2507 Reflections on Quitting Alcohol: A Journey of Discovery

 Since January 2023, I made the decision to quit drinking alcohol. I shared this experience in a previous blog post, where I explained that the decision was driven by my goal of succeeding in exams in March. Initially, I thought I would return to the habit after the exams, but I found that the benefits of staying sober were much greater than I anticipated. So, I chose to continue this path until today.

Two days ago, I had a farewell dinner with my colleagues and staff at Air Liquide. As a gesture of goodwill, they invited me to enjoy my favorite Japanese sake, "剣菱黒松," for the last dinner before I moved on. I drank about 2 Go (approximately 360 mL) over three hours. It had been two years since I last drank at a public dinner, and I thoroughly enjoyed the taste of the sake. I can confidently say that it's my number one favorite.

As I write this blog post two days later, I find myself back at my desk, taking a moment to reflect on the experience. Normally, I would have written this post the day after, but I noticed a lack of motivation. I believe it might be because of the alcohol. During the dinner and the following day, I felt good and wasn’t hungover at all. This is likely due to my strong alcohol and aldehyde enzymes. I even checked my enzyme level, and I was found to have a level 4 as the highest tier of alcohol enzymes.

Despite this, I recognize that my mentality has been somewhat off recently. If I were to describe it metaphorically, I felt like I was afraid to move forward—staying home, unable to think creatively. After 48 hours, I feel like I’m returning to my usual self, resuming my creative flow, reflecting on my business situation in Kyoto, and working on summarizing my private consulting projects.

Looking back on 2024, I realize it has been a year of significant achievements, and I believe quitting alcohol may have played a role in my success. If I had continued drinking, I am not sure I would have accomplished everything I have so far.

At the dinner, I enjoyed the sake, but looking back, I realize that I could have enjoyed it just as much without drinking. Given the impact that alcohol had on my motivation and creativity afterward, I’ve decided that I will not drink again until my professional challenges are over. There is so much more to life than the momentary pleasure of drinking.

I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues and staff for making this farewell dinner so memorable. Your warmth, support, and thoughtful gestures during this transition mean the world to me. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an incredible team, and I will carry the memories of our time together with me as I move forward.

2433 Embracing Sobriety: My Journey as a W3 Genotype and the Benefits of Being Sober Curious

 

Recently, I underwent genetic testing and discovered that I have the W3 genotype, indicating I possess both the enzymes needed to process alcohol and aldehyde. This categorizes me as someone with a strong tolerance for alcohol. For many years, I drank occasionally, typically during social gatherings and special events. However, everything changed on March 3, 2023.

The Turning Point

On March 4, 2023, I made a significant decision to stop drinking altogether. This choice wasn't easy, considering my genetic predisposition and past drinking habits. However, the benefits I've experienced since then have been transformative and have solidified my commitment to a sober lifestyle.

The Benefits of Sobriety

1. Improved Sleep Quality
   One of the first changes I noticed was a significant improvement in my sleep quality. Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to restless nights and groggy mornings. A study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that alcohol consumption can interfere with REM sleep, leading to poorer sleep quality overall. Since I stopped drinking, I've been enjoying deeper, more restful sleep, waking up feeling refreshed and energized.

2. Enhanced Mental Clarity
   Without the haze of alcohol, my mind feels clearer and more focused. I've found it easier to concentrate on tasks and make decisions, both in my personal and professional life. Research from the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment indicates that abstaining from alcohol can lead to improved cognitive function and mental clarity, which has also boosted my creativity and problem-solving skills.

3. Increased Self-Esteem
   Choosing sobriety has had a profound impact on my self-esteem. I've gained a greater sense of control over my life and my choices. This empowerment has translated into higher confidence and a more positive outlook on life. A study in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors highlights that individuals who reduce or quit drinking often experience a boost in self-esteem and overall mental health.

