Lately, I’ve had a strong desire to lower my doses of alcohol. But I’m not one for the 12-steps, confessionary “I’m an alcoholic” group spill-all.

Even though I realize it’s helped many people gain strength to quit drinking and have fewer relapses, I just have another personal approach. I quit smoking gradually. Gradually is also my approach for everything I’ve aimed to extricate myself from – from sour romances to getting in shape. I don’t remove band-aids in one yank; rather, I lift every corner of the protective hood, one slight hurt at a time. Does it prolong the ordeal? Sure…but it also gives me time to say goodbye to my crutch. And note, bit by bit, why I don’t need it anymore.

So is my plan for alcohol. By alcohol, I mean beer and wine, three to four times a week. Usually two beers if I’m alone; maybe 5-6 if it’s a social thing. (I’m a woman, “petite.”) Admittedly, I can drink nearly a whole bottle of wine without getting drunk. Having lived in Europe where daily wine-drinking became the norm, I’ve built up a good tolerance.  I don’t fall drunk on the floor, make scenes, get in belligerent repetitive arguments, or otherwise partake in trademark destructive behavior. Continue Reading