365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
johnwilliams77 said:
The hardest thing for me to believe when I drank more was how much better I could possibly feel. It's quite unbelievable and that's what you have to look forward to. You are reasonably active, often at 17k steps a day but being fit feels different entirely but you have a very good base level of activity to go from. I feel massively better from a hard run/cycle compared to a walk for an hour.
Yeah I can appreciate that. Walking is pretty easy, running is not, and its even more difficult when you're hanging out your arse most of the time.TameRacingDriver said:
Yeah I can appreciate that. Walking is pretty easy, running is not, and its even more difficult when you're hanging out your arse most of the time.
That's why C25K was invented. 20/30secs easy jog at a time and in 2months ish you're running for 30mins continuously...
johnwilliams77 said:
That's why C25K was invented. 20/30secs easy jog at a time and in 2months ish you're running for 30mins continuously...
I think I'll take it one step at a time for now. The big thing for me now is to change my habits, and do it permanently. Not the half-arsed attempts of the past. As for tonight, that will be easy. I feel poisoned and the thought of a drink is actually making me feel sick anyway!For what it's worth I found exercise a useful way of filling new found time in a constructive way. Whatever works though. Gaming, learning the guitar, reading. You'll be amazed at all the time and energy you find, though the first few weeks will probably be rough. I would expect some disrupted sleep, headaches and general blah. Vitamins, good food and perseverance will get you through. Good luck. Keep us up to date.
Just agreeing that excercise can make giving up the booze much easier. The happy hormones you get after some cardio can more than match the "happy" feelings from booze, IMO.
I have just gone 3 years without a drop of booze, thanks largely to taking up running around the same time.
I'm slightly anxious about having to take 6 months off from running due to an operation coming up next month. I'm hoping that I can stay strong and keep off it. Even now, I feel that I would struggle going back to booze in moderation. I tend to be an all or nothing kind of guy. Just "cutting down" never worked for me.
I have just gone 3 years without a drop of booze, thanks largely to taking up running around the same time.
I'm slightly anxious about having to take 6 months off from running due to an operation coming up next month. I'm hoping that I can stay strong and keep off it. Even now, I feel that I would struggle going back to booze in moderation. I tend to be an all or nothing kind of guy. Just "cutting down" never worked for me.
Smitters said:
For what it's worth I found exercise a useful way of filling new found time in a constructive way. Whatever works though. Gaming, learning the guitar, reading. You'll be amazed at all the time and energy you find, though the first few weeks will probably be rough. I would expect some disrupted sleep, headaches and general blah. Vitamins, good food and perseverance will get you through. Good luck. Keep us up to date.
Thanks mate. I know from past experience to expect the first few nights to be a bit rough with the sleep thing. I’ll be expecting hot sweats, very vivid dreams and possibly some insomnia thrown in for good measure. I’ll get there though. I’ll definitely keep you up to date, this is sort of my support group now !I think the comments about not believing how much better you will feel are bang on on the money. I'm coming up for about 3 weeks without a drop, which has not been easy at all had the threat of losing job on top of a divorce/selling house.
BUT.....to wake up in the morning rested, with a clear head and no "fear" is incredible. The hardest thing, and I think this is the same for most is finding other activities to fill the time. I am actively hitting the gym pretty hard, started learning a new language (always wanted to do) and tried to catch up with old mates even over the phone (no drinking that way). Also getting lots of "life admin" sorted out is very satisfying - things you generally put off!
I am nervous about going back home in a week, as will see lots of old pals who will want to share a beer or two. At the end of the day, whether you cut back a lot or totally stop you are taking back control which is a major positive.
BUT.....to wake up in the morning rested, with a clear head and no "fear" is incredible. The hardest thing, and I think this is the same for most is finding other activities to fill the time. I am actively hitting the gym pretty hard, started learning a new language (always wanted to do) and tried to catch up with old mates even over the phone (no drinking that way). Also getting lots of "life admin" sorted out is very satisfying - things you generally put off!
I am nervous about going back home in a week, as will see lots of old pals who will want to share a beer or two. At the end of the day, whether you cut back a lot or totally stop you are taking back control which is a major positive.
Wall05 said:
I think the comments about not believing how much better you will feel are bang on on the money. I'm coming up for about 3 weeks without a drop, which has not been easy at all had the threat of losing job on top of a divorce/selling house.
