In regards to my personal effectiveness, giving up alcohol for a year was a no brainer.
I have quit smoking. This seemed nearly impossible when I was drinking.
I have gotten out of debt. Alcohol and related activities including pokies, smoking, parties, taxis are all expensive.
I have lost weight (15kg). Partly due to exercise and diet, and partly due to not being hungover 2-3 times a week.
I was really hoping to get a handle on my emotions during the year, but as it turns out, my mood changes from all smiles to anxious/depressed to confused to social butterfly haven't seemed to change. (Which is good, cause I like a beer with my friends
) The best thing that has come from this situation is that it is one more thing scratched of the list of possible reasons for mood instability. I will keep on trucking with this until I figure it out.
I spend more time with my new family. I don't feel like I'm missing out on fun with the boys 3 times a week. </EndOpenCanOfWorms>
My sense of self determination has increase greatly, and my belief in myself has grown also. This is my first measureable 1 year goal, and I didn't back down. It's great to know that I have that kind of power.
I have been an inspiration to my closest friends and family. They were shocked that my drunken statement of 2006, "I'm not gonna drink at all during 2007" has become a reality.
Without a doubt, not drinking alcohol has been beneficial to my personal development. I will be drinking next year because I enjoy it, but my drinking habits will be closely self moderated. And at least now I know if I want to or need to, that I can have a night/week/month off.