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i have alcohol intolerance? storytime

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November 24, 2024

TLDR: Host is forced to go completely sober from alcohol against their own will.

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In the latest episode of the podcast titled "I Have Alcohol Intolerance? Storytime," the host shares her enlightening and emotional journey towards understanding alcohol intolerance and her decision to live a sober lifestyle. Here’s a detailed summary of the key insights and discussions from the episode.

The Turning Point

In a candid admission, the host reveals that her journey towards sobriety was not entirely voluntary. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, like many others, she found herself drinking more frequently:

  • Initial Drinking Habits: She describes states of normalcy conflicting with self-awareness, where her drinking often involved an excessive amount of vodka and tequila during the stressful times.
  • Physical Reactions: Over time, alarming physical symptoms began to emerge—specifically rashes and hives that developed on her face after consuming alcohol, affecting her comfort and confidence.

The Ignored Signs

Despite these reactions:

  • Denial of Problems: The host candidly reflects that during her college years, drinking heavily was normalized in social circles and not seen as problematic until her body began reacting negatively.
  • Avoiding Reality: The thought of stopping drinking was buried under the desire to fit in and enjoy social gatherings, highlighting how easily we can ignore bodily signals when it comes to habits we deeply ingrained in our lifestyles.

Shifting Relationship with Alcohol

Changes in Drinking Patterns

By 2023, her drinking habits started to transform:

  • Exploring New Options: Transitioning from vodka to tequila seemed to reduce the negative reactions, leading to an initial feeling of relief.
  • Finding Joy in Wine: Eventually, she discovered a newfound appreciation for wine, embracing the experience rather than the intoxication.
    • Enjoying the flavors and subtleties of wine became a cherished experience, suggesting a more mature engagement with alcohol.

However, the joy was short-lived.

A Sudden Shift

During a trip to France, the host encountered an unexpected reaction after enjoying a couple of glasses of wine, resulting in severe nausea and a shocking translation of her body's extreme dissatisfaction with alcohol:

  • Realization of Alcohol Intolerance: She recognizes a pattern of adverse reactions not just from heavy drinking but from moderate consumption, ultimately leading to the conclusion that she may have inherited alcohol intolerance, a condition marked by difficulty in breaking down alcohol in the body.

The Complex Emotions Surrounding Sobriety

Mourning the Loss

The decision to abstain from alcohol has been bittersweet:

  • Identifying Emotions: The host expresses grief over losing her last remaining vice, feeling frustration at having no means of social indulgence: "Where's my vice? Everyone has one!"
  • Reflecting on Choices: Despite acknowledging that giving up alcohol is ultimately healthy, the emotional struggle to accept this reality represents a broader topic on wellness and personal sacrifice.

Seeking New Connections

As she grapples with her sobriety, the host insists on the importance of maintaining social interactions:

  • Third Spaces: She values places that foster social connections—like wine bars—where she feels a sense of community, further complicating her feelings about ordering a non-alcoholic beverage.
  • Shifting Focus: Planning to find new rituals or activities that do not revolve around alcohol emerges as a coping strategy as she navigates through her emotions and current lifestyle.

Conclusion: A Journey Forward

Though the host is in the early stages of this journey towards sobriety, she carries a hopeful perspective about the benefits it may yield in the long run:

  • Potential Growth: Acknowledging the struggle now, she is committed to finding new ways to enjoy life without alcohol while focusing on her health and well-being.
  • Future Reflections: There’s anticipation to return to listeners in six months with potentially inspiring updates about her experience living a sober lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

  • Listen to Your Body: Ignoring physical warnings can lead to long-term health issues.
  • Alcohol Intolerance is Real: Many may not recognize the impacts of alcohol on their bodies until they begin to scrutinize their drinking habits.
  • Rituals Matter: Personal and social rituals surrounding alcohol can be adjusted; new habits can be formed without the need for intoxication.

Through this episode, listeners are invited to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and consider the broader implications of such a lifestyle choice, particularly in today's society where drinking is commonplace. Ultimately, the transition to sobriety could lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life, even if it presents its unique challenges and emotional lows.


This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode while highlighting the emotional and physical aspects of alcohol intolerance. The journey shared serves as a relatable narrative for anyone grappling with similar issues.

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