The downward spiral so to speak only occurs with certain types of drinks which are already really high in calories, like margaritas. Those always make me snacky and make me lose all will. It's probably because they're so high in sugar. :(
So for me, it's not about avoiding all alcohol but avoiding the drinks high in calories and that trigger binges.
I would also say NO to alcohol just because it can lead to a spiral (people tend to loosen up, lose judgement of how much alcohol or bad food they start to eat after).
If you insist on having a drink, here's a wicked alternative:
- rasberry crystal light with rasberry vodka (this one is DEADLY!) :)
I don't drink anymore, but prior to that, my drink of choice was light rum with diet coke.