Alcohol Kills the Spark

This isn’t for everyone.

In my experience it’s simple: you can’t be 100%, 90%, or even 80% of your potential if you’re in a routine of drinking.

And the real question is—what counts as a “routine”?

It’s not about how many drinks. I’d argue the amount doesn’t matter. It’s the ritual, the mental pattern. The routine sounds like:

• “It’s Friday, I deserve it.”

• “I’ll drink on my birthday.”

• “I won’t drink for 30 days.”

• “It’s happy hour.”

• “I only drink on special occasions.”

See how it’s less about the act itself and more about the thought loop?

I’ve done the year off, the 90 days, the 1-month break. Every time I felt 100% better—yet the thought of drinking still lingered. The best antidote I’ve found is shifting focus: family, creativity, health. And facing reality: there is no reversal of liver disease.

At best alcohol is a two-hour drug. You feel good, briefly. After that, it’s a slow fade to nothing—no matter how much more you pour. Then comes the hangxiety. The self-questioning. And honestly—was the moment actually better because you drank?

For me, the answer kept being no. Somewhere between Tuscany and the South of France, I mentally hit a wall. Not physically—our bodies are machines at filtering toxins—but mentally. I hated waking up foggy, doubting, slower. I asked: what’s the point? More fun? No. Bonding with strangers? No. Running a company 24/7? Definitely not. Sex? Nope. Who was I trying to impress? Who was I trying to fit in with?

Because deep down, I have an insane ambition. A creative spark that only dims with every sip.

And yes—there are the “good times.” The stories that start with we were drunk and… But again, then what?

It all comes back to choice. I don’t think alcohol should be banned. I just choose not to drink. And the real question is: in favor of what? Your capacity? Your family? Your health? Your time?

Only you know.

Life goes on.