Phew! I made it through the weekend. The ultimate test was going to Horrock's Farm Market and not ordering a beer - which I didn't! Last Breaking Booze I opened a bottle of red wine four days in, so I'm feeling pretty proud of this round. No pun intended. It's funny how at particular times, some things can make you think of other things. The word 'round' means so much more than just drinks for you and your friends, but because it's on my brain, it's on my brain. Indian philosopher, Shankaracharya, said, "Whatever a person's mind dwells on and with firm resolve, that is exactly what he becomes." Good thing I'm not dwelling on breaking booze for the month - I'm just doing it. But things come up. My partner and I were antique shopping yesterday and we forgot to bring water. We can spend a good 2-3 hours in those stores, so needless to say, I worked up a thirst part way through. There's "ice cold beer" signs everywhere you look. I admit there are times when nothing sounds as good as a cold lager on a warm day. Not sure who I sound like here, but I kind of feel like I'm channeling an old cowboy. So, that's something that I'm noticing. My brain, or my body rather, confusing my thirst for water for a perceived need for a beer. Let's consider this: though mildly dehydrating compared to wine and liquor, beer is indeed a diuretic, meaning it makes you have to pee a lot - you're losing fluids faster. The good news is that you can still enjoy your beer (if you can safely, legally, and responsibly enjoy your beer) in moderation, but accompany it with glasses of water. For some, the game isn't to quit, but to do it wisely. For anyone who plays, it's to do it safely. Not everyone needs to not drink. But no one needs to drink too much. And if you find that you are drinking too much, and you don't have the ability to stop or cut back on your own, know that there are resources out there for you. One website in particular, American Addiction Centers, immediately prompted me when I visited with a chat message that said, "Alcohol addiction is life threatening. Have questions? We can help. Let's chat. Confidential." There's also the SAMHSA's National Help Line 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It might have started out as a party and it may have been fun at first, but if it's not anymore, there's help. There are a number of ways alcohol can ruin and even take a person's life. It's a sad way to go, and it leaves the ones you love undone. Get help before it's too late.
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