365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
Carrot said:
100000%. It took me about 2 weeks before it happened, now I sleep like the dead and wake up feeling ready for the day. Can't believe I spent so many years voluntarily making myself feel like s
t. Bizarre when you think about it!
So true, I can’t believe I did it to myself for so long too. I blamed everything else when the reality is it was drink all along.t. Bizarre when you think about it!Life is just so much easier without it!
Carrot said:
Joined for interest, although im giving up permanently.
I have tried cutting down and doing 30 days off, always feel fantastic like a new life has been given then I start moderately drinking which spirals back to square 1.
It's not doing me any good so on the 8th I had my last drink ever.
Actually feels good to say "that's it". And easier too.
That resonates with me. I'm coming up to 2 years alcohol free and it's been no bother really. I do find it easier to say "that's it" than to be dipping in and out of the alcohol lifestyle. If you drink sometimes, your mates expect you to when *they want you to* I have tried cutting down and doing 30 days off, always feel fantastic like a new life has been given then I start moderately drinking which spirals back to square 1.
It's not doing me any good so on the 8th I had my last drink ever.
Actually feels good to say "that's it". And easier too.
K12beano said:
500 Miles said:
Will I make it to 365 days? Whilst I’m not actually missing it, I don’t think I will.
Change your name to “500 Days”.... then you’ll have no excuse! 
But you’re doing well - no one can take away what you’ve already achieved......
(Slightly smuggly creeping up on two years, just three days to go, so on Day 727 today I reckon)
Congrats on 2 years!
500 Miles said:
K12beano said:
500 Miles said:
Will I make it to 365 days? Whilst I’m not actually missing it, I don’t think I will.
Change your name to “500 Days”.... then you’ll have no excuse! But you’re doing well - no one can take away what you’ve already achieved......
(Slightly smuggly creeping up on two years, just three days to go, so on Day 727 today I reckon)
Congrats on 2 years!
Question for those with mates / other halves that "want" you to start drinking again?
I am being very harsh with them if they try to say "oh go on, just one" because I am taking this seriously and I don't think they understand the problem I have. Luckily I have very few 'friends' like that, and I will certainly have fewer friends by choice if they carry on...
How do you handle these types?
I am being very harsh with them if they try to say "oh go on, just one" because I am taking this seriously and I don't think they understand the problem I have. Luckily I have very few 'friends' like that, and I will certainly have fewer friends by choice if they carry on...
How do you handle these types?
Carrot said:
Question for those with mates / other halves that "want" you to start drinking again?
I am being very harsh with them if they try to say "oh go on, just one" because I am taking this seriously and I don't think they understand the problem I have. Luckily I have very few 'friends' like that, and I will certainly have fewer friends by choice if they carry on...
How do you handle these types?
If they do that, they aren't your friends. I am being very harsh with them if they try to say "oh go on, just one" because I am taking this seriously and I don't think they understand the problem I have. Luckily I have very few 'friends' like that, and I will certainly have fewer friends by choice if they carry on...
How do you handle these types?
I downloaded an app to tell me days, I had a good idea, certainly knew how many years.
Chronic alcoholic here tried the lot, many times, eventually afer many attemps AA worked.
7900 days.
It's impossible to put it into words as to how my life has changed, I now consider it easier to think of having lived 2 lives', one so bad that it just highlights to me how good and lucky my second life is.
Chronic alcoholic here
tried the lot, many times, eventually afer many attemps AA worked.7900 days.
It's impossible to put it into words as to how my life has changed, I now consider it easier to think of having lived 2 lives', one so bad that it just highlights to me how good and lucky my second life is.
Bob-iylho said:
I downloaded an app to tell me days, I had a good idea, certainly knew how many years.
Chronic alcoholic here tried the lot, many times, eventually afer many attemps AA worked.
7900 days.
It's impossible to put it into words as to how my life has changed, I now consider it easier to think of having lived 2 lives', one so bad that it just highlights to me how good and lucky my second life is.
