365 days without booze... join me?

[mattuk89]

First weekend done, and feeling good, been to the gym both mornings, I’ve always trained even when I’ve had heavy weekends but it’s just so much easier when clean.

I’ve found my sleep always immediately improves as soon I have stopped, always wake up early and ready to seize the day, I always wake up early anyway, even going to bed at 5am after a session I’ll still be awake before 8, so maybe I’m just getting better sleep as I’m actually having a set bedtime.

I do feel like I am angrier, and my temper is shorter, don’t know if that’s from stopping drinking or stopping the other stuff..

Either way I’m a better person when I’m sober and get to actually enjoy my weekend with my little family, I just need to remember all this when someone invites me out for a drink!

[toastyhamster]

Ugh, last couple of days were a pain in the arse, usually if I'm taking a break I'll still drink Fri/Sat eves. Prepared with nibbles and soft drinks and by 9pm any craving wore off and good both nights. Next four nights should be straightforward as "school nights". Unlike some on here I'm hoping to put weight on rather than lose it, I'm scraping along the lower limit of healthy BMI so need to bulk up - mainly loss of appetite due to family stuff happening last couple of years.

Sleep getting a little better, starting to have dreams again, which is par for the course when I stop.

Kids football this morning, made it clear early on I wasn't going to the pub to watch any football with any of the other parents today, far too tempting.

Well done everybody.

[thenortherner]

For the last 3 years or so I've been drinking 2 cans of beer a day, everyday, and maybe 3 at a weekend. I'm not exactly at rock star levels of alcolhol intake! That said it's become habitual and I've done much the same in the past as I'm doing now. I can't say as I'm an alcoholic or even have a dependancy, it's more just habitual and routine.

In 2013 I went dry for 18 months.

I'm going to aim for 12 months again this time around and started on NYD. I'm not really craving it so far and this has been the longest I've been without alcohol for years. That sounds bad.

I've been really struggling to sleep since I stopped albeit 5 days ago. I'm awake until all hours and getting no more than 5 hours sleep. Then getting back from work and falling asleep for an hour or so. Not too sure if it's related to the lack of drink and / or change in diet too.

I'm also aiming to go from 15st 5lb back down to the 12st I was a few years ago too. So some work to be done on the diet and not just drink. My 3x weekly takeaways and a starter of a tube of Pringles has to go.

Edited by thenortherner on Sunday 5th January 18:41

[Mikee19]

MarkGArgyle said:

Right, I’m in. Been watching this thread for a year or so now with jealousy and having drunk far too much for the last years, including a warning for fatty liver and almost losing my marriage it is time to stop.

Some great stories here and I will be looking for support as having moved away my friends and family network is limited...

What else do people use for motivation - recommended iOS apps etc? I tried Allen Carr’s book but it didn’t really strike a chord as someone else said.

Looking forward to finally beating the cycle

Edited by MarkGArgyle on Sunday 5th January 10:11

When I stopped I found hitting the gym, weights in particular, helped me a lot, you get the endorphins and feel great afterwards. Cutting out alcohol also helps you to improve your fitness and achieve your goals so there's added motivation.

Recently I have started running and it's the same, I keep thinking the day before a run that I don't want to eat junk food as it will kill my run the next day. After a run I get the endorphins and feeling of achievement.

[JayBM]

So I'm going to join in dry 2020 I think. I came to the realisation that I had become a little too reliant on a drink last year. I stopped drinking in October (initially for a month) but carried on for the rest of the year. I was worried that the break down of my marriage just before Xmas may see me relapse but although I did have a couple of glasses on Xmas day and then a bigger than intended NYE, I've not been tempted since.

2020 is going to be a year of change and improvement for me and I think not drinking is going to be one of the core goals!

Congrats to everyone who managed 2019 dry and good luck to everyone who is attempting January or beyond this year.

[Blib]

I work in the field of addiction. I know that most here just want to regulate their drinking, or stop for a while. However, if you're struggling there's quite a lot of support out there.

If you're wary of the approach used by organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous then Smart Recovery may work for you.

https://smartrecovery.org.uk/about-our-organisatio...

Best of luck to you all. Sometimes it helps to think "I just won't drink today" rather than "I'm never going to drink again".

The days turn into weeks, months and then years.

[Tim16V]

Blib said:

I work in the field of addiction. I know that most here just want to regulate their drinking, or stop for a while. However, if you're struggling there's quite a lot of support out there.

If you're wary of the approach used by organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous then Smart Recovery may work for you.

https://smartrecovery.org.uk/about-our-organisatio...

Best of luck to you all. Sometimes it helps to think "I just won't drink today" rather than "I'm never going to drink again".

The days turn into weeks, months and then years.

Yes! I came off it for a few days 'just to see what it was like' and have made it to 8 years without any problem.

Turned a week in to a month, one month to three and so forth. After a year I was 'in too deep ' to ruin all the good work.

[Joscal]

Blib said:

I work in the field of addiction. I know that most here just want to regulate their drinking, or stop for a while. However, if you're struggling there's quite a lot of support out there.

If you're wary of the approach used by organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous then Smart Recovery may work for you.

https://smartrecovery.org.uk/about-our-organisatio...

