Monday, January 10, 2005
Liquorless Nightlife
So, I had my first alcohol-free night out on Saturday. I was nervous at first. What if I wasn't fun? Do people love me or the drunk version of me? I realized that I haven't abstained from drinking since 2000's bout with mono, and then I was hopped up on steroids and shisha for most of the month, so I was still pretty fun. So really, I am substance-free for the first time since, well, probably senior year of high school. That's 7 years.
There are many things that suck about abstaining, notably having no excuse for my conversational habits that often veer towards the odd and manic. I am also forced to wear my clumsiness like a birthday suit, stripped of the velvety accoutrements of sweet, wholesome alcohol. And while I don't feel like my personality was severely altered by my sobriety, I have to admit that I had to struggle a bit against the self-consciousness that could cloud my vision occasionally. Fortunately, with the exception of one not-funny Indian who either had to much to drink or is simply socially retarded (although he did inspire the Ste & Mandy Inside Joke of the Night...), everyone was super friendly, so I didn't have to work too hard.
On the other hand, I was able to carry plates without worrying and there was no risk of a hangover.
But beyond the liquor situation, the detox is going well. I am currently drinking a ton of water and yogi tea. A friend of mine suggested birch juice, so I am going to pick some up tomorrow. It sounds nasty, but she says it gets the job done. So far, it seems as though my energy levels definitely benefiting and I got rid of the holiday bloat quickly. The other thing that is awesome is that my immune system is megapowerful. I came down with a cold on Friday morning and by Saturday night, I felt great, without taking any painkillers or other medications. I also realized that pretty much all of my beauty products (deoderant, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.) are all organic. This kind of happened by default as I have slowly been making the change, but it feels like it completes the project.
There is one snag however. Sugar. I just can't give up the sweets. I am not an alcoholic. I am not a smoker. I am not dependent on caffeine. But I am addicted to sugar. Another friend suggested chromium-rich foods and/or supplements in order to maintain my blood sugar at a constant level, so I am going to give it a try. It will be the test to see if my sugar addiction is physical or psycho. Probably a comination of both, but it is definitely my health stumbling block.
But really, I feel great and I am not disappointed with this decision, even if I am not ready to do it completely or forever. I think the most rewarding part is getting to know my body's quirks.
There are many things that suck about abstaining, notably having no excuse for my conversational habits that often veer towards the odd and manic. I am also forced to wear my clumsiness like a birthday suit, stripped of the velvety accoutrements of sweet, wholesome alcohol. And while I don't feel like my personality was severely altered by my sobriety, I have to admit that I had to struggle a bit against the self-consciousness that could cloud my vision occasionally. Fortunately, with the exception of one not-funny Indian who either had to much to drink or is simply socially retarded (although he did inspire the Ste & Mandy Inside Joke of the Night...), everyone was super friendly, so I didn't have to work too hard.
On the other hand, I was able to carry plates without worrying and there was no risk of a hangover.
But beyond the liquor situation, the detox is going well. I am currently drinking a ton of water and yogi tea. A friend of mine suggested birch juice, so I am going to pick some up tomorrow. It sounds nasty, but she says it gets the job done. So far, it seems as though my energy levels definitely benefiting and I got rid of the holiday bloat quickly. The other thing that is awesome is that my immune system is megapowerful. I came down with a cold on Friday morning and by Saturday night, I felt great, without taking any painkillers or other medications. I also realized that pretty much all of my beauty products (deoderant, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.) are all organic. This kind of happened by default as I have slowly been making the change, but it feels like it completes the project.
There is one snag however. Sugar. I just can't give up the sweets. I am not an alcoholic. I am not a smoker. I am not dependent on caffeine. But I am addicted to sugar. Another friend suggested chromium-rich foods and/or supplements in order to maintain my blood sugar at a constant level, so I am going to give it a try. It will be the test to see if my sugar addiction is physical or psycho. Probably a comination of both, but it is definitely my health stumbling block.
But really, I feel great and I am not disappointed with this decision, even if I am not ready to do it completely or forever. I think the most rewarding part is getting to know my body's quirks.
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