BUT.....to wake up in the morning rested, with a clear head and no "fear" is incredible. The hardest thing, and I think this is the same for most is finding other activities to fill the time. I am actively hitting the gym pretty hard, started learning a new language (always wanted to do) and tried to catch up with old mates even over the phone (no drinking that way). Also getting lots of "life admin" sorted out is very satisfying - things you generally put off!
I am nervous about going back home in a week, as will see lots of old pals who will want to share a beer or two. At the end of the day, whether you cut back a lot or totally stop you are taking back control which is a major positive.
Thanks fella, it's encouraging. BUT.....to wake up in the morning rested, with a clear head and no "fear" is incredible. The hardest thing, and I think this is the same for most is finding other activities to fill the time. I am actively hitting the gym pretty hard, started learning a new language (always wanted to do) and tried to catch up with old mates even over the phone (no drinking that way). Also getting lots of "life admin" sorted out is very satisfying - things you generally put off!
I am nervous about going back home in a week, as will see lots of old pals who will want to share a beer or two. At the end of the day, whether you cut back a lot or totally stop you are taking back control which is a major positive.
Last night was about as I expected. Getting to sleep took a while, with some vivid dreams and walking up drenched in sweat. I do feel better this morning than yesterday which is a relief but hardly surprising!
Tonight will be harder as I'm up early in the morning traveling for work so if I can't get to sleep I'm gonna be knackered!
Been reading this thread for a long time and never had the courage to post.
Bit of background I am 25, gym 6 days a week and in 'good shape'. I have a decent career and have just bought my first house. However my relationship with alcohol has become unmanageable. I feel like I'm on a slippery slope and am starting to drink as a way of coping and to make myself feel better. I drink pretty much every night and always regret it the following morning. But the pull of the pub or the beers at home is too strong and I have very low will power.
Alcohol has been the cause of the break up of two relationships this year. It always starts with small arguments and then I think f
k it I'll have a beer and the end up losing control of my temper (never violent just nasty arguments) and being quite horrible! (I'm usually a happy go lucky kinda guy).
I'm genuinely at a loss, the thought of giving up booze forever makes me feel empty and like I'll have nothing to do. Without wanting to sound melodramatic I feel like booze is my best friend. I am so unhappy.
Not sure what im expecting by posting this however I feel a little bit better just for doing it.
Bit of background I am 25, gym 6 days a week and in 'good shape'. I have a decent career and have just bought my first house. However my relationship with alcohol has become unmanageable. I feel like I'm on a slippery slope and am starting to drink as a way of coping and to make myself feel better. I drink pretty much every night and always regret it the following morning. But the pull of the pub or the beers at home is too strong and I have very low will power.
Alcohol has been the cause of the break up of two relationships this year. It always starts with small arguments and then I think f
k it I'll have a beer and the end up losing control of my temper (never violent just nasty arguments) and being quite horrible! (I'm usually a happy go lucky kinda guy). I'm genuinely at a loss, the thought of giving up booze forever makes me feel empty and like I'll have nothing to do. Without wanting to sound melodramatic I feel like booze is my best friend. I am so unhappy.
Not sure what im expecting by posting this however I feel a little bit better just for doing it.
TameRacingDriver said:
Thanks fella, it's encouraging.
Last night was about as I expected. Getting to sleep took a while, with some vivid dreams and walking up drenched in sweat. I do feel better this morning than yesterday which is a relief but hardly surprising!
Tonight will be harder as I'm up early in the morning traveling for work so if I can't get to sleep I'm gonna be knackered!
Well done. It gets easier.Last night was about as I expected. Getting to sleep took a while, with some vivid dreams and walking up drenched in sweat. I do feel better this morning than yesterday which is a relief but hardly surprising!
Tonight will be harder as I'm up early in the morning traveling for work so if I can't get to sleep I'm gonna be knackered!
I went home last night & the missus was on her first vodka. I didnt join her & she didnt have anymore either.
Keep it going
Jamie VTS said:
Been reading this thread for a long time and never had the courage to post.
Bit of background I am 25, gym 6 days a week and in 'good shape'. I have a decent career and have just bought my first house. However my relationship with alcohol has become unmanageable. I feel like I'm on a slippery slope and am starting to drink as a way of coping and to make myself feel better. I drink pretty much every night and always regret it the following morning. But the pull of the pub or the beers at home is too strong and I have very low will power.
