Why can't I tolerate alcohol anymore?

Today, I have to admit defeat. I'd been up though the night, violently sick, the runs, an awful headache, feeling faint and hot sweats. You'd be wrong in thinking I'd had a few too many drinks with some friends..in fact, it was only two small glasses of wine.

Half-way through glass number one, I started feeling very sick, my face beetroot and very tingly. By the end of the glass the hangover headache had already started. Glass two was plonked in front of me almost immediately and it was a Herculean feat just to get through it.

Not like the old days! I never was a frequent drinker, but on the odd occasion I did drink I tended to go a bit crazy. I could guzzle fairly large amounts of alcohol without it having much effect while my friends were wilting by my side. It was a bit of a standing joke and I was frequently asked if I was a closet alcoholic as my tolerance was quite impressive!

Over the last year, I've noticed that I just can't seem to drink as much as I did before. White wine started giving me trouble and it's got to the stage I can't drink any alcohol now without it having an adverse effect. 

I woke up this morning feeling like death warmed up, and more than a little pathetic. Absolutely blootered on two glasses of wine??!  What's happening to me? I feel like a total freak! 

Feeling very sorry for myself, I managed to punch my question in to the computer -"Why can't I tolerate alcohol anymore?" and I was amazed at what came up - dozens and dozens of people in my situation who had just suddenly developed an intolerance to alcohol!

I feel a bit better knowing its not just me..but the prospect of not having a drink..EVER? It's a bit depressing.

If you say to someone you can't/don't drink, they automatically assume you're a recovering alcoholic or prude or something, but it doesn't stop them from being quite insistent in offering you a dram.."Just let your hair down and have some fun..go on..you deserve it...What do you mean it makes you ill?..You're joking right?" (Unfortunately not).."That lass just canny handle the drink..", I can hear it all now!

After the hell I experienced today, an alcohol-free life is becoming an increasing reality. I don't really have a choice in the matter. Booze has always made me feel a bit depressed and sluggish anyway, but today has been a huge wake up call.

It's not going to be easy. I don't want this but it's just the way it's going to have to be. I'll miss that tipsy feeling I get after a glass or two of wine, and the feeling of being a wee bit rebellious, but it's just not worth it..

Of course, temptation will rear her ugly head from time to time and a bad memory which will fade this experience very quickly from my mind won't help either. I'll have to be firm and stay strong. I guess I could have some fun and come up with some hilarious and dodgy responses as to why I'm not drinking! 

(Suggestions welcome!)

Wish me luck folks!

Kerry.