Just downloaded one - good idea. And well done, that is proper commitment.Chronic alcoholic here
tried the lot, many times, eventually afer many attemps AA worked.7900 days.
It's impossible to put it into words as to how my life has changed, I now consider it easier to think of having lived 2 lives', one so bad that it just highlights to me how good and lucky my second life is.
This may not be in the spirit (sorry! :-) ) of the thread, but seems a decent place to ask...
...has anyone planned a deliberate return to moderate 'normal' drinking after a long period of abstinence?
I've not drunk now for around 9 months. I stopped as I had depression and was drinking heavily, so removing the alcohol was one factor in the treatment of the depression. I'm now fully recovered from the depression, and have techniques in place to manage it should I find myself starting to experience issues again.
So thoughts have turned to whether or not I want to drink again. I won't lie, I've really missed a bottle of red, but otherwise not drinking has been fine after the first month or so which was tough. Sleep vastly improved, as did general health, haven't lost any weight though.
I go round in circles on thinking I'd done what I needed to do, for the reasons I needed to do it, and now it's time to get back to normal. But on the other hand I've done 9 months, will I be pissed at myself for 'breaking the streak', will I go back to drinking heavily daily?
...has anyone planned a deliberate return to moderate 'normal' drinking after a long period of abstinence?
I've not drunk now for around 9 months. I stopped as I had depression and was drinking heavily, so removing the alcohol was one factor in the treatment of the depression. I'm now fully recovered from the depression, and have techniques in place to manage it should I find myself starting to experience issues again.
So thoughts have turned to whether or not I want to drink again. I won't lie, I've really missed a bottle of red, but otherwise not drinking has been fine after the first month or so which was tough. Sleep vastly improved, as did general health, haven't lost any weight though.
I go round in circles on thinking I'd done what I needed to do, for the reasons I needed to do it, and now it's time to get back to normal. But on the other hand I've done 9 months, will I be pissed at myself for 'breaking the streak', will I go back to drinking heavily daily?
CheesecakeRunner said:
This may not be in the spirit (sorry! :-) ) of the thread, but seems a decent place to ask...
...has anyone planned a deliberate return to moderate 'normal' drinking after a long period of abstinence?
I've not drunk now for around 9 months. I stopped as I had depression and was drinking heavily, so removing the alcohol was one factor in the treatment of the depression. I'm now fully recovered from the depression, and have techniques in place to manage it should I find myself starting to experience issues again.
So thoughts have turned to whether or not I want to drink again. I won't lie, I've really missed a bottle of red, but otherwise not drinking has been fine after the first month or so which was tough. Sleep vastly improved, as did general health, haven't lost any weight though.
I go round in circles on thinking I'd done what I needed to do, for the reasons I needed to do it, and now it's time to get back to normal. But on the other hand I've done 9 months, will I be pissed at myself for 'breaking the streak', will I go back to drinking heavily daily?
It depends on you I guess. I have tried and failed several times over the years to drink in moderation. No matter how carefully I try, I always end up back in the several bottles an evening phase....has anyone planned a deliberate return to moderate 'normal' drinking after a long period of abstinence?
I've not drunk now for around 9 months. I stopped as I had depression and was drinking heavily, so removing the alcohol was one factor in the treatment of the depression. I'm now fully recovered from the depression, and have techniques in place to manage it should I find myself starting to experience issues again.
So thoughts have turned to whether or not I want to drink again. I won't lie, I've really missed a bottle of red, but otherwise not drinking has been fine after the first month or so which was tough. Sleep vastly improved, as did general health, haven't lost any weight though.
I go round in circles on thinking I'd done what I needed to do, for the reasons I needed to do it, and now it's time to get back to normal. But on the other hand I've done 9 months, will I be pissed at myself for 'breaking the streak', will I go back to drinking heavily daily?
I am sure some can manage it, even after bouts of drinking heavily for months. I know 100% now that I cannot do it, so the only option is not to.
