I loved Drinking

I loved Drinking 

At least in the early days.  I liked nothing more than the pre-event anticipation, knowing that later that day I could slowly disappear into that carefree state, feel the excitement and energy that came with the second glass of wine, and feel all the tension in my body melt away. 

But eventually I found myself hoping there’d be no events or celebrations because I was trying to cut back.  And this became a miserable cycle.  I didn’t want to drink, but I didn’t want to not drink, and so I found myself in limbo. 

I wanted to drink 'what I want, when I want, without any negative consequences'  – also known as The Third Door, and what most people I speak to are seeking. 

In this state of limbo our minds get very good at fear-based objections, 

‘Are you saying I can NEVER drink again? – because if you are, I’m not interested, I’d rather take the quick relief of a few drinks, and live with my internal misery. After all, I’m not that bad, I’m not an ‘alcoholic’, and really, I can take it or leave it - sometimes’. And so on.... 

For many, this addictive substance is taking over their minds, hearts, relationships, and potential. Hours, days, weeks, months, and years of valuable brain energy spent on trying to control an addictive substance for the sake of fitting in, relaxing, having fun, or numbing out. In a moment, we reach for short-term comfort, ignoring or rationalising the long-term damage to our lives. Until the next morning, when we’re recovering again, filled with new determination to stop. But then 6pm rolls around, and we’re once again reaching for relief. 

So the question is, ‘Can you control an addictive substance and not waste time thinking about it, and how long are you going to try?’ 

I saw my first Christmas trees on Sunday, a sign that another year is winding down. How has 2025 been for you? Have you tried to control alcohol this year? Are you still looking for the third door? Or are you exhausted, frustrated or apathetic, resigned to another year of failed attempts, and secretly promising yourself you’ll try again next year? 

I know some of you who read this have done the work and stopped drinking. Do you wake with regret and shame, wishing you’d had a drink the night before? Or do you feel lighter, freer, confident, and proud?  Do you thank yourself for not wasting any more time on exhausting internal negotiations?  I hope so. 

But if alcohol is leaving you drained or frustrated, waiting until the New Year won’t make it easier. 

You’ll simply have another three months of hangovers, regrets, and extra kilos. 

You don’t have to wait. But you do have to act. 

My final course this year starts tomorrow. It’s 30-Days of support, education, community, and fun! 

Why not take time now to pause, reset, and experience what life feels like without alcohol running the show, and head into Christmas with a spring in your step. 

Imagine showing up at the end of this year lighter, clearer, and proud of yourself. That’s what’s waiting for you on the other side of this pause. 

Sarah Connelly