Categoria: Sober living

Porter explains in easily understood language exactly how alcohol interacts with molecules, neurons, hormones, and emotions at each stage of intoxication. He delves deep into the different stages Twelve-step program of intoxication, accurately representing how alcohol affects the internal systems of human physiology and behavior. Shahroo Izadi is a psychologist specializing in behavior change, a speaker, coach, and the author of The Kindness Method. Plus, you can find many tips and tricks for avoiding booze if you’re looking to explore substitutes – such as substituting red wine with grape juice mixed with balsamic vinegar. “How To Drink Without Drinking is beautifully produced, with gorgeous photos of many of the recipes,” says Willoughby.

Wellness and Alcohol: Incompatible Companions

Instead, it encourages a more thoughtful and balanced approach to alcohol consumption, aligned with personal goals and values. By exploring these natural alternatives, individuals can discover new sources of joy, relaxation, and https://kingbluecondos.ca/2025/how-long-do-night-sweats-last-after-alcohol-detox-3/ connection. This exploration often leads to the development of new skills and interests, enriching overall life experiences. Whether you’re sober curious, looking to stay sober or would like to stop altogether, this uncommon guide explores eight critical areas of life that can drastically improve when you give up alcohol. You will be shocked at discovering how drunk society really is, why alcohol has been holding you back, and the life-changing transformations that occur when you go alcohol-free.

The Best Sobriety Books

Month-long sobriety challenges like Sober October and Dry January have encouraged people to reevaluate their alcohol use. Some also try to break habits like drinking without thinking or drinking socially just because everyone else does. Before the pandemic, I’d meet people who didn’t drink either because it didn’t agree with their ethical beliefs and religious upbringing, or, occasionally, due to bad experiences with alcohol. Rarely, if ever, did I cross paths with individuals who practiced abstinence, not because it clashed with their principles, but because they preferred the state of sobriety over that of being drunk. But post-2020, I have met a number of people who have opted for sobriety by choice, sans previous negative experiences with drinking. The book sets out nine critical catalysts for change packed with practical tips, self-discovery exercises, step-by-step advice, and stories from Andrea’s life experience.

Your Fall Reading List Is Here—20 Books We Can’t Stop Talking About

“The lockdown was a period of self-reflection, which gave people time to think about their own alcohol use. Through a mix of science-based facts, sober curious anecdotes from her own life, and well-researched advice about living healthier, Rebecca creates a practical and entertaining guide to bettering our lives. The book’s message focuses on taking control of what we can in our lives and being honest with ourselves. Drawing from her experiences with addiction and substance abuse, Cathy shares her story with openness and self-acceptance, guiding readers through the difficult journey of quitting alcohol and embracing recovery. The Sober Girl Society Handbook by Millie Gooch is a refreshing and raw book that aims to inspire women in sobriety. It shares stories from various perspectives, including first-person accounts from people who live sober lives, interviews with professionals in the field of substance abuse, and many inspirational stories.

• The author encourages readers to embrace discomfort and view it as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.
• This vision encompasses improvements in personal well-being, productivity, and social dynamics.
• Explore the growing trend of mid-strength wines that balance rich flavours with lower alcohol content.
• Perfect for mindful drinkers, these wines offer a lighter, more enjoyable experience without s…

For mindful drinkers, this should help silence the constant questioning and offer some much-needed reassurance instead. But in reality, the numbers don’t hold the power—it’s the intention behind your choices that matters. Everyday Foods with Surprising Alcohol Content

Vinegars

Bread is a staple food that relies on fermentation for its characteristic texture and flavor. Unintentional fermentation can occur in foods that are high in sugar and moisture. Understanding which foods may contain alcohol is important for various reasons, including dietary restrictions, health concerns, and religious beliefs.

• Fermentation occurs when microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria, break down sugars in the absence of oxygen.
• By being aware of the potential sources of hidden alcohol and taking steps to minimize exposure, individuals can make more informed choices about their diet and reduce their risk of adverse health effects.
• These products undergo processes to remove or limit alcohol content, but the fermentation process inherently produces small amounts that are difficult to eliminate completely.
• Cooking or baking times – as well as the amounts of extracts used – will affect the overall alcohol content remaining in the foods.

