365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
Thanks Guys. Feeling much better this morning after 4 days off. Yesterday felt tough. Had a good chat with the wife this morning about how much I had been suffering from withdrawal, I think we are on a good path together now.
Co-incidentally, having done the sums, my monthly savings from booze will be slightly less than the payments for the M2 I have ordered for Q2 next year, so we do have a PH based motivation.
Long way to go yet I know.
Co-incidentally, having done the sums, my monthly savings from booze will be slightly less than the payments for the M2 I have ordered for Q2 next year, so we do have a PH based motivation.
Long way to go yet I know.
BenjiA said:
Co-incidentally, having done the sums, my monthly savings from booze will be slightly less than the payments for the M2 I have ordered for Q2 next year, so we do have a PH based motivation.
Sounds like a positive day. On the PH motivation front, I reasoned my weight loss was the cheapest performance gain I was ever going to get on my Caterham. Free speed AND more money in my pocket? Yes please!Regular reader of this thread but never posted. I have been considering giving up alcohol for a while. Having recently been diagnosed with a health condition and put on medication, neither of which are helped by alcohol, this may be a good time. Not to be dramatic though, the doctor said “You can have a drink sure, but as always, moderation is key. Very little would be best considering this condition and the medication you are on”.
My history is probably quite typical for a 30 year old male. Binge drinker most Friday and Saturday nights for the past ten years. Drink to get drunk, so consume a fair bit. I have never had any issues through drinking, am a ‘happy drunk’ and generally enjoy it. I have done a few ‘dry [inset month here]’s’ and also a three month spell off a couple of years ago, which I didn’t struggle with apart from a bit of boredom. I can count on one had the number of times I have drank mid-week in the past couple of years and like a fresh head for work.
My main concern is (the age-old) one that the majority of socialising for me revolves around drinking. I am more confident than average I would say, but I can’t socialise properly without a drink. I have previously been judgmental about those that stand in a pub without a drink. Being honest, the “I like to stand there and have a laugh at drunk people” attitude really annoys me and I have previously shunned ‘The Judge’ type person who would come on a night out without drinking and the relay the stories of people’s drunken mistakes the next day. Maybe my insecurities at play there, though I imagine that my views are shared by others.
With that said, I am moving to a new place in a few weeks, so it could be time to break the habit. My other half doesn’t drink and I won’t have a pre-established drinking circle in the new place. I have a few (not enough) hobbies but none that naturally fit those evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. I have a few mates’ weddings and (more importantly) stag do’s, some abroad, coming up. I honestly have no idea how I could have a good time or pretend to, sans-beer. Also, the majority of my best memories involve my mates, holidays and beer. Without the last component, it almost wouldn't seem right. Pathetic I know.
Any guidance?
My history is probably quite typical for a 30 year old male. Binge drinker most Friday and Saturday nights for the past ten years. Drink to get drunk, so consume a fair bit. I have never had any issues through drinking, am a ‘happy drunk’ and generally enjoy it. I have done a few ‘dry [inset month here]’s’ and also a three month spell off a couple of years ago, which I didn’t struggle with apart from a bit of boredom. I can count on one had the number of times I have drank mid-week in the past couple of years and like a fresh head for work.
My main concern is (the age-old) one that the majority of socialising for me revolves around drinking. I am more confident than average I would say, but I can’t socialise properly without a drink. I have previously been judgmental about those that stand in a pub without a drink. Being honest, the “I like to stand there and have a laugh at drunk people” attitude really annoys me and I have previously shunned ‘The Judge’ type person who would come on a night out without drinking and the relay the stories of people’s drunken mistakes the next day. Maybe my insecurities at play there, though I imagine that my views are shared by others.
