rewards for not drinking that aren't ... drinking!

[hangingoutattheendofmywick]

yes - me again. Trying to get as many ideas as possible and inspiration.

I was drinking one or two bottles of wine a day so I will be saving an awful lot of money by going sober. I would like to reward myself at the end of the month with something but that would traditionally be a huge alcoholic fuelled blow out and huge very unhealthy meal to go with it.

any other ideas?

and thanks for all your support over all my threads.

[Branleuse]

minibreak?

[ImperialBlether]

How fit are you? What about paying for a personal trainer a couple of times a week? It would help to reinforce your non-drinking.

[magicaltoaster]

Hi OP, Im in a similar position, trying to stay dry. Did 3 days sober then massive binge yesterday, grappling with the desire to drink today.

I treat myself to a swim and use of the sauna/steam room. Its £6 to use the local hotel pool and I spend a couple of hours in there. Also, a nice bunch of flowers cheers me up (a luxury i would never buy but pales in comparrison to the amount i spend on alcohol when I'm bingeing). A book/dvd box set is always good too. Or a massage?

Am looking forward to hearing some more ideas.

[hangingoutattheendofmywick]

thank you - a mini break is a dangerous (very dangerous thing) as all I would want to do is get pissed. I wouldn't know how to even have a mini break without drinking all the time. Or going to places where drink is the main focus. It's been such a huge part of my life for so long I don't know how to be without it.

Personal training sounds interesting - I also thought of a counselling session.

I need to research where I can go to use swimming pool / sauna as that sounds lovely.

Massage might be a good idea too!

[ImperialBlether]

Can you drive? There's enough there for driving lessons if not.

[Dozer]

Counselling for alcohol problems (but more than one session, and this or other help might be available on the NHS).

Something to make your home environment nice.

Exercise. Massage or treatment, eg manicure. Clothes.

Posh but balanced food, eg M&S fruit.

[Branleuse]

Maybe youre just not ready yet?

The reward for not drinking will eventually be how much better you feel and how much more money you have. Its not about being miserable because youre desperate for a drink but are trying to be good.

[hangingoutattheendofmywick]

no driving isnt for me i am afraid.

[Dozer]

Savings account? Money in the bank - print out of your savings so far?

I recently set up a savings account for other reasons and am actually enjoying it!