DEAR ALISON DEAR SANDRA
immersed myself in the world of “quit- lit”, books like William Porter’s “Alcohol Explained” and Annie Grace’s “This Naked Mind” have exposed the fact that alcohol, any kind, even in moderate amounts poses health risks. Physically (increased heart rate and blood pressure, sleep issues, and liver having to work overtime.) Mentally (increased anxiety due to the flood of stimulants in the body to counteract the depressant effects) and Emotionally (the constant cognitive dissonance of the detox to Retox way of life. ) Yes, that was me, drinking green juices, exercising, and clean eating during the day, only to undo all that at wine o’clock by soothing, rewarding, and entertaining myself with Pinot Grigio. Marketing has targeted women, just like it did cigarettes back in the day. Mommy juice (yes at Trader Joe’s in the US, they had rosé wine displayed with school supplies) Rosé all- day t-shirts, mimosas at baby showers, and margaritas at kids’ birthday parties have “normalized” alcohol, especially for women. There is a growing trend towards alcohol-free living and non- alcoholic beverages are catching on fast although it feels counter-culture. I buy a delicious alcohol-free merlot wine called Artis at the SAQ. Yesterday I went and to my dismay the shelf was empty. Well.ca has a great assortment of AF beverages with speedy free shipping. What I am discovering is that I enjoy whatever I am doing with whoever I am with so much more now that I am not dulling my senses with wine. As an added bonus I have dropped 10 pounds.
So, a year ago, I might have been panicking over the SAQ shortage and buying it up like toilet paper, this year I can relax, pop open a mock gin and tonic and enjoy my loved ones over the holidays. Thank you for reading this. Would love to hear back from you.
This was Christmas 2021, and the letter I wrote to the Montreal Gazette columnist’s Alison Hanes. about an impending strike in the government liquor stores. “With SAQ strife, are we looking at a dry Christmas?” Read on for her response. I am happy to say one year later I am looking forward to my second alcohol free Christmas, and New Year’s, Birthdays, and every other holiday or celebration coming my way. Dear Allison, I am a regular reader of your column and always find it insightful. Your article dated December 7, 2021 “With SAQ strife, are we looking at a dry Christmas?” was particularly interesting to me. You ask what is Christmas Eve without a hot toddy or New Year’s Eve without bubbly? You go on to write “At the risk of exposing ourselves as lushes, the prospect of a dry Christmas may be just as grim as an isolated, lonely one for some. A shot of something special in the coffee takes the edge off the Christmas morning chaos.” There was a time I would have said Cheers to that but this Christmas I plan to find out what a dry Christmas looks like. After years of grey area drinking (do I or don’t I have a problem), I quit 8 months ago and have never felt better. I have embraced my alcohol-free lifestyle like it’s my job, with the support of a women’s sobriety organization that has been life- changing. The pandemic lockdown ensued anxiety and uncertainty I blamed on my increased use of alcohol, mostly wine in the evenings. It became clear to me that something had to change.
Kind Regards, Sandra Mac D.
Alison's Hanes response:
Sorry for the slow reply to your thoughtful message. Thanks for sharing your experience. I admire your courage and your determination. Everything you say about alcohol and our unhealthy relationship with it as a society is absolutely spot on . Especially for women, the health risks and the functional dependency have been normalized – and it definitely deserves a closer examination. I will have to check out the books you mention – as well as some of the AF beverages..
Take care! Happy holidays! Allison Hanes
HOLA SOBER| MADRID
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