365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
deckster said:
FreeLitres said:
When I first gave up I found that running really helped as mood booster and helped me to feel tired at night.
Even 20 minutes at a moderate pace really helped. Worth a try if you are struggling in the early days.
Definitely this.Even 20 minutes at a moderate pace really helped. Worth a try if you are struggling in the early days.
It's a blindingly obvious truism, but it really does help if you are actually physically tired when trying to go to sleep.
Blib said:
Davetheraver said:
So I only stopped on Sunday, and am really struggling to get to sleep of a night. Guess my body just isn’t used to switching off without a few drinks to help.
I have to be up in 4.5 hours and currently feel like I have had 15 coffee’s
That seems about right for two days in. I have to be up in 4.5 hours and currently feel like I have had 15 coffee’s
150 Days today. Started with no particular plan which basically was "I not drinking today". Have had no cravings , sleep has been as most here. A bit broken and now settled to better than OK.
Today had had the big surprise. Out for a shortish walk aiming for about 5k. After about 1k I felt tired and had to sit for while. I carried on & had to cut the walk short at 3 k with a couple of rests. Measured my BP when I got in - 78/50. Normally about 134/86. I'm on BP tablets to keep at that level. Spoke with the doctor so am now on a plan to reduce/end the BP tablets. An effect I didn't even consider.
There was me thinking how lucky I am not having any problems with this
Today had had the big surprise. Out for a shortish walk aiming for about 5k. After about 1k I felt tired and had to sit for while. I carried on & had to cut the walk short at 3 k with a couple of rests. Measured my BP when I got in - 78/50. Normally about 134/86. I'm on BP tablets to keep at that level. Spoke with the doctor so am now on a plan to reduce/end the BP tablets. An effect I didn't even consider.
There was me thinking how lucky I am not having any problems with this
Atheda said:
150 Days today. Started with no particular plan which basically was "I not drinking today". Have had no cravings , sleep has been as most here. A bit broken and now settled to better than OK.
Today had had the big surprise. Out for a shortish walk aiming for about 5k. After about 1k I felt tired and had to sit for while. I carried on & had to cut the walk short at 3 k with a couple of rests. Measured my BP when I got in - 78/50. Normally about 134/86. I'm on BP tablets to keep at that level. Spoke with the doctor so am now on a plan to reduce/end the BP tablets. An effect I didn't even consider.
There was me thinking how lucky I am not having any problems with this
That sounds like a good problem to have to me. Reduce the meds and still maintain a healthy bop it’s all good. Well done.Today had had the big surprise. Out for a shortish walk aiming for about 5k. After about 1k I felt tired and had to sit for while. I carried on & had to cut the walk short at 3 k with a couple of rests. Measured my BP when I got in - 78/50. Normally about 134/86. I'm on BP tablets to keep at that level. Spoke with the doctor so am now on a plan to reduce/end the BP tablets. An effect I didn't even consider.
There was me thinking how lucky I am not having any problems with this
Plus, you are a better man than me. Day three and a client asked me out for lunch and I caved. Balancing the work and social side against trying to stop is going to be hard. Probably the wrong time of year to be trying given the way my social life works so might hold off until new year. Two and a half days!! Pathetic.
No cravings or anything though other than broken sleep, just bowed to peer pressure and social expectations
Davetheraver said:
That sounds like a good problem to have to me. Reduce the meds and still maintain a healthy bop it’s all good. Well done.
Plus, you are a better man than me. Day three and a client asked me out for lunch and I caved. Balancing the work and social side against trying to stop is going to be hard. Probably the wrong time of year to be trying given the way my social life works so might hold off until new year. Two and a half days!! Pathetic.
No cravings or anything though other than broken sleep, just bowed to peer pressure and social expectations
Your first effort was far from 'pathetic'. Plus, you are a better man than me. Day three and a client asked me out for lunch and I caved. Balancing the work and social side against trying to stop is going to be hard. Probably the wrong time of year to be trying given the way my social life works so might hold off until new year. Two and a half days!! Pathetic.
No cravings or anything though other than broken sleep, just bowed to peer pressure and social expectations
You're beginning to learn about your processes around abstinence and how to address issues when they next crop up.
