Should we Focus on the Problem or the Solution?
By Boozemusings Co... 05/07/21
Here is the situation right now with alcohol-related deaths in the US and UK :
U.S. Drinking Deaths Double in 2 Decades With Faster Rate for Women TIME JANUARY 11, 2020
Alcohol deaths hit record high during Covid pandemic BBC News
Alcohol-related hospital admissions have tripled among people aged between 55 and 74 during the last decade – from the Guardian in the UK
In the USA, the government takes in 9.99 billion U.S. dollars in annual tax revenue for alcohol sales, with similar large revenue gains in countries worldwide. It should be our government’s moral obligation to bring about awareness and change concerning the dangers of drinking alcohol, but those tax revenues are a big obstacle to achieving this sort of global alcohol awareness campaign, one that educates about the risks of alcohol consumption for all people, not just those considered to have a problem or disorder, and encourages sobriety as a positive lifestyle choice.
What’s it like living life alcohol-free?
My own awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol has grown tenfold over the years. When I first started drinking it was for fun and the social aspect. Somewhere I crossed the line of social drinking into drinking for escapism and to self-medicate. This soon became a nightly habit that began to trouble me, as I felt I had become addicted.
It would seem that if you feel you have a problem with alcohol unless you have hit rock bottom as a drinker, you need to self-diagnose and seek help. I diagnosed myself as addicted to alcohol so I took control back. I read as much as I could, I found the BOOM Rethink the Drink community where my awareness is increased daily by reading and writing posts and articles, I made a plan to quit drinking and I am doing the work to stay sober. This is now my new awareness.
I am alcohol-free!
Going sober is not easy at the start but what I have discovered, is a better version of myself one who is nicer, calmer, a better Mother and Wife, more present, not as angry, and stronger than she thought she was. In sobriety, I have turned over a new leaf and if you are in any doubt that this new sober life is better, here are 12 rewards that sum up an AF life
1. Hope instead of desperation
2. Faith instead of despair
3. Courage instead of fear
4. Peace of mind instead of confusion
5. Self-respect instead of self-contempt
6. Self-confidence instead of selfishness
7. Respect of others instead of pity and contempt
8. A clear conscience instead of guilt
9. Real friendships instead of loneliness
10. A clear pattern of life instead of a purposeless existence
11. The love and understanding of our families instead of doubt and fears
12. The freedom of a happy life instead of the bondage of an obsession about alcohol.
I can in fact in a weird way say, I am glad to have crossed that line of addiction and stopped, as you do not appreciate all the beauty life has to offer when you are stuck in that mire! A life that the sober community probably takes for granted. But when I got out of that mire, which does take patience and time, I discovered a whole new life, a better and more authentic version of myself, not perfect but a hell of a lot better than the old false one.
Our perception of the danger of drinking alcohol is not as sophisticated as it needs to be. Our perception of living life sober also needs to change. We need a Global Awareness Campaign to highlight not only the true danger of drinking alcohol but the benefits of choosing sobriety as well! How about proper regulations on the responsible sale and marketing of this Grade 1 carcinogen, highlighting the health implications of even moderate alcohol consumption? And new campaigns that encourage a lifestyle change to sobriety in a positive, proactive light?
Something like this :
Ladies and gentlemen, have I got an amazing offer for you!
Come closer, gather around, don’t be shy.
Do you believe in miracles? I see a few of you out there shaking your heads no. Well, that’s perfectly OK, a little skepticism is a very useful thing, in moderation. But what I’m going to tell you about is nothing short of miraculous, and I’m going to ask you to keep an open mind.
Friends, there is a new medication out there, just for drinkers. What does it do for you? Well, let me tell you!
• It eliminates hangovers• It lets you think more clearly• It frees up time – hours and hours, every week• Improves your self-image• Increases your energy• Improves your digestion• Improves the quality of your sleep• Just generally makes you look and feel better physically• Improves your sex life, maybe (It won’t find a partner for you, you’ll have to supply one of those yourself. Or more than one, you devilish little scamp, you!)• Dramatically improves your work• Improves your relationships• Allows you to have dreams that you can actually envision realizing• Makes you happier every day
Too good to be true? I assure you it’s not! Now, what do you think a fair price would be for a miracle drug that does all of that and more? How much would you be willing to pay for all of this magic in pill form?
What if I told you that it was absolutely, completely, 100% free? And not only is it *free*, but you’ll probably increase your disposable income by hundreds of dollars a month, maybe thousands, just by taking it?
Well, friends, welcome to your new reality!
All thanks to the miracle drug Sobriety!
No forms to fill out, no contracts to sign, no minimum monthly payments! Now, who wants to be the first on their block to try it?
BOOM! Rethink the Drink