365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
DuncanM said:
having thought about it I just don't want to miss out on the enjoyment of a nice glass of Rioja with dinner 
.
Why would you come on a thread like this and say things like that?.Does it give you some form of pleasure to try and tempt people to drink who are trying not to?
I'm glad you enjoy a glass of Rioja, I really am, though I suspect that the majority of people posting here would not be able to leave it at a glass though and there lies the problem.
pete a said:
DuncanM said:
having thought about it I just don't want to miss out on the enjoyment of a nice glass of Rioja with dinner .
Why would you come on a thread like this and say things like that?.Does it give you some form of pleasure to try and tempt people to drink who are trying not to?
I'm glad you enjoy a glass of Rioja, I really am, though I suspect that the majority of people posting here would not be able to leave it at a glass though and there lies the problem.
Put simply, I know I drink too much at the moment, and I admire people trying to stop. However, the sad message coming across on here is that it seems to be an 'all or nothing' situation for most (including me no doubt!).
The OP's recent post seems to back that up.
I would LOVE to drink more moderately, and have just a single glass with dinner, but it's too easy/tempting to drink more.
TheJimi said:
Out of interest, what amounts were you guys drinking?
Even though I'm not abstaining myself, I enjoy reading the thread and people's experiences but I'm always curious about actual quantities - which never seem to be detailed very much.
For my part, I don't drink during the week, and at weekends it can be anything from 2 glasses of wine to 6 bottles of beer + 4 or 5 spirits if I've been on a night out.
Most weekends it's the 2 glasses of wine or 1 or 2 pints and that's it.
I estimate 2-3 bottles of beer a night (Bud, Girlsberg etc) and then same amount at the weekend plus a bottle of red.Even though I'm not abstaining myself, I enjoy reading the thread and people's experiences but I'm always curious about actual quantities - which never seem to be detailed very much.
For my part, I don't drink during the week, and at weekends it can be anything from 2 glasses of wine to 6 bottles of beer + 4 or 5 spirits if I've been on a night out.
Most weekends it's the 2 glasses of wine or 1 or 2 pints and that's it.
Not a lot I suppose but still over the recommended amount and more than I really wanted.
I started off just drinking at weekends and then finishing off the bottle of wine or pack of beers Sunday/Monday. Then felt like a drink during the week and so on until it's everyday.
Thinking about it, it became a habit in teenage years when I first hated the taste and never really went away.
nick_j007 said:
Hi all. Long time no speak from me. My apologies. I'm the OP, so I feel a bit responsible for the thread 
Let me update you on where I've been, where I am and where I'm going.
I managed my 365 days and then went to a solid 18 months.
At the 18 month mark however, I felt over a few weeks a nagging desire for a drink and looking back I guess I the novelty of sobriety had worn off and if honest I felt really in control of myself and made the (not the first time for me) mistake of thinking I could be a balanced and moderate drinker.
So a long story short I started drinking again on the night I went to a fancy dress and it felt like it was the missing part of the night. Yes, I started off being fairly moderate in my drinking, but here I am 9 months later with regular hang overs and 20lbs heavier than I was last summer. Damn.
Maybe this time I need to start a new thread titled 'Stop drinking for ever...join me?'
I'm struggling to find the right words to put this, but as of tonight I intend to recommit myself to the stopping drinking cause but this time with a serious twist...FOR EVER! There's a final glass of red in a bottle downstairs and I intend to declare it to my family, drink it and celebrate that I'm free from having to manage my intake and free from tiresome feelings I have as a result. I'm looking forward to getting my weekend mornings back, my energy back, my looks back and zeal for life...all back.
I've been able to cope pretty well in the past non drinking phases, but always left the door ajar for the get out clause. Well I've gone without drink for IIRC three times now, the first two lasted 9/10 months and the last one 18 months.
Having spent the week reading 'Kick the drink easily by Jason Vale' I'm feeling pretty strong to do it. Not dissimilar to Carr's book on the same subject, but more in depth and more convincing I thought. He rams home the concept that you'll not be missing out on anything and in fact regaining everything you should have -energy, confidence, clarity and so on.
So, tonight. One glass to finish the bottle and then that's it. DONE with it. FINISHED. I can relax knowing that I don't have to control my limits any longer. That will be great.
Thanks all. Really heartened to see how quite a number of you have gone 365 and beyond. I know it's not easy, but the rewards are so worth it.
Please take inspiration and support from me and I imagine the fellow PHer's on here you have helped by starting the thread in the first place. I would never have thought to have stopped!Let me update you on where I've been, where I am and where I'm going.
I managed my 365 days and then went to a solid 18 months.