With that said, I am moving to a new place in a few weeks, so it could be time to break the habit. My other half doesn’t drink and I won’t have a pre-established drinking circle in the new place. I have a few (not enough) hobbies but none that naturally fit those evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. I have a few mates’ weddings and (more importantly) stag do’s, some abroad, coming up. I honestly have no idea how I could have a good time or pretend to, sans-beer. Also, the majority of my best memories involve my mates, holidays and beer. Without the last component, it almost wouldn't seem right. Pathetic I know.
Any guidance?
^^^^^^^^^^
Hard to say for each person. I just stopped.
Thing is, realising that a little white lie as to how many units when asked is often given to the quack, that point of honesty with myself then kicked off the crystal ball. That is to say in ten or twenty years I can see examples of humanity around me as to where I will be, you do not have to look far. I did not want to be there. Cut back or stop.
Then you think back to the great nights out, remember much or you know it was a good night but what was the topic of conversation? Don't need booze to talk football or dresses or whatever takes your fancy and more chance of remembering the minutia. Then there are the mornings wasted, you know, wake up and not very productive. Kicking around with the mouth like a sandpit. And then there is sleep. Some drink to sleep. Other put it away at home, another realisation is the bottles and cans that go out with the recycling. Around here it is noisy when they empty those glass containers. Not from me any more.
Now I have no problem sleeping, up at 6, I wake up thinking, "right, what am I going to do today" I get stuff done even if it is a lazy day and I do nothing but it is clear headed. Out on the bike everyday when I can and I have a trainer for the really bad weather days, no excuses. I did stop going out for a drink, that was hook I had to lose. I work away a lot, so now it is a litre of fizzy water, makes the expenses look better as well
.
Seven or eight years now, lost count but my wallet has probably been thanking me as well.
Hard to say for each person. I just stopped.
Thing is, realising that a little white lie as to how many units when asked is often given to the quack, that point of honesty with myself then kicked off the crystal ball. That is to say in ten or twenty years I can see examples of humanity around me as to where I will be, you do not have to look far. I did not want to be there. Cut back or stop.
Then you think back to the great nights out, remember much or you know it was a good night but what was the topic of conversation? Don't need booze to talk football or dresses or whatever takes your fancy and more chance of remembering the minutia. Then there are the mornings wasted, you know, wake up and not very productive. Kicking around with the mouth like a sandpit. And then there is sleep. Some drink to sleep. Other put it away at home, another realisation is the bottles and cans that go out with the recycling. Around here it is noisy when they empty those glass containers. Not from me any more.
Now I have no problem sleeping, up at 6, I wake up thinking, "right, what am I going to do today" I get stuff done even if it is a lazy day and I do nothing but it is clear headed. Out on the bike everyday when I can and I have a trainer for the really bad weather days, no excuses. I did stop going out for a drink, that was hook I had to lose. I work away a lot, so now it is a litre of fizzy water, makes the expenses look better as well
.Seven or eight years now, lost count but my wallet has probably been thanking me as well.
BenjiA said:
Thanks Guys. Feeling much better this morning after 4 days off. Yesterday felt tough. Had a good chat with the wife this morning about how much I had been suffering from withdrawal, I think we are on a good path together now.
Co-incidentally, having done the sums, my monthly savings from booze will be slightly less than the payments for the M2 I have ordered for Q2 next year, so we do have a PH based motivation.
Long way to go yet I know.
Erdinger is the way forward, it has to be cold but it's good. The money side of it is quite amazing, whole car payments can be easily spent on booze each month. The important thing to try and do is fill the time with something else. Gym, sports or whatever....Co-incidentally, having done the sums, my monthly savings from booze will be slightly less than the payments for the M2 I have ordered for Q2 next year, so we do have a PH based motivation.
Long way to go yet I know.
Thanks, Erdinger is good, got some of that, also good is the Sainsbury's own Czech, which is made by Staropramen.
Filling the time is the issue for me, if I don't go home and go to the gym I don't see the family...I think a lot of DIY will get done over the next few months!
