365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
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
Joscal said:
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.
Depending on an individual’s drinking habits it would only take a few months off the booze to pay for an ebike. That would make an ideal “reward” and as above ebikes are ridiculous fun and extremely useful. I’m on mine far more than I anticipated. And the novelty of them doesn’t wear off either…Edited by Joscal on Wednesday 29th November 17:57
Blib said:
That's well worth stating.
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.
I struggled a LOT with this at the beginning. My father said he hoped my stopping drinking wasn’t permanent (in his defence he wouldn’t have had a clue what I got up to) and other friends told me I didn’t need to stop as I wasn’t an alcoholic. Wine always flowed growing up and my parents drank from lunchtime every day which I now realise isn’t normal!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.
Neither saw me sitting up all night on my own drinking spirits when everyone else was asleep. It was such a lonely time which I think is the same with any addiction Blib?
Edited by Joscal on Thursday 30th November 10:07
Joscal said:
I struggled a LOT with this at the beginning. My father said he hoped my stopping drinking wasn’t permanent (in his defence he wouldn’t have had a clue what I got up to) and other friends told me I didn’t need to stop as I wasn’t an alcoholic. Wine always flowed growing up and my parents drank from lunchtime every day which I know realise isn’t normal!
Neither saw me sitting up all night on my own drinking spirits when everyone else was asleep. It was such a lonely time which I think is the same with any addiction Blib?
Addiction is complex and personalities present the condition in many ways.Neither saw me sitting up all night on my own drinking spirits when everyone else was asleep. It was such a lonely time which I think is the same with any addiction Blib?
However, a feeling or belief of not being 'part of' is definitely very common.
Although many are aware of this process, , it may take time in recovery for the individual to realise that this has been a factor in their life for years.
Thanks for the responses! Seems its fairly common to lose those that only resonate with that side of you. I must admit I would be open to losing a few friends over the decision but others that potentially may fall away I would be disheartened by!
The music scene is my vice and where most of this comes from, it seems almost impossible to attend events in a capacity that's required without the use of one thing or another. Its relatively normal for a music event to go on for 8-24 hours. Nipping for 3 hours never seems an option!
My partner is very supportive of the decision, more so from a cost saving exercise! Its not uncommon to spend 150-200 on a night out
For those with cravings after committing to no booze, its extremely common. My father was about as close to an alcoholic you could get, he would regularly consume 8-10 cans of Oranjeboom day to day, with his friends over at weekends watching the football, 12 onwards. It wasn't uncommon for me to nip to the offy on my pushbike with a note from dad asking the shop owner for 8 cans for him!
When he went T-Total (perhaps 2004/2005) he instantly replaced it with chocolate. Family bars of Galaxy and minipacks of Ripples for work. From what I understand its the body's initial replacement for addiction that craves something similar. Turns out Sugar is most commonly the easy fix for that. It also gives some of the same function as what Alcohol does.
Stick with it, he's fully off the chocolate now
Ive spent a few days over the week reading this and its extremely helpful. Ill be buying some of the previously mentioned books. Cheers folks
The music scene is my vice and where most of this comes from, it seems almost impossible to attend events in a capacity that's required without the use of one thing or another. Its relatively normal for a music event to go on for 8-24 hours. Nipping for 3 hours never seems an option!
My partner is very supportive of the decision, more so from a cost saving exercise! Its not uncommon to spend 150-200 on a night out
For those with cravings after committing to no booze, its extremely common. My father was about as close to an alcoholic you could get, he would regularly consume 8-10 cans of Oranjeboom day to day, with his friends over at weekends watching the football, 12 onwards. It wasn't uncommon for me to nip to the offy on my pushbike with a note from dad asking the shop owner for 8 cans for him!
When he went T-Total (perhaps 2004/2005) he instantly replaced it with chocolate. Family bars of Galaxy and minipacks of Ripples for work. From what I understand its the body's initial replacement for addiction that craves something similar. Turns out Sugar is most commonly the easy fix for that. It also gives some of the same function as what Alcohol does.
