The results of my not-drinking experiment

I didn’t want to use the word “sobriety” in the title because I was never looking to solve the problem of addiction to alcohol. To me, “sobriety” goes hand in hand with addiction.

While I respect the folks who share their sobriety stories, I also resent the fanatism of some authors who write about their newly discovered sobriety without any acknowledgment that alcohol can be a harmless indulgence for many other people.

I have a years-long habit of having a couple of drinks every night. And I mean EVERY NIGHT. When I write about this habit, I always have to provide some more color. I never drink hard liquor. I never drink during the day. I don’t get drunk. I don’t need alcohol at social events. I mean I can socialize with or without a drink. I run seventy miles every week. Actually, this past week I ran ninety miles. I’m passionate about running. I’d never jeopardize my running with excessive drinking.

Still, the fact is that for decades I’d have two or three drinks every night. Three is a better estimate. A cold beer and some white wine for example. Or just wine. Is that excessive? Three drinks on most evenings, for many years.

So a little over three weeks ago I decided to question my habit.