Alcohol has been the cause of the break up of two relationships this year. It always starts with small arguments and then I think fk it I'll have a beer and the end up losing control of my temper (never violent just nasty arguments) and being quite horrible! (I'm usually a happy go lucky kinda guy).
I'm genuinely at a loss, the thought of giving up booze forever makes me feel empty and like I'll have nothing to do. Without wanting to sound melodramatic I feel like booze is my best friend. I am so unhappy.
Not sure what im expecting by posting this however I feel a little bit better just for doing it.
Hi mate - at least you recognise the problem now when you're young and still in good shape.Bit of background I am 25, gym 6 days a week and in 'good shape'. I have a decent career and have just bought my first house. However my relationship with alcohol has become unmanageable. I feel like I'm on a slippery slope and am starting to drink as a way of coping and to make myself feel better. I drink pretty much every night and always regret it the following morning. But the pull of the pub or the beers at home is too strong and I have very low will power.
Alcohol has been the cause of the break up of two relationships this year. It always starts with small arguments and then I think f
k it I'll have a beer and the end up losing control of my temper (never violent just nasty arguments) and being quite horrible! (I'm usually a happy go lucky kinda guy). I'm genuinely at a loss, the thought of giving up booze forever makes me feel empty and like I'll have nothing to do. Without wanting to sound melodramatic I feel like booze is my best friend. I am so unhappy.
Not sure what im expecting by posting this however I feel a little bit better just for doing it.
I'm 38 and have drank nearly every day now for best part of 20 years. I wished I had cut down earlier. I am just beginning my journey with this (last night was my first night).
I know what you mean about feeling empty. I've always been known as a bit of a party animal and for a while I revelled in that reputation. As I reach middle age though, the side effects are terrible and its been that which has spurred me into action.
I know you are young and thats what young people do, but at least if you do something about it now, there won't be any lasting damage. You get to my age, and you can't really be sure of that.
Good luck
RRLover said:
Well done. It gets easier.
I went home last night & the missus was on her first vodka. I didnt join her & she didnt have anymore either.
Keep it going
Thanks mate.I went home last night & the missus was on her first vodka. I didnt join her & she didnt have anymore either.
Keep it going
One thing that has made it harder for me to stop in the past as the missus loves her booze as well. She says she will also try but I have my doubts she'll be able to. For now, I've just got to think about myself.
TameRacingDriver said:
Jamie VTS said:
Been reading this thread for a long time and never had the courage to post.
Bit of background I am 25, gym 6 days a week and in 'good shape'. I have a decent career and have just bought my first house. However my relationship with alcohol has become unmanageable. I feel like I'm on a slippery slope and am starting to drink as a way of coping and to make myself feel better. I drink pretty much every night and always regret it the following morning. But the pull of the pub or the beers at home is too strong and I have very low will power.
Alcohol has been the cause of the break up of two relationships this year. It always starts with small arguments and then I think fk it I'll have a beer and the end up losing control of my temper (never violent just nasty arguments) and being quite horrible! (I'm usually a happy go lucky kinda guy).
I'm genuinely at a loss, the thought of giving up booze forever makes me feel empty and like I'll have nothing to do. Without wanting to sound melodramatic I feel like booze is my best friend. I am so unhappy.
Not sure what im expecting by posting this however I feel a little bit better just for doing it.
Hi mate - at least you recognise the problem now when you're young and still in good shape.Bit of background I am 25, gym 6 days a week and in 'good shape'. I have a decent career and have just bought my first house. However my relationship with alcohol has become unmanageable. I feel like I'm on a slippery slope and am starting to drink as a way of coping and to make myself feel better. I drink pretty much every night and always regret it the following morning. But the pull of the pub or the beers at home is too strong and I have very low will power.
Alcohol has been the cause of the break up of two relationships this year. It always starts with small arguments and then I think f
k it I'll have a beer and the end up losing control of my temper (never violent just nasty arguments) and being quite horrible! (I'm usually a happy go lucky kinda guy). I'm genuinely at a loss, the thought of giving up booze forever makes me feel empty and like I'll have nothing to do. Without wanting to sound melodramatic I feel like booze is my best friend. I am so unhappy.
Not sure what im expecting by posting this however I feel a little bit better just for doing it.