4. Better Physical Health
   Alcohol can take a toll on the body, affecting everything from liver function to overall energy levels. Since quitting, I've noticed improvements in my physical health, including better digestion, increased stamina, and even a healthier complexion. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that reducing alcohol consumption can lead to significant improvements in physical health, including reduced risk of liver disease and cardiovascular issues.

5. Stronger Relationships
   Sobriety has also improved my relationships. I'm more present and engaged with my loved ones, and I've built stronger, more meaningful connections. The social benefits of not drinking have been invaluable. According to a study in the Journal of Family Psychology, reducing alcohol intake can lead to improved relationship satisfaction and communication.

Embracing the Sober Curious Movement

Despite my genetic predisposition as a strong drinker, the benefits of sobriety have convinced me to embrace the sober curious lifestyle. Being sober curious means exploring life without alcohol and discovering the rewards of sobriety. It's about making a conscious choice to prioritize well-being over societal norms or genetic tendencies.

Final Thoughts

If you're considering reducing your alcohol intake or quitting altogether, I encourage you to take the leap. The journey may have its challenges, but the benefits far outweigh the initial difficulties. Improved sleep, mental clarity, self-esteem, physical health, and stronger relationships are just a few of the rewards waiting for you.

Remember, it's not about depriving yourself but about enriching your life in ways you might not have imagined. Whether you have a strong drinker genotype like mine or not, the sober curious path is worth exploring.

2316: My Journey with Alcohol and Embracing the Sober-Curious Life

 This blog chronicles my authentic experience grappling with alcohol consumption, a topic currently in the spotlight under the buzzword "sober curious".

I embarked on my drinking journey at 20. Hailing from Generation X, I simply emulated the behaviors of the older generations from the 70s and 80s. For us, drinking and smoking were rites of passage into adulthood. A heavy drinker was looked upon with admiration. There were times I feigned sobriety, despite having had one too many.

As I transitioned into my 30s, I limited my drinking to weekends. This decision was influenced by my realization that alcohol was dampening my work productivity and zeal. Looking back, that was a pivotal moment, over 15 years ago.

On March 4th of this year, I took the plunge and decided to quit drinking. While I had upcoming exams and seminars, they weren't the primary catalysts for this decision. My real motivation? To bolster my resilience and vigor for my business and personal life.

Recent reports from institutions like WHO and national health surveys unequivocally state that there are no health benefits to alcohol consumption. Although health wasn't my primary driver, I'll share some tangible and intangible changes I noticed:

1. Weight Reduction: Over a span of 226 days, my weight steadily decreased by 3 kg, moving from 66.8 kg (on March 4th) to 63.8 kg (on October 16th). This reduction wasn't the result of deliberate weight management or added exercise. In fact, I might have consumed more calories than before.
2. Boosted Productivity: Embracing a sober life means no more hangovers. Even moderate evening drinks can affect the liver, particularly during its nocturnal process of metabolizing alcohol.
3. Enhanced Sleep Quality: Consuming alcohol before bedtime burdens the liver. Instead of processing essential nutrients like proteins and fats, the liver prioritizes detoxifying alcohol, converting it into harmless enzymes. This is why, even after an extended 10-hour sleep following heavy drinking, one might still feel exhausted. Our bodies, especially the liver, are hard at work throughout the night.

Conclusion:

Personally, I've yet to find a downside to this sober-curious lifestyle. Some might fear losing cherished evening pastimes or question how to maintain relationships with drinking buddies. In subsequent posts, I plan to discuss these challenges and their potential impact on one's life.

To conclude, life offers a plethora of hobbies and experiences beyond alcohol consumption. If you're intrigued by this sober-curious lifestyle, I urge you to give it a shot. Especially for daily drinkers, by Day 5, you'll start noticing a refreshed vigor and heightened mindfulness as your bloodstream purifies and your liver operates optimally. Expect a surge in energy, positivity, and self-esteem. Stay tuned for more updates on my journey.