I'd say that's a success. File that away for next time.
Long time lurker, but signed up specifically to post because this thread has helped me to kick the drink.. if only for a short period of time.
To cut a long story short, I'm 35, enjoyed the beer since I was 18 but it's probably only the last 7 years where I seem to have gotten into a habit of daily evening drinking. Most weekdays I average 3 cans of 4% Lager, and on weekends probably 6 or 7.. so looking at 50 units per week. Did I think I had a problem? No, I'm quite fit, lift decent weights weekly and never drank so much that I had hangovers daily.
Do I have a problem though? Yes. Adding up the total volume of 6 or 7 cans (440ml) and trying to divide it by a pint (568ml) to justify a lower number should have set alarm bells off earlier than it did. That's right, I actually did that..
I can't pinpoint how it happened, but I suspect its just been a gradual increase in consumption due to working away and enjoying beers in the hotel at the companies expense etc which carried over into home life.
I've been toying with the idea of cutting down for a while, and I've checked into this thread over and over again for some motivation. Anyway, the stop trigger came 13 days ago, blood pressure was sky high (170/100) during a bout of anxiety and I just thought you know what, I'm not 18 any longer. I want to see my kids grow up, hopefully be around to have grandchildren and I really should spend more time progressing academically.
So how is it going? To be honest I feel no different 13 days in, sleeping has remained good, probably less snoring but I know my liver will be all the better for it at least. One thing I did notice is that keeping busy during the evening means I don't even think about a drink, so getting back into games and ramping up the fitness regime is really helping. What doesn't help though is just sitting in front of Netflix, my hands are just too used to lifting a beer in that setting so I'm trying to reduce screen time to prevent any unnecessary temptations.
How long will I go for? I don't know, I don't want to quit completely.. just moderate my consumption, including not drinking at all on weekdays.
So yeah, there's my two pennies anyway, hope it helps someone! :-)
To cut a long story short, I'm 35, enjoyed the beer since I was 18 but it's probably only the last 7 years where I seem to have gotten into a habit of daily evening drinking. Most weekdays I average 3 cans of 4% Lager, and on weekends probably 6 or 7.. so looking at 50 units per week. Did I think I had a problem? No, I'm quite fit, lift decent weights weekly and never drank so much that I had hangovers daily.
Do I have a problem though? Yes. Adding up the total volume of 6 or 7 cans (440ml) and trying to divide it by a pint (568ml) to justify a lower number should have set alarm bells off earlier than it did. That's right, I actually did that..
I can't pinpoint how it happened, but I suspect its just been a gradual increase in consumption due to working away and enjoying beers in the hotel at the companies expense etc which carried over into home life.
I've been toying with the idea of cutting down for a while, and I've checked into this thread over and over again for some motivation. Anyway, the stop trigger came 13 days ago, blood pressure was sky high (170/100) during a bout of anxiety and I just thought you know what, I'm not 18 any longer. I want to see my kids grow up, hopefully be around to have grandchildren and I really should spend more time progressing academically.
So how is it going? To be honest I feel no different 13 days in, sleeping has remained good, probably less snoring but I know my liver will be all the better for it at least. One thing I did notice is that keeping busy during the evening means I don't even think about a drink, so getting back into games and ramping up the fitness regime is really helping. What doesn't help though is just sitting in front of Netflix, my hands are just too used to lifting a beer in that setting so I'm trying to reduce screen time to prevent any unnecessary temptations.
How long will I go for? I don't know, I don't want to quit completely.. just moderate my consumption, including not drinking at all on weekdays.
So yeah, there's my two pennies anyway, hope it helps someone! :-)
Edited by bustersword on Friday 20th November 10:12
Great to read so many good stories in here. I haven’t posted before because, as my post count to months a member ratio shows I am a reader more than a talker!
Anyway, I have just hit two years sober, having originally planned a four month dry period as a reset and health drive. I also, if I’m honest with myself, needed to prove I could go without as I felt I was probably quite dependent. No longer a social occasion only thing, drink became a crutch to help cope with anxiety. Anyone who’s tried that knows it does not end well. I also hate not being in control and as a usually “in control” drunk I had a scare when I couldn’t remember a particular family party where my kids saw me leathered. I wasn’t badly behaved at all but still, unnerving and not something I enjoyed. So to put a stop to the crippling dark days when panic got the better of me and to regain control I went with the break as a reset and have not looked back.