Alcohol Levels in Perspective: How Much Is Too Much?

Children are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than adults. Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid alcohol altogether, as there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The liver is responsible for processing alcohol, and impaired liver function can make it more difficult to metabolize alcohol. The storage conditions of sauces and marinades can influence the likelihood of fermentation.

Fermented Foods

Overripe fruits are more likely to contain alcohol due to fermentation. Individuals who abstain from alcohol for religious reasons may also want to be aware of potential alcohol sources in food. People with liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, should be mindful of their alcohol intake, even from food sources. Warm temperatures and prolonged storage times can increase the risk of fermentation and alcohol production.

The presence of alcohol in foods often comes from fermentation, a process where yeasts or bacteria break down sugars, producing alcohol as a byproduct. This applies to certain non-alcoholic beers, wines, and fermented drinks like kefir or kombucha. Spontaneous fermentation is why some foods and drinks that haven’t been intentionally fermented can also contain alcohol.

This includes understanding the fermentation process, recognizing foods and cooking methods that may involve alcohol, and making informed choices based on dietary needs and preferences. Cooking or baking times – as well as the amounts of extracts used – will affect the overall alcohol content remaining in the foods. Bread, particularly sourdough and some rye breads, can naturally contain trace amounts of alcohol due to the fermentation process. While the alcohol content in most of these foods is generally low, certain individuals may need to be more cautious. As with other fermented foods, this process also generates a small amount of alcohol.

• Remember that even small amounts can trigger reactions in some individuals.
• Consuming foods with intentional or residual alcohol might trigger cravings or violate personal or religious commitments.
• Many traditional recipes—like beef bourguignon, coq au vin, or flambéed desserts—use wine, brandy, beer, or liqueurs.
• It’s also important to consider the cumulative effect of consuming multiple foods that contain hidden alcohol.
• Always check ingredient labels and manufacturer information for precise details.

How Alcohol Ends Up in Foods

While a small amount of alcohol in food is unlikely to cause harm, health organizations such as the CDC and WHO recommend complete abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy. Even trace amounts or ritualistic use of alcohol in cooking can trigger cravings or psychological relapse. Understanding alcohol content in food is only half the battle—context matters. For example, some vanilla-flavored cereals or yogurts may use alcohol-based vanilla, even if it’s not immediately apparent. The amount of alcohol remaining in food after cooking depends on several factors, including cooking time, temperature, method, and volume used. Understanding the source helps determine not only the alcohol content but also whether it can be fully eliminated during cooking.

The trace amounts of alcohol in both food and imported or domestic “alcohol-free” drinks that come in at 0.5% rather than 0.05% cannot intoxicate you or trigger dependence. When yeast meets sugar, it naturally produces alcohol, or as Murray Peterson, founder of Muri fermented wine-style drinks, put it in his interview on the Low No Drinker Podcast (ep#75), The best way to avoid alcohol in food and drink is to eat whole foods that are not fermented, packaged or preserved. How much alcohol is generated, depends on the length of time many foods and drinks are left to ferment. For most people, the trace amounts of alcohol found in foods like bread, juice, and vinegar are not harmful. While the fermentation process reduces the alcohol content significantly, a small amount may remain.

How can fruit juice contain alcohol, even if it’s non-alcoholic?

It’s produced when microorganisms ferment carbohydrates in fruits, grains, or other plant materials. †Reviews marked with † feature beers I didn’t pay for (usually because the producers gave them to me for free). However, the best advice is always to speak with a health professional or support worker if you have concerns.

Avoiding Alcohol In Everyday Food And Drink

Most producers of fermented food and drink add yeast to kick-start fermentation. Ethanol fermentation is also used in producing many other foods, including all breads made with yeast, soy sauce and vinegar. In this article, we look at why alcohol is present in many food and drinks considered “non-alcoholic”.

The levels are generally very low and unlikely to cause intoxication or significant health issues. If you are extremely sensitive to alcohol, opt for alternatives that are explicitly alcohol-free. When dining out, inquire about the ingredients used in sauces and marinades. Studies have shown that even after simmering for an hour or more, a significant portion of the alcohol can remain in the sauce. Wine, beer, or spirits can add depth and complexity to savory dishes.

