Thank you all for your supportive comments. I’m writing this less than two hours after publishing, and there are already 15 responses from readers. That's very encouraging. I'll respond to your comments later today (PST). Thanks, everyone!
Gary, I decided two years ago that drinking was potentially problematic for me, I knew it was disrupting my sleep and my daily wine consumption was too much for my aging bod. While I still have not quit 100% , I have reduced my drinking by about 75-80%. I have to say the first 7-14 days when I went AF for over a month were the hardest. But you are absolutely correct.....eventually you will find that you sleep better, have more energy, and your skin and eyes will be clearer. The 2 big lessons for me: who cares what is in another person's glass? If you want to sit with your wife and sip tea, an NA beer, or other beverage, do so. Anyone cajoling you or trying to 'get you' to drink, has issues of their own. Second lesson: alcohol is indeed a carcinogen and highly addictive, yet we ALWAYS blame or label the drinker, rather than the substance itself. So, don't blame yourself or worry about being labeled. Best of luck on this journey. It is very difficult to break a habit of so many years, but you will feel better! That's what's important.
Gary, you are wonderful, so willing to be authentic even if you feel discomfort about doing so. I am so glad you are doing this, and declaring it to us. It means we (I, at least) are in it with you!
I rarely drink these days. My body just doesn't like a glass of wine like it used to. It interrupts my sleep which is no good, and I guess I value my sleep more than anything. I sometimes share a bottle of beer with my husband, and occasionally have a tiny glass of wine.
Now if I needed to totally give up sugar, it would be a different matter...
Thanks for your support, Jane. Sounds like you are a naturally moderate drinker. My brother-in-law in Germany is like that. He and his wife have wine every evening with dinner, but he never drinks more than two glasses, usually less. I once asked him about his strategy for drinking. He said he drinks until he starts feeling it and then he stops. I laughed and said That’s when I really get started. I think he is one of the few people I have ever met who drinks for the taste of wine. A rare breed. I believe people drink wine for the buzz and conviviality it offers. But that begins to happen after one glass. You don’t need a whole bottle.
Mark Twain had a noteworthy observation about a once robust elder neighbor who seemingly suddenly began to lament from sunrise to sundown. On inquiry, she disclosed that she had stopped drinking, smoking, swearing, and gambling.
“No wonder,” Twain remarked, “she’s neglected her habits!”
Gary, once again, your authenticity has punched me in the gut. I’m reading your essay at 20 minutes to 5 pm here in Utah...which means it’s close to the time I get to pour myself a big glass of merlot and kick back. (It feels even more delicious because I’m doing it here in Mormonland.) For years, a little voice in the back of my head has been telling me I should quit. Empty calories, expensive habit, silly crutch to gain a daily buzz. I’m not sure I’m courageous enough to follow your lead. But I will eagerly follow your journey, and I salute you.
I was a nightly drinker who quit 3 years ago. I learned a lot about alcohol and all the harm it does to body and brain. It will take a little while (maybe a few months) but you should start to feel better and calmer and get better sleep. Alcohol is a weird drug, it calms us for a bit and then the brain releases cortisol which can disturb sleep and leaves us needing more the next night. My suggestion is not to worry about labels or judgement and just do what is best for you.
Gary, I’m 81 like you, and I quit drinking 6 years ago. I had a pretty heavy habit my whole life. Loved the social part, like you. Probably missed that the most. But over about 2-3 months, other things started to take its place. More reading and writing, more energy overall, and a calmness that felt really good. I actually truly appreciated my brain being completely clear right up to bedtime! Don’t miss it at all now, and haven’t for most of this time. Definitely feel much better overall, and my liver thanks me every day😂 I do keep some NA beers (which are actually quite good now) when buddies come by every now and then, which easily handles the social side. Good luck with this my friend! 👍
Thank you, Charlie. Your experience is my expectation. Coming home cold sober from a party and waking up with a clear head is going to be nice. I have wasted so much precious time recovering from hangovers. I don't want to do that anymore. I'm too old for that. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I am your age, and I too have wine every day before dinner. I look forward to it. To keep it under control I measure it, not allowing myself more than a 6 ounce glass. My doctor asked me if I drink, and I said absolutely! Every day! We laughed, but he did say don’t make it a bottle a day. :) I admire you for your decision, and hopefully if I develop any bad side effects, I can also make the tough choice. Best wishes to you.