Stick with it, he's fully off the chocolate now
Ive spent a few days over the week reading this and its extremely helpful. Ill be buying some of the previously mentioned books. Cheers folks
axel1990chp said:
The music scene is my vice and where most of this comes from, it seems almost impossible to attend events in a capacity that's required without the use of one thing or another. Its relatively normal for a music event to go on for 8-24 hours. Nipping for 3 hours never seems an option!
I've got some friends that are sober / in recovery that are world-class headline dance acts and travel all over the world playing stadiums and arenas. It can be done sober...My last gig was The Prodigy last year. After the 3rd time some shirtless sweaty loon bumps into you in the mosh pit, you just go with it. It was an incredible performance and I saw the whole thing - I wasn't stuck at the bar trying to get served or worrying about getting caught with gear on me.
I know folks that go to Glastonbury for a week and don't drink or use and have an epic time.
Sebo said:
axel1990chp said:
The music scene is my vice and where most of this comes from, it seems almost impossible to attend events in a capacity that's required without the use of one thing or another. Its relatively normal for a music event to go on for 8-24 hours. Nipping for 3 hours never seems an option!
I've got some friends that are sober / in recovery that are world-class headline dance acts and travel all over the world playing stadiums and arenas. It can be done sober...My last gig was The Prodigy last year. After the 3rd time some shirtless sweaty loon bumps into you in the mosh pit, you just go with it. It was an incredible performance and I saw the whole thing - I wasn't stuck at the bar trying to get served or worrying about getting caught with gear on me.
I know folks that go to Glastonbury for a week and don't drink or use and have an epic time.
Fortunately its not the powder that ive been prone to at music events, its this horrible little liquid beginning with G. Very easy to slip back into that.
axel1990chp said:
I suppose its a state of mind, isn't it! I get quite embarrassed about having a dance about unless I'm at least merrily on my way. The attitude of F it I'm here for me to enjoy myself is what's needed in that regard.
Fortunately its not the powder that ive been prone to at music events, its this horrible little liquid beginning with G. Very easy to slip back into that.
Yes it is mindset. I go to a meditation group and they do a dance night every now and again. Everyone is sober and the 1st time I did it, it was absolutely wonderful. I genuinely had the best time. The more you do these things sober the easier it is. I have been to multiple festivals sober and I no longer ever feel out of place at all. I never used to dance until I was drunk. I used to say "let me have a few more pints".Fortunately its not the powder that ive been prone to at music events, its this horrible little liquid beginning with G. Very easy to slip back into that.
There was a guy in the group that was so used to raves and heavy use of substances. He had such a great time also. It just proves that you do not need these things to enhance an experience.
Once we change our associations it get's incredibly easy. It's like people who can't now drink without powder. They never used to be like that but they feel it's a necessary add on in certain situations.
One thing that's really occurred to me during this little hiatus is how certain things like sound can trigger the need/want for a drink.
On Sunday, finished my shift, minding my own business and not interested in a beer in the slightest, never crossed my mind, but walking passed a pub I heard the Sky Sports Super Sunday football commentary and my mind automatically went "5pm, Gary Neville's voice, cold beer time", as previously, i'd have a beer or 3 most Sundays for the 4.30pm game (even though I have little interest in the premier league).
Same again tonight. Never gave alcohol a second thought, prepping tea in the kitchen with the wireless on in the background and heard my first Xmas song of the year. First place my mind went was whisky. Cold weather + xmas songs = pour a double dram.
Think most my drinking really was a habit as opposed to any need or serious want.
On Sunday, finished my shift, minding my own business and not interested in a beer in the slightest, never crossed my mind, but walking passed a pub I heard the Sky Sports Super Sunday football commentary and my mind automatically went "5pm, Gary Neville's voice, cold beer time", as previously, i'd have a beer or 3 most Sundays for the 4.30pm game (even though I have little interest in the premier league).
Same again tonight. Never gave alcohol a second thought, prepping tea in the kitchen with the wireless on in the background and heard my first Xmas song of the year. First place my mind went was whisky. Cold weather + xmas songs = pour a double dram.
Think most my drinking really was a habit as opposed to any need or serious want.
Sebo said:
Fair play mate, I am s
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 / wking / shopping themselves to death.. after that, they tend to get a handle on things..
