and thanks to [MENTION=28232]jonnyrovers[/MENTION] for mentioning it to me in the first place! I take no credit here.
I'm on Day 6 and finding it very interesting learning what a shit-shambles our poor old monkey brain makes of alcohol... and also the attitudes to drinking and 'addiction'. Her latest talk is about the perception of drinking too much in the view of others. Nobody thinks you're 'weak' or to be pitied and marginalised if you smoke 40 a day, nor do they if you eat a tray of doughnuts or six Big Macs at once - but drinking heavily carries a huge stigma, so people hide their drinking habits from others and are reluctant to face up to it. The term 'alcoholic' is viewed so negatively that people run a mile from the thought.
The facts are that only 10% of heavy drinkers are physically dependent on alcohol. The rest of us, me included, can educate ourselves and then make the choice. This is what the 'alcohol experiment' is all about. Educating yourself as to how your brain and body react to large and regular amounts an addictive poison (which is exactly what alcohol is, the little tinker..).
I'm certainly not saying I'll never drink again, but learning all this stuff is very interesting and ultimately will make me drink less for sure. For the record, I love wine, beer and spirits and have done since I was about 17. I'm no evangelist, and I certainly don't judge. I do have to say though, that the times I have quit drinking have been some of the times I've felt like someone has removed a bag of cotton wool from my head. I feel so much more alert, focused and generally brighter.
Have a look, it's totally free to do and doesn't take up much time. Maybe 15-20 mins a day, most of which is watching videos of a woman talking (or talking to someone) - so it's easy.
Day 6 for me... my normal beer on the train relaxed by...
Go me!!
