Have You Passed Your Tipping Point – With Alcohol?
I’ve been helping women change their relationship with alcohol for nearly 10 years. Based on what they tell me and my own experience I’ve been able to identify a “tipping point” when alcohol starts to take away a lot more than it gives.
That’s the point when we need to quit… or at least cut down a bit.
How Did We Get Here?
Many of us have a similar story – we discover alcohol in our teens, and it gives us confidence and helps us to fit in. We use it to have fun in our 20s and 30s.
Then as we become parents, the mommy juice culture kicks in, and we may use a glass or two of wine as a “parenting aid” which means that the “switch” has begun.
The switch from using alcohol for socialising with our friends to something a bit darker. We start to use it as a coping mechanism, often drinking alone to relieve our anxiety and stress.
Mid-Life Challenges Kick In
The challenges of mid-life often result in over-drinking. Whether we are struggling with an “empty nest” or managing elderly parents (or both!), it’s often a tricky period in our lives.
Alcohol is insidious and it tends to creep up on us over the years. We find ourselves drinking more than the low-risk limits of one and a half bottles of wine a week.
We often get to the stage when we don’t even enjoy it any more. The buzz has gone, but we’re not quite sure how to change that habit of opening a bottle of wine in the evenings.
For some of us that’s when we realise we have become dependent.
I spent my 50s trying and (failing) to cut down and eventually managed to quit at the age of 63. To my surprise, I discovered it was much easier to quit completely than to “cut down.”
Was It My Age That Made Me So Tired… Or Was It My Wine?
When I hit 60, I was exhausted and concluded that it was normal to feel that way now that I was “old.” However, as I began to embrace my alcohol-free lifestyle, I felt a surge of energy along with a renewed sense of purpose.
After six alcohol-free months, I realised I was happier and healthier than I had been for years. I realised that it wasn’t my age that was making me anxious and tired, it was my wine!
I felt so passionate about the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle that I wanted to help others to do what I had done so I founded Tribe Sober.
I began to work with (mainly older) women who wanted to change their drinking habits, so I did some research to understand just why we need to treat alcohol with caution as we age.
Alcohol and Ageing
As a result of my research, I concluded that reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can significantly improve sleep quality, mental health, energy levels, and overall well-being. You can read more here:
Six Reasons to Quit Drinking at 60
Why Older People are Drinking more
Why Alcohol and Ageing Don’t Mix
Nine Key Facts about Alcohol and Women as we Age
Reduced Liver Function
As women age, liver volume shrinks, reducing the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol effectively.
This can lead to higher blood alcohol levels from the same amount of consumption compared to earlier in life.
Lower Enzyme Production
Women naturally produce less of the enzyme ALDH, which helps break down alcohol. During perimenopause, ALDH levels drop further, intensifying alcohol’s effects as more enters the bloodstream.
Impact on Sleep
Alcohol disrupts sleep by causing sedation instead of restorative sleep. It leads to fragmented sleep patterns, often waking women up around 2–3 a.m., making it hard to return to sleep. Poor sleep contributes to fatigue and triggers cravings for high-sugar and high-carb foods, further impacting health.
Stress and Anxiety Cycle
Alcohol increases cortisol, the stress hormone, which exacerbates stress and anxiety levels. This creates a vicious cycle: drinking to relax leads to higher stress and anxiety over time, particularly during the already challenging perimenopausal period.
Health Reasons
Osteoporosis: Alcohol interferes with calcium absorption, increasing the risk of brittle bones as estrogen levels drop.
Breast Cancer: Alcohol consumption is directly linked to a higher risk of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer.
Heart Disease: Alcohol raises blood pressure and can contribute to heart problems, especially for postmenopausal women.
Weakened Immune System
Alcohol impairs immune function, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
Cognitive Decline
Chronic alcohol use increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, particularly in older adults.
Weight Gain
Alcohol is calorie-dense and can lead to weight gain, especially since metabolism slows with age.
Medication Interactions
Aging women are more likely to be on medications (e.g., for blood pressure, cholesterol, or sleep), and alcohol can interfere with their effectiveness or lead to dangerous side effects.
If we turn that list on its head we can easily come up with:
10 Benefits of an Alcohol-free Lifestyle for Older Women!
Improved Sleep Quality
Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, while abstaining helps restore deep, restorative sleep, leading to better energy levels and mood.
Enhanced Mental Clarity
Without alcohol, brain fog diminishes, improving memory, focus, and cognitive function.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
Alcohol-free living lowers the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and osteoporosis, all of which become more significant concerns with age.
Better Hormonal Balance
Alcohol increases stress hormones like cortisol, which can exacerbate anxiety and mood swings, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Removing alcohol helps stabilize hormones.
Healthier Weight Management
Alcohol is calorie-dense and often leads to sugar cravings. Cutting it out can support weight loss or maintenance more effectively.
Improved Skin Health
Alcohol dehydrates the skin and accelerates aging. Staying alcohol-free helps the skin stay more hydrated, firm, and youthful-looking.
Boosted Immune System
Alcohol weakens immune function. An alcohol-free lifestyle strengthens the body’s defences against infections and illnesses.
Better Relationships
Without alcohol, communication improves, and social interactions become more authentic and meaningful.
Enhanced Emotional Well-being
Sobriety reduces anxiety and depression over time, promoting a greater sense of inner peace and stability.