Thanks so much. One six-ounce glass sounds great. I wish I could do that. My wife can, but with me, one leads to three. I think the health benefits will make it more than worth the effort of quitting. Thanks as always for reading.
Hey there, great subject. I'm 79 and drink 2 glasses every night. My feelings are the same as yours. I like it, I've become accustomed to the taste, so I like it basically. I did quit for a year about 5 years ago. It was great. It was easy also. But, now when I think about that again, it doesn't feel as easy. I do know, that usually, when one quits and then restarts, they restart at the same level they were at after a few weeks. then, it almost feels that it increases ... maybe it's making up time lost or maybe it's where we would be if we had not quit. I used to be one glass of wine, then two glasses, but now I ask for the 9 oz at restaurants if a choice. So, it increases for sure. It's a slippery slope. AA does help... I didn't go, but I know people who have an have been to Al Anon ... that community is a life saver for any type of drinker. The community knows what it feels like. Everyone has different withdrawal or not symptoms. I learned a lot going to Al Anon. Free therapy too. You are a great writer. Keep it up. I know the feeling of 5 o'clock and a cool glass of wine. It's a type of reward, a moment of presence, stillness, a relationship of sorts. It's just not fair is it :) ..... I'll be looking for your second part. Good luck with moderation .... in a year or not! Best to you ... enjoy the $$ you save. That is a good remedy when I quit smoking 40 years ago. I took that $$ and splurged on myself in some other way. It worked!
You are so supportive, Marilyn. It touches me. Thanks so much for the encouragement. Alcohol is like having a good friend who likes to take risks and push the envelope. A friend who wants you to press down on the accelerator a little harder after drinking, or, "What the hell, I'll have another one. In my 30s, I took some really dangerous risks with my friend, and I was lucky I didn’t get a DUI or worse. I'm smarter now, but I guess drinking heavily at 80 is just a different kind of risk. That’s why I feel I need to stop for a while. I know a ton about AA from friends and family, and it's a lifesaver for people who need to stay sober. The society of people it offers is great. But it's not for me. Nice talking with you, Marilyn.
Gary, I came to the same conclusion as you, and on the same day (or close to it). I’m 71 and love my wine. Every evening, 3-4 glasses. It hasn’t bothered me for 40 years, but lately I’ve noticed more lethargy in the mornings, and a marked decrease in energy. I don’t do well with moderation - I’m kind of an all-or-nothing person. I have my annual health exam in late October, so I decided to give up wine until after the labs and evaluations. I have weight to lose, and am on some medications I might be able to cut back on if my numbers are good. Along with giving the wine a break, I’m also focusing on more movement throughout the day, and increasing the fiber and protein in my diet.
My husband has GERD and stopped drinking wine several months ago, but we still enjoy our cocktail hour. He usually has a shot of whiskey, and I have found a ‘mocktail’ I enjoy. It contains hops and valerian, so has the added benefit of helping me sleep well. At this point, it’s all about quality of life. And I may come to the conclusion that wine doesn’t serve me the same way anymore.
Congratulations to you on taking this step. It’s not easy, but hopefully it will bring you the benefits you are looking for.
Thanks! I like what you’re doing--taking a break. Once, a couple visited us from the Nederlands and the husband was a politician there, and he was in the middle of a one-year break from alcohol. I assumed he was a serious drinker, because why else would you need to take a one-year break? I was very impress by his resolve to hold to his vow, even though we served some really good wine that evening. I think that's where I got the idea for my one-year break.
Sobriety in old age is indeed a delicate topic (like driving, as you say). For some time I'd wanted to discuss it on my podcast, Learning How to Be Old, without being judgy or bossy. At last I found the ideal guest with personal experience, enormous knowledge and a kind heart. You've achieved this delicate balance in your honest article. Thank you, and yay. (I quit too.)
