Verdict on Vegas Sober

I've been to Las Vegas AT LEAST fifteen times in the past ten years, primarily for tech conferences. I've left Vegas so hungover I've puked in the airport toilets, had panic attacks next to coworkers on flights back to Seattle, lost purses (Omnia night club once recovered and MAILED my Tory Burch bag to me, wow still shocked) and usually leave vowing never to drink again or return to Sin City. This time however, I was there for a bachelorette weekend nine and a half months into my new life sans booze. Going into the trip I was trepidatious about how I would feel being in such a mania inducing, stimulating, alcohol fueled environment... arguably THE MOST alcohol centric city on planet Earth... but I had the best time I've ever had in Las Vegas without a single sip of alcohol and no drugs! Sober in Sin City! Tackling milestones like this in sobriety give you a lot of confidence, and for me, reinforces that this is one of the best decisions I've ever made and I can continue to live an enriched and exciting life without the hangovers and messy chaos that ensues from binge drinking. It's medically proven that alcohol only relieves anxiety for about 20 minutes and then it's all down hill from there. As Good Riddance says in their song United Cigar "Getting better just like wine, But wine won't make me happy, There was a time I thought it would, I thought it could I thought it should". Gosh I used to drink A LOT of wine. Now as a "treat yo self" gift I bought a piece of fine jewelry with a portion of the funds I have saved by not dropping cash weekly on glasses of wine or margaritas with dinner. I love to treat myself with jewelry or a nice purse for special celebrations - when I wear them it reminds me to be proud of what I've accomplished and reflect on the progress I've made in different and difficult areas of my life. My mind feels so naked and raw, and without substances like alcohol or weed to checkout and numb out, I do a lot of journaling and exercising to workout those feels in new healthier ways. I do get annoyed sometimes at the amount of effort it takes to stay committed, but the moment I think of the many negatives that would come with giving up what I've gained, I'm not tempted. I might consume marijuana again occasionally, but I'm pretty sure I'll never drink alcohol again. After all it is just ethanol, an organ rotting poisonous substance, nothing lost only gains. A lot of people do say "I'm glad you made a decision and found a lifestyle that works FOR YOU". This is an interesting statement because alcohol isn't doing anyone any favors. At a wedding a few months ago one of my best friends asked me "Do you think everyone should give up alcohol? Do you think everyone be better off without it?" That really made me think. I don't push opinions or lifestyles on people, I'm just here to find my best path forward to live the best life I possibly can, but I also would answer those questions with a "Yes, I do think everyone would benefit in some way from giving up alcohol." The beverage industry rakes in billions of dollars every year, and drinking is so ingrained in our human culture and most of our societies (recommended reading: Alcohol, A History), but I'd encourage you to think about the pros and cons of what this substance or any substance contributes to your life. "Let people live Madelyn, some people just enjoy a drink!" Contraire mon frere, alcohol lowers your life span and zaps your energy. But, not a doctor! I do eat more sugar now that I ditched the booze, not everyday but since I don't order drinks when I'm at a restaurant I will look at the dessert menu and indulge if something delicious calls my name. This isn't about being perfect, it's about living a healthy life that supports my serious bipolar mental health issues and my demanding career at Amazon. I have to be especially careful with what I put in my body and how things affect my dopamine and serotonin levels. So, if neurotransmitter function and stability is something you're concerned with, I'd recommend doing some research on how different foods, substances and supplements impact your nervous system (currently loving the Goop *Why Am I So Effing Tired* regimen.)

In Vegas we ate delicious meals - 7 course Omakase dinner at Nobu, brunch in the Eiffel Tower Paris restaurant with a view of the Bellegio fountain and macaroons for pre-noon treat, had comped snacks pool side and a divine Italian feast! We rode the New York New York roller coaster at midnight then proceeded to go clubbing at Jewel in the Aria (dancing sober is more fun because you know you look hot, not a hot mess), took a Gondola ride outside the Venetian, napped, swam, did meditation and yoga, and saw AMY SCHUMER LIVE - her first headlining show since she was pregnant three years ago. She told us all her Oscar's jokes that The Academy and ABC dubbed *inappropriate for television*. I'm still catching up on sleep because even without the booze - you stay up in Vegas until 2am partying with your girlfriends! P.S. it was life affirming to dress up in *Vegas attire*.

xoxo maddymo

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