Why alcohol is killing us…
Research shows the growing use and abuse of alcohol by women. As a result, alcohol is killing us. It almost killed me. Drinking has become so much a part of the female culture we no longer even aware of how widespread it is, or look at the damage it does. For those of you who are moms, you are in one of the largest target demographic targets, alcohol isn’t just what you have when you’re fixing dinner for the family, but it’s becoming something many women do during the day, every day.
Even drinking one glass of wine will disrupt nearly every process, system and organ of the body. Alcohol is a toxic substance.We have all been duped into believing that we can’t live without it, that celebrations aren’t the same without the pop of the champagne cork. And what’s more, it feels damn near impossible to quit if you’re addicted.
The fear is killing us…
Many women aren’t willing to say they struggle with alcohol because they’re afraid of being labeled, of being stigmatized. And as a result, so many women hide this from their friends and family.
Are you struggling?
You may be drinking for any number of reasons. Maybe it helps you feel better in social settings, like you’re part of the group. Like when you go out for drinks after work or meet your girlfriends on Friday night. I’ll bet it helps you unwind, like when you come home from a long day at work and you’re exhausted. Or perhaps the kids have been screaming all day and you just need a break. Alcohol is a coping tool. It helps you calm down when you’re feeling anxious or it curbs your appetite when you want to reach for the chips. It also keeps you from being present.
It may have started innocently enough, but now you find yourself drinking more than you’d like to, and even though you want to, you can’t seem to do anything to change it. It feels like you’ve been hijacked by alcohol. It feels like you’ve lost control.
Do any of these sound familiar?
My guess is you’ve tried to control your drinking in the past.
- Maybe you’ve tried switching to beer or wine. This works for a day or two but then you realize you’re drinking even more, for the same effect. You finally give up and go back to your cocktail of choice.
- Perhaps you’ve tried telling yourself in the morning that you’re not going to drink that night, and yet, by the end of the day you can’t remember what the big deal was. You feel fine, why not have a glass of wine? (Except, if you drink anything like I did, one glass of chardonnay didn’t cut it. Not even one bottle would cut it most nights).
- Or perhaps you’ve tried laying off for a couple of weeks until the memory of the last mess you made fades away. Even though you feel so much better, you didn’t really intend to quit, so you’re back at it – until the next time you fuck things up again.
A Different Choice
What does work, is making a different choice. Making the choice to admit to yourself and to someone else that you have a problem. Changing patterns and beliefs, like thinking you need more willpower, are hard, but getting support to do it and making small changes, day by day, really makes an impact. Having a desire to drink is harmless. When you obey your desire is when it becomes harmful. And I should know. I quit drinking over ten years ago. Before, I started drinking every afternoon at 4:00 and was drunk by 5:30. I remember my hands shaking so badly in the morning that I couldn’t draw on my eyeliner.
I’m here for you when you’re ready…
If you think you’ve had enough, I invite you to choose you, once and for all.
Interested to find out if coaching & recovery is right for you?
My name is Nancy McKay and I love to help women discover the gift of recovery. I guide them as they transform their lives, once and for all. Women work with me because of my experience overcoming major life challenges. I found my courage and strength and I guide my clients to discover theirs, too.
If you’re looking for a coach that will inspire, motivate and empower you AND that knows how you feel – we should talk.
Here’s what one of my client’s had to say:
“Nancy provided coaching during a challenging time in my life. She listened and shared insight to help me gain perspective. Working with Nancy was amazing! I will be forever grateful.”
Your Life. Your Choice
If you’d like to shift your thinking, schedule a FREE Discovery Call by clicking the button below.
