Time Magazine, The Guardian, Vogue and The New York Times all reported in 2020 that Alcohol related deaths have risen sharply since the beginning of this century and particularly among Women. But our culture is still awash in pretty pink gins and fruit flavored vodkas designed to appeal to the traditional tastes of women who have been told since 1999 that wine is heart healthy and should be drunk daily. If you are watching closely you may have noticed that the health benefits of wine and alcohol in general have not only been debunked but we’re now learning that any amount of alcohol is detrimental to our health. Sadly though, it has become normalized to see booze sold as self care.

Have you seen the AARP ad that is designed to educate women about online dating fraud? It is a perfect example of how we see big ol’ glasses of wine as a perfectly acceptable form a benign indulgence. In a culture where women are dying for a drink in record numbers that is a dangerous message. Empowerment does not come in a bottle.

In my twenties my drinking stemmed from a strong desire to “belong”. I felt like, “one of the guys” as I could drink right along with them beer for beer, shot for shot. I got the pat on the back, “man you can really hold your liquor.

Later I started drinking “wine like a lady” because we were told it was heart healthy and had resveratrol, an anti- aging miracle. The facts are far different from the studies paid for by Big Alcohol. Your risk of stroke increases the more alcohol you consume. You would have to drink enough wine to kill 10 people ( 40 liters a day) to get any significant amount of resveratrol. But once we’ve become dependent on that daily dose of wine we thought was heart healthy, habitual drinking is a hard routine to break out of.

Empowerment in a bottle?

When I was drinking I was actually giving my power away. Alcohol made me so weak and weary. Alcohol turned me into a follower. Once I was addicted, the stigma of having to be perfect and continue to play that role was overwhelming. I was too afraid to admit that I had a problem, that I needed help, because then I was a failure.

What I’ve learned on my AF ( alcohol-free) journey is that was all a lie, a lie that alcohol had me chained with. Once I finally broke free from those chains, I could see the real failure was continuing to let alcohol rule me. Now I know my power! And I have that power to lead my own life! 

Sober I have grown into my glorious self, with a vibrant mind and body.  I have healed lots of trauma and dance in freedom, joy with happy memories intact.  I did this with the help of many soul sisters, on the journey to becoming our best and eternal selves.  Kill the booze, grow a Life!

We can’t demand change if we sip wine in quiet desperation to numb the exhaustion that comes from being expected to be everything to everybody. Imagine how powerful women could be if we supported each other and let society know that we are a force to be reckoned with. Change starts with us.

If someone gave you a gift of “Empowerment in a Bottle” for International Women’s Day – Give yourself permission to pour that poison down the sink!

What does it feel like to be alcohol-free?

From anxious in alcohol
To sassy in sober
My coping skills are now next level
My charm and wit I think
Must be treble
If you underestimate me
Better hit the pedal
I’m sober babe
I got a medal
My heart beats with more energy a plenty
My life feels full
Where it used to feel empty
I’ll remember your name now
Even if you just met me
I’ve more to give now
The whole package really
Beautifully free in my sobriety
The person I just prefer to be

This post was taken from the experience of several women who are members of our international Boom Rethink the Drink Community – Happy International Women’s Day to you where ever you are in the world.

If you’re “sober curious” … If you are drinking too much too often and want to stop or take a break…or if you have stopped drinking and are trying to stick to sober! Talk to Us. 

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