In recent days, I have noticed a change in how my body reacts to alcohol. After just two glasses of wine, I now feel unwell for several days. This newfound sensitivity has left me pondering my relationship with wine.

I have never been a fan of wine, but after a single encounter with white wine, I became hooked. My companion has been by my side through all of my social interactions, good and bad. I have used her for family reunions, summery Saturday evenings, funerals and even weddings.

However, now it seems that wine is becoming my frenemy. We appear to be on the verge of consciously uncoupling. My thoughts are filled with sadness since breaking up with wine is hard to do, and it’s even more difficult in a market where celebrities like Kylie, Amy Huberman, and Graham Norton are enthusiastically peddling their beverages.

The notion of participating in a dry January or sober October challenges me. In the past, I managed to complete these endeavors for various reasons, including the presence of a predetermined endpoint. But now that I have started thinking about my relationship with wine, I am re-evaluating my drinking habits through a fresh lens.

The concept of the Sober Curious movement has become more appealing to me since my latest contemplations. This philosophy is not about abstinence but about reassessing one’s drinking habits and drinking less.

In a country with a complex history concerning drinking, I believe that a moderate drinking lifestyle is preferable to prolonged sobriety. I have encountered various terms, including clean drinking, sober curious, mindful drinking, and grey drinking, which have led to a shift in the way we talk about alcohol.

Alcohol Action Ireland suggests that redefining our language around substance use is essential for changing perceptions. The use of negative stigmatizing terms can fuel the existing shame surrounding addiction, while compassionate language makes individuals feel safe and more inclined to seek help.

Several celebrities, including Spencer Matthews, who founded Clean Co., a low and no alcohol drinks company, identify themselves as non-drinkers. Matthews has talked openly about his past dependence on alcohol and is open to moderate consumption in the future.

Strategies for quitting alcohol or limiting drinking are plentiful, and the internet provides numerous resources, such as DrinkControl and MyDrinkaware apps, as well as the HSE’s online calculator.

Some people keep a drink diary to track their consumption, while others use the 20-minute rule, which suggests waiting 20 minutes after drinking before ordering another. Alternating water or a non-alcoholic beverage with each drink is another effective method.

Eating beforehand, remaining hydrated, and pacing consumption can also aid in reducing drinking. Mocktails have become increasingly popular among those who prioritize health.

While I acknowledge the negative effects of alcohol on many people, I do not endorse or condone excessive drinking under any circumstances. Nevertheless, I understand that some people can handle alcohol, while others cannot.

I now believe that educating ourselves about our relationship with alcohol and its effects is more relevant than finding a single solution, such as quitting cold turkey.

We have all been there, where alcohol is present and we can’t resist its allure. But in our quest for balance, let us re-evaluate our drinking habits and strive for a more moderate approach.

The following is an example of the kind of language that can be redefined:

This is an attempt to create a sense of normalcy and understanding about drinking.