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Original poster

No bender November

36 replies

Grandpianoplayer · 01/11/2025 22:15

Having failed utterly with Sober October, I wanted to start a thread for anyone who was doing a sober November. 1 day in. Went to a friends party. Managed to not drink. Big tick!

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DeanElderberry · 02/12/2025 07:32

Well done. Re-setting is good. Did you manage to find an alternative non-alcoholic drink for that 'phew, now I can sit down with a glass' moment? I went with tomato juice with a slice of lemon and splash of Worcester sauce, or a glass of cold herbal tea (not as nasty as it sounds).

Original poster
Grandpianoplayer · 01/12/2025 22:36

20 out of 30 days without booze! The point for me was resetting so I feel that's achieved a bit. Not having to go dry but being able to go "nope, not tonight". Let's see if it continues.

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DeanElderberry · 30/11/2025 08:22

Yes, I have managed, but I am really looking forward to little glass of something tomorrow!

Daffydoll · 30/11/2025 07:44

How is everyone doing? Is anyone keeping on with it after November?

I’ve decided to sort of keep it up as I haven’t found it too bad. But as Xmas is coming up with quite a few parties to go to I am hoping to moderate.

DeanElderberry · 22/11/2025 14:28

January is not the month to go dry (quite apart from the first 6 days being part of Christmas). I try to be moderate anyway, and live in the country so usually if I'm going anywhere in the evenings I'll be driving so can't drink. I'll go off it completely again for Lent (so next year from February 16 on). Yes, I looked it up.

honeylulu · 22/11/2025 12:49

I didn't realise this was a thing but I've been doing it too. Mainly to try and shift some weight which is creeping up every year and also to try and feel less groggy and tired in the mornings.

I've allowed myself to have a couple of drinks if I go out or we have friends over but cut out all non social drinking as it had just got to be a habit I didn't really think about. Finish work, pour drink to relax. Bad day, have a drink to unwind. Good day, have a drink to celebrate.

It's been easier than I thought and though I'm trying not to weigh myself too often I've definitely lost a few pounds as my waist is fitting my clothes better and my belly is flatter. Sleep quality much better.

I'm going to try and stick to this as an ongoing lifestyle choice. Moderate social drinking only. Hopefully more sustainable than dry January and then back to old habits.

Daffydoll · 22/11/2025 12:15

@WhySoManySocksYes my hope is also to lose some weight. I’ve lost a few pounds already.

WhySoManySocks · 22/11/2025 08:06

I’m doing NOvember too. The first few days were hard, once the Halloween buzz wore off. It’s easier now but it’s worrying how much I struggled around bonfire night.

Hoping it might show on the scales too 😬

DeanElderberry · 22/11/2025 08:03

I didn't see this thread before. Going off alcohol in November has long been a thing in Ireland, maybe for Catholics elsewhere, not sure. It's a remembrance of the dead, but of course also gives the liver a break before Christmas.

21 days down, 9 to go. I thought November was meant to be short month!

Daffydoll · 22/11/2025 07:54

And well done on your sober days. Seems like you are doing really well

Daffydoll · 22/11/2025 07:53

Hi @GrandpianoplayerI am still here!
I have only had a drink on one day in November and that was a celebration. Felt ropey the day after.
I have been using the NHS drink free app. It is literally putting in whether you have had a drink that day and what did you drink but it really makes you think about why you want a drink so I have found it helpful. I look at it every day when I am thinking about drinking.
Probably won’t work for everybody but has put things in perspective for me when I look back through my week.

Original poster
Grandpianoplayer · 20/11/2025 22:53

It’s been a few days. How’s everyone doing? I have fallen off the wagon a couple of times BUT I have spent more than half this month sober. I will take that as a win

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Original poster
Grandpianoplayer · 07/11/2025 23:06

@ZenNudist i am pleased it helped. As I said earlier in the thread: we are a team.

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ZenNudist · 07/11/2025 22:41

I checked this thread when I was at the bar reminding me to stay strong. After the play I looked around hopefully that people might want to go for cocktails but fortunately they all headed home, as did I, managing another night of not drinking!

LittleSF · 07/11/2025 20:27

I find I’m having a lot of early nights lately… it definitely helps.

Original poster
Grandpianoplayer · 07/11/2025 20:25

That’s brilliant all round. Had a very up and down type of day so keen to have a glass of something but haven’t. May have an early night instead!

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LittleSF · 07/11/2025 19:29

Heading into my fifth booze free weekend - I’ve lost almost 50lbs since January and decided I’d give up the drink until I lose the final 10lbs. I’ve just 4lbs to go so not a drop until I get there and then a glass of champagne (or two) will be had.
Had a nightmare day at work and would love a glass of wine, but will have a cup of tea instead.

Daffydoll · 07/11/2025 17:25

I have consciously made myself a cup of tea at witching hour. Now I don’t feel like an alcoholic drink. Sometimes the anticipation and thought of it is more exciting.

Daffydoll · 07/11/2025 17:23

Well done @ZenNudistthat’s great news!

ZenNudist · 07/11/2025 17:11

Well I'm on my way into town. Chinese meal and theatre. I've just received a big promotion and the first week has been hard. I want a celebration glass of prosecco with my meal. I know that if I crack it will make it that much harder to stay off the booze I'm the rest of November.

Daffydoll · 07/11/2025 10:27

I’m starting to think about it now which is mad.

Original poster
Grandpianoplayer · 07/11/2025 09:13

@Daffydoll how you feeling ahead of the weekend? It’s all very quiet - how’s everyone doing?

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Daffydoll · 04/11/2025 14:08

Hi @GrandpianoplayerI am doing fine as I am a weekend binger!
Friday will be my big test!!
How’s everyone else doing?

Original poster
Grandpianoplayer · 03/11/2025 21:21

How’s everyone doing tonight?

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Original poster
Grandpianoplayer · 03/11/2025 09:20

@Daffydoll you’re part of the team now. Welcome!

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