Alcohol—specifically ethanol—is a byproduct of fermentation, a natural chemical process in which yeast or bacteria convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. However, what many people don’t realize is that alcohol can also be present in various foods—either naturally during fermentation or added during preparation. And – unlike low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer – list of foods that contain alcohol it doesn’t provide the sensory cues that can make you want to drink alcoholic drinks. The amount of alcohol in the foods and drinks listed above is nowhere near enough to get you drunk. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to avoid all foods and drinks that contain alcohol if you’re dependent on alcohol. However, the amount of alcohol present in food and drink is still much lower than the amount in alcoholic drinks.

My aim is to review these beers the same as beers I’ve paid for but you may want to bear this in mind when reading the review. For comparison, a 330ml bottle of 0.05% beer contains just over 0.1g of alcohol; a 330ml bottle of 0.5% beer, about 1.3g of alcohol. The aim of their study was to identify how much ethanol people – especially children – are exposed to in everyday food and drink. Before that, brewers and bakers relied on spontaneous fermentation.

So, click on to discover some of the best films that celebrities have made about their parents. Whatever the purpose, films have been a powerful medium for stars like Ben Stiller, Cher, Robert De Niro, Chris Hemsworth, and even eleven members of the British royal family to tell their story. Some made documentaries, with interviews, photos, and home video clips that tell a touching story of their relationship. There is a collection of celebrities who decided to make the ultimate tribute to their parents by portraying their story on film.

Careful label reading and inquiry into preparation methods can help mitigate unintended alcohol consumption. For people in alcohol recovery or those following strict religious practices that prohibit alcohol, any amount—even residual—can be problematic. The levels found in ripe fruits, bread, or even cooked dishes are generally too low to affect sobriety, impair cognitive function, or interfere with medications. For example, ripe fruits like bananas, apples, and grapes can develop trace amounts of ethanol as they ripen and naturally ferment. By recognizing that alcohol extends beyond the beverage world, you gain greater control over what you and your loved ones consume—one ingredient at a time. Whether you’re avoiding alcohol completely or simply curious about what’s on your plate, knowledge empowers better health and dietary harmony.

Rum cake obviously contains rum, and fruitcakes can be soaked in brandy or other liquors for extended periods. Pasteurization kills microorganisms that can lead to alcohol production. This is due to the breakdown of sugars by naturally occurring yeasts. Traditional methods of making sauerkraut and kimchi may result in slightly higher alcohol levels compared to commercially produced versions. Yeast is used to leaven the dough, producing carbon dioxide which makes the bread rise.

Why is there alcohol in many foods and drinks?

Fermentation occurs when microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria, break down sugars in the absence of oxygen. Or that even selected sodas and soft drinks carry a small percentage of it? Also, seeking out brands that specialize in alcohol-free or low-alcohol alternatives can help alleviate concerns when making choices at the grocery store.

How does yeast contribute to the presence of alcohol in food?

Not all fermented foods contain significant amounts of alcohol, but many do naturally produce some alcohol during the fermentation process. Several foods naturally contain small amounts of alcohol due to the process of fermentation. By understanding how yeast contributes to the presence of alcohol in food, individuals can make more informed choices about the foods they eat and the ingredients they use in their cooking. Nevertheless, for individuals who are sensitive to alcohol or have specific dietary requirements, it’s essential to be aware of the potential presence of yeast-fermented foods in their diet.

It enjoys mounds of dung where it can proliferate. It can be mistaken for psilocybe pelliculosa, which can be a serious mistake. It doesn’t like dung but does like a wet, marshy ground with good, natural fertilizer. Placed on a piece of paper while drying out, it is more than likely a Liberty Cap mushroom.

Psilocybe semilanceata

In culture, grown in a petri dish, the fungus forms a white to pale orange cottony or felt-like mat of mycelia. The cap cuticle is up to 90 μm thick, and is made of a tissue layer called an ixocutis—a gelatinized layer of hyphae lying parallel to the cap surface. The slender yellowish-brown stipe is 4.5–14 cm (1.8–5.5 in) long by 1–3.5 mm (0.04–0.14 in) thick, and usually slightly thicker towards the base. When the cap dries from exposure to the sun, the film turns whitish and is no longer peelable.