At the 18 month mark however, I felt over a few weeks a nagging desire for a drink and looking back I guess I the novelty of sobriety had worn off and if honest I felt really in control of myself and made the (not the first time for me) mistake of thinking I could be a balanced and moderate drinker.
So a long story short I started drinking again on the night I went to a fancy dress and it felt like it was the missing part of the night. Yes, I started off being fairly moderate in my drinking, but here I am 9 months later with regular hang overs and 20lbs heavier than I was last summer. Damn.
Maybe this time I need to start a new thread titled 'Stop drinking for ever...join me?'
I'm struggling to find the right words to put this, but as of tonight I intend to recommit myself to the stopping drinking cause but this time with a serious twist...FOR EVER! There's a final glass of red in a bottle downstairs and I intend to declare it to my family, drink it and celebrate that I'm free from having to manage my intake and free from tiresome feelings I have as a result. I'm looking forward to getting my weekend mornings back, my energy back, my looks back
and zeal for life...all back.I've been able to cope pretty well in the past non drinking phases, but always left the door ajar for the get out clause. Well I've gone without drink for IIRC three times now, the first two lasted 9/10 months and the last one 18 months.
Having spent the week reading 'Kick the drink easily by Jason Vale' I'm feeling pretty strong to do it. Not dissimilar to Carr's book on the same subject, but more in depth and more convincing I thought. He rams home the concept that you'll not be missing out on anything and in fact regaining everything you should have -energy, confidence, clarity and so on.
So, tonight. One glass to finish the bottle and then that's it. DONE with it. FINISHED. I can relax knowing that I don't have to control my limits any longer. That will be great.
Thanks all. Really heartened to see how quite a number of you have gone 365 and beyond. I know it's not easy, but the rewards are so worth it.
You've done it once so can definitely do it again.
Went out for a curry with the wife and inlaws the other night and was asked if I would start again and I said "don't know, probably not as I'll carry on drinking and I don't want that anymore".
As mentioned before, alcohol does seem to be an all or nothing thing.
DuncanM said:
I'm sorry if my post offends you but I think you're misunderstanding my viewpoint.
Put simply, I know I drink too much at the moment, and I admire people trying to stop. However, the sad message coming across on here is that it seems to be an 'all or nothing' situation for most (including me no doubt!).
The OP's recent post seems to back that up.
I would LOVE to drink more moderately, and have just a single glass with dinner, but it's too easy/tempting to drink more.
No Offence, and from your reply I understand where you are, it's a tough place, I've been there for many years.Put simply, I know I drink too much at the moment, and I admire people trying to stop. However, the sad message coming across on here is that it seems to be an 'all or nothing' situation for most (including me no doubt!).
The OP's recent post seems to back that up.
I would LOVE to drink more moderately, and have just a single glass with dinner, but it's too easy/tempting to drink more.
One part of your brain wants to stop drinking and the associated misery it brings with it or at least knows you should stop, the other half gives you reasons not too give up, confusing stuff.
I've struggled with alcohol since my twenties and have stopped on many occasions, this being my longest in one stint (7 months 21 days) and the benefits have been amazing, I look like a different bloke, lost 3 stone, fitter, better skin, better moods everything better really,and yet when in Covent garden at the weekend and popping in one of the busy pubs for the loo almost every part of me yearned to have a few pints in the lovely pub and soak in the atmosphere and get right on it! Go figure when life's when been so much better without it???
That being said when I was doing my 10k run Sunday morning those thoughts were long gone and forgotten with a clear head and no regrets.
Its tough and confusing at times but I'm going to hang on in there.
pete a said:
DuncanM said:
I'm sorry if my post offends you but I think you're misunderstanding my viewpoint.
Put simply, I know I drink too much at the moment, and I admire people trying to stop. However, the sad message coming across on here is that it seems to be an 'all or nothing' situation for most (including me no doubt!).
The OP's recent post seems to back that up.
I would LOVE to drink more moderately, and have just a single glass with dinner, but it's too easy/tempting to drink more.
No Offence, and from your reply I understand where you are, it's a tough place, I've been there for many years.Put simply, I know I drink too much at the moment, and I admire people trying to stop. However, the sad message coming across on here is that it seems to be an 'all or nothing' situation for most (including me no doubt!).
The OP's recent post seems to back that up.
I would LOVE to drink more moderately, and have just a single glass with dinner, but it's too easy/tempting to drink more.
One part of your brain wants to stop drinking and the associated misery it brings with it or at least knows you should stop, the other half gives you reasons not too give up, confusing stuff.
I've struggled with alcohol since my twenties and have stopped on many occasions, this being my longest in one stint (7 months 21 days) and the benefits have been amazing, I look like a different bloke, lost 3 stone, fitter, better skin, better moods everything better really,and yet when in Covent garden at the weekend and popping in one of the busy pubs for the loo almost every part of me yearned to have a few pints in the lovely pub and soak in the atmosphere and get right on it! Go figure when life's when been so much better without it???
