I can’t be the only Gen Xer who remembers all the sneaky tricks we used to pull to get into bars before we were legal, right? We’re the generation that had nearly 18 blissful years with the drinking age set at 19, only to have it snatched away and bumped up to 21. So what did we do? We got creative. You either (1) borrowed your older sibling’s ID, (2) got “crafty” with bleach and rubbing alcohol to alter your birth year on your driver’s license, or (3) my personal favorite—flirted your way past the bouncer.

Let’s break it down. Using my older siblings’ IDs wasn’t an option for me. I wasn’t going to pass as a “Frank” or “Salvatore,” so that left me with option 2 or 3. Honestly, who even thought that bleach and rubbing alcohol was a good idea? It’s amazing we’re still alive after those DIY projects. Pro tip: Don’t Google the two together, or you’ll have the FBI—and possibly Keith Morrison from Dateline—knocking on your door. Trust me, that stuff is all traceable!

But if we’re getting real, my rebellious relationship with alcohol started long before I was flirting with bouncers. At 13, I was sneaking sips of my dad’s anisette when no one was around. By 14, I’d “graduated” to vodka. At 15, peer pressure got me to try beer while walking the train tracks with my bestie and our boyfriends. Spoiler alert: beer was gross then, and it’s still gross now.

Fast forward to 1987, when I landed my first “big girl” job at an insurance company. Happy hour became a regular part of my life. It started at 4:30 p.m. at The London Pub, and “happy hour” stretched until 2 a.m. many nights. Somehow, we’d roll back into work by 8 a.m. like it was nothing. I honestly can’t count how many nights I don’t remember getting home, but here I am 30+ years later, living to tell the tale.

But seriously, how did we survive those reckless years? I can’t be the only one with stories like this.

Fast forward again to 2023, and life looks a lot different. I’m 55 now, and my bloodwork results were a wake-up call. Liver enzymes? Off the charts. The culprit? My longtime companion, vodka. I didn’t even hesitate—alcohol was done. I was “scared sober.” No more drinks, no more happy hours, no more flirting my way into anything.

Losing my dad in 2022 only solidified that decision. Two weeks after getting his bloodwork results showing elevated liver enzymes, he was gone. My dad wasn’t even a drinker, but that was it for him. His sudden passing was all the push I needed. I knew my story wasn’t going to end the same way. I quit drinking to take control of my health, and now here I am—280+ days alcohol-free.

It’s not easy, though. There are days when the stress hits, and reaching for a drink feels like a reflex. What’s helped me stay strong? For starters, I had to find new go-to’s to replace old habits. After a tough day, flavored water or herbal tea has become my end-of-day ritual. And when I’m celebrating? It’s mocktails all the way. Having a support system matters, too. I’ve leaned on friends who are also on their own sobriety journeys, and those who don’t judge for being the sober one!

I’ve also learned the power of mindfulness—taking a step back and asking myself, “Do I really need that drink, or is this just habit talking?” This kind of pause has been crucial in helping me stay alcohol-free. And honestly, staying active is key. Instead of zoning out with a drink, I’ll go for a walk, journal, write, exercise or read a really good book. Staying busy has given me a natural energy boost and has been a great distraction from cravings.

If you’re curious about the impact alcohol has on your health, consider this: research shows that alcohol is linked to over 200 diseases and injury conditions, including liver disease and heart problems. A 2021 study revealed that even moderate drinking can increase the risk of serious health issues like high blood pressure and stroke. It’s definitely something to think about when deciding whether or not alcohol belongs in your life.

Now, nearly a year into my alcohol-free journey, I feel clearer than I have in decades. Alcohol isn’t part of my life anymore, and I don’t miss it. But that’s not to say it’s always easy. Some days, the temptation is there, and I have to remind myself why I started this journey.

Is this a forever thing? Who knows. But for now, at this point in my life, this is what’s best for me. My health comes first, and alcohol just doesn’t fit into that equation anymore. As much as I hate the health struggles I still face, I’m grateful that this experience has led me to the #NALife. It’s given me clarity, strength, and a renewed focus on what really matters.

What about you? Have you ever thought about your relationship with alcohol? If you’ve gone sober, what’s helped you along the way? Whether you’re thinking of cutting back or have been on this path for a while, I’d love to hear your story. Feel free to share your experiences, tips, or struggles in the comments! Let’s keep the conversation going.

Cheers (no pun intended),
JeniLu