Why We Need To Stop Glamorizing Alcohol

The glamorization of alcohol is happening all around us, all of the time. It’s in movies, books, podcasts, advertisements and then of course there is social media. Every day we are getting targeted by content that says (or screams) - alcohol will enhance your life. Alcohol will make you likable. Alcohol will be the magic spark to your social life. Alcohol will fuel your best memories. Alcohol will make you sophisticated. Alcohol will make you glamorous. 

Let me give you an example of how this influence may translate into your daily life. 

You are in New York City for a business trip. You are walking back to the hotel after a day of meetings. You pass by a trendy bar with dream lighting, beautiful people, and breezy house music playing. Then you remember you’ve seen it before. It was featured on that Hype NYC instagram account you started following when you knew you’d be traveling to the city more often, after your most recent promotion. You remember seeing that influencer - what’s her name - going on and on about the girl dinner trend of a glass of wine, cesar salad, and fries. It honestly looked GOOD. This is for sure the spot. So, you decide to go in, take a seat at the bar, and order a glass of wine.

The woman sitting next to you compliments your outfit, and you feel seen. 

The Problem with Glamorizing Alcohol

But the truth is, what isn’t depicted in the champagne commercial, or super aesthetic reel, is the damage alcohol has on our body and mind. When we glamorize alcohol we are looking at a very specific time period of drinking it, which is also the temporary relief. We are not looking at the result of what having that drink brings us. 

It doesn’t show what happens the morning after, or even later on that night. What happens when you can’t turn off the desire to have a third, fourth, fifth drink - and then your mood changes. A fight breaks out with your husband and you argue over nothing. Or you yell at your kids for no reason. You forget how you got home. 

There is no trending reel that highlights the physical effects of that topseller cocktail: the hangover, the headache. Or the feelings of guilt, shame, or regret. There is no warning label that the to-do list you had for tomorrow will in fact not get done. 

This is the problem with the glamorization of alcohol. We are focused on the here and now, short term satisfaction. Not the series of events that will happen after you have that first drink. 

How To Change Your Thinking

While it’s unlikely that alcohol companies will cease to promote their products, or that filmmakers will stop highlighting the youthful glory of a weekend bender. Maybe someday! But what we can change is how we think about drinking. 

I’m here to tell you that it is possible to change your thinking. 

Reject that this “beautiful” vision that we imagine for ourselves and is planted in our mind, is not reality. Challenge yourself. When you are having these thoughts of glamorizing alcohol whatever it is for you, try challenging that belief.

Try asking yourself these three questions: 

1. What do I actually need in this moment?

2. What feeling am I missing?  

3. How can I take care of myself and balance my needs so I can get that feeling? 

This is a practice you have to develop. Changing our thinking is an ongoing process. But it is possible. We can continue to build this discipline and develop this practice. This is a part of Feel Good AF, my  13-week group coaching program. We build this practice together with clear guidance, support, and accountability along the way. 

And just because we work to stop glamorizing alcohol, doesn’t mean you won’t have any glamorous moments. I like to tell my clients, “keep the ritual, change the ingredients” for the same beautiful moment you picture, with an NA drink that won’t have consequences. True glamor is waking up hangover-free, friends. 

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JOIN FEEL GOOD AF

If you read this post and are eager to stop glamorizing alcohol, but aren’t sure if coaching is the right fit,  I recommend booking a call with me. It’s a free, straightforward call. We’ll have a conversation and there is no pressure to join any of my programs. Usually women feel a sense of relief when we do talk, and we will either create a coaching plan for us to work together - or I will provide you with some direction on your journey. 

Always remember, you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a sunset. 🌅

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