I am fascinated by how accepted alcohol consumption is in this country and equally disgusted by how harmful it is to our bodies. Alcohol has always been a part of my life. I enjoy going to happy hour as much as the next gal. However, after working for two national health organizations and spending the last few years researching its history and particularly its use among women, my alarm bells are going off. It’s time for us to give our alcohol use serious consideration.

Don’t believe the myth.

“A glass of red wine a day . . .” blah, blah. Alcohol is ethanol, in any form, fancy glass or not.

Give your body a break.

The Sober Curious movement started as a way for people to take a break from alcohol. This is getting more socially acceptable, which is great. Regardless of your level of intake, getting it out of your body and keeping it out for a month is good for you. From research and personal experience, you will notice a positive change to your overall well-being within a couple of weeks.

Do I have a problem? 

If you have any concern about your alcohol use, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about it. Alcohol Use Disorder is a progressive disease. It never improves, it only gets worse without treatment and care. You can also give SAMHSA a call to get started (800)-662-4357.

Make not drinking normal! 

There’s no irony in the fact that the rate of breast cancer diagnoses has gone up alongside increased alcohol use among women. Think of alcohol as tobacco. If people hadn’t pushed for change, we’d all still be smoking cigarettes because it’s socially acceptable. Fact: Alcohol is one of the leading factors to heart disease, stroke and cancer. Just because we have access to it doesn’t mean it’s good for us. It’s time to make not drinking okay! ::