The gills of both these species start off pale brown and turn to rust or cinnamon brown as in the third example. The cap is similar in colour to a dry liberty cap (not a wet one) The gills start off grey and turn to purplish-brown with age as spores get released.

Anyone Can Learn To Identify Liberty Caps

Psilocybe, the genus name, means ‘smooth head’ – a reference to the silkily mooth, scaleless surface of caps of these grassland mushrooms. Beginning in the 19th century, this humble little mushroom was starting to be identified by its common name, the liberty cap. In the United Kingdom, psilocybin mushrooms are labeled a class A drug along with LSD. For example, Rhode Island recently moved to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms, while other states like California and Michigan are currently considering similar.

How To Identify Liberty Caps (And Avoid Lookalikes)

Flicking the cap before harvesting can help disseminate spores, and slicing the mushroom with your fingernail where the stem reaches the soil can help prevent damage to the mycelium beneath. The darker colored, inedible common conecap (Conocybe tenera) can be distinguished from P. semilanceata by the aforementioned features that apply to Conocybe, in addition to its rust-brown spore print. This species is only mildly psychoactive when compared to the more potent liberty cap. In contrast to P. semilanceata, the edge of the gills beneath the cap lie flat along the bottom, perpendicular to the stem. Mature mushrooms of Panaeolus tend to be dark, but opaque and not shiny in appearance (in contrast to P. semilanceata, which is dark and partially transparent when young and moist, becoming lighter in color and more opaque upon drying).

Join 19,000+ receiving a mind-expanding dose of psychedelic insight every Monday. The surface of the stem is smooth but up close you’ll see it’s fibrous. It also becomes opaque so that you can only see the gills towards the bottom (if at all). As the cap dries out, it changes colour starting from the top down (second row) to ivory or cream (third row). It is translucent such that you can see the gills running down the underside as in the first row above. The cap changes colour based on its state of hydration.

Cap Colour

• There are many different types of magic mushrooms aside from the Liberty Cap.
• Some of these little mushrooms do indeed look like spears, although many have wiggly stems uncharacteristic of spear shafts.
• When moist, radial grooves (striations) can be seen on the cap that correspond to the positions of the gills underneath.
• Mordecai Cooke’s 1871 handbook referred to this mushroom as the “cap of liberty,” which can be tied to the cap worn by freed Roman enslaved people.
• His main areas of interest include mental health, mystical experiences, the history of psychedelics, and the philosophy of psychedelics.

Closer examination of spores to assess their size and dimensions will require use of an optical microscope. Examination of spore print coloration should never be relied on as a standalone feature of identification, but rather to supplement other features of identification. Like Panaeolus, the stems of Concocybe tend to be more brittle and prone to breaking when the stems are bent.

Some of the grassland bonnets (Mycena spp.) are similar in appearance and grow in the same grassland habitat and can look similar to liberty caps with age; however their striated cap clearly distinguishes them from P. semilanceata, along with their white spore print and fragile stem. Some of the mottlegills from the genus Panaeolus can look similar to liberty caps but they do not possess a pronounced umbo (a raised area or protrusion in the center of the mushroom cap) or the wavy, curving stem that liberty caps have (having straighter, stick-like stems). Let us now turn our attention to other mushrooms you may come across in the grassland habitat favored by liberty caps that may bear a resemblance to this species. I now turn to some similar-looking mushrooms that grow in the same grassland habitat as liberty caps.

Conocybe Species

In the early 1960s, the Swiss scientist Albert Hofmann—known for the synthesis of the psychedelic drug LSD—chemically analyzed P. semilanceata fruit bodies collected in Switzerland and France by the botanist Roger Heim. According to German mycologist Jochen Gartz, the description of the species is “fully compatible with current knowledge about Psilocybe semilanceata.” It is also known in Australia (where it may be an introduced species) and New Zealand, where it grows in high-altitude grasslands.

Potential side effects of liberty cap mushrooms

Their 1963 publication was the first report of psilocybin in a European mushroom species; previously, it had been known only in Psilocybe species native to Mexico, Asia and North America. The first reliably documented report of Psilocybe semilanceata intoxication involved a British family in 1799, who prepared a meal with mushrooms they had picked in London’s Green Park. When grown in dual culture with other saprobic fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of grasses from its habitat, P. semilanceata significantly suppresses their growth.