That being said when I was doing my 10k run Sunday morning those thoughts were long gone and forgotten with a clear head and no regrets.
Its tough and confusing at times but I'm going to hang on in there.
Losing weight, being fitter, looking better, all great reasons for giving up
.Damn you Rioja!
So I am a mere 19 days into my stint (going for an initial three months) and already changes are noticeable despite not being a massive binge drinker (I had some wine/ beer daily...ranging from one to three glasses)
So, the whites of my eyes are as white as I have ever seen them. No veins, no redness just pure bright white. My skin is glowing and a friend who I haven't seen since I came off noticed this straight away when we met at the weekend, (sorry for this one) nice clear wee, more stamina when I run and I enjoy a nice sleep. I wake naturally too, on Saturday I was in town for a haircut at 09.30 instead of still being in bed.
So far, so good.
So, the whites of my eyes are as white as I have ever seen them. No veins, no redness just pure bright white. My skin is glowing and a friend who I haven't seen since I came off noticed this straight away when we met at the weekend, (sorry for this one) nice clear wee, more stamina when I run and I enjoy a nice sleep. I wake naturally too, on Saturday I was in town for a haircut at 09.30 instead of still being in bed.
So far, so good.
Coming up to 6 weeks now
Skin is looking better, I have a bit of a glow, my misses says I look less haggered. My skin feels and looks like it did in my early twenties.
Sleeping is improving still, I wake up really "relaxed" like I have had a good night sleep. Once again every night all night I am dreaming, which is getting kind of freaky. I am also dreaming about booze quite a bit. I have always had sleeping issues/disorders and all seem to have subsided that last month or so.
Never really get cravings, but do miss the release from booze, just upping the exercising to help.
My dogs have never been fitter now I can get up really early and treat them to longer walks!
Skin is looking better, I have a bit of a glow, my misses says I look less haggered. My skin feels and looks like it did in my early twenties.
Sleeping is improving still, I wake up really "relaxed" like I have had a good night sleep. Once again every night all night I am dreaming, which is getting kind of freaky. I am also dreaming about booze quite a bit. I have always had sleeping issues/disorders and all seem to have subsided that last month or so.
Never really get cravings, but do miss the release from booze, just upping the exercising to help.
My dogs have never been fitter now I can get up really early and treat them to longer walks!
Garlick said:
So I am a mere 19 days into my stint (going for an initial three months) and already changes are noticeable despite not being a massive binge drinker (I had some wine/ beer daily...ranging from one to three glasses)
So, the whites of my eyes are as white as I have ever seen them. No veins, no redness just pure bright white. My skin is glowing and a friend who I haven't seen since I came off noticed this straight away when we met at the weekend, (sorry for this one) nice clear wee, more stamina when I run and I enjoy a nice sleep. I wake naturally too, on Saturday I was in town for a haircut at 09.30 instead of still being in bed.
So far, so good.
If your skin, eyes and sleep are much better think about your insides.So, the whites of my eyes are as white as I have ever seen them. No veins, no redness just pure bright white. My skin is glowing and a friend who I haven't seen since I came off noticed this straight away when we met at the weekend, (sorry for this one) nice clear wee, more stamina when I run and I enjoy a nice sleep. I wake naturally too, on Saturday I was in town for a haircut at 09.30 instead of still being in bed.
So far, so good.
I reckon less chance of a million and one ailments from mental problems, physical problems etc. especially long term.
Give it 3 months and you will see a big difference.
JFReturns said:
dipwing said:
The stag-do and wedding I attended was only in the UK so I drove. Bit more difficult for you unless you can hire a minibus to cart everyone around??
I'd try to get everyone onside to what you're doing and to be more supportive before the weekend rather than on the day when everyone is toast.
You could always report in to PH every couple of hours or so for some morale boosting!
Other than that sheer will power and determination to keep it up is all I can suggest. Good luck!
I'd try to get everyone onside to what you're doing and to be more supportive before the weekend rather than on the day when everyone is toast.
You could always report in to PH every couple of hours or so for some morale boosting!
Other than that sheer will power and determination to keep it up is all I can suggest. Good luck!
jonah35 said:
If you show weakness they'll be on at you like a pack of wolves. Stand firm and just do what they do, have a laugh, go to the clubs etc, you don't need a drink.
Smitters said:
Top effort Dipwing. You'll be at the 500 day mark in no time and onwards.
Re the stag do, just enjoy it for what it is - mates having fun. It shouldn't require indecent amounts of booze to do that with mates anyway. Be official photographer or something. That could net you quite the income post-do as people pay for deletes...