Thanks for the kind words, Rachel. I commend you for starting a podcast. That takes some moxie. I say that because I joined Substack 16 months ago, and one of the reasons I joined was for Substack's audio option. I wanted to make guided meditations and offer them to my subscribers. But I seem to have a block about recording myself and releasing it online. I had the same block about writing, and I got over that. I will start recording my guided meditations soon. I think lots of people would use them. Thanks for reading, Rachel. Cheers!
You certainly got over your writer’s hesitancy :) With podcasting, the received wisdom is this: just start. Lots of mistakes and improvements lie ahead. It sounds like a great project. Have fun!
Well, since you asked. I warn you this news is not great. I could send you my submission to my publisher of today that largely is about my bout with throat cancer, discovered almost 5 years ago. (I wouldln't mind an early review, pre-publication, anyway if you were so inclined). It's not a funny book and not very dramatic or long: 125 pages. In any case, when I was diagnosed, I heard from my ENT specialist that most likely my daily, moderate use of alcohol since my early thirties (one fine glass of wine with my meal) was/could be one of the likely causes. Cancer of head and neck are now the tenth most prolific cancers, throat cancer one of those. One in two people will get a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Most people receive it between ages 60 and 70. (Addition: over age 80, you are not expected to be diagnosed with your first cancer—also said).
You are likely now in withdrawal from alcohol, and more about that, lower down. Never mind regulating your metabolism, which is not the most dangerous aspect. Daily use of alcohol no matter how little, is substantially altering your DNA of the epitheleum in your throat. You may not have caught up with the new research. Sorry, alcohol was recently declared a cancer-causing agent. You can watch PBS's report in "Horizons", linked below. There is medication for the withdrawal symptoms to suppress the cravings and regulate your metabolism and your moods, back to alcohol-free. In fact, it can be dangerous to quit alcohol cold turkey and needs to be done under medical supervision, I suggest that as a former employee in a heroin and alcohol addiction treatment centre in Amsterdam. I am sorry I had to share with you now. Take care. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nn-C3S6fe0 . .
PS, I switched to alcohol-free beer and there are wonderful varieties for sale, and the industry is trying their hand at de-alcoholized wine as well..
Thanks for writing, Johanna. I'm sorry to hear about your throat cancer. I hope there is some good news on the horizon for you. It sounds like a hard pill to swallow. I wish you all the best. And thanks for taking the time to comment.
My withdrawal has been mild. Bad mood and overall tiredness. I was not drinking nearly enough to have dangerous withdrawl symptoms. People who drink a quart of vodka a day could die from going cold turkey. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs in terms of withdrawal. Luckily, I have not been drinking at that level. I drank too much, but I could always stop. But it still had a negative effect on my health.
We have some good NA beers here: Clausthaler and Bittburg. I enjoy a Clausthaler nightly. I really appreciate your comment. I hope to hear from you again, Johanna.
Gary, thanks for sharing this. I’m 74, and recently gave up drinking (Alcohol Free 74 days) after a lifetime of regular drinking, in the same fashion as you described in your post. A lot of the motivation for this came from learning that I have a higher risk of developing Alzheimers than most (Family history, genetic predisposition, and clinical evidence of elevated amyloid and tau). I’m considering as having Pre-Alzheimers given the biomarkers, as I as yet am cognitively normal. I’m using an app called Refraim, which is very helpful in tracking my daily recovery. I have found that I feel a lot of positive effects from not drinking ( more focused, clarity and evenness, along with better sleep and energy). I do miss the positive effects like feeling mellowed out when drinking but I don’t miss the the rebound effects and the groggy fuzzy feeling after a night of drinking. So far I’m staying totally away from alcohol and while I think about trying to go back to much more moderate consumption I’m worried that I will end up right back where I was before I quit. So I haven’t set a timeline for my sobriety. Just one day at a time. Keep going and I’ll be looking for your next update. Bill
Bill, you're doing everything right. What an inspiration. Just imagine all the seniors out there who are hurting themselves with alcohol. Oh, it's so fun and cute to see the elders partying. I don't think so. If I manage to stay off the sauce I'm going to help others do it too if they want to. It should be cool to be alcohol free. Feeling clear-headed every morning is great! Thanks for reading, Bill.