More Energy and Vitality
Alcohol depletes energy and leads to fatigue. Abstaining allows for sustained energy, making it easier to engage in hobbies, exercise, and social activities.
Ready to Kickstart your Alcohol-Free Lifestyle in 2025?
By looking at those facts and benefits, we can conclude that choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle, can unlock our full potential for health, happiness, and longevity.
If you’d like a little help to get started, then Tribe Sober is offering a FREE 5-day Bootcamp from 6th to 10th January.
It takes place in a Facebook Group (a private group so your Facebook friends will not be able to see you are a member!)
Every day, there will be a Task and a Training session. We’ll be looking at topics such as Changing your Mindset, Avoiding the Moderation Trap and Finding your Why.
People from all over the world attend our Bootcamps so all the talks are recorded so you can catch up in your own time.
If you’d like to purchase a VIP pass for the Bootcamp then click here.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you take regular breaks from alcohol to improve your health and test your dependence? Does the thought of doing an alcohol-free month make you anxious? Were you aware that the low-risk guideline is just a bottle and a half of wine a week? Are you ready to connect with other women on this lifechanging journey?
Tags Healthy Eating
I used to have a glass of wine with dinner or a drink at a party; but then I got a terrible, acute cardiac problem and the cardiologist told me to stop, so I did; that was in 2023 and even though in mid 2024 the cardiologist cleared me to go back to a glass of wine in the evening, I just haven’t felt the need or desire for it. Better skin, less weight gain/bloating, better sleep, saves money too. Honestly I don’t miss it at all.
Truthfully, I never would have quit or even thought about quitting, without the cardiac problem, which is now gone, because I didn’t have any problems with drinking and drinking was not even an issue. So even people who don’t have any problem with drinking can benefit. I also read that alcohol is a top carcinogen, and who needs that. Also that the World Health Organization said there is actualy no safe amount to consume. Thanks for this article!
Hi Liz – it always surprises me when doctors say we can “go back” to a glass of wine in the evening – after all (as you say) its a carninogen! I’ve had breast cancer and so have many women in the Tribe Sober community – well done for ditching the booze permanently!
well done Liz! amazing that doctors “clear us” to go back to drinking a carcinogen on a daily basis – my heavy drinking led to breast cancer and many ladies in our Tribe Sober community have had breast cancer – the sad thing is that this information has been in the public domain for decades but somehow its kept out of sight!
Thank you! I agree, why are doctors saying it is ok for the health?? Anyway, congratulations on stopping, and I wish you all good luck in beating cancer and staying clear. My friend just had her 5 year “no cancer” check and we celebrated with a spa day!
I loved drinking, especially the tasty liquors.
At about 63 my blood pressure went high. It went up to 197/109. I had no symptoms.I went to see my doctor and started taking antihypertensives.
I cut back on drinking by going onto beer and lower alcohol drinks.
My BP stayed lower on days I didn’t drink any alcohol.!
So now I drink no alcohol at all and feel a lot better.
fantastic Wendy – I ws 63 when I ditched the booze for good and my life is SO much happier and healthier ten years later! I believe ditching the booze is the best thing we can do for ourselves as we get older
fantastic Wendy – well done – I ditched the booze at 63 as well – best thing I ever did!
I quit 25 years ago because I could not stop until I blacked out and passed out. The consequences were horrible. The recovery and 12-step programs work as long as you’re honest, open, and willing. There will be discomfort. There will be days when you think you can’t get through it. You can. It’s just one day. You’re strong enough. Give it to God.
well done Kathy – I was also a blackout drinker – well done for working the programs and regaining your health!
Hi Kathy I was also a blackout drinker which means that I was risking brain damage! Well done on your decades of sobriety
None of the points in the section How Did We Get Here were true for me, but I have long enjoyed wine with dinner. I still do, but it has also become a glass while preparing dinner, and another glass of wine in the evening, and … Now that I’m almost 72, I’ve been thinking lately that I should cut back, and now I’m not sure how easy that will be. To find out, I decided to try Dry January, which starts today. So the offer to try your free Bootamp comes at the perfect time! Thank you.
Hi Lisa – delighted you are joining us for the Bootcamp – I am 73 and almost 10 years sober – best decision I ever made! – I cannot see you in the Bootcamp though – click here and request to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/1681530102205205
Any problems please email me janet@tribesober.com
Hi Lisa one thing you will learn from Bootcamp is that it is MUCH easier to quit completely than to “cut down” – delighted you are joining us in Bootcamp but can’t see you in there – did you click on this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/1681530102205205 and request to join? If you need help just drop me a mail janet@tribesober.com
When I joined Tribe Sober Bootcamp, I registered as “Anonymous,” but made comments with my name. Now I’m on day 15 of Dry January, and it is not as difficult as I had feared. I’ve read that it’s easier to quit than to cut down, as you say, but I still miss a glass of wine with a good meal. Despite suggestions on the Tribe Sober website, I have not found any drink that suits. I don’t like sweet or carbonated drinks (so no mocktails) and other drinks have too much “flavor” to suit a meal. I’ve been drinking water, but I would prefer wine.
I enjoy one glass, maximum two. This is pure pleasure, à little bit like eating two chocolates and enjoying them but six make you feel à little yukky.
make sure those 2 glasses are not every day Jane – the “low risk” limits are one and a half bottles of win a week!