365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
Whilst I typically don't drink often at all, perhaps once every fortnight, it is usually in excess that evening over a weekend of debauchery. At the end of it I am always feeling very embarrassed by my behaviour, not that its necessarily embarrassing by nature, but that I am quite clearly not myself.
I've decided to start in the new year with a simple change - limit to 1 night out a month - preferably with my partner, and on those nights, a Maximum of 4 alcoholic drinks. Whether that be 4 drinks and game over, 4 drinks prolonged over the entire evening, or 4 drinks chased down and on the non alcoholics for the rest.
I find 4 drinks is the point where I am delightfully merry without tipping the scales the wrong side.
My hope is that following this, I can progress the following year with absolutely no alcohol at all - save for special occasions where the 4 would still apply, anniversary, partners birthday etc.
How does everyone find the social aspect when removing drink? While it sounds silly to even ask, the basis of my entire young adulthood has been social via alcohol/drugs, removing those from my social circle feels as though perhaps I will no longer wish to be within that social circle.
Has anyone lost friends because of their decision to quit/drastically reduce alcohol/drugs?
I've decided to start in the new year with a simple change - limit to 1 night out a month - preferably with my partner, and on those nights, a Maximum of 4 alcoholic drinks. Whether that be 4 drinks and game over, 4 drinks prolonged over the entire evening, or 4 drinks chased down and on the non alcoholics for the rest.
I find 4 drinks is the point where I am delightfully merry without tipping the scales the wrong side.
My hope is that following this, I can progress the following year with absolutely no alcohol at all - save for special occasions where the 4 would still apply, anniversary, partners birthday etc.
How does everyone find the social aspect when removing drink? While it sounds silly to even ask, the basis of my entire young adulthood has been social via alcohol/drugs, removing those from my social circle feels as though perhaps I will no longer wish to be within that social circle.
Has anyone lost friends because of their decision to quit/drastically reduce alcohol/drugs?
axel1990chp said:
How does everyone find the social aspect when removing drink? While it sounds silly to even ask, the basis of my entire young adulthood has been social via alcohol/drugs, removing those from my social circle feels as though perhaps I will no longer wish to be within that social circle.
Has anyone lost friends because of their decision to quit/drastically reduce alcohol/drugs?
There are certainly people that I see a lot less of. But our friendship was limited to going out and getting hammered every now and again. And I was long overdue quitting that lifestyle by the time I stopped anyway. Has anyone lost friends because of their decision to quit/drastically reduce alcohol/drugs?
This is balanced out by seeing more of people where alcohol isn’t the sole focus of a night out - they drink but if we’re going to see a band or do a pub quiz or something it doesn’t matter that I’m not drinking. They’re used to it now but even in the early days they didn’t care.
that is definitely the hardest. The social part. I'm doing so much better, but I can't imagine going sober totally on special occasions.
I do continue to try.
I had a Gin tasting event on Friday, and managed fine, but did drink. No embarrassment and got home by 10pm.
Then had a super stressful day at work, and knew I had some samples - got home and drank them (3 doubles).
Then I've not had anything since, and almost feel relieved I have nothing in plan at all for December. I've already asked my parents to not buy any extra booze for me when I visit at Christmas.
I think reading the Alcohol explained booked has really helped me in that , I now recognise WHY the cravings are what they are at a physiological level.
My brain then, essentially wants to win against itself (if that makes sense). SO, now I want a drink, but I know it's because I'm stressed and the body is trying to get the depressant to reduce the anxiety, but by having one drink, body reacts and I get into a circle of needing a drink to counteract.
Just knowing that fact makes me stronger at not getting on the merrygo around - 90% of the time.
It really has helped me.
I do continue to try.
I had a Gin tasting event on Friday, and managed fine, but did drink. No embarrassment and got home by 10pm.
Then had a super stressful day at work, and knew I had some samples - got home and drank them (3 doubles).
Then I've not had anything since, and almost feel relieved I have nothing in plan at all for December. I've already asked my parents to not buy any extra booze for me when I visit at Christmas.
I think reading the Alcohol explained booked has really helped me in that , I now recognise WHY the cravings are what they are at a physiological level.