Have not drunk for the last 8 week nights, so I think I am over the worst (after feeling dreadful for the forst week)
Filling the time is the issue for me, if I don't go home and go to the gym I don't see the family...I think a lot of DIY will get done over the next few months!
Have not drunk for the last 8 week nights, so I think I am over the worst (after feeling dreadful for the forst week)
AdviceHunter said:
Regular reader of this thread but never posted. I have been considering giving up alcohol for a while. Having recently been diagnosed with a health condition and put on medication, neither of which are helped by alcohol, this may be a good time. Not to be dramatic though, the doctor said “You can have a drink sure, but as always, moderation is key. Very little would be best considering this condition and the medication you are on”.
My history is probably quite typical for a 30 year old male. Binge drinker most Friday and Saturday nights for the past ten years. Drink to get drunk, so consume a fair bit. I have never had any issues through drinking, am a ‘happy drunk’ and generally enjoy it. I have done a few ‘dry [inset month here]’s’ and also a three month spell off a couple of years ago, which I didn’t struggle with apart from a bit of boredom. I can count on one had the number of times I have drank mid-week in the past couple of years and like a fresh head for work.
My main concern is (the age-old) one that the majority of socialising for me revolves around drinking. I am more confident than average I would say, but I can’t socialise properly without a drink. I have previously been judgmental about those that stand in a pub without a drink. Being honest, the “I like to stand there and have a laugh at drunk people” attitude really annoys me and I have previously shunned ‘The Judge’ type person who would come on a night out without drinking and the relay the stories of people’s drunken mistakes the next day. Maybe my insecurities at play there, though I imagine that my views are shared by others.
With that said, I am moving to a new place in a few weeks, so it could be time to break the habit. My other half doesn’t drink and I won’t have a pre-established drinking circle in the new place. I have a few (not enough) hobbies but none that naturally fit those evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. I have a few mates’ weddings and (more importantly) stag do’s, some abroad, coming up. I honestly have no idea how I could have a good time or pretend to, sans-beer. Also, the majority of my best memories involve my mates, holidays and beer. Without the last component, it almost wouldn't seem right. Pathetic I know.
Any guidance?
I just stopped about three years ago. It has affected my social life without a doubt. I still go to the pub for quiz nights and comedy nights etc and it's fine because the drink isn't the main point of the evening. Ditto when with a friend having a couple of drinks while waiting for a takeaway.My history is probably quite typical for a 30 year old male. Binge drinker most Friday and Saturday nights for the past ten years. Drink to get drunk, so consume a fair bit. I have never had any issues through drinking, am a ‘happy drunk’ and generally enjoy it. I have done a few ‘dry [inset month here]’s’ and also a three month spell off a couple of years ago, which I didn’t struggle with apart from a bit of boredom. I can count on one had the number of times I have drank mid-week in the past couple of years and like a fresh head for work.
My main concern is (the age-old) one that the majority of socialising for me revolves around drinking. I am more confident than average I would say, but I can’t socialise properly without a drink. I have previously been judgmental about those that stand in a pub without a drink. Being honest, the “I like to stand there and have a laugh at drunk people” attitude really annoys me and I have previously shunned ‘The Judge’ type person who would come on a night out without drinking and the relay the stories of people’s drunken mistakes the next day. Maybe my insecurities at play there, though I imagine that my views are shared by others.
With that said, I am moving to a new place in a few weeks, so it could be time to break the habit. My other half doesn’t drink and I won’t have a pre-established drinking circle in the new place. I have a few (not enough) hobbies but none that naturally fit those evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. I have a few mates’ weddings and (more importantly) stag do’s, some abroad, coming up. I honestly have no idea how I could have a good time or pretend to, sans-beer. Also, the majority of my best memories involve my mates, holidays and beer. Without the last component, it almost wouldn't seem right. Pathetic I know.
Any guidance?