My biggest fears initially were; not being able to stop, being shunned by friends, colleagues etc and being unable to enjoy stuff.
The former I was ok with because my wife and friends were very supportive. Being shunned was no problem because not drinking was a convo starter and stood me out. I’ve had the odd person say something negative but they have always been drunk! The latter I’ve learned to get over. A night out rarely ends late now anyway as I’m 40 and not into that, but not drinking is perfectly normal now. I don’t need a p*as every ten minutes, I can drive myself there and back whenever I want, I see that nothing good happens after midnight when everyone is leathered and I sleep and feel MUCH better.
Most reaction from people now is envy. They wish they could do it. A couple of friends have done dry periods after seeing me do it and that is a great feeling for me, to have inspired someone even a little bit as I don’t generally consider myself to be the sort of person anyone would look to.
It hasn’t been easy, I got the odd urge for a beer on a sunny day but that is rare now. When I stop and think it is a situational urge rather than a chemical one, if that makes sense?! The concept of “having a beer in the sun” sounds nice, but not because of the alcohol content, rather the sitting still!
Most importantly for me has been developing new, small habits. Much like lockdown has taught many, we humans can recalibrate and find joy in seemingly smaller things when the bigger ones aren’t available. I look forward to a cold can of Coke or a Ribena (!) where once it was beer.
I also found that not drinking made exercise more enjoyable, the results came quicker and the will to keep up and eat better escalates. A snowball effect really.
Anyway, it’s worked well for me. It’s been hard at times but overall a hugely rewarding experience and FOMO doesn’t last long if you still do the socialising but exit when you see everyones eyelids drop and don’t care what they think (they probably didn’t think about your absence much anyway).
Stick at it if you’re trying though and don’t be down if you need to restart.
Anyway, I have just hit two years sober, having originally planned a four month dry period as a reset and health drive. I also, if I’m honest with myself, needed to prove I could go without as I felt I was probably quite dependent. No longer a social occasion only thing, drink became a crutch to help cope with anxiety. Anyone who’s tried that knows it does not end well. I also hate not being in control and as a usually “in control” drunk I had a scare when I couldn’t remember a particular family party where my kids saw me leathered. I wasn’t badly behaved at all but still, unnerving and not something I enjoyed. So to put a stop to the crippling dark days when panic got the better of me and to regain control I went with the break as a reset and have not looked back.
My biggest fears initially were; not being able to stop, being shunned by friends, colleagues etc and being unable to enjoy stuff.
The former I was ok with because my wife and friends were very supportive. Being shunned was no problem because not drinking was a convo starter and stood me out. I’ve had the odd person say something negative but they have always been drunk! The latter I’ve learned to get over. A night out rarely ends late now anyway as I’m 40 and not into that, but not drinking is perfectly normal now. I don’t need a p*as every ten minutes, I can drive myself there and back whenever I want, I see that nothing good happens after midnight when everyone is leathered and I sleep and feel MUCH better.
Most reaction from people now is envy. They wish they could do it. A couple of friends have done dry periods after seeing me do it and that is a great feeling for me, to have inspired someone even a little bit as I don’t generally consider myself to be the sort of person anyone would look to.
It hasn’t been easy, I got the odd urge for a beer on a sunny day but that is rare now. When I stop and think it is a situational urge rather than a chemical one, if that makes sense?! The concept of “having a beer in the sun” sounds nice, but not because of the alcohol content, rather the sitting still!
Most importantly for me has been developing new, small habits. Much like lockdown has taught many, we humans can recalibrate and find joy in seemingly smaller things when the bigger ones aren’t available. I look forward to a cold can of Coke or a Ribena (!) where once it was beer.
I also found that not drinking made exercise more enjoyable, the results came quicker and the will to keep up and eat better escalates. A snowball effect really.
Anyway, it’s worked well for me. It’s been hard at times but overall a hugely rewarding experience and FOMO doesn’t last long if you still do the socialising but exit when you see everyones eyelids drop and don’t care what they think (they probably didn’t think about your absence much anyway).