My brain then, essentially wants to win against itself (if that makes sense). SO, now I want a drink, but I know it's because I'm stressed and the body is trying to get the depressant to reduce the anxiety, but by having one drink, body reacts and I get into a circle of needing a drink to counteract.
Just knowing that fact makes me stronger at not getting on the merrygo around - 90% of the time.
It really has helped me.
bmwmike said:
I've been reducing my consumption based on this thread, so wanted to check in here and say thanks to everyone who contributes and well done on your respective successes for whatever your own personal goals are, and don't sweat the slip ups. Its all a journey!
This thread literally changed my life!Would echo the thanks to everyone who contributes…
I’ve a social thing coming up this Sunday at someone’s new house warming. I’m not looking forward to it.
I’ve no social life generally and kept away from any bars or functions so it’s not been too bad but I struggle between 6 in the evening and until supper time as that was a usual time for a drink when my wife gets home from work.
We’ve a Christmas village do coming up soon and I’ve stupidly said I will attend for my wife’s sake. That will be tough due to peer pressure. This Christmas Day see’s me hitting a full no booze 12 months.
I’ve no social life generally and kept away from any bars or functions so it’s not been too bad but I struggle between 6 in the evening and until supper time as that was a usual time for a drink when my wife gets home from work.
We’ve a Christmas village do coming up soon and I’ve stupidly said I will attend for my wife’s sake. That will be tough due to peer pressure. This Christmas Day see’s me hitting a full no booze 12 months.
Mr Magooagain said:
We’ve a Christmas village do coming up soon and I’ve stupidly said I will attend for my wife’s sake. That will be tough due to peer pressure. This Christmas Day see’s me hitting a full no booze 12 months.
Don’t worry about peer pressure, you’re more than capable of saying no. Be firm but polite and they’ll get the message.You are less than four weeks away from being a whole year off the drink, that’s a hell of an achievement. Well done. You got this.
axel1990chp said:
Has anyone lost friends because of their decision to quit/drastically reduce alcohol/drugs?
Thankfully, yes.Not true friends, those stayed and I am more than happy to go out with them (with them drinking if they want to). The rest stopped calling because let's be honest, who wants to drink and use to excess around someone that isn't ?
Waking up Saturday morning a fortnight ago feeling like death after a night on the tiles, I've concluded I probably drink far too much. A bottle of wine will easily disappear in an evening, and sometimes a second one will get opened and given a good attempt as well. Haven't touched a drop since, and to be honest the desire to do so has disappeared. I'd very much like to stay off the drink for the foreseeable future, lose a bit of weight & improve my health.
Davie_GLA said:
I've just ticked over 4.5years this weekend and feeling about the same. I NEED to get my arse in gear at get to the gym and lose around 2 stone so for the next challenge i'm going to learn how to ride horses. What could possibly go wrong.
Still want to write a book but when i sit down and map out the s
t i've got up to over the last 2 decades i genuinely sit with my head in my hands it doesn't seem that cathartic anymore. Is this writers block? Do i need a hotel in the mountains and an axe?
Fair play mate, I am sStill want to write a book but when i sit down and map out the s
t i've got up to over the last 2 decades i genuinely sit with my head in my hands it doesn't seem that cathartic anymore. Is this writers block? Do i need a hotel in the mountains and an axe? t scared of horses so I'd rather guide my Dad into my Mum than go near one but look forward to hearing about how you get on 
To those that are struggling with weight (me), I heard someone recently say that his experience of folks that give up drink / drugs is that they spend the first 5 years eating / w
king / shopping themselves to death.. after that, they tend to get a handle on things.. Sebo said:
Thankfully, yes.
Not true friends, those stayed and I am more than happy to go out with them (with them drinking if they want to). The rest stopped calling because let's be honest, who wants to drink and use to excess around someone that isn't ?
Exactly the same for me, yes I lost a few but they were not real friends we just got wrecked together. It hurt me for a while but I read in one of the books that it holds a mirror up to them and they don’t like what they see! I think this is very accurate.Not true friends, those stayed and I am more than happy to go out with them (with them drinking if they want to). The rest stopped calling because let's be honest, who wants to drink and use to excess around someone that isn't ?
