I gave up wine and beer for Lent, I'm not an alcoholic but it is extremely habit forming for me, and could very well lead to alcoholism. I'm feeling so much better, that I've decided to give it up until at least next Easter, in 2009. I'll reevaluate at that time.
I drink beer and wine to relax and get a little bit of a buzz. I'll give it up for awhile, then start up again with one beer or glass of wine, then two. When I get to three I always get tired of it. I don't drink every day, but there is always an escalating pattern.
I didn't grow up around much drinking, but I was adopted and I found my birth mother's family, and alcoholism runs in the family with a gradual onset. My birth mother was an alcoholic. I never drank much until age 30, but once I started there always was this escalating pattern, which is the same pattern that runs in my genetic family.
One thing about drinking a couple of beers a day is that it is fattening. I'm trying to maintain my weight even though I am going through menopause and am 50 now. I really want to stay healthy for the sake of my family, and also for myself.
So, I'm giving up all beer and wine (I don't drink hard liquor) until Easter of 2009 and wanted to share that here, thanks for reading.
