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Choice #2: Should I Have Another Drink?

  • anuheakaia
  • Jan 13
  • 3 min read

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binge drink·ing

/ˈbinj ˈdriNGkiNG/


noun


  1. The consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time.


The other night, I was sitting on the couch, mindlessly scrolling Instagram and binge-watching Survivor with my boyfriend. Without much thought, I cracked open another seltzer, savoring the cold, bubbly sensation that has become so familiar. These low-calorie beverages, stockpiled in my fridge, somehow feel “healthy,” and I’ve allowed myself to enjoy them without a second thought.


Sipping. Scrolling. Survivor.

Sipping. Scrolling. Survivor.


Before I knew it, I was reaching for a refill. But as I got up, I noticed the small pile of empty cans by the sink. “Did I really just drink three of these?” I asked myself. I didn’t even feel buzzed, and it was only 9 PM.


This was the moment of reckoning: Should I have another drink?


The Root of the Question


This pause led me to reflect on a few mantras I’ve been working on as I try to live more consciously. Lately, I’ve developed a small set of questions to guide my decisions:


  1. Does this bring me happiness?

    • Is having one, two, or three seltzers actually bringing me joy? Would I feel better if I didn’t drink tonight?

  2. Are my actions benefiting myself and those around me?

    • Am I still sharp enough to hold meaningful conversations after a few drinks? While alcohol may relax me, am I more likely to say things I might regret later?


Reflecting on these questions, I also considered some research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) about why people binge drink:


  • Psychological Factors: Many drink to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression. I’ve done my share of self-medicating with alcohol, whether it was over a breakup, a loss, or even something as trivial as a bad haircut.

  • Cultural Norms: In cultures where drinking is glamorized, it’s easy to mimic what we see—whether it’s on TV or in real life.

  • Accessibility: Easy access to alcohol at home makes it more likely to overindulge. Stocking up during Costco runs may save money, but it also means my fridge is always full of temptation.


Back to the Fridge


There I stood, staring into the refrigerator. The cool air hit my face as the fridge alarm chimed, reminding me the door had been open too long.


Should I have another drink?


Answer: No.

8 seconds later…

Answer: Maybe?

Reopen the fridge.

Answer: No. Maybe? NO.

Reluctantly, I closed the fridge and walked away.


What I Learned


That night, I realized I didn’t need another drink. I wasn’t celebrating anything, nor did I have a particularly hard day to justify “unwinding.” Drinking those seltzers didn’t make me an alcoholic, but my hesitation to say “no” revealed a pattern of autopilot behavior. I wasn’t sipping, scrolling, and watching Survivor to relax—I was just numbing out.


This isn’t a PSA, nor am I announcing my participation in Dry January. What I learned is that self-reflection is a powerful tool. When you have the awareness to pause and ask, “Is this the right choice for me?” you gain control over your actions, even in small moments.


Next time you’re in a rut, ask yourself what’s really going on. The answer might be as simple as closing the refrigerator door and walking away.


Disclaimer: If you’re struggling with alcohol consumption, please seek professional help. Resources such as the NIAAA provide valuable information and support.


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