True friends will support your decision and understand. It is lonely but it’s vital you fill the void with a healthy hobby, mine was walking I discovered a whole new world by getting off my ass.
Early to bed and hangover free mornings are absolutely priceless if you could bottle the feeling you’d be a very wealthy person!
Roderick Spode said:
Waking up Saturday morning a fortnight ago feeling like death after a night on the tiles, I've concluded I probably drink far too much. A bottle of wine will easily disappear in an evening, and sometimes a second one will get opened and given a good attempt as well. Haven't touched a drop since, and to be honest the desire to do so has disappeared. I'd very much like to stay off the drink for the foreseeable future, lose a bit of weight & improve my health.
It won’t just be “a bit” of weight - I lost 20kg in the year after I quit. It’s not just the booze, it’s the crisps, late night kebabs, lazy mornings followed by a fry up… You will see a reduction in all those things and it has an incredible effect.
I was obese which was completely down to my lifestyle and I got an e-bike which changed my life forever. Couldn’t recommend them enough, I got mine through work at minimal cost to me. I started walking first and the bike came a few years later.
It took time and effort but I’m in relatively good shape now and can walk up hills etc that weren’t even possible before. There’s a forest park near me that I used to go to as a child and I tried it when heavy and it was sooo embarrassing, I couldn’t make it round without stopping and puffing and panting.. I can now whip round it without really noticing.
I was killing myself slowly and it’s crazy when I look back.
If I can do it anyone can do it, I was a professional blackout drinker towards the end. It was horrendous!
It took time and effort but I’m in relatively good shape now and can walk up hills etc that weren’t even possible before. There’s a forest park near me that I used to go to as a child and I tried it when heavy and it was sooo embarrassing, I couldn’t make it round without stopping and puffing and panting.. I can now whip round it without really noticing.
I was killing myself slowly and it’s crazy when I look back.
If I can do it anyone can do it, I was a professional blackout drinker towards the end. It was horrendous!
Joscal said:
I was obese which was completely down to my lifestyle and I got an e-bike which changed my life forever. Couldn’t recommend them enough, I got mine through work at minimal cost to me. I started walking first and the bike came a few years later.
As it happens I checked my GoCycle stats for the first time in ages and nearly fell off my seat!
All its trips are like the one above - short hops around town - quicker than driving, saves wear on the car and with the bonus of a few calories burned off. It all adds up!
The Selfish Gene said:
so - I haven't seen a weight benefit (but I haven't gone cold turkey, but reduced by 90%)
I do find I'm eating more crap. Possibly as a replacement, I need to get a handle on it!
Yep I still struggle with sugar cravings 11 years on…I do find I'm eating more crap. Possibly as a replacement, I need to get a handle on it!
Joscal said:
Exactly the same for me, yes I lost a few but they were not real friends we just got wrecked together. It hurt me for a while but I read in one of the books that it holds a mirror up to them and they don’t like what they see! I think this is very accurate.
True friends will support your decision and understand. It is lonely but it’s vital you fill the void with a healthy hobby, mine was walking I discovered a whole new world by getting off my ass.
Early to bed and hangover free mornings are absolutely priceless if you could bottle the feeling you’d be a very wealthy person!
That's well worth stating.True friends will support your decision and understand. It is lonely but it’s vital you fill the void with a healthy hobby, mine was walking I discovered a whole new world by getting off my ass.
Early to bed and hangover free mornings are absolutely priceless if you could bottle the feeling you’d be a very wealthy person!
It's possible that some of your family and friends will challenge what you're doing.
They'll each have their own reasons for doing so. More often than not, it's their stuff, not yours.
The Selfish Gene said:
great advice on the ebike................ like a really good idea.
I will look at what the deals are. As a motorcyclist i've not really bothered with Ebikes, but I'm assuming it's still a good amount of effort, just assisted.
onwards to the interwebby
If you’re a motorcyclist be prepared to be amazed! I promise, I rode scramblers growing up and E-bikes are as much fun AND it’s exercise too. Don’t listen to idiots that say it’s cheating it really isn’t. I will look at what the deals are. As a motorcyclist i've not really bothered with Ebikes, but I'm assuming it's still a good amount of effort, just assisted.
onwards to the interwebby
Edited by Joscal on Wednesday 29th November 17:57
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