bodies can be. It begs the question: why would anyone engage in behaviors that heighten their risk of serious health issues?
The answer is perplexing. Yet, for a significant portion of my life, I did just that by consuming alcohol and an excessive amount of sugar.
I began drinking in my late teens, and the longest I abstained was six months during my early twenties. However, I completely quit drinking two and a half years ago. Similar to my decision to eliminate red meat and poultry from my diet twenty years ago, I have no intention of returning to alcohol. I experience no cravings or regrets.
I genuinely enjoyed beer, wine, and vodka—life without them seemed unimaginable. Yet now, I am content in my choice to abstain. Initially, I didn't recognize the issue until I realized how challenging it was to deny myself even a single drink. Interestingly, peer pressure wasn't a factor; it was my own lack of self-control that hindered me.
My partner also quit drinking at the same time, encouraged by his doctor who claimed that this choice could add ten years to our lives. Aside from potential unforeseen accidents, such as being hit by a bus, this is a significant consideration, even though nothing is guaranteed.
The allure of alcohol has faded, but the prospect of the time we've potentially gained is enticing. Ultimately, we found it relatively easy to quit, although not everyone shares that experience.
When I dined out with a friend who needed to give up alcohol due to health concerns, she mentioned the plethora of non-alcoholic options available. However, to her, choosing a drink that resembled alcohol felt unsociable, even rude. By the time her main course arrived, she had already ordered a large glass of wine, suggesting that she felt she couldn't enjoy her meal without it.
While I wouldn't label her as having a problem, it was evident that abstaining posed a considerable challenge for her, which seems to be a common struggle. I could relate, as I had often found myself saying, "I won't drink tonight," only to find myself uncorking a bottle of wine moments later.
A Tendency to Drink Quickly
Another challenge I faced was my tendency to drink faster than others. At social gatherings, I'd often find myself refilling my glass before anyone else had finished theirs. A colleague once admitted to a similar habit, noting how others had barely touched their drinks while he was already pouring another for himself.
Although I never drank with the intent of getting drunk, I began my journey with alcohol at a young age. My first taste was whisky mixed with ginger, taken from my father's glass during a game of cribbage. By my late teens, my friends and I enjoyed pub crawls.
Throughout college, frequenting pubs during lunchtime became a norm. I even ventured to a cocktail bar once, trying a vodka martini—an experience I quickly regretted during my afternoon French class when I struggled to keep my composure.
As I transitioned into adulthood, social drinking continued, and after my marriage ended, I turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. It seemed there was always a reason to indulge.
Seeking Balance in Life
After moving to London, I stayed with a friend, and we drank every evening. One night, we decided to visit the National Gallery instead, and I found joy in that experience. However, upon leaving, we stumbled into a wine bar, and old habits resumed.
Working in a high-pressure job, I often found myself hungover, especially living near Heathrow. After a particularly rough night, I called in sick, and my boss's nonchalant response made it clear that my drinking habits were an open secret.
I realized I needed to escape that environment, so I left my job under different pretenses and returned to a quieter city, where my drinking habits naturally diminished. I began to enjoy life more, drinking only on special occasions.
The Reasons Behind Alcohol Consumption
I wish I could say that I drank solely for one specific reason, but the reality is that I drank for all sorts of emotions—happiness, sadness, fear, and social pressures. There always seemed to be a justification for drinking.
Experiencing Life Without Alcohol
So, what is it like to go two years without consuming alcohol? The transition was gradual rather than instantaneous. Initially, I didn't notice much change in my health. However, after about six months, my skin began to improve, and I found myself with more energy.
I felt a sense of relief at no longer battling the desire for a drink at 6 p.m. My hydration improved, and I noticed my focus sharpened. After a year, I became far more productive, rising early without the haze of a hangover.
In many aspects, I felt liberated, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
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