Alcohol - Gave Up
Discussion
Davey S2 said:
I think you become aware that you're drinking far too much when you don't get affected by hangovers. 2 large G&T's and a bottle of wine and the following morning I'm fine other than a bit dehydrated and that's getting up anywhere between 6-7 with the kids.
I think that depends on the person really. I've actually found my hangovers are even worse now than when I was younger. I used to shrug them off despite drinking far more than I do now. I went out on Saturday night, I don't think I went too mad, but I was actually very drunk when I got home, and then on Sunday drank from dinnertime, until 8, again not too mad. I felt so ill for the entirety of the following 2 days I wanted to cut my wrists. Even now, day 3, I'm a lot better but I'm not convinced I'm 100% still.Even just half a dozen cans on a school night now will completely ruin my day. I don't seem to get so much in the way of being sick, or even headaches (although they've started to happen now), but instead I just seem to have bad to agonising gut pain and crippling anxiety. That alone has been enough to make me consider giving up, but like many others on this thread, I do enjoy it, and I don't want to give up completely.
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Wednesday 26th February 16:54
Davey S2 said:
A lot of familiar tales on here.
I need to knock it on the head pretty quickly as I've been gradually drinking more and more and its got a bit OTT now.
I've long tried not to drink during the week but as I'm the one who does all of the cooking I'll regularly have a glass of wine or 2 or a large G&T (or 2) on the go in the kitchen most nights. I probably resemble Keith Floyd
Weekends were a different matter. Probably a couple of large G&T's then pretty much a whole bottle of wine every Friday or Saturday and a bit less on Sunday. My wife hardly drinks in the house. On the weekend she will ask for a glass of wine but only drink half and I'll finish hers (and the rest of the bottle).
She's pulled me up on my drinking a few times recently especially on a Sunday night or week night.
I think you become aware that you're drinking far too much when you don't get affected by hangovers. 2 large G&T's and a bottle of wine and the following morning I'm fine other than a bit dehydrated and that's getting up anywhere between 6-7 with the kids.
Not saying I will stop drinking completely but need to pack it in completely when I'm at home. I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old so nights out on the lash are pretty rare and coupled with the cost of nursery fees means we wouldn't go out and spend a shed load on drinks anyway so not a big concern.
My problem seems to be I have the classic alcohol mentality of if one drink relaxes you and the second makes you feel good imagine how amazing you'll fee after 9 or 10. Worryingly I have one of the other danger signs of drinking a lot when I'm on my own.
If my wife is out for the night I think 'great, I can make whatever food I want, watch whatever I want and drink whatever I want'. Being honest its probably the drink part that I look forward to the most.
Might give the Allen Carr book a go and see if that helps.
Just as a matter of interest, presumably your wife always has to drive if there's any emergencies with the children ?I need to knock it on the head pretty quickly as I've been gradually drinking more and more and its got a bit OTT now.
I've long tried not to drink during the week but as I'm the one who does all of the cooking I'll regularly have a glass of wine or 2 or a large G&T (or 2) on the go in the kitchen most nights. I probably resemble Keith Floyd
Weekends were a different matter. Probably a couple of large G&T's then pretty much a whole bottle of wine every Friday or Saturday and a bit less on Sunday. My wife hardly drinks in the house. On the weekend she will ask for a glass of wine but only drink half and I'll finish hers (and the rest of the bottle).
She's pulled me up on my drinking a few times recently especially on a Sunday night or week night.
I think you become aware that you're drinking far too much when you don't get affected by hangovers. 2 large G&T's and a bottle of wine and the following morning I'm fine other than a bit dehydrated and that's getting up anywhere between 6-7 with the kids.
Not saying I will stop drinking completely but need to pack it in completely when I'm at home. I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old so nights out on the lash are pretty rare and coupled with the cost of nursery fees means we wouldn't go out and spend a shed load on drinks anyway so not a big concern.
My problem seems to be I have the classic alcohol mentality of if one drink relaxes you and the second makes you feel good imagine how amazing you'll fee after 9 or 10. Worryingly I have one of the other danger signs of drinking a lot when I'm on my own.
If my wife is out for the night I think 'great, I can make whatever food I want, watch whatever I want and drink whatever I want'. Being honest its probably the drink part that I look forward to the most.
Might give the Allen Carr book a go and see if that helps.
Robertj21a said:
Davey S2 said:
A lot of familiar tales on here.
I need to knock it on the head pretty quickly as I've been gradually drinking more and more and its got a bit OTT now.
I've long tried not to drink during the week but as I'm the one who does all of the cooking I'll regularly have a glass of wine or 2 or a large G&T (or 2) on the go in the kitchen most nights. I probably resemble Keith Floyd
Weekends were a different matter. Probably a couple of large G&T's then pretty much a whole bottle of wine every Friday or Saturday and a bit less on Sunday. My wife hardly drinks in the house. On the weekend she will ask for a glass of wine but only drink half and I'll finish hers (and the rest of the bottle).