Best of luck to you all. Sometimes it helps to think "I just won't drink today" rather than "I'm never going to drink again".

The days turn into weeks, months and then years.

Very much this for me too, take each day at a time is very cliche but was very true for me at the beginning, when I woke up the next day I was so pleased to have done another day. It’s definitely addictive!

[thenortherner]

thenortherner said:

For the last 3 years or so I've been drinking 2 cans of beer a day, everyday, and maybe 3 at a weekend. I'm not exactly at rock star levels of alcolhol intake! That said it's become habitual and I've done much the same in the past as I'm doing now. I can't say as I'm an alcoholic or even have a dependancy, it's more just habitual and routine.

In 2013 I went dry for 18 months.

I'm going to aim for 12 months again this time around and started on NYD. I'm not really craving it so far and this has been the longest I've been without alcohol for years. That sounds bad.

I've been really struggling to sleep since I stopped albeit 5 days ago. I'm awake until all hours and getting no more than 5 hours sleep. Then getting back from work and falling asleep for an hour or so. Not too sure if it's related to the lack of drink and / or change in diet too.

I'm also aiming to go from 15st 5lb back down to the 12st I was a few years ago too. So some work to be done on the diet and not just drink. My 3x weekly takeaways and a starter of a tube of Pringles has to go.

Edited by thenortherner on Sunday 5th January 18:41

Blib - in your honest opinion, given your profession, what's your reckoning to this? Is this the definition of alcoholism?

[Blib]

thenortherner said:

thenortherner said:

For the last 3 years or so I've been drinking 2 cans of beer a day, everyday, and maybe 3 at a weekend. I'm not exactly at rock star levels of alcolhol intake! That said it's become habitual and I've done much the same in the past as I'm doing now. I can't say as I'm an alcoholic or even have a dependancy, it's more just habitual and routine.

In 2013 I went dry for 18 months.

I'm going to aim for 12 months again this time around and started on NYD. I'm not really craving it so far and this has been the longest I've been without alcohol for years. That sounds bad.

I've been really struggling to sleep since I stopped albeit 5 days ago. I'm awake until all hours and getting no more than 5 hours sleep. Then getting back from work and falling asleep for an hour or so. Not too sure if it's related to the lack of drink and / or change in diet too.

I'm also aiming to go from 15st 5lb back down to the 12st I was a few years ago too. So some work to be done on the diet and not just drink. My 3x weekly takeaways and a starter of a tube of Pringles has to go.

Edited by thenortherner on Sunday 5th January 18:41

Blib - in your honest opinion, given your profession, what's your reckoning to this? Is this the definition of alcoholism?

Impossible for me to say. Addiction is REALLY complicated. Dependency is often a manifestation of other deeper, longstanding issues.

If you are concerned, see your GP. Depending on where you live you will have a chance to speak with a NHS addiction worker, or be referred to other support services.

Good luck.

[thatsprettyshady]

Blib said:

I work in the field of addiction. I know that most here just want to regulate their drinking, or stop for a while. However, if you're struggling there's quite a lot of support out there.

If you're wary of the approach used by organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous then Smart Recovery may work for you.

https://smartrecovery.org.uk/about-our-organisatio...

Best of luck to you all. Sometimes it helps to think "I just won't drink today" rather than "I'm never going to drink again".

The days turn into weeks, months and then years.

Those smart groups are very good, from experience.

[Blib]

thatsprettyshady said:

Those smart groups are very good, from experience.

As is AA, CA, NA etc. It's horses for courses. Try them all out and find one that suits.

Of course, you could see an addiction therapist. We're GREAT!!!!

[Joscal]

I mentioned my mother and her recent alcoholism earlier in this post, I got a call from my Dad at 11pm last night and had to go and help him get her off the floor having fallen a split her head open in two places. Blood and piss absolutely everywhere it looked like a murder scene in the movies. She was screaming at us using dreadful language.

This is after a fall down the stairs last year which nearly killed her (broken shoulder) and four other falls including a broken hip. This is her fourth trip to A&E and I hoped they would keep her in to be honest but alas she’s home already.

And yet they both continue to drink. She was an amazing Mother until about three years ago, it terrifies me to see how it goes downhill.

I hesitate putting this here as I’m a very private person but thought I’d share as it’s sobering seeing where it can end. The glamorous adverts don’t show this side.

Good luck all who are trying it’s the best thing you will ever do for yourself.

[FocusRS3]

Joscal said:

I mentioned my mother and her recent alcoholism earlier in this post, I got a call from my Dad at 11pm last night and had to go and help him get her off the floor having fallen a split her head open in two places. Blood and piss absolutely everywhere it looked like a murder scene in the movies. She was screaming at us using dreadful language.

This is after a fall down the stairs last year which nearly killed her (broken shoulder) and four other falls including a broken hip. This is her fourth trip to A&E and I hoped they would keep her in to be honest but alas she’s home already.

And yet they both continue to drink. She was an amazing Mother until about three years ago, it terrifies me to see how it goes downhill.

