same. i scaled back my drinking 5 years ago because i was taking life changing risks when i got drunk and i needed to clear my head about an unhealthy relationship that i was in. while i felt healthier and more stable during this sober period it was a somewhat miserable and boring time in my life. it made me look back fondly on my drinking days. I don’t see myself going back to drinking on such a regular and intense basis but i have reintegrated drinking back into my life on the weekends and it’s improved my overall mood.

i guess it’s about balance just like anything. less people drinking means less problem drinkers but I think going out to a bar and getting a little drunk (responsibly) every once in a while is a good thing for many people.

i also quit smoking weed because of the anxiety and I miss it less than alcohol. weed used to be my main crutch but something about my biology or attitude changed and the negative side effects came to outweigh the benefits. though I have also reintroduced very modest cannabis use back into my weekend routine.