She's pulled me up on my drinking a few times recently especially on a Sunday night or week night.
I think you become aware that you're drinking far too much when you don't get affected by hangovers. 2 large G&T's and a bottle of wine and the following morning I'm fine other than a bit dehydrated and that's getting up anywhere between 6-7 with the kids.
Not saying I will stop drinking completely but need to pack it in completely when I'm at home. I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old so nights out on the lash are pretty rare and coupled with the cost of nursery fees means we wouldn't go out and spend a shed load on drinks anyway so not a big concern.
My problem seems to be I have the classic alcohol mentality of if one drink relaxes you and the second makes you feel good imagine how amazing you'll fee after 9 or 10. Worryingly I have one of the other danger signs of drinking a lot when I'm on my own.
If my wife is out for the night I think 'great, I can make whatever food I want, watch whatever I want and drink whatever I want'. Being honest its probably the drink part that I look forward to the most.
Might give the Allen Carr book a go and see if that helps.
Just as a matter of interest, presumably your wife always has to drive if there's any emergencies with the children ?I need to knock it on the head pretty quickly as I've been gradually drinking more and more and its got a bit OTT now.
I've long tried not to drink during the week but as I'm the one who does all of the cooking I'll regularly have a glass of wine or 2 or a large G&T (or 2) on the go in the kitchen most nights. I probably resemble Keith Floyd
Weekends were a different matter. Probably a couple of large G&T's then pretty much a whole bottle of wine every Friday or Saturday and a bit less on Sunday. My wife hardly drinks in the house. On the weekend she will ask for a glass of wine but only drink half and I'll finish hers (and the rest of the bottle).
She's pulled me up on my drinking a few times recently especially on a Sunday night or week night.
I think you become aware that you're drinking far too much when you don't get affected by hangovers. 2 large G&T's and a bottle of wine and the following morning I'm fine other than a bit dehydrated and that's getting up anywhere between 6-7 with the kids.
Not saying I will stop drinking completely but need to pack it in completely when I'm at home. I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old so nights out on the lash are pretty rare and coupled with the cost of nursery fees means we wouldn't go out and spend a shed load on drinks anyway so not a big concern.
My problem seems to be I have the classic alcohol mentality of if one drink relaxes you and the second makes you feel good imagine how amazing you'll fee after 9 or 10. Worryingly I have one of the other danger signs of drinking a lot when I'm on my own.
If my wife is out for the night I think 'great, I can make whatever food I want, watch whatever I want and drink whatever I want'. Being honest its probably the drink part that I look forward to the most.
Might give the Allen Carr book a go and see if that helps.
the cueball said:
I've still not had a "real" beer or alcohol this year.
Had a few 0% beers as mentioned before.
Starting to worry that I don't feel any better for not drinking, really odd.
In the past, I've felt good for giving it up, lost a bit of weight etc.. but this time.. nothing....
I'm the same as you, I had quite a heavy festive period and decided that the new year should be far more healthy. I did a dry January and had a few drinks in early feb, then stopped again and have been enjoying a 0% beer since.Had a few 0% beers as mentioned before.
Starting to worry that I don't feel any better for not drinking, really odd.
In the past, I've felt good for giving it up, lost a bit of weight etc.. but this time.. nothing....
I've also up'd my exercise levels, but not really found I'm feeling any better for it for this year yet. Maybe when the spring arrives and I'm more active outside I will feel it more.
It would be interesting to hear from others when they started to feel the benefits of being dry or significantly less of a drinker as I'm now almost 2 months in apart from a little at the start of the month and don't feel anything particularly amazing compared to what others say happens.
Am I missing something?
Robertj21a said:
Just as a matter of interest, presumably your wife always has to drive if there's any emergencies with the children ?
I have to say I don't think that's a particularly fair angle of approach.His wife also always has to drive if there's any emergencies with the children when he's:
- away with work
- going for a jog
- in the supermarket
- playing golf
- helping next door get the ferret out of his trousers
We don't need a driver and a back-up driver on hand at all times in case a little person brains themselves on the coffee table.
Had a few whilst away, few beers in the evening, one night we had a meal with a bottle of wine but its so expensive in New York, it curbs your enthusiasm somewhat.
Wife is away so will have a couple on Sat night in my local but wont be drinking friday night as I would have previously and making it an exception rather than a routine.
We shared a bottle of champagne we got for our anniversary over two nights earlier in the week.
Then, next week intend to return to not drinking at all.
Put weight back on whilst away.
Wife is away so will have a couple on Sat night in my local but wont be drinking friday night as I would have previously and making it an exception rather than a routine.
We shared a bottle of champagne we got for our anniversary over two nights earlier in the week.
Then, next week intend to return to not drinking at all.
Put weight back on whilst away.
Canute said:
the cueball said:
I've still not had a "real" beer or alcohol this year.
Had a few 0% beers as mentioned before.
Starting to worry that I don't feel any better for not drinking, really odd.
In the past, I've felt good for giving it up, lost a bit of weight etc.. but this time.. nothing....
