Thanks for this interesting reflection. I appreciate the emphasis on the socio-economic aspects of health that structure- though don’t entirely determine- human health. This is also so true of our relationships to alcohol and other drugs. Sobriety is too often sold as an individual solution to an individual problem. But the alcohol industry works overtime to keep people drinking, and cutting down or giving up are always done in this context, which is ultimately social too.
Yes! So much about sobriety is individualized. When alcohol gets the blame for causing health problems, I wonder what else is behind those problems — stressors that lead someone to drink, for example? There’s often privilege tucked away in the ability to get sober, too, especially if it involves rehab and taking time off of work to do so.
I appreciated so much about this. My mom has cancer — and just, yeah, so much of what you wrote about the individual versus the systemic in determining health and cancer specifically … it resonated so much. So poignantly written.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom, Caroline, but glad you could find resonance in this piece. Wishing all the best for her health and for you and your family during this time!
I had a bit of a drinking problem during the pandemic (so many of us did!) and abstained for several months while I sorted out my mental health. Turns out? I had untreated ADHD. I could have gone to every AA meeting on earth and quit drinking and it still would not have addressed the root cause. Nearly 40% of people with ADHD have struggled with substance abuse, and the mechanisms of how alcohol affects our dopamine-seeking brains is profound.
Now? I enjoy my wine - I sip slowly, I savor, and I don't get hammered. I am enjoying my life for the first time in years. Went to the doctor yesterday and nearly every measure of my bloodwork improved (it wasn't bad to begin with, but there were a few borderline high values that went to optimal). My enjoyment of my life and my recovery from neurodivergent burnout makes me worry less about a glass of wine or a burger every so often. I wager there are many things I was exposed to that may make me sick that are entirely out of my control. I'm sorry about your dad. <3 Cancer sucks.
I’m so glad you were able to get the diagnosis and treatment you need — and that you’re able to enjoy food and alcohol in an enjoyable, non-destructive way!
Thanks for this interesting reflection. I appreciate the emphasis on the socio-economic aspects of health that structure- though don’t entirely determine- human health. This is also so true of our relationships to alcohol and other drugs. Sobriety is too often sold as an individual solution to an individual problem. But the alcohol industry works overtime to keep people drinking, and cutting down or giving up are always done in this context, which is ultimately social too.
Yes! So much about sobriety is individualized. When alcohol gets the blame for causing health problems, I wonder what else is behind those problems — stressors that lead someone to drink, for example? There’s often privilege tucked away in the ability to get sober, too, especially if it involves rehab and taking time off of work to do so.
I appreciated so much about this. My mom has cancer — and just, yeah, so much of what you wrote about the individual versus the systemic in determining health and cancer specifically … it resonated so much. So poignantly written.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom, Caroline, but glad you could find resonance in this piece. Wishing all the best for her health and for you and your family during this time!
Another very thoughtful piece.
This is really great.
I had a bit of a drinking problem during the pandemic (so many of us did!) and abstained for several months while I sorted out my mental health. Turns out? I had untreated ADHD. I could have gone to every AA meeting on earth and quit drinking and it still would not have addressed the root cause. Nearly 40% of people with ADHD have struggled with substance abuse, and the mechanisms of how alcohol affects our dopamine-seeking brains is profound.
Now? I enjoy my wine - I sip slowly, I savor, and I don't get hammered. I am enjoying my life for the first time in years. Went to the doctor yesterday and nearly every measure of my bloodwork improved (it wasn't bad to begin with, but there were a few borderline high values that went to optimal). My enjoyment of my life and my recovery from neurodivergent burnout makes me worry less about a glass of wine or a burger every so often. I wager there are many things I was exposed to that may make me sick that are entirely out of my control. I'm sorry about your dad. <3 Cancer sucks.
I’m so glad you were able to get the diagnosis and treatment you need — and that you’re able to enjoy food and alcohol in an enjoyable, non-destructive way!
Me too. It’s really been life changing!!!