But nights on the lash, leaving dos in the pub etc where the whole point of going out is to drink are slightly different. Now I tend to knock it on the head after a couple of hours. There is a definite "point" in the evening where people go from being boisterous and jolly to "drunk". Usually occurs when people start repeating themselves. By then I think the best of the night is over and I leave. No need to make excuses and leave as it is unlikely anyone will remember me leaving - this is the point where people's memories start to get hazy.
It may sound boring but I am avoiding the mystery £100 cash withdrawals, the dodgy kebab and minicab or nightbus home.
I would certainly never judge people's behaviour when drinking, or bring it up the following day - that is a sure fire way not to get invited to any more dos.
Since I gave up drinking I read a lot more and have started learning scuba diving. Drinking soaks up vast amounts of time, money and energy and you have to have something to fill the gap!
I enjoyed my 30 years drinking but I'm glad I stopped if that makes sense!
My Wife and I are going to our first consultation about IVF early next month, so we've both been off the booze in preparation for that, for nearly a month now. Have to say I'm not finding it as hard as I thought so far. Real test for me I think will be our Christmas do here at work, where I've been absolutely bladdered each and every year for the past 5 years, will be interesting to observe.
I'm still undecided on whether I'd want to be off it for good, but it certainly makes me realise that I don't need to have the fridge stocked with beers, as, much like snack food, if it's not in the house, I can't go and grab it when I fancy it.
I'm still undecided on whether I'd want to be off it for good, but it certainly makes me realise that I don't need to have the fridge stocked with beers, as, much like snack food, if it's not in the house, I can't go and grab it when I fancy it.
thenortherner said:
I quit the drink on Xmas day 2012 and did just over 18 months dry.
Since then I've been on / off, but mostly drinking alone and to excess, usually when things aren't going so well.
Back on the wagon Xmas day this year but maybe for good this time.
The thing is, I have read the Allen Carr book and disagree with his views that nothing good can come of it. I struggle to see how it cannot be nice on occasion still. Issue is, it's a slippery slope and only I know how much it was effecting my life.Since then I've been on / off, but mostly drinking alone and to excess, usually when things aren't going so well.
Back on the wagon Xmas day this year but maybe for good this time.
CoolHands said:
2 years and 2 days since my last drink.
Oddly enough last couple of weeks I've been desperately drinking zero % beers as I've been having the urge to drink! Don't know if it's cos of the Christmas season.
I lasted 102 weeks, but have been wanting a drink for about a month. I had saved a bottle from my 40th last year. Despite telling everyone I don't drink, I got given a very large quantity of alcohol.Oddly enough last couple of weeks I've been desperately drinking zero % beers as I've been having the urge to drink! Don't know if it's cos of the Christmas season.
It was very nice wine, until after I drank it a few days ago. I don't appear to be able to tolerate wine at all, I had terrible palpitations. So, it's back to being alcohol free, day 4.
Looking forward to getting Xmas put the way and a break from s
t food and alcohol. Not sure how long I'll go without it again but 3 months is the norm, we'll see how it goes. It's nice seeing the weight fall off and having strangely good balances in the bank. Anyway, good to to those setting goals 
t food and alcohol. Not sure how long I'll go without it again but 3 months is the norm, we'll see how it goes. It's nice seeing the weight fall off and having strangely good balances in the bank. Anyway, good to to those setting goals yonex said:
Looking forward to getting Xmas put the way and a break from st food and alcohol. Not sure how long I'll go without it again but 3 months is the norm, we'll see how it goes. It's nice seeing the weight fall off and having strangely good balances in the bank. Anyway, good to to those setting goals
Start now!t food and alcohol. Not sure how long I'll go without it again but 3 months is the norm, we'll see how it goes. It's nice seeing the weight fall off and having strangely good balances in the bank. Anyway, good to to those setting goals I notice when I stopped the weight comes off. Helps that I'm exercising too. Not super strict about diet either.
Do you get drunk on a couple of pints after having stopped for a while?!?
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