Here’s an unpopular opinion:

Alcohol just isn’t worth the trouble.

Yeah, I said it. And before you roll your eyes, hear me out. For some of us, moderation simply doesn’t work. You might be fooling yourself into thinking that drink here and there is harmless, but if you’re in perimenopause, it’s time to face the facts—alcohol is dragging you down.

I officially quit drinking on May 4th, 2024 (Star Wars Day, for the record). I’m “California Sober” now—weed’s fine, but alcohol’s out. This is my story, my choice, and honestly, my sanity. You don’t have to agree with me, but I’m here to talk about what alcohol really does—to your body, your friendships, and your life.

Social Implications: Alcohol Friendships vs. Real Friendships

When you stop drinking, you quickly learn which of your friendships were built on actual connection and which were just built on alcohol. Some people simply don’t know how to hang out without a drink in hand, and when you’re no longer participating, the invites might dry up. It’s not that you’ve changed—it’s that your social circles were revolving around booze.

Let’s be clear: If you’ve decided to stop drinking, the people in your life should respect that decision, no questions asked. I’ve got a strong enough personality where people don’t push me on it, but not everyone has that same luxury. If someone in your life can’t handle the fact that you’re not drinking anymore, it says a lot more about them than it does about you.

The Physical Fallout: Your Body Deserves Better

We know what alcohol does to your social life—but the physical damage is where it really hits hard. Hangovers that ruin an entire day, sleep that’s constantly disrupted (and let’s be real, you’re already waking up at 3 AM drenched in sweat), and the midsection weight gain that’s nearly impossible to shake off. It all adds up.

For women in perimenopause, alcohol’s impact is even worse. Your hormones are already out of control, and drinking just makes things spiral further. Hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety—alcohol amplifies it all. Plus, your liver can only handle so much before it starts to wave the white flag. And while it’s working overtime to clear out all that booze, you’re left with terrible sleep, mental fog, and a body that just doesn’t feel right. So the question is: Is that glass of wine really worth all of this?

Alcohol and Perimenopause: Why It’s a Big No

If you’re in perimenopause and still reaching for a drink to “take the edge off,” you’re fighting a losing battle. Alcohol doesn’t ease the chaos—it feeds it. Your hormones are already playing tricks on you, your sleep is wrecked, and your stress levels are sky-high. Alcohol turns all of that up to eleven. And for what? A temporary buzz that’s followed by days of feeling even worse.

A Nod to Alcohol: It Did Have Its Place

I’ll give alcohol a bit of credit—it has a way of bringing people together, and I won’t pretend I don’t miss it sometimes. In social settings, it’s tempting to grab a drink and blend in. But then I remember why I quit. The hangovers, the awful sleep, the feeling of waking up completely out of sync with myself—it’s just not worth it. Now, I get to wake up every morning feeling clear-headed and in control, which is far more valuable than any drink could ever be.

How I Can Help

Here’s where I come in. If you’re looking to rebuild your health, manage stress, and feel better in your body during this phase of life, I’m here to help. But I’m not a therapist or addiction counselor. If alcohol has taken a deeper hold, please seek professional help. But if you’re ready to drop alcohol for good and start focusing on what your body needs, especially through perimenopause, I’ve got your back. We’ll work on healthy habits, balance, and self-awareness—no perfection required.

Bottom Line

This is the part where I remind you: Alcohol is messing with your body, your mind, and your friendships. If you’re in perimenopause, the impact is even worse. Cutting it out might not be popular, and you might lose some “friends,” but what you gain is so much more valuable. So if you’ve been thinking about quitting, take the plunge. And if people can’t handle that? Well, maybe it’s time to find some new people.