Stick at it if you’re trying though and don’t be down if you need to restart.
23 days in for me now....
I planned to go booze free for lock down, but I will keep this up for longer. Aiming to reach Christmas Eve booze free now. I know that i will enjoy a few drinks over the festive period, but moderation will be in the forefront of my mind.
Out running far more, 5 miles every evening this week so far. Strava app downloaded to factor in accountability and demonstrate progress. Sleeping better, snoring less, far better concentration levels, weight coming off etc etc.
Honestly though I'm more pleased I've had the discipline to stick with this than anything. The overwhelming desire to finish the day with alcohol has subsided.
I planned to go booze free for lock down, but I will keep this up for longer. Aiming to reach Christmas Eve booze free now. I know that i will enjoy a few drinks over the festive period, but moderation will be in the forefront of my mind.
Out running far more, 5 miles every evening this week so far. Strava app downloaded to factor in accountability and demonstrate progress. Sleeping better, snoring less, far better concentration levels, weight coming off etc etc.
Honestly though I'm more pleased I've had the discipline to stick with this than anything. The overwhelming desire to finish the day with alcohol has subsided.
Davie_GLA said:
Caddyshack said:
Looking forward to my first booze free Xmas in 30 yrs.
I did that last year but wasn't long out of hospital and still pretty f
ked up so I'll count this as my first and I'll join you! They get through Christmas and New Year just fine. Then the inner voice pops up to tell them that as that was relatively easy you dont really have a problem with alcohol. So, one or two wont do any harm.....
2 years for me today.
The thought of my behaviour back then seems even more severe. It hasn't cured all my life problems but feeling pretty positive about it.
Good luck to those still trying to beat an urge.
For what it's worth I used an app to help me. It's called easy quit drinking. On the relapse tab it says something like "well done for making it this far, let's try again" and I genuinely felt like I would be letting the app down if I drank.
The thought of my behaviour back then seems even more severe. It hasn't cured all my life problems but feeling pretty positive about it.
Good luck to those still trying to beat an urge.
For what it's worth I used an app to help me. It's called easy quit drinking. On the relapse tab it says something like "well done for making it this far, let's try again" and I genuinely felt like I would be letting the app down if I drank.
SpeedMattersNot said:
2 years for me today.
The thought of my behaviour back then seems even more severe. It hasn't cured all my life problems but feeling pretty positive about it.
Good for you, I hear you on cringing about previous behaviours. Thankfully it's not like that any more!The thought of my behaviour back then seems even more severe. It hasn't cured all my life problems but feeling pretty positive about it.
Nice work on 2 years!
Blib said:
Davie_GLA said:
Caddyshack said:
Looking forward to my first booze free Xmas in 30 yrs.
I did that last year but wasn't long out of hospital and still pretty fked up so I'll count this as my first and I'll join you! They get through Christmas and New Year just fine. Then the inner voice pops up to tell them that as that was relatively easy you dont really have a problem with alcohol. So, one or two wont do any harm.....
Well, today marks my first year anniversary of not drinking! Decided to give up following job redundancy in June 2019, plus a breakup in November- which hit very hard.
Was difficult at first but then got easier, I think lockdown helped as I wasn't out socialising.
I've saved a lot of money as well - which is good when not working.
As to physical changes, well was I over 15 stone and a 36" waist; now I'm 13 stone and a 32 waist (am 6ft tall) - this can't all be attributed to not drinking, as I sorted my diet and got in to exercise; but if drinking was still a factor then I'd be eating bad food and maybe not exercising as much.
So in conclusion, all positives and have am proud of myself sticking to this target. Thank you to the thread and for everyone that contributes and who are on their own journeys!
Was difficult at first but then got easier, I think lockdown helped as I wasn't out socialising.
I've saved a lot of money as well - which is good when not working.
As to physical changes, well was I over 15 stone and a 36" waist; now I'm 13 stone and a 32 waist (am 6ft tall) - this can't all be attributed to not drinking, as I sorted my diet and got in to exercise; but if drinking was still a factor then I'd be eating bad food and maybe not exercising as much.
So in conclusion, all positives and have am proud of myself sticking to this target. Thank you to the thread and for everyone that contributes and who are on their own journeys!
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