I'm 38 and have drank nearly every day now for best part of 20 years. I wished I had cut down earlier. I am just beginning my journey with this (last night was my first night).
I know what you mean about feeling empty. I've always been known as a bit of a party animal and for a while I revelled in that reputation. As I reach middle age though, the side effects are terrible and its been that which has spurred me into action.
I know you are young and thats what young people do, but at least if you do something about it now, there won't be any lasting damage. You get to my age, and you can't really be sure of that.
Good luck
Good luck and go for it.
Skodasupercar said:
I had an attempt at stopping drinking this time last year. I did well and managed a few months off the sauce, but come the summer, I slipped back into the habbit of having a beer after work.
Going to try again from today and try and go for the rest of my life without it. I don't think that I have any great problem with alcohol, but I know I am a better person when I exclude it from my life.
Well this was what I had posted back in 2014. I had a few attempts but the lure of a beer in the evening after work was too strong. Like a lot of people with kids (or indeed without), I had slipped into a bad habit. I wouldn't say I have ever had a problem with alchohol but regular drinking takes a toll after a while on the bank balance and the waist line.Going to try again from today and try and go for the rest of my life without it. I don't think that I have any great problem with alcohol, but I know I am a better person when I exclude it from my life.
Well as of today, I am 365 days without having a drink, and I don't intend to ever drink again. I feel healthier, I am thinner and am generally a better person without drink.
To those currently trying, stick with it. It gets easier. You will feel better.
The feeling better bit is a funny one. It creeps up on you (well it did for me) and I didn't notice any difference for while. Then all of a sudden one day I looked back and realised how far I had come.
Well done fella.
Re: the feeling better bit, I'll be interested to see how much better I feel, I'm hoping it will be a lot better. Currently I get a lot of gut pain, indigestion, bloating and the like, not to mention lethargy, lack of energy, motivation, lack of interest in things, mild to moderate depression, anxiety and a few other things, and have done so for a very long time. I will be disappointed if that doesn't improve, but I have no reason to suppose it wont.
Fingers crossed anyway!
Re: the feeling better bit, I'll be interested to see how much better I feel, I'm hoping it will be a lot better. Currently I get a lot of gut pain, indigestion, bloating and the like, not to mention lethargy, lack of energy, motivation, lack of interest in things, mild to moderate depression, anxiety and a few other things, and have done so for a very long time. I will be disappointed if that doesn't improve, but I have no reason to suppose it wont.
Fingers crossed anyway!
TameRacingDriver said:
Well done fella.
Re: the feeling better bit, I'll be interested to see how much better I feel, I'm hoping it will be a lot better. Currently I get a lot of gut pain, indigestion, bloating and the like, not to mention lethargy, lack of energy, motivation, lack of interest in things, mild to moderate depression, anxiety and a few other things, and have done so for a very long time. I will be disappointed if that doesn't improve, but I have no reason to suppose it wont.
Fingers crossed anyway!
We are both starting on this journey. Good luck and please drop me a message whenever you like. I feel that being 'accountable' to you guys and sharing my journey will really help. Re: the feeling better bit, I'll be interested to see how much better I feel, I'm hoping it will be a lot better. Currently I get a lot of gut pain, indigestion, bloating and the like, not to mention lethargy, lack of energy, motivation, lack of interest in things, mild to moderate depression, anxiety and a few other things, and have done so for a very long time. I will be disappointed if that doesn't improve, but I have no reason to suppose it wont.
Fingers crossed anyway!
I have a first date tonight... meeting at a pub. Going to be a tough start to this journey for me!!
Thanks for your support guys.
Jamie VTS said:
We are both starting on this journey. Good luck and please drop me a message whenever you like. I feel that being 'accountable' to you guys and sharing my journey will really help.
I have a first date tonight... meeting at a pub. Going to be a tough start to this journey for me!!
Thanks for your support guys.
I'd avoid dating for the moment if you're trying to quit the booze.I have a first date tonight... meeting at a pub. Going to be a tough start to this journey for me!!
Thanks for your support guys.
Jamie VTS said:
I have a first date tonight... meeting at a pub.
Ooooffff I wouldn't be able to start a journey like this that way, but good luck with it anyway I agree with the other chap though, if it's a big thing for you, concentrate on the booze bit first. Then, once you're comfortable with it all, go dating.
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