I feel you have it right when you said it’s up to us to decide when to stop. I stopped drinking in my 30’s because I didn’t like the effects on my health. Trust your gut. If it feels like it’s time to stop drinking, then do what you feel is right. Now, some 35 years later, I’m glad I did and I can honestly say I have never missed drinking. One thing I have noticed about writing as I get older is that creativity can wax and wane at times. For me, this symbolic of establishing a new identity now that I’m retired. Giving up alcohol may mimic that scenario as you transition to a new and healthier mindset. Keep up the great work you are doing! I look forward to reading more of your insights.
Thanks for the encouragement. I feel quitting drinking will usher in a new era as far as my writing is concerned. I already feel a sense of excitement welling up. Maybe it will be a transition to a new and healthier mindset. It will be.
I used to enjoy a glass or two of wine a couple times a week, and the occasional mixed drink. However, my doctor advised me to stop altogether due to medication I was taking. I tried to bargain with her (just a glass here and there) but she was adamant. Since I like being alive, I followed her advice and within a couple of months, I’d lost 5 pounds. I missed enjoying wine and attending tastings in particular, but now I’ve been alcohol-free for 4 years, the new normal is fine. I never have to worry about driving our car, and the budget is healthier.
Angela, that's encouraging that quitting has been so good for you. I'm having a glass of Japanese green tea and a cookie as I write this. Green tea tastes great with sweets and even with good cheese. There are many ways to skin a cat. I like being alive too, Angela. Alive to this wonderful world. Thanks for reading.
Thank you all for your supportive comments. I’m writing this less than two hours after publishing, and there are already 15 responses from readers. That's very encouraging. I'll respond to your comments later today (PST). Thanks, everyone!
Gary, I decided two years ago that drinking was potentially problematic for me, I knew it was disrupting my sleep and my daily wine consumption was too much for my aging bod. While I still have not quit 100% , I have reduced my drinking by about 75-80%. I have to say the first 7-14 days when I went AF for over a month were the hardest. But you are absolutely correct.....eventually you will find that you sleep better, have more energy, and your skin and eyes will be clearer. The 2 big lessons for me: who cares what is in another person's glass? If you want to sit with your wife and sip tea, an NA beer, or other beverage, do so. Anyone cajoling you or trying to 'get you' to drink, has issues of their own. Second lesson: alcohol is indeed a carcinogen and highly addictive, yet we ALWAYS blame or label the drinker, rather than the substance itself. So, don't blame yourself or worry about being labeled. Best of luck on this journey. It is very difficult to break a habit of so many years, but you will feel better! That's what's important.
Beautifully and precisely put, Karen. This is very inspiring and encouraging for me. Thanks for taking the time to send it.
Gary, you are wonderful, so willing to be authentic even if you feel discomfort about doing so. I am so glad you are doing this, and declaring it to us. It means we (I, at least) are in it with you!
I rarely drink these days. My body just doesn't like a glass of wine like it used to. It interrupts my sleep which is no good, and I guess I value my sleep more than anything. I sometimes share a bottle of beer with my husband, and occasionally have a tiny glass of wine.
Now if I needed to totally give up sugar, it would be a different matter...
Thanks for your support, Jane. Sounds like you are a naturally moderate drinker. My brother-in-law in Germany is like that. He and his wife have wine every evening with dinner, but he never drinks more than two glasses, usually less. I once asked him about his strategy for drinking. He said he drinks until he starts feeling it and then he stops. I laughed and said That’s when I really get started. I think he is one of the few people I have ever met who drinks for the taste of wine. A rare breed. I believe people drink wine for the buzz and conviviality it offers. But that begins to happen after one glass. You don’t need a whole bottle.
Mark Twain had a noteworthy observation about a once robust elder neighbor who seemingly suddenly began to lament from sunrise to sundown. On inquiry, she disclosed that she had stopped drinking, smoking, swearing, and gambling.
“No wonder,” Twain remarked, “she’s neglected her habits!”
That’s a great story. Anon, I’m going to use that one. Thanks for commenting.
