Anyone quit drinking completely?

[beckywiththeshithair20]

I'm not necessarily talking about addiction. I understand that people with a problem need to completely abstain but I'm talking about people who have just decided drinking isn't worth it anymore.

I'm sort of getting that way myself. As much as I enjoy the occasional night out or glass of wine after work I'm starting to feel the effects the following day so much more as I get older. Even after a few glasses I feel tired and sluggish. Just not 'with it' as much as I am after no alcohol. I don't think I'll ever be totally tee total as I do enjoy a drink at weddings, Christmas, parties, work doos and so on but I have massively cut back recently and feel a lot better for it. It's a change of lifestyle for me but one I quite like.

Has anyone else quit or drastically cut down on drinking. If so why? And how has it improved your life and health?

[Sherloidbaisherloid]

Same here op. It’s just not worth the headache and hangover to me! I last had a drink on xmas day, will only really drink on a special occasion but I am thinking about stopping completely. I know some folk like a wee glass of wine or whatever at the weekend but to be honest I can take it or leave it. Not fussed on it at all. Would rather have a cup of tea

[beckywiththeshithair20]

Don't get me wrong I do enjoy a glass of wine on a Friday night with my takeaway. Or after a particularly stressful day it does give me that relaxed feeling. But much more than a glass and I feel rubbish the next day and it's just not worth it. I've been reading the unexpected joy of being sober and the writer (who was an alcoholic) insists life is so much better and more beautiful sober.

[lazylinguist]

Same here. I'm late 40s. Pretty heavy drinker in my 20s and early 30s. Moderate to light alcohol consumption since then. It takes a lot to give me a hangover, but even infrequent and light drinking messes with my sleep, exacerbates my acid reflux and makes me a little more anxious the next day. And on the very rare occasions I drink a lot, I always really regret it.

So I started with dry January, and now February has arrived I'm finding I have no desire to drink booze at all. I'm not making myself not drink. I am 'allowed' to have a glass of wine if I want. I'm just choosing not to. I'm pretty sure that if I'd banned myself, I'd be much more tempted.