To those of you who celebrate Christmas, a Merry Christmas to you and the people in your life. To those who don’t observe Christmas, Happy Wednesday and Holidays to you and the people in your life!

Knee deep in the Holiday Season, I’m often thrust into social situations–company gatherings, family parties, neighborhood get-togethers. Most times alcohol is provided, involved, and directly encouraged to consume. Thanksgiving Eve sales of alcohol average 130% higher than a normal Wednesday. Liquor and beer sales in December see between a 25-30% rise in sales, respectively. It feels ever-present when I pause to look closely.

Recently someone asked me to describe my relationship with alcohol in 3 words. Always up for a challenge (“I can Name that Tune in ONE note!!!”) I distilled it to one. Yes, I know, that was intentional.

My word? Complicated.

I’d offer that we each have a narrative around alcohol. First memories if it was present at home, first experiences if there was one. Positive associations, perhaps negative ones too. It’s arguably very deeply woven into our social and societal fabric. The numbers below refer to the US.

  • Past-Year Drinking: In 2023, 62.5% of people aged 12 and older (177.3 million people) reported drinking alcohol in the past year.

  • Lifetime Drinking: 79.1% of people aged 12 and older (224.3 million people) have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives.

  • Economic Costs: Alcohol misuse costs the United States an estimated $249 billion annually. 1

Until a while ago, I would have described my relationship with alcohol as’ healthy’. I was of the belief it could be and I’m reflecting and evolving my view. It was commonly accepted that a low volume of alcohol was ‘ok’ for one’s health. A few glasses of red wine (heart healthy, right? Tannins and stuff?) with dinner. Some beers and an Uber with the college football game. Last year Kelly and I committed to a Dry January, which we extended through Valentine’s Day. The outcomes? Regular, deep sleep. Less puffy. Clearer skin. Money saved. Weight lost. Hmmmm. Could there be something to this? We’re making the same commitment this year to Ctrl+Alt+Delete our habits.

So why is it complicated? I like having a few drinks. I like red wine with heartier fall and winter meals by our fire. I like refreshing, bubbly drinks in the summer. I like cracking a beer as I fire up my grill or watch a game. It’s nothing deep or profound. There are deep patterns and associations embedded; I simply like it. AND I know it’s not good for me. I’d describe it as willful ignorance but I’m fully and entirely aware that it’s harmful. To what extent? I have a familial history of alcoholism and I’m pretty sure I don’t abuse it nor use it as a method to manage stress. I don’t know, this is where it gets complicated to me.

I weigh the same as I did as a 21-yr old. I get full lab tests every year and EVERY result and indicator is in the normal/healthy range. I run, I row, I ride, I lift, I practice yoga, I meditate. AND I know alcohol is harmful. Maybe it isn’t so complicated? Maybe the degree and extent to which I consume it IS ok? Does it HAVE to be all or nothing or can I be super medium?

What are your 1-3 words describing your relationship with alcohol? How has that relationship evolved? Is that relationship improving or declining or are you perfectly content as is? I’m curious about your experience, what you think about my word, and how you feel about yours. Please share your word(s) and thoughts in the comments below and Safe and Happy Holidays to you!

Mike Rosen

mikerosen13@gmail.com

Mike previously worked in a variety of roles in finance, business development, and project management. Unhappy, he changed careers and became a teacher in 2012.

Biography

Today, Mike works as an elementary school teacher. He tries to instill and cultivate curiosity, kindness, self-awareness, and joy into the lives of little kids.

In 2012, Todd Adams, a neighbor and acquaintance, invited him to join a new men’s group, what would later be called MenLiving. At first he thought “I don’t need this, I have life pretty much nailed down.” Luckily, a wiser mind prevailed, and he’s been part of the organization since Day 1.

Mike grew up in Lombard, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, but he calls LaGrange, also a suburb, his home. He graduated from Loras College and earned his Master’s from National-Louis University. He’s lucky enough to be Dad to three young men and to share a blended family with Kelly, who has two kids of her own. He enjoys running, riding his bike anywhere, yoga, concerts, and reading.