NO
Gary, once again, your authenticity has punched me in the gut. I’m reading your essay at 20 minutes to 5 pm here in Utah...which means it’s close to the time I get to pour myself a big glass of merlot and kick back. (It feels even more delicious because I’m doing it here in Mormonland.) For years, a little voice in the back of my head has been telling me I should quit. Empty calories, expensive habit, silly crutch to gain a daily buzz. I’m not sure I’m courageous enough to follow your lead. But I will eagerly follow your journey, and I salute you.
Don’t quit, Kathleen. Your intuition will tell you if you need to quit. Enjoy your Merlot--I might join you in a year.
I look forward to “cheering” you either way!
I was a nightly drinker who quit 3 years ago. I learned a lot about alcohol and all the harm it does to body and brain. It will take a little while (maybe a few months) but you should start to feel better and calmer and get better sleep. Alcohol is a weird drug, it calms us for a bit and then the brain releases cortisol which can disturb sleep and leaves us needing more the next night. My suggestion is not to worry about labels or judgement and just do what is best for you.
You're exactly right, Barry. Thanks for joining the conversation, and thanks for your encouragement
Gary, I’m 81 like you, and I quit drinking 6 years ago. I had a pretty heavy habit my whole life. Loved the social part, like you. Probably missed that the most. But over about 2-3 months, other things started to take its place. More reading and writing, more energy overall, and a calmness that felt really good. I actually truly appreciated my brain being completely clear right up to bedtime! Don’t miss it at all now, and haven’t for most of this time. Definitely feel much better overall, and my liver thanks me every day😂 I do keep some NA beers (which are actually quite good now) when buddies come by every now and then, which easily handles the social side. Good luck with this my friend! 👍
Thank you, Charlie. Your experience is my expectation. Coming home cold sober from a party and waking up with a clear head is going to be nice. I have wasted so much precious time recovering from hangovers. I don't want to do that anymore. I'm too old for that. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I am your age, and I too have wine every day before dinner. I look forward to it. To keep it under control I measure it, not allowing myself more than a 6 ounce glass. My doctor asked me if I drink, and I said absolutely! Every day! We laughed, but he did say don’t make it a bottle a day. :) I admire you for your decision, and hopefully if I develop any bad side effects, I can also make the tough choice. Best wishes to you.
Thanks so much. One six-ounce glass sounds great. I wish I could do that. My wife can, but with me, one leads to three. I think the health benefits will make it more than worth the effort of quitting. Thanks as always for reading.
You can do it Gary! I'll be thinking about you at wine time. :)
Hey there, great subject. I'm 79 and drink 2 glasses every night. My feelings are the same as yours. I like it, I've become accustomed to the taste, so I like it basically. I did quit for a year about 5 years ago. It was great. It was easy also. But, now when I think about that again, it doesn't feel as easy. I do know, that usually, when one quits and then restarts, they restart at the same level they were at after a few weeks. then, it almost feels that it increases ... maybe it's making up time lost or maybe it's where we would be if we had not quit. I used to be one glass of wine, then two glasses, but now I ask for the 9 oz at restaurants if a choice. So, it increases for sure. It's a slippery slope. AA does help... I didn't go, but I know people who have an have been to Al Anon ... that community is a life saver for any type of drinker. The community knows what it feels like. Everyone has different withdrawal or not symptoms. I learned a lot going to Al Anon. Free therapy too. You are a great writer. Keep it up. I know the feeling of 5 o'clock and a cool glass of wine. It's a type of reward, a moment of presence, stillness, a relationship of sorts. It's just not fair is it :) ..... I'll be looking for your second part. Good luck with moderation .... in a year or not! Best to you ... enjoy the $$ you save. That is a good remedy when I quit smoking 40 years ago. I took that $$ and splurged on myself in some other way. It worked!
You are so supportive, Marilyn. It touches me. Thanks so much for the encouragement. Alcohol is like having a good friend who likes to take risks and push the envelope. A friend who wants you to press down on the accelerator a little harder after drinking, or, "What the hell, I'll have another one. In my 30s, I took some really dangerous risks with my friend, and I was lucky I didn’t get a DUI or worse. I'm smarter now, but I guess drinking heavily at 80 is just a different kind of risk. That’s why I feel I need to stop for a while. I know a ton about AA from friends and family, and it's a lifesaver for people who need to stay sober. The society of people it offers is great. But it's not for me. Nice talking with you, Marilyn.