Will you go back to drinking heavily daily? If this is a question you are asking yourself, maybe the answer is yes.
Carrot said:
Will you go back to drinking heavily daily? If this is a question you are asking yourself, maybe the answer is yes.
Almost certainly, you may have one or two the first time but the mind has learnt over many years of positive mental reinforcement and you will probably pick up where you left off very quickly.Sheets Tabuer said:
Carrot said:
Will you go back to drinking heavily daily? If this is a question you are asking yourself, maybe the answer is yes.
Almost certainly, you may have one or two the first time but the mind has learnt over many years of positive mental reinforcement and you will probably pick up where you left off very quickly.Generally I tend not to try and preach, so to speak but the concept of going back to alcohol after a destructive bout of depression to me seems quite dangerous.
Each and every time you start drinking you will of course have in mind your plan to invoke if you feel like you are slipping again but bear in mind this makes perfect sense to a brain that isn't currently enjoying the vast levels of dopamine being provided by our mate, booze.
Again, it's impossible for me to speak on your behalf but I know if it were me and I started feeling depressed half a bottle in the first thought wouldn't be to cork it and go sober up. Nope, that bottle and anything else is coming with me and to hell with the consequences.
Until the morning.
It's only then you truly realise the impact of what was a very well conceived plan that was thrown away in favour of a sesh.
Each and every time you start drinking you will of course have in mind your plan to invoke if you feel like you are slipping again but bear in mind this makes perfect sense to a brain that isn't currently enjoying the vast levels of dopamine being provided by our mate, booze.
Again, it's impossible for me to speak on your behalf but I know if it were me and I started feeling depressed half a bottle in the first thought wouldn't be to cork it and go sober up. Nope, that bottle and anything else is coming with me and to hell with the consequences.
Until the morning.
It's only then you truly realise the impact of what was a very well conceived plan that was thrown away in favour of a sesh.
CheesecakeRunner said:
This may not be in the spirit (sorry! :-) ) of the thread, but seems a decent place to ask...
...has anyone planned a deliberate return to moderate 'normal' drinking after a long period of abstinence?
I've not drunk now for around 9 months. I stopped as I had depression and was drinking heavily, so removing the alcohol was one factor in the treatment of the depression. I'm now fully recovered from the depression, and have techniques in place to manage it should I find myself starting to experience issues again.
So thoughts have turned to whether or not I want to drink again. I won't lie, I've really missed a bottle of red, but otherwise not drinking has been fine after the first month or so which was tough. Sleep vastly improved, as did general health, haven't lost any weight though.
I go round in circles on thinking I'd done what I needed to do, for the reasons I needed to do it, and now it's time to get back to normal. But on the other hand I've done 9 months, will I be pissed at myself for 'breaking the streak', will I go back to drinking heavily daily?
Yes more than once and it never ever even came close to working. ...has anyone planned a deliberate return to moderate 'normal' drinking after a long period of abstinence?
I've not drunk now for around 9 months. I stopped as I had depression and was drinking heavily, so removing the alcohol was one factor in the treatment of the depression. I'm now fully recovered from the depression, and have techniques in place to manage it should I find myself starting to experience issues again.
So thoughts have turned to whether or not I want to drink again. I won't lie, I've really missed a bottle of red, but otherwise not drinking has been fine after the first month or so which was tough. Sleep vastly improved, as did general health, haven't lost any weight though.
I go round in circles on thinking I'd done what I needed to do, for the reasons I needed to do it, and now it's time to get back to normal. But on the other hand I've done 9 months, will I be pissed at myself for 'breaking the streak', will I go back to drinking heavily daily?
I'm eight months into sobriety following a major heart operation and only wish I'd done it years ago.....not the heart op mind you! 
The feeling of waking up Saturday mornings with a spring in my step ready to do a 6 mile walk or a 15 mile bike ride, far surpasses the headaches, nausea and lethargy.
