Ladies, this message is directed at you. We’re exploring a subject that resonates deeply with me: the life-changing choice to permanently forgo alcohol, including wine. Indeed, you heard correctly. As a woman who champions making courageous choices for our health, I wish to share my unpopular view on how embracing sobriety can be one of the most liberating decisions you can make.

Why Choose Sobriety? Let’s examine some research and statistics that support my viewpoint.

• Health and Longevity: The data is compelling. Alcohol consumption contributes to a host of health problems, such as liver disease, heart conditions, and various cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies it as a primary risk factor for global health issues, resulting in approximately 3 million deaths annually.
• Mental Health: Although often perceived as a means to relieve stress, alcohol can exacerbate anxiety and depression. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol can lead to mood fluctuations, depressive states, and potential alcohol use disorder.
• Empowerment: Sobriety provides the means to take charge of your life. Without the fog of alcohol, you gain increased mental clarity, improved decision-making skills, and an unwavering commitment to achieve your objectives.
• Social Pressure: Alcohol consumption has been normalized in society, especially among women. However, it’s essential to remember that you are not obligated to conform to societal norms that conflict with your values and aspirations.
• Financial Freedom: Abandoning alcohol benefits not only your health but also your finances. Envision redirecting the money once spent on alcohol toward your passions, travel plans, or future savings.
• Positive Role Modeling: For mothers, aunts, grandmothers, sisters, and mentors, quitting alcohol sets a powerful precedent for younger generations. It demonstrates that they can enjoy life and tackle challenges without relying on substances.

This aspect of role modeling fuels my dedication to sobriety today. Here’s my story:

A Moment of Clarity Prior to fully committing to sobriety, I experienced a moment that deeply impacted me. It was June 2019, during my sister-in-law’s 30th birthday celebration. The environment was lively, and the wine was abundant. I succumbed to the temptation and consumed an entire bottle of red wine that I had brought as a gift.

In the midst of the festivities, my beloved three-year-old niece approached me, requesting a bedtime story—a cherished activity for me. Yet, I turned her down. The alcohol had already begun to impair my ability to provide the support I wanted for her, and I felt a gnawing regret the following day.

The next morning, I was engulfed by embarrassment, anxiety, sadness, and remorse. Why did I feel the need to drink excessively? Why couldn’t I limit myself to a single drink? Why did I allow alcohol to overshadow such a precious moment? These questions haunted me for several months, but it wasn’t until November 2019, five months later, that I resolved to stop drinking entirely.

The Gendered Nature of Alcohol Marketing Now, let’s explore an important dimension of this conversation—the nuanced and overt ways alcohol is marketed to women and girls. This issue intertwines with autonomy, power, choice, and, in many respects, feminism and resistance.

Alcohol Companies Target Women: Alcohol brands are acutely aware of their target demographics. They deliberately promote their products to women, leveraging societal expectations and gender stereotypes. A stroll down the liquor aisle reveals a variety of colorful, chic packaging, often featuring feminine designs. This intentional visual appeal suggests that consuming alcohol signifies sophistication and femininity.

Additionally, the emergence of “female-friendly” beverages has become increasingly prominent. Low-calorie, fruit-flavored drinks and “skinny” versions of traditional alcoholic beverages are tailored for women who might be mindful of their health or calorie intake. These options are crafted to present alcohol as a guilt-free pleasure, reinforcing the belief that women can indulge without concern for their body image.

Financial data further highlights the gendered nature of alcohol marketing. According to a 2020 report by Statista, female consumers represented 57% of wine sales in the United States, illustrating the effectiveness of alcohol brands in appealing to women.

The Troubling Intersection of Alcohol Marketing and Diet Culture This is where the intersection of alcohol marketing and diet culture becomes particularly alarming.

Diet culture, similar to alcohol marketing, constitutes a lucrative industry. The diet sector in the U.S. was estimated to be valued at over $78 billion in 2019 (Marketdata Enterprises, Inc.). It thrives on perpetuating harmful narratives concerning body image, self-worth, and the unrealistic pursuit of thinness.

Women and girls are especially susceptible to the impacts of diet culture. This system exploits insecurities and the need for social acceptance, making individuals feel inadequate unless they adhere to unrealistic beauty standards. Diet culture perpetuates the belief that being thin equates to happiness and success.

Simultaneously, alcohol marketing preys on these insecurities. By promoting “skinny” alcoholic drinks, it subtly suggests that drinking can align with society's ideal body image. This troubling synergy fosters the notion that women should relentlessly pursue an unattainable standard, whether in their appearance or drinking habits.

Conclusion Join the Movement: Ladies, choosing sobriety is a form of defiance against an alcohol-centered culture that exploits women. I wholeheartedly believe that sobriety is advantageous for everyone, while excessive alcohol consumption harms us all. It’s time we acknowledge that the alcohol industry is selling us a toxic substance disguised as luxury, artfully marketed to women.

A Personal Journey: My path to sobriety began with a conscious decision to prioritize my health over societal expectations. This choice stemmed from self-love, leading to a healthier, happier, and more empowered me. Sobriety is a journey that empowers you to reclaim your life, one sober day at a time. The clarity, improved decision-making, and unwavering resolve that sobriety offers are truly extraordinary.

Sobriety has revealed a world where I can be fully engaged, where I no longer need to distort reality to experience joy. It has taught me that the most significant transformations often begin with a simple yet courageous choice.

Here’s another reason to celebrate: I’m thrilled to share that my sister-in-law, whom I am fortunate to call a friend, also chose to stop drinking (for her own reasons) a few years after I did. Having a sober ally at family gatherings has been incredible. Together, we’ve discovered that life can be richly experienced without relying on alcohol.

An Invitation: In closing, I urge all women to contemplate the option of sobriety. While the journey may come with challenges, it leads to self-discovery, empowerment, and a fulfilling life. Embrace the freedom to make choices that resonate with your values rather than succumbing to societal pressures.

Remember, you are not alone. A community of women stands ready to support you as you embark on your sobriety journey.

Call to Action: Now, I invite you to join this conversation. Share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in the comments below. Let’s uplift and inspire one another, as open discussions can drive meaningful change.

Thank you for accompanying me on this journey toward a healthier, happier, and more empowered you. Here’s to embracing sobriety, rejecting diet culture, and living life to its fullest!

Works Cited: 1. World Health Organization (WHO) (2021): Alcohol https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol 2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (2021): Alcohol and mental health https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-and-mental-health 3. Statista (2020): Wine consumption in the United States https://www.statista.com/statistics/254850/us-wine-market-female-consumption-share/ 4. Marketdata Enterprises, Inc. (2019): The U.S. Weight Loss and Diet Control Market (15th edition)

About the Author: Dara Laine Murray is a passionate advocate for sobriety and a data enthusiast. By day, she serves as the Director of Research at a nonprofit organization, utilizing data to inspire positive change. As a dedicated writer on Medium, Dara weaves personal narratives around sobriety and statistics.

In her articles, Dara integrates her experiences with data-driven insights, actively contributing to a supportive community as an editor at Modern Sobriety. Her mission is to illuminate the path to sobriety through a unique blend of personal wisdom and statistical understanding.

Beyond writing, Dara is an explorer, community builder, cat lover, and coffee enthusiast. Sobriety has enhanced her appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, and she proudly identifies as a teetotaler, celebrating the clarity and fulfillment sobriety brings.

Dara’s writing invites readers to explore personal transformation and connection. Join her on this remarkable journey, where sobriety, statistics, and storytelling converge to reveal the profound impact of our choices, one engaging narrative at a time.