Gary, I came to the same conclusion as you, and on the same day (or close to it). I’m 71 and love my wine. Every evening, 3-4 glasses. It hasn’t bothered me for 40 years, but lately I’ve noticed more lethargy in the mornings, and a marked decrease in energy. I don’t do well with moderation - I’m kind of an all-or-nothing person. I have my annual health exam in late October, so I decided to give up wine until after the labs and evaluations. I have weight to lose, and am on some medications I might be able to cut back on if my numbers are good. Along with giving the wine a break, I’m also focusing on more movement throughout the day, and increasing the fiber and protein in my diet.
My husband has GERD and stopped drinking wine several months ago, but we still enjoy our cocktail hour. He usually has a shot of whiskey, and I have found a ‘mocktail’ I enjoy. It contains hops and valerian, so has the added benefit of helping me sleep well. At this point, it’s all about quality of life. And I may come to the conclusion that wine doesn’t serve me the same way anymore.
Congratulations to you on taking this step. It’s not easy, but hopefully it will bring you the benefits you are looking for.
Thanks! I like what you’re doing--taking a break. Once, a couple visited us from the Nederlands and the husband was a politician there, and he was in the middle of a one-year break from alcohol. I assumed he was a serious drinker, because why else would you need to take a one-year break? I was very impress by his resolve to hold to his vow, even though we served some really good wine that evening. I think that's where I got the idea for my one-year break.
Dated..Aug.2025..is your year over?Congrats with your challenge!
That was a typo, Wilhelmina. Someone else alerted me, and I fixed it. Nope, just 17 days off the sauce. I’ve got a ways to go.
Sobriety in old age is indeed a delicate topic (like driving, as you say). For some time I'd wanted to discuss it on my podcast, Learning How to Be Old, without being judgy or bossy. At last I found the ideal guest with personal experience, enormous knowledge and a kind heart. You've achieved this delicate balance in your honest article. Thank you, and yay. (I quit too.)
Thanks for the kind words, Rachel. I commend you for starting a podcast. That takes some moxie. I say that because I joined Substack 16 months ago, and one of the reasons I joined was for Substack's audio option. I wanted to make guided meditations and offer them to my subscribers. But I seem to have a block about recording myself and releasing it online. I had the same block about writing, and I got over that. I will start recording my guided meditations soon. I think lots of people would use them. Thanks for reading, Rachel. Cheers!
You certainly got over your writer’s hesitancy :) With podcasting, the received wisdom is this: just start. Lots of mistakes and improvements lie ahead. It sounds like a great project. Have fun!
Well, since you asked. I warn you this news is not great. I could send you my submission to my publisher of today that largely is about my bout with throat cancer, discovered almost 5 years ago. (I wouldln't mind an early review, pre-publication, anyway if you were so inclined). It's not a funny book and not very dramatic or long: 125 pages. In any case, when I was diagnosed, I heard from my ENT specialist that most likely my daily, moderate use of alcohol since my early thirties (one fine glass of wine with my meal) was/could be one of the likely causes. Cancer of head and neck are now the tenth most prolific cancers, throat cancer one of those. One in two people will get a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Most people receive it between ages 60 and 70. (Addition: over age 80, you are not expected to be diagnosed with your first cancer—also said).
You are likely now in withdrawal from alcohol, and more about that, lower down. Never mind regulating your metabolism, which is not the most dangerous aspect. Daily use of alcohol no matter how little, is substantially altering your DNA of the epitheleum in your throat. You may not have caught up with the new research. Sorry, alcohol was recently declared a cancer-causing agent. You can watch PBS's report in "Horizons", linked below. There is medication for the withdrawal symptoms to suppress the cravings and regulate your metabolism and your moods, back to alcohol-free. In fact, it can be dangerous to quit alcohol cold turkey and needs to be done under medical supervision, I suggest that as a former employee in a heroin and alcohol addiction treatment centre in Amsterdam. I am sorry I had to share with you now. Take care. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nn-C3S6fe0 . .