I hesitate putting this here as I’m a very private person but thought I’d share as it’s sobering seeing where it can end. The glamorous adverts don’t show this side.

Good luck all who are trying it’s the best thing you will ever do for yourself.

Sorry to hear this and it cant be a nice thing to witness im sure.

Maybe if your dad quit she would make an effort to stop too do you think ?

I'm always mindful of being pissed in front of the kids. It does appear to be our generation that considers alcohol to be part of everyday life.

As you say there are consequences

[Smitters]

Blib said:

As is AA, CA, NA etc. It's horses for courses. Try them all out and find one that suits.

Of course, you could see an addiction therapist. We're GREAT!!!!

I dunno - I heard of one who just spent all their time checking some forum on their phone and trying to switch the conversation from booze to how good cars are...

[Blib]

Well, my colleagues are really good!



@ Joscal. You can get support for yourself from "Al-anon". Its a group for family members of alcoholics.

Google them, there's sure to be a meeting close to you.

[365Clean]

FocusRS3 said:

Joscal said:

I mentioned my mother and her recent alcoholism earlier in this post, I got a call from my Dad at 11pm last night and had to go and help him get her off the floor having fallen a split her head open in two places. Blood and piss absolutely everywhere it looked like a murder scene in the movies. She was screaming at us using dreadful language.

This is after a fall down the stairs last year which nearly killed her (broken shoulder) and four other falls including a broken hip. This is her fourth trip to A&E and I hoped they would keep her in to be honest but alas she’s home already.

And yet they both continue to drink. She was an amazing Mother until about three years ago, it terrifies me to see how it goes downhill.

I hesitate putting this here as I’m a very private person but thought I’d share as it’s sobering seeing where it can end. The glamorous adverts don’t show this side.

Good luck all who are trying it’s the best thing you will ever do for yourself.

Sorry to hear this and it cant be a nice thing to witness im sure.

Maybe if your dad quit she would make an effort to stop too do you think ?

I'm always mindful of being pissed in front of the kids. It does appear to be our generation that considers alcohol to be part of everyday life.

As you say there are consequences

Dad also quitting - easier said than done I would imagine. Whilst my wife agrees alcohol has started to negatively impact my life and is keen and supportive of me stopping, she has no intention of stopping herself. Which I can understand as she's able to moderate far better than me. She is however supporting me by doing dry January, but she'll be back on it in February.

I also worry about the kids element, and it's one of the reason's I'm stopping, I drink far too much in front of the kids. We do lots of socialising with our kids and friends, so it's all just morphs into one.

Joscal - hope things get sorted, can't imagine that's a pleasant position to be in. Any particular reason the drinking suddenly ramped up?

That's 7 days dry for me today. I got sooo much more done this weekend than previous weekends, not waking up like death on Sat and Sun morning helps considerably. Got a Parkrun done on Sat morning and I'm just arranging a game of squash for later in the week - a game I haven't played for 20 years.

I've also started my 5:2 diet today to assist the weightloss, 500 calories for me today. I'm normally fine during the day, it's this evening that will be a test.

Motivation levels are high at the moment, just hope I can maintain them at these levels.

[FocusRS3]

[quote=365Clean]

Dad also quitting - easier said than done I would imagine. Whilst my wife agrees alcohol has started to negatively impact my life and is keen and supportive of me stopping, she has no intention of stopping herself. Which I can understand as she's able to moderate far better than me. She is however supporting me by doing dry January, but she'll be back on it in February.

I also worry about the kids element, and it's one of the reason's I'm stopping, I drink far too much in front of the kids. We do lots of socialising with our kids and friends, so it's all just morphs into one.

Must be a female thing as my wife will pour a glass and end up putting most of it back in the bottle. I'm an all or nothing man.

Tricky when socializing i know. Also gets annoying being asked why you're not drinking.....

[bristolracer]

Joscal said:

I mentioned my mother and her recent alcoholism earlier in this post, I got a call from my Dad at 11pm last night and had to go and help him get her off the floor having fallen a split her head open in two places. Blood and piss absolutely everywhere it looked like a murder scene in the movies. She was screaming at us using dreadful language.

And yet they both continue to drink. She was an amazing Mother until about three years ago, it terrifies me to see how it goes downhill.

I have a friend in her late 50s who used to get like this.
She still drinks but has changed what she drinks, If she drank Bacardi she became like your mum, seriously abusive to others around her, lashing out at loved ones. She still drinks heavily but changing to Vodka has definitely stopped her being an aggressive drunk. Stella is nicknamed wifebeater for a reason, some alcohols just bring out the worst in people.
While the best solution for your Mum is to stop drinking, you may be able to calm things down by changing what she drinks?

[Joscal]

Thanks for the comments much appreciated. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do until she decides to tackle it, I’ve spoken to Doctors, al anon, rehab facilities etc and they all say the same.

Deep down she is just so unhappy that drink is her only friend, tragic really when this is so far from the truth.

She 70 this month and has always joked about shooting her when she gets old and I believe this is where it all stems from, she just can’t cope..

On a brighter note she hasn’t asked for a drink today and my dad is adamant that’s it for him too. Time will tell.

Edited by Joscal on Tuesday 7th January 06:50