What 365 days of sobriety from alcohol taught me about myself and our culture

On July 5, 2017, I drank my last drink. It was a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc, so similar to the hundreds (thousands?) that came before it. It was that familiar, satisfying blend of tart and refreshing, a hint of sweetness with strong notes of grapefruit. I drank it fitfully, slowly, knowing I was saying goodbye.