Good to hear from you, Seb. Scared of horses but will take your chances with Nessie! Mentalist! I'll drop you a mail separately. 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.. Yesterday i spoke to the wife as for some reason i felt like having a drink more than ever. it's bizarre.
I have my regular 6 monthly scan of my liver and no change. Means nothing better, nothing worse but for me that's a great result. We continue.
I'm hoping your right about the 5 year thing - i'm 4.5yrs sober thus far and need to get my arse in gear and lose weight. I'm 50 in 5 years. That's if i'm still around.
I was thinking about the post the Just a Yellow Badge bade on PH a few years ago. it was a goodbye post and he dies a few days after, liver cancer that had spread and i'm prepared for that conversation at some point. It's a horrible state of mind but i need to keep moving forward.
I'll try and find that post, it's stickied somewhere i'm sure.
NaePasaran said:
One thing that's really occurred to me during this little hiatus is how certain things like sound can trigger the need/want for a drink.
On Sunday, finished my shift, minding my own business and not interested in a beer in the slightest, never crossed my mind, but walking passed a pub I heard the Sky Sports Super Sunday football commentary and my mind automatically went "5pm, Gary Neville's voice, cold beer time", as previously, i'd have a beer or 3 most Sundays for the 4.30pm game (even though I have little interest in the premier league).
Same again tonight. Never gave alcohol a second thought, prepping tea in the kitchen with the wireless on in the background and heard my first Xmas song of the year. First place my mind went was whisky. Cold weather + xmas songs = pour a double dram.
Think most my drinking really was a habit as opposed to any need or serious want.
This is so accurate for me.On Sunday, finished my shift, minding my own business and not interested in a beer in the slightest, never crossed my mind, but walking passed a pub I heard the Sky Sports Super Sunday football commentary and my mind automatically went "5pm, Gary Neville's voice, cold beer time", as previously, i'd have a beer or 3 most Sundays for the 4.30pm game (even though I have little interest in the premier league).
Same again tonight. Never gave alcohol a second thought, prepping tea in the kitchen with the wireless on in the background and heard my first Xmas song of the year. First place my mind went was whisky. Cold weather + xmas songs = pour a double dram.
Think most my drinking really was a habit as opposed to any need or serious want.
We started to re-watch Game of Thrones last night, music comes on.........Chistmas decorations up, on sofa and red wine comes to mind............. luckily I've given all the booze away - so managed to not go to shop as it was so cold and I was already ready for a night in!
The Selfish Gene said:
NaePasaran said:
One thing that's really occurred to me during this little hiatus is how certain things like sound can trigger the need/want for a drink.
On Sunday, finished my shift, minding my own business and not interested in a beer in the slightest, never crossed my mind, but walking passed a pub I heard the Sky Sports Super Sunday football commentary and my mind automatically went "5pm, Gary Neville's voice, cold beer time", as previously, i'd have a beer or 3 most Sundays for the 4.30pm game (even though I have little interest in the premier league).
Same again tonight. Never gave alcohol a second thought, prepping tea in the kitchen with the wireless on in the background and heard my first Xmas song of the year. First place my mind went was whisky. Cold weather + xmas songs = pour a double dram.
Think most my drinking really was a habit as opposed to any need or serious want.
This is so accurate for me.On Sunday, finished my shift, minding my own business and not interested in a beer in the slightest, never crossed my mind, but walking passed a pub I heard the Sky Sports Super Sunday football commentary and my mind automatically went "5pm, Gary Neville's voice, cold beer time", as previously, i'd have a beer or 3 most Sundays for the 4.30pm game (even though I have little interest in the premier league).
Same again tonight. Never gave alcohol a second thought, prepping tea in the kitchen with the wireless on in the background and heard my first Xmas song of the year. First place my mind went was whisky. Cold weather + xmas songs = pour a double dram.
Think most my drinking really was a habit as opposed to any need or serious want.
We started to re-watch Game of Thrones last night, music comes on.........Chistmas decorations up, on sofa and red wine comes to mind............. luckily I've given all the booze away - so managed to not go to shop as it was so cold and I was already ready for a night in!
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