I miss alcohol about as much as the pain after the kindly surgeon separated my rib cage.
Alcohol was a fickle friend with whom I have no intention of reforming a relationship!
The feeling of waking up Saturday mornings with a spring in my step ready to do a 6 mile walk or a 15 mile bike ride, far surpasses the headaches, nausea and lethargy.
I miss alcohol about as much as the pain after the kindly surgeon separated my rib cage.
Alcohol was a fickle friend with whom I have no intention of reforming a relationship!
One of the main issues inherent in all addictions is a tendency to rationalise problem use away.
"It wasn't really that bad", "Fred drinks more than me and he seems to be able to stop, so I should too", "I know where I went wrong last time and I'm not going to do that again" or "Surely, after all this time, one is not going to hurt?"
IMO the factors that lead to dependency are very often far deeper than just an obsession or a physical craving. I believe addiction begins well before the first behaviour or substance is "picked up". However, this is not the place for me to pontificate my own theory on addiction.
Suffice it to say the vast majority of those with, in this thread's case, alcohol dependency, will be unable to return to "normal" drinking. I've worked with some who have managed it. So, it is not impossible. But, I can count them on the fingers of one hand. Furthermore, there seems to be little enjoyment left for them. Just a stubborn, relentless "I'll show you" attitude.
I've worked with many, many more who've tried controlled drinking and failed miserably. As someone mentioned above. the individual rapidly returns to their old using pattern and then often the situation gets worse.
A alcoholic relapse ENDS when the individual picks up a drink. It begins long before with that little, insistent voice. "I can control it. This time it's going to be different".
"It wasn't really that bad", "Fred drinks more than me and he seems to be able to stop, so I should too", "I know where I went wrong last time and I'm not going to do that again" or "Surely, after all this time, one is not going to hurt?"
IMO the factors that lead to dependency are very often far deeper than just an obsession or a physical craving. I believe addiction begins well before the first behaviour or substance is "picked up". However, this is not the place for me to pontificate my own theory on addiction.
Suffice it to say the vast majority of those with, in this thread's case, alcohol dependency, will be unable to return to "normal" drinking. I've worked with some who have managed it. So, it is not impossible. But, I can count them on the fingers of one hand. Furthermore, there seems to be little enjoyment left for them. Just a stubborn, relentless "I'll show you" attitude.
I've worked with many, many more who've tried controlled drinking and failed miserably. As someone mentioned above. the individual rapidly returns to their old using pattern and then often the situation gets worse.
A alcoholic relapse ENDS when the individual picks up a drink. It begins long before with that little, insistent voice. "I can control it. This time it's going to be different".
Edited by Blib on Wednesday 26th August 16:33
woodnut67 said:
I'm eight months into sobriety following a major heart operation and only wish I'd done it years ago.....not the heart op mind you!
The feeling of waking up Saturday mornings with a spring in my step ready to do a 6 mile walk or a 15 mile bike ride, far surpasses the headaches, nausea and lethargy.
I miss alcohol about as much as the pain after the kindly surgeon separated my rib cage.
Alcohol was a fickle friend with whom I have no intention of reforming a relationship!
Strange, I always thought alcohol was an arshole of an enemy to me but since I've been sober I've come to think I was the aThe feeling of waking up Saturday mornings with a spring in my step ready to do a 6 mile walk or a 15 mile bike ride, far surpasses the headaches, nausea and lethargy.
I miss alcohol about as much as the pain after the kindly surgeon separated my rib cage.
Alcohol was a fickle friend with whom I have no intention of reforming a relationship!
hole and alcohol was just the chosen tool. Davie_GLA said:
Generally I tend not to try and preach, so to speak but the concept of going back to alcohol after a destructive bout of depression to me seems quite dangerous.
Each and every time you start drinking you will of course have in mind your plan to invoke if you feel like you are slipping again but bear in mind this makes perfect sense to a brain that isn't currently enjoying the vast levels of dopamine being provided by our mate, booze.