Psilocybe semilanceata (Fr.) P. Kumm. – Magic Mushroom or Liberty Cap

• This can lower the effect of the mushroom’s psychedelic properties.
• The gills can range in colour from a pale cream when the mushroom has first sprouted to a deep purple when the mushroom has matured.
• In the United Kingdom, psilocybin mushrooms are labeled a class A drug along with LSD.
• P. semilanceata is much less common in South America, where it has been recorded in Chile.

In the years since, i’ve come to realise the best part of foraging isn’t the free mushrooms. But I felt uncomfortable with buying mushrooms via ethically dubious supply chains. Although many European countries remained open to the use and possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms after the US ban, starting in the 2000s (decade) there has been a tightening of laws and enforcements.

The cap is hygrophanous, meaning it assumes different colors depending on its state of hydration. The cap of P. semilanceata is 5–25 mm (0.20–0.98 in) in diameter and 6–22 mm (0.24–0.87 in) tall. As they explained, conserving the name Psilocybe in this way would prevent nomenclatural changes to a well-known group of fungi, many species of which are “linked to archaeology, anthropology, religion, alternate life styles, forensic science, law enforcement, laws and regulation”. The species was first described by Elias Magnus Fries as Agaricus semilanceatus in his 1838 work Epicrisis Systematis Mycologici. The spores are dark purplish-brown en masse, ellipsoid in shape, and measure 10.5–15 by 6.5–8.5 μm. The gill attachment to the stipe is adnexed (narrowly attached), and they are initially cream-colored before tinting purple to black as the spores mature.

The legality of liberty cap mushrooms is a hot-button issue and one that often causes confusion. Most of the time, liberty cap mushrooms are easy to identify with their bell-shaped pileus or conical cap. The cultivated fruit bodies of liberty caps have an average of 1.12% psilocybin, no psilocin, and .21% baeocystin (a naturally occurring psychoactive compound) (1). You should understand the legal implications of picking liberty cap mushrooms, as such an activity is illegal in much of the world. Hypholoma polytrichi bears a resemblance to P. semilanceata, but it has lighter colored gills (particularly noticeable when comparing the gills of mature caps in both species), and once mature the caps are broad and flat, tending to be wider than they are tall.

P. semilanceata has also been confused with the toxic muscarine-containing species Inocybe geophylla, a whitish mushroom with a silky cap, yellowish-brown to pale grayish gills, and a dull yellowish-brown spore print. The mushroom takes its common name from the Phrygian cap, also known as the “liberty cap”, which it resembles; P. semilanceata shares its common name with P. pelliculosa, a species from which it is more or less indistinguishable in appearance. Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as the liberty cap, is a species of fungus which produces the psychoactive compounds psilocybin, psilocin and baeocystin. The first step to identifying liberty cap mushrooms is knowing where and when to look for them. Smaller specimens of liberty caps usually have the highest concentrations of psilocybin. Liberty caps are one of the most potent psilocybin mushrooms that exist.

Conocybe species

The specific epitet semilanceata comes from semi- meaning ‘half’and -lanceata which means ‘spear-shaped’. Fairly frequent in Britain and Ireland, where it is rather localised, Psilocybe semilanceata occurs throughout Europe and is found also in North America. Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known in the UK as the Magic Mushroom, and in the USA as Liberty Cap, appears in grassland in autumn. And with an understanding of the proper procedures and safety measures, one can indulge in these fascinating fungi without any legal or health risks. It may involve trampling delicate flora in pursuit of specific plant species, leading to soil degradation and damaging nearby wildlife populations. On the other hand, foraging can often lead to harmful practices where individuals take liberty caps gills more than required without considering its impact on local ecosystems.

It takes .2 to .5 grams of dried magic mushrooms to begin to feel the effects of the psilocybin. It is nearly impossible to truly gauge the exact amount of psilocybin you are ingesting when munching on dried magic mushrooms or sipping on Liberty Cap-infused teas. It adores a damp place to grow its delicate stems and caps. The accidental ingestion of psilocybin mushrooms can create lasting psychological effects. The caps come to a pointy head and are chartreuse to brown in coloring. The humble Liberty Cap (Psilocybe semilanceata) is one of the planet’s most potent psilocybin-containing mushroom species.

