When Drinking Stops Being Fun

Every person who has suffered from alcoholism or has had a drinking problem started out drinking like anybody else. It began as a way to have fun, relax and forget about the stresses of life for a while. Maybe it started out with a glass of wine and a nice meal or a way to get to know new people. However it began, it is probably safe to assume that the intention was never meant to have it develop into a problem.

The tricky thing about alcohol is that it can very quickly and very easily evolve into an addiction. What started out as a drink or two to unwind after a long day at work can easily turn into a bottle or case per night.

Some people fall down the rabbit hole of addiction very quickly, while others can drink responsibly for years before developing a problem and some others never do. Whether the evolution is quick or gradual, it all leads to the same result: drinking begins to cause more problems than it is worth and it becomes more of a necessity to “get by” than a way to have fun. Drinking can be fun until it’s not and when it’s no longer fun it becomes its own special version of hell.

Many people are quick to judge others that have a drinking problem as if there is an inherent flaw in a person who has difficulty consuming a toxic and highly addictive substance in moderation. Why is society so quick to demonize the alcoholic instead of the alcohol? Maybe because it would then mean admitting that many people’s favorite pastime can easily become a dangerous habit.

So what is a person to do when they begin to realize their drinking has stopped being fun? Many people will attempt to cut back but I am of the belief that abstinence is the best road to take after having a problem with alcohol. A person does not need to be a “full-blown alcoholic” in order to stop drinking. There is nothing wrong with admitting that something toxic is causing you problems and then cutting it out of your life. In the beginning, the thought of getting sober can be a daunting task but it is well worth the effort.

The many benefits of not drinking include but are not limited to:

• Increased physical health
• Improved emotional well-being
• Numerous mental health benefits
• No hangovers
• Increased productivity
• Improved work performance
• Financial savings
• More quality time with loved ones
• Improved relationships
• Rebuilt trust
• More time for other hobbies and interests
• Weight loss and/or muscle gain
• Mental clarity
• An overall sense of freedom

The bottom line is if alcohol has become a source of destruction in your life it may be a good idea to evaluate the pros and cons of drinking. For many people alcohol simply causes more problems than it is worth. What may be lost from not drinking can never compare to what can be gained from sobriety.