Coping without alcohol no easy thing

Tonight, across New Zealand, there will be more than a few people raising a glass of wine or beer.

It could be any occasion, a celebration, commiseration or just to wind down at the end of another day. For many people, it will be their first tipple in a month after completing Febfast.

Going teetotal for a month may seem a cinch but, as someone who has successfully negotiated the past 29 days without alcohol, I can verify that there are times when it isn't as easy.

Which goes to show the hold alcohol has in society as a social lubricant, relaxation aid and de-stressing agent. I deliberately kept quiet about my ambitions to stay off alcohol for the month, a challenge shared by my wife.

Much has been said and written about the dangers of overindulgence in the demon drink and the response to the Alcohol Law Reform Bill indicates the strong views New Zealanders have about their rights to a drink or two.

There is no need to canvass all the opinions expressed about the ills and benefits of alcohol consumption, and the perceived failings in our laws.

That alcohol does harm is not in dispute. It is widely acknowledged that persistent overindulgence is linked to a variety of health problems, not to mention behavioural issues. There are also plenty of arguments for the potential positive effects of moderate consumption; an excuse used by many to justify a tipple or two.

Most of us will have seen some of the harm that alcohol can do; the way it can ravage a person when the drug takes hold. But we need to keep some perspective. Yes, alcohol is at the root of many of the major problems affecting society but prohibition is not the answer, as history has shown.

I have never been a big drinker. Sure, I've had my moments of over-indulgence, and that has led to poor judgment, inappropriate behaviour and a detrimental effect on my wellbeing. But, being aware of the pitfalls, I have always tended to a more moderate habit, drinking smaller amounts relatively regularly but certainly not frequently, and I would often go for relatively long periods of abstinence.

So I figured saying no for a month would be a pretty easy ask. The reality is, it hasn't been as easy as I thought.

The temptation, when out, to join with others is powerful but - as the past 29 days have proven - not insurmountable.

There were times when I felt a cold amber liquid would have been very refreshing; more often, though, I didn't give any thought to any desire or thirst for alcohol.

For those who have safely negotiated their way through an alcohol-free month, congratulations.

You are among the many who have helped raise money and awareness of alcohol and its associated issues, as well as proving that it is possible to live booze-free.

Now, who's keen to join me next year?