I'm the same as you, I had quite a heavy festive period and decided that the new year should be far more healthy. I did a dry January and had a few drinks in early feb, then stopped again and have been enjoying a 0% beer since.Had a few 0% beers as mentioned before.
Starting to worry that I don't feel any better for not drinking, really odd.
In the past, I've felt good for giving it up, lost a bit of weight etc.. but this time.. nothing....
I've also up'd my exercise levels, but not really found I'm feeling any better for it for this year yet. Maybe when the spring arrives and I'm more active outside I will feel it more.
It would be interesting to hear from others when they started to feel the benefits of being dry or significantly less of a drinker as I'm now almost 2 months in apart from a little at the start of the month and don't feel anything particularly amazing compared to what others say happens.
Am I missing something?
I wonder if "other factors" also play a part such as a bit of exercise and some healthy eating. I cut out crisps at the same time and reduced refined carbs.
nealeh1875 said:
Davey S2 said:
Wife is out tonight with work.
Nice curry, watch some crap on TV but won't be drinking.
Davey, your post up the top resonated a lot with me. I don't do ''nights out' until 2/3/4am in the morn but like yourself a few gins and a bottle of wine doesn't touch the sides, wake up fresh as a daisy. Nice curry, watch some crap on TV but won't be drinking.
Since Christmas i cut down my drinking a lot. It used to be
Mon-Thurs - 3 or 4 triple G&T's a night
Friday - 6-8 pints and a curry
Saturday - same , especially if down the football. Then gin at home in the night
Sunday, - Either Gin for most of the day or several pints and Gin if went out for a meal etc.
Every week revolved around it and i made a conscious decision to stop.
I cut out the monday to thursday drink. None whatsoever. coupled that with cutting out snacks. Crisps OMG crisps and gin it felt like that was all i was shoving down my fat neck .
In comparison now i had 3 pints last Friday and a bottle of wine. Its still a lot of beer for the average joe but i felt so much less bloated and well , its a start .
Saturday i hade 2 gin and tonics
sunday not a drop
The last couple weeks though the mon-thurs g&t's have slowly crept back in which i need to cut out.
baby steps anyway, i don't want to give up i just want to cut it down and cut it down a lot.
My wife gets evil if she gets drunk on gin. Very aggressive which isn't like her. She knows to only have a couple now though.
I wont be stopping completely but I have to get out of the habit of just drinking a lot on my own. Drinking is supposed to be a pleasurable thing to do in good company not sat on your own watching tv.
I know that as soon as the kids are in bed tonight I'll really want a few drinks to unwind but I have to knock it on the head. Have a few Becks Blue in the fridge so will see if that satisfies any craving.
Caddyshack said:
My weight has dropped from 83.4 kilos since December, to 75 kilos today (27th Feb), 2 week holiday coming up and plan to be tee total, I think it will be the most recuperative holiday ever for me.
Good for you! I've gone from 94kgs to 86. Physically I feel great 
But the last week has been tough. I think I've hit the wall and feel pretty down. Done some reading and it could be post acute withdraw syndrome (paws) which happens 8 to 10 weeks after giving up. No way am I drinking though! Feeling s
te with a hangover would be 10 times worse. 
HairyMaclary said:
Caddyshack said:
My weight has dropped from 83.4 kilos since December, to 75 kilos today (27th Feb), 2 week holiday coming up and plan to be tee total, I think it will be the most recuperative holiday ever for me.
Good for you! I've gone from 94kgs to 86. Physically I feel great But the last week has been tough. I think I've hit the wall and feel pretty down. Done some reading and it could be post acute withdraw syndrome (paws) which happens 8 to 10 weeks after giving up. No way am I drinking though! Feeling s
te with a hangover would be 10 times worse. Caddyshack said:
It takes a full 6 months for the brain to fully recover, if you have the odd drink here and there it resets the clock...according to what I have read.
I wonder if "other factors" also play a part such as a bit of exercise and some healthy eating. I cut out crisps at the same time and reduced refined carbs.
I have no intention of giving up booze but I cut it down a lot about 4 years ago. I drink the same amount of beer, reduced my wine consumption and gave up on spirits. Result my weight went down from 93 to 82 kilos.I wonder if "other factors" also play a part such as a bit of exercise and some healthy eating. I cut out crisps at the same time and reduced refined carbs.
Davey S2 said:
Well the wife’s night was cancelled due to the weather and train cancellations. She asked me to stop off and get some stuff on my way home including a nice bottle of wine. Pleased to say it’s still unopened in the fridge. ??
Well done!I’m not a ‘big drinker’ (a couple of nights out a month ) but when I do drink it usually results in going slightly OTT and struggling with awful hangovers the next day.
Not touched a drop since NYE and feeling much better for it, I’m not missing the Sunday mornings struggling to get out of bed.
The downside is I have found myself trying to avoid attending social events where alcohol will be involved, got to work on not saying no and either sticking to the diet cokes or just having a couple and not drinking to excess!
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