The Unexpected Hangover: What I Learned When I Stopped Drinking

The Hidden Costs of Alcohol-Centric Socializing

I've frequented 7 of the world's top 10 bars countless times. The mixologists knew me by name. My social orbit revolved around introducing friends to the world's best craft cocktails or bonding over exceptional drinks with strangers.

Yet, as philosopher Alain de Botton aptly noted, "Alcohol is but a crutch for conversation." Little did I know how profoundly this sentiment would resonate with my future self.

The day I chose semi-sobriety marked a paradigm shift in my social landscape.

As my glass emptied, so did my social calendar. Here's what I discovered:

1. Some friendships are built solely on shared drinking experiences, with alcohol often being the only common ground. The 'fun' friend might just be the drunk friend - a role with an…