Liberty Cap mushrooms are so called because of the distinctive hat they wear on their weaving stalks. Of the most potent types of mushrooms found on the floors of wooded areas and in grassy knolls. The gills slope upwards and only attach to the stem right at the top (the attachment is adnexed). The surface is a bit shiny or oily as well as translucent, so you can see the vertical lines of the gills through the cap.

This makes it quick and easy to administer. It should take at most ten minutes to finish, even if each answer is given great thought. Employ the binary scoring method https://ecosoberhouse.com/ ( ) for all questions.

Start With a Detailed Outline of What Substance Abuse Has Taken from Your Life

It began innocently enough, with a prescription for pain relief. I thought I would control you, but you eventually caused heartache and other problems. In those moments, you felt like a lifeline. I really wish I didn’t Drug rehabilitation have to say this to you but it is the God’s honest truth.

The benefits of using our template

You know who I am, you’ve called me your friend, Wishes of misery and heartache I send, I want only to see that you’re brought to your knees, I’m the devil inside you, I am your disease. I stole large amounts of money from my parents. I stole my children’s’ Christmas money. And in the process, I destroyed or significantly damaged every relationship I had. If you don’t have insurance or prefer to pay privately, we offer flexible payment options. By calling the helpline you agree to goodbye letter to addiction the terms of use.

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I am here to tell you when life doesn’t get better because you simply put the stuff down; you are going to mess up. You are smart, and you are insightful. You are going to learn from every screw up.

• It’s vital for various situations like insurance claims, legal matters, or workplace adjustments.
• Set the tone and decide what platform you’d like to speak from.
• A pretty face we hide behind and walk around, as though there is no pain, no secrets, and no problems.
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Refraining from alcohol can help you reset mentally, reduce your caloric intake, improve your sleep patterns, and make you feel all around better. Instead of a vodka soda, order a soda water with a splash of lime. And if and when you do decide to have a drink, DO NOT get behind the wheel. Mixed drinks are deliciously sweet, and while their taste makes them desirable, their sugar levels make them some of the most unhealthy boozy beverages you can consume. According to Livestrong, a margarita contains 400 calories, a long island, 425, a white Russian, 500, a piña colada is a whopping 600 calories. You can easily clock in a couple days’ worth of calories in one night when ordering these high-calorie, high-sugar concoctions.

Fear of an Inability to Cope Without Alcohol Can Deter You From Trying

“Moderate consumption” is limited to one to two alcoholic drinks per day for healthy men and one alcoholic drink per day for healthy women. One drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, Sober living home or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. So now you know some of my favourite tips on how to be successful at drinking moderately.

We will help you decide

• For instance, in January of 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement saying that no level of alcohol is safe.
• People may rely on alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges, leading to a pattern of compulsive and problematic drinking behaviors.
• Binge drinking is linked to various physical and mental health risks, including potential long-term damage to organs.
• No more than 14 drinks per week, and not more than 4 per occasion.

Connecting with medical professionals and a peer support network can give you the tools to reach your goals, and set you up for long-term success. Through understanding the different ways ‘drinking in moderation’ can look, you can decide how you’d like that to look for you. Drinking responsibly will not only result in longer-term health pay offs, but lovely added bonuses like fewer headaches and hangovers, too. If drinking less or less often than you typically do is something you’re committed to, pull out a pen and paper and write down some concrete goals how to drink moderately for yourself. This provides you with the opportunity to create a plan that feels good to you and increases your accountability to those goals. We encourage you to take the Alcohol Self-Assessment Tests on this website to start developing a better perspective on your drinking behavior and whether abstinence or moderation might be best for you.

Short-Term Risks

Studies have found that with the same amount of drink, blood alcohol concentrations are at their highest just before menstruation and at their lowest on the first day after menstruation. Sometimes people decide that abstinence from alcohol might be a better way to proceed. Despite their best efforts to drink less and in healthy ways, they continue to overdrink and alcohol continues to negatively affect their lives. In fact, for many people, abstinence is the best way to avoid alcohol-related problems.