In April I went on a no-alcohol binge. I made it 11 days which is the longest I've gone since sometime in my early twenties. No lie, I felt pretty good physically but I did have to face some rather obvious facts. I lean pretty heavily on booze to be and feel social.

Thing is, I love those once in a blue moon crazy nights where friends and circumstance come together. I don't think they'd be possible without alcohol. The problem comes as I try to chase those nights. For every night like that, there are 10 that where perfectly nice but where I did or said something stupid or mean or that result in an epic hangover.

I'm trying to learn moderation. Going to pub trivia or playing a softball game does not have to lead to drinking a 6 pack (or more.) I know this intellectually but if only I could learn it practically.