Thanks for the advice chaps, appreciated. The official photographer idea is a good one Re the stag do, just enjoy it for what it is - mates having fun. It shouldn't require indecent amounts of booze to do that with mates anyway. Be official photographer or something. That could net you quite the income post-do as people pay for deletes...
I'm quite looking forward to it now!
However, and I'm quite proud of myself, whilst everyone else were approaching their 30th beer (!) I only drank ten over the same time. Also stuck to beer, ate loads and was basically sober. Never been able to do that before!
Got to go now, the best man has set up 'beer pong' so I need to figure how I'm going to avoid drinking!
P.s. Barcelona is amazing
JFReturns said:
JFReturns said:
dipwing said:
The stag-do and wedding I attended was only in the UK so I drove. Bit more difficult for you unless you can hire a minibus to cart everyone around??
I'd try to get everyone onside to what you're doing and to be more supportive before the weekend rather than on the day when everyone is toast.
You could always report in to PH every couple of hours or so for some morale boosting!
Other than that sheer will power and determination to keep it up is all I can suggest. Good luck!
I'd try to get everyone onside to what you're doing and to be more supportive before the weekend rather than on the day when everyone is toast.
You could always report in to PH every couple of hours or so for some morale boosting!
Other than that sheer will power and determination to keep it up is all I can suggest. Good luck!
jonah35 said:
If you show weakness they'll be on at you like a pack of wolves. Stand firm and just do what they do, have a laugh, go to the clubs etc, you don't need a drink.
Smitters said:
Top effort Dipwing. You'll be at the 500 day mark in no time and onwards.
Re the stag do, just enjoy it for what it is - mates having fun. It shouldn't require indecent amounts of booze to do that with mates anyway. Be official photographer or something. That could net you quite the income post-do as people pay for deletes...
Thanks for the advice chaps, appreciated. The official photographer idea is a good one Re the stag do, just enjoy it for what it is - mates having fun. It shouldn't require indecent amounts of booze to do that with mates anyway. Be official photographer or something. That could net you quite the income post-do as people pay for deletes...
I'm quite looking forward to it now!
However, and I'm quite proud of myself, whilst everyone else were approaching their 30th beer (!) I only drank ten over the same time. Also stuck to beer, ate loads and was basically sober. Never been able to do that before!
Got to go now, the best man has set up 'beer pong' so I need to figure how I'm going to avoid drinking!
P.s. Barcelona is amazing
The hard part will be quitting again when you get back.
I did the dry January 30 day without any anxiety whatsoever. I am now back on 30 odd units a week and a bit happier if truth be told having proved that I am not an alcoholic. Perhaps I was not drinking enough to feel any benefit from abstinence but I enjoy drinking and accept it as normal human behaviour. I consider myself fortunate however if the doc tested my liver function and advised prohibition I would comply.
Well I have just come back from Poland where we went for my brothers wedding. Ive been off the booze for 16 months now and I think I was the only person at th wedding not drinking.
A few people tried to get me to drink and couldn't understand why I wouldn't. I said its like offering a cigarette to someone who doesn't smoke.
After seeing most people looking incredibly rough, being sick, not eating, sleep-walking, arguing, the usual...... I dont think I will ever drink again.
A few people tried to get me to drink and couldn't understand why I wouldn't. I said its like offering a cigarette to someone who doesn't smoke.
After seeing most people looking incredibly rough, being sick, not eating, sleep-walking, arguing, the usual...... I dont think I will ever drink again.
Adz The Rat said:
Well I have just come back from Poland where we went for my brothers wedding. Ive been off the booze for 16 months now and I think I was the only person at th wedding not drinking.
A few people tried to get me to drink and couldn't understand why I wouldn't. I said its like offering a cigarette to someone who doesn't smoke.
After seeing most people looking incredibly rough, being sick, not eating, sleep-walking, arguing, the usual...... I dont think I will ever drink again.
I'm having that line! A few people tried to get me to drink and couldn't understand why I wouldn't. I said its like offering a cigarette to someone who doesn't smoke.
After seeing most people looking incredibly rough, being sick, not eating, sleep-walking, arguing, the usual...... I dont think I will ever drink again.
And yes it was quite an eye opener for me as well, witnessing a "session" and its aftermath sober...
The Poles like their Wodca big drinkers I know.I remember my old man used to drink a bottle of Genever Old Bols with his mate in one session.He wasn't even that drunk.My mother started to drink when dad died.When I used to visit her I joined her many times heavy drinking and smoking a sig or two.I always felt sorry for my mother and didn't have the heart to say no.
Looking back at my youth and upbringing surprised I am still alive.>
Looking back at my youth and upbringing surprised I am still alive.>
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