I Chose To Drink All Summer After Not Drinking For 4 Years – Here’s What Happened

This has been an interesting project because I stopped drinking many years ago after developing severe anxiety any time I drank. I would have the slightest drink of alcohol, even just one glass of wine and would wake up in the middle of the night with my heart racing, drenched in sweat. I was convinced it was a heart attack! It wouldn’t stop there — the next day I was still clammy, had a rapid pulse and shaky hands. The dread was so bad that I just quit altogether.

When I decided to quit, friends were really bummed out and I was surprised by how much pressure people put on you to drink! Interestingly enough, that’s what I’m noticing as I have been drinking too. Every time I drink, I want someone to drink with me — seeing this through the opposite perspective has given me so much more clarity. When you drink, you want someone to share in the fun — but there’s also something to be said about dispersing the guilt.

I’m not sure why I’m able to tolerate alcohol now without thinking I’m going to die – and I don’t want to make it a life long habit, since most of my family struggles with drug/alcohol addiction. However, I thought it would be an interesting project while I spend the summer in the Okanagan this summer, surrounded by incredible wineries with the support of my parter. He is also able to quit any time and enjoys the casual drink — but this summer hasn’t been casual drinking…