Again, it's impossible for me to speak on your behalf but I know if it were me and I started feeling depressed half a bottle in the first thought wouldn't be to cork it and go sober up. Nope, that bottle and anything else is coming with me and to hell with the consequences.
Until the morning.
It's only then you truly realise the impact of what was a very well conceived plan that was thrown away in favour of a sesh.
I appreciate your thoughts. Alcohol for me was always used to treat the depression, rather than being a cause of it, although it certainly didn’t help with it being a chemical depressant too. Each and every time you start drinking you will of course have in mind your plan to invoke if you feel like you are slipping again but bear in mind this makes perfect sense to a brain that isn't currently enjoying the vast levels of dopamine being provided by our mate, booze.
Again, it's impossible for me to speak on your behalf but I know if it were me and I started feeling depressed half a bottle in the first thought wouldn't be to cork it and go sober up. Nope, that bottle and anything else is coming with me and to hell with the consequences.
Until the morning.
It's only then you truly realise the impact of what was a very well conceived plan that was thrown away in favour of a sesh.
That’s not to excuse it, and I am certainly more on the side of continued abstinence. I suspect these thoughts have come about as I’ve been off it so long (relatively) now, my brain is being fooled into thinking everything is fine. When really it’s not.
Blib said:
One of the main issues inherent in all addictions is a tendency to rationalise problem use away.
"It wasn't really that bad", "Fred drinks more than me and he seems to be able to stop, so I should too", "I know where I went wrong last time and I'm not going to do that again" or "Surely, after all this time, one is not going to hurt?"
IMO the factors that lead to dependency are very often far deeper than just an obsession or a physical craving. I believe addiction begins well before the first behaviour or substance is "picked up". However, this is not the place for me to pontificate my own theory on addiction.
Suffice it to say the vast majority of those with, in this thread's case, alcohol dependency, will be unable to return to "normal" drinking. I've worked with some who have managed it. So, it is not impossible. But, I can count them on the fingers of one hand. Furthermore, there seems to be little enjoyment left for them. Just a stubborn, relentless "I'll show you" attitude.
I've worked with many, many more who've tried controlled drinking and failed miserably. As someone mentioned above. the individual rapidly returns to their old using pattern and then often the situation gets worse.
A alcoholic relapse ENDS when the individual picks up a drink. It begins long before with that little, insistent voice. "I can control it. This time it's going to be different".
I couldn't have put it better myself. Thanks Blib. "It wasn't really that bad", "Fred drinks more than me and he seems to be able to stop, so I should too", "I know where I went wrong last time and I'm not going to do that again" or "Surely, after all this time, one is not going to hurt?"
IMO the factors that lead to dependency are very often far deeper than just an obsession or a physical craving. I believe addiction begins well before the first behaviour or substance is "picked up". However, this is not the place for me to pontificate my own theory on addiction.
Suffice it to say the vast majority of those with, in this thread's case, alcohol dependency, will be unable to return to "normal" drinking. I've worked with some who have managed it. So, it is not impossible. But, I can count them on the fingers of one hand. Furthermore, there seems to be little enjoyment left for them. Just a stubborn, relentless "I'll show you" attitude.
I've worked with many, many more who've tried controlled drinking and failed miserably. As someone mentioned above. the individual rapidly returns to their old using pattern and then often the situation gets worse.
A alcoholic relapse ENDS when the individual picks up a drink. It begins long before with that little, insistent voice. "I can control it. This time it's going to be different".
Edited by Blib on Wednesday 26th August 16:33
238 days today. Last night I popped into a pub I absolutely love for the first time in 2020 and sober. My mind played a trick and I so nearly ordered a pint of my usual and had to think.. No I don't drink anymore. Was an odd feeling and I'm glad I left it this long to pop in as I know it is a likely trigger.
To the amusement of the landlord I had a lime and soda. Actually the light hearted banter (grief) I got will prevent me going back anytime soon.
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