Introduction
Alcohol consumption has long been embedded in our social fabric, often glamorized and normalized. However, the effects of alcohol, especially for women, are profound and sometimes overlooked.
Alcohol addiction is a global issue that affects millions of individuals, families, and communities worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the harmful use of alcohol results in approximately 3 million deaths each year globally, accounting for 5.3% of all deaths. Moreover, alcohol contributes to over 200 diseases and injury conditions, including liver cirrhosis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders.
In my country Kenya, alcohol consumption is prevalent, and its adverse effects on public health and societal well-being are increasingly recognized. According to a report by the WHO, Kenya ranks among the top alcohol-consuming countries in Africa. The per capita consumption of alcohol in Kenya is estimated to be 4.3 liters of pure alcohol per year for individuals aged 15 years and older, higher than the African regional average of 3.4 liters.
In this blog, we delve into the psychological, physical, and societal impacts of alcohol intake for women, drawing insights from the book “Alcohol Lied to Me” by Craig Beck and reflecting on my own journey to sobriety.
The Effects of Alcohol Intake for Women
The truth about alcohol’s effects on women’s health is sobering. While moderate alcohol consumption may seem harmless, the reality is far more complex. Physiologically, women metabolize alcohol differently than men, leading to higher blood alcohol concentrations and increased susceptibility to alcohol-related damage. From liver disease to breast cancer, the risks associated with alcohol intake for women are staggering.
Furthermore, the psychological toll of alcohol cannot be underestimated. Alcohol can serve as a coping mechanism, masking underlying emotional pain or trauma. It is glamourized to hold a glass of red wine with well manicured nails and sip it leaving red lipstick marks on the glass. However, it often exacerbates mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle of dependency and despair.
“Alcohol Lied to Me” by Craig Beck offers a candid exploration of the deceptive allure of alcohol and the lies we tell ourselves to justify our drinking habits. Beck’s insights into the psychology of alcohol consumption shed light on the subconscious beliefs and behaviors that keep us trapped in destructive patterns.
“Alcohol whispered sweet promises of escape and euphoria, but its embrace was suffocating. It promised to numb my pain, but instead, it amplified it. The more I drank, the more I realized that alcohol was not the solution to my problems; it was the cause.”
Craig Beck in his Book, “Alcohol Lied to Me
My Journey to Sobriety
Like many women, my relationship with alcohol was fraught with contradictions. What began as social drinking gradually morphed into a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety when I went through a very painful season in my life. I was never a heavy drinker anyway, so it was easy to tell myself that taking a glass or two of wine daily was okay as part of my self-care routine. Yet, with each sip, I felt myself slip further away from my true self.
It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the Book, “Alcohol Lied to Me” by Craig Beck that I began to confront the reality of my drinking. Beck’s raw honesty and unflinching examination of alcohol’s grip on our lives resonated deeply with me. I realized that I had been lying to myself about the true cost of my drinking—not just to my health, but to my relationships with my children, my time, my resources, and my sense of self-worth.
Deciding to quit alcohol was not easy. As though reading that book was not enough, one day my daughter asked me when she could also start drinking wine like me, and I decided that was it. I poured out the wine I had in my kitchen sink and decided not to drink anymore. I boiled a kettle and made tea. By this time, much of my social life was around drinking after work and on weekends with friends as we caught up. Being sober required confronting uncomfortable truths and facing the pain I had been numbing for so long. Suddenly I had too much time; the company I was previously keeping was waning, and it did become lonely, I must admit. Yet, with each day of sobriety, I reclaimed a piece of myself that had been lost in the haze of alcohol.
“I convinced myself that I needed alcohol to socialize, to relax, to have fun. But the truth is, alcohol was holding me back from truly connecting with others, from finding genuine peace and joy. The lies we tell ourselves about alcohol only serve to deepen our dependency and prolong our suffering.”
Craig Beck in his Book, “Alcohol Lied to Me
The Psychology of Being a Teetotaler
Regaining control over our lives and altering our stories is the essence of being a teetotaler—it goes beyond simply giving up alcohol. It is about accepting authenticity and vulnerability in the face of discomfort. It is about realizing that our value is not determined by our drinking habits. It is also discovering strength in sobriety.
As a teetotaler, I’ve discovered a newfound sense of freedom and clarity. I no longer rely on alcohol to numb my emotions or validate my worth. Instead, I find joy in the simple pleasures of life – meaningful connections, clarity of thought, creative pursuits, inner peace, and quality sleep.
“I had to confront the uncomfortable truth that alcohol was not my friend; it was my enemy. It was robbing me of my health, my happiness, and my future. Breaking free from the cycle of alcohol dependency required courage, determination, and a willingness to face my demons head-on.”
Craig Beck in his Book, “Alcohol Lied to Me
Conclusion
The effects of alcohol intake on women are far-reaching and multifaceted. From physical health risks to psychological dependency, alcohol can exact a heavy toll on our lives. However, by confronting the lies we’ve been told about alcohol and embracing sobriety, we can reclaim our power and live authentically. As I continue on my journey as a teetotaler, I am grateful for the opportunity to rewrite my story and inspire others to do the same.
“Sobriety is not about deprivation or sacrifice; it’s about reclaiming control over our lives and rediscovering our true selves. It’s about finding joy in the simple moments, in genuine connections, in being present and alive. Sobriety is not the end of the road; it’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope, healing, and possibility.”
Craig Beck in his Book, “Alcohol Lied to Me
