Sans Alcohol

As part of AIM's focus on Mental Health Awareness during May, this article is shared courtesy of the Alabama State Bar’s Quality of Life, Health, and Wellness Committee and is intended to assist lawyers in improving the quality of legal services and improving the educational and ethical standing of the bar §34-3-43(a)(7)).*

In December of 2024, I decided on a whim to go alcohol free.

I had attended a yoga retreat in early December and enjoyed the benefits of regular exercise, nutritious food, and clean living. The night I returned from the retreat, I had two glasses of red wine (generous pours from the waiter) while dining out with a dear friend. The next day, I felt terrible from the effects of the alcohol. I decided that day “instead of ‘Dry January,’ why not do ‘Dry December’?” (After all, it is more alliterative.) I had an incredibly busy month ahead of me and I knew life might be a bit easier if I was living more cleanly.

Almost immediately, I started reaping the benefits of living alcohol free.

While I was not a binge drinker, I had often enjoyed a glass of wine or two while making dinner or dining out with friends. After I eliminated alcohol from my diet, I noticed an immediate change in the quality of my sleep. Since my mid-forties, I had frequently struggled with insomnia. Without alcohol, my challenges with insomnia went away. I found myself falling to sleep faster and sleeping through the night. I started having more vivid dreams and even remembered my dreams. As I was getting more sleep and was less dehydrated, I started feeling more energy which inspired me to work out more. Then I started noticing a marked improvement in my memory and focus. I was no longer having the “mommy brain” forgetfulness and I experienced less word finding challenges. I also no longer had frequent headaches and migraines. And with fewer calories in my diet, I gradually enjoyed a trimmer waistline. But, most importantly, I felt happier and more present. I found myself waking up with more “joie de vivre."

It is now May of 2025. “Dry December” is now extending into “Dry May.” Will I have an alcoholic beverage again? Probably. I have French heritage, and I really enjoy sipping on a delicious French Burgundy.  But, right now, the benefits of living alcohol free outweigh the benefits of the Burgundy, or at least Burgundy on a regular basis.

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Susan Nettles Han is a litigator with years of experience in both federal and state courts. Since 2006, she has practiced civil litigation, with a focus in the areas of employment law and real property litigation. She believes that it is incredibly important to keep the client informed and she seeks to obtain good results both in and out of court in an efficient manner. Susan also is a trained and registered mediator for civil litigation matters. Susan is one of AIM's local advisory council members and can be reached at 205-383-2296 or susan@nettleshanlaw.com.

*Views and conclusions expressed in submitted articles are those of the author(s).