PS, I switched to alcohol-free beer and there are wonderful varieties for sale, and the industry is trying their hand at de-alcoholized wine as well..
Thanks for writing, Johanna. I'm sorry to hear about your throat cancer. I hope there is some good news on the horizon for you. It sounds like a hard pill to swallow. I wish you all the best. And thanks for taking the time to comment.
My withdrawal has been mild. Bad mood and overall tiredness. I was not drinking nearly enough to have dangerous withdrawl symptoms. People who drink a quart of vodka a day could die from going cold turkey. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs in terms of withdrawal. Luckily, I have not been drinking at that level. I drank too much, but I could always stop. But it still had a negative effect on my health.
We have some good NA beers here: Clausthaler and Bittburg. I enjoy a Clausthaler nightly. I really appreciate your comment. I hope to hear from you again, Johanna.
Thanks for catching the mistake.
“Cancer was recently declared a cancer-causing agent.”
Presumably you meant alcohol?
Being 80 myself reminds me of a friend I once asked how he went bankrupt. "Charlie, how did you go bankrupt?" He replied, "First slow than fast."
That's how it happens, Mark, under the radar like a stealth bomber.
Gary, thanks for sharing this. I’m 74, and recently gave up drinking (Alcohol Free 74 days) after a lifetime of regular drinking, in the same fashion as you described in your post. A lot of the motivation for this came from learning that I have a higher risk of developing Alzheimers than most (Family history, genetic predisposition, and clinical evidence of elevated amyloid and tau). I’m considering as having Pre-Alzheimers given the biomarkers, as I as yet am cognitively normal. I’m using an app called Refraim, which is very helpful in tracking my daily recovery. I have found that I feel a lot of positive effects from not drinking ( more focused, clarity and evenness, along with better sleep and energy). I do miss the positive effects like feeling mellowed out when drinking but I don’t miss the the rebound effects and the groggy fuzzy feeling after a night of drinking. So far I’m staying totally away from alcohol and while I think about trying to go back to much more moderate consumption I’m worried that I will end up right back where I was before I quit. So I haven’t set a timeline for my sobriety. Just one day at a time. Keep going and I’ll be looking for your next update. Bill
Bill, you're doing everything right. What an inspiration. Just imagine all the seniors out there who are hurting themselves with alcohol. Oh, it's so fun and cute to see the elders partying. I don't think so. If I manage to stay off the sauce I'm going to help others do it too if they want to. It should be cool to be alcohol free. Feeling clear-headed every morning is great! Thanks for reading, Bill.
I feel you have it right when you said it’s up to us to decide when to stop. I stopped drinking in my 30’s because I didn’t like the effects on my health. Trust your gut. If it feels like it’s time to stop drinking, then do what you feel is right. Now, some 35 years later, I’m glad I did and I can honestly say I have never missed drinking. One thing I have noticed about writing as I get older is that creativity can wax and wane at times. For me, this symbolic of establishing a new identity now that I’m retired. Giving up alcohol may mimic that scenario as you transition to a new and healthier mindset. Keep up the great work you are doing! I look forward to reading more of your insights.
Thanks for the encouragement. I feel quitting drinking will usher in a new era as far as my writing is concerned. I already feel a sense of excitement welling up. Maybe it will be a transition to a new and healthier mindset. It will be.
I used to enjoy a glass or two of wine a couple times a week, and the occasional mixed drink. However, my doctor advised me to stop altogether due to medication I was taking. I tried to bargain with her (just a glass here and there) but she was adamant. Since I like being alive, I followed her advice and within a couple of months, I’d lost 5 pounds. I missed enjoying wine and attending tastings in particular, but now I’ve been alcohol-free for 4 years, the new normal is fine. I never have to worry about driving our car, and the budget is healthier.
Angela, that's encouraging that quitting has been so good for you. I'm having a glass of Japanese green tea and a cookie as I write this. Green tea tastes great with sweets and even with good cheese. There are many ways to skin a cat. I like being alive too, Angela. Alive to this wonderful world. Thanks for reading.