Updated: Feb. 8, 2017
Originally Published: Jan. 30, 2017
So, let’s check off the essentials: black yoga pants—yep. Intentionally dark roots in my hair to mask any regrowth—got it. A house bustling with sticky, loud kids—check. My favorite wine glass filled with “mommy’s special juice”… wait, something’s off here.
I don’t drink. Not a drop, not a sip, not ever. I know that sounds wild to many, but hear me out before you assume I’m on some high horse crusade against alcohol. I’m not trying to bring back prohibition; alcohol just isn’t my thing.
In my 20s, I was quite the party girl—at least I think I was! The details are a bit hazy. I spent nights drinking excessively, puffing away on cigarettes like they were going out of style, and racking up charges on my credit card as if I were on a spending spree. The next day, I’d be nursing a hangover that felt like a freight train hit me, yet somehow, I’d still be tempted to dive back into the party with a “hair of the dog” remedy.
There was even a memorable moment when my mom found me passed out in the basement, and she flatly declared, “Well, she’s finally done it. Your sister drank herself to death!” Spoiler alert: I was very much alive and immediately reached for the cheeseburger I’d dropped on my chest during my blackout. Kind of hilarious, right? But also pretty sad, because I was spiraling down a dangerous path.
I wasn’t addicted to alcohol per se; I just had a habit of binge drinking. One beer could easily turn into six. I recognize the seriousness of addiction, and I know it can bring unimaginable pain to many. For me, though, it felt like a habit that could have morphed into something much worse if I hadn’t changed my ways.
Fortunately, my story didn’t end with me getting arrested or injuring someone while driving under the influence. Instead, I discovered I was pregnant, which meant saying goodbye to cocktails and cigarettes for good. Like many women, those two pink lines led me to rethink my lifestyle. I thought I’d jump back into my old habits after my baby arrived, but I never did.
Initially, avoiding alcohol was tied to my desire to quit smoking since the two often went hand in hand for me. However, as time passed, I realized I was much better off without alcohol. I became a better partner, parent, and friend. Gone were the hangovers and extra weight from late-night fast food runs. My skin improved, and I truly felt better overall. Now, seven and a half years later, I’m happily sober.
My choices may not align with those of most of my peers, but they suit me just fine. I still join friends for happy hour, but now I opt for a Diet Coke. I don’t have to explain away my drink or worry about comments like, “Wait, is she pregnant again?” I’m completely at ease with others drinking around me. If they can manage their day without feeling like death warmed over, more power to them! I can’t. My friends have adjusted and no longer wonder, “Is she drunk or just a little quirky?” They know me now.
For those interested in navigating the world of family planning, there are great resources out there, like this informative post on home insemination kits or this excellent blog on pregnancy and home insemination at Rmany. And if you’re looking for more tips, check out this article that dives deeper into the topic.
Summary:
My journey from binge drinking to sobriety has led me to a happier, healthier life. While I used to enjoy the nightlife, I’ve found fulfillment in my choice to stay alcohol-free. Embracing my new lifestyle, I still enjoy social gatherings with a Diet Coke in hand, proving that happiness doesn’t need to come in a glass of wine.