Anyone else doing OcSober?

[TazMac]

Would be glad of some company and the odd pep talk, if anyone would like to join me.

I can't help you there, as I've had vivid dreams all my life - whether I'm drinking or not 😖

@Gotthetshirt23

I wonder if the vivid dreams are your brain resetting itself. I don’t know how much or how often you used to drink but I think alcohol does something to your dopamine levels.

(Hoping someone cleverer than me can explain the science bit ).

I liked the nosecco, very sweet though.

Here’s an article about alcohol, quitting alcohol and sleep.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.vice.com/amp/en/article/535zg5/going-sober-for-a-month-gave-me-nightmares

@TazMac
Fascinating, thank you

So, we are into the final stretch. How is everyone doing?

Must admit I'm really craving a drink now. I've arranged to meet my friend early in the morning for a take away coffee (we're in tier 3) and dog walk, so I have to get up bright and early - the thought of an early and active Saturday should put me off drinking.

Surprised that I'm finding it alright, seem to be far more awake , less yawning etc
Trying to exercise more and eat better so not sure exactly which one is beneficial!
Going to try and find the nosecco today .

Yeah, I feel more alert and awake. Can’t say I’m diving out of bed (but it is cold) but I’m definitely less groggy in a Saturday and Sunday morning.

Just realised that the last time I drank was 4 weeks ago. Saturday 26th September. I’ve not really missed it but I do think I still have a habit of assuming I’m going to drink on a Friday and Saturday. Old habits die hard I guess.

I gave up drinking years ago . After my husband died in 2007 I was drinking a bottle of white wine each night for about a year . I then decided that it was ridiculous and decided to stop.
I only have a single drink very occasionally now .
A very good friend of ours died from cirrhosis last year. He was only 45 . So sad

Lovely walk today and not feeling like drinking tonight. I must remember this, if I do something healthy in the day, I don't want to ruin it with booze later!

Got the nonsecco- was quite nice , more Asti than Prosecco but guess nonsecco sells better than nasti !
A week left, will be cutting back more I think in the future ?
How is everyone else doing ?

Nonsecco is definitely sweeter than I expected but nice ice cold. I'm going to try the elderflower and tonic next week (the no gin and tonic mentioned below).

I feel brighter but I have been doing more walking too but I feel like organising a walk for bright and early on a Saturday, as I know that I won't feel groggy if I don't drink on the Friday.

I think I might have a weekend (6th November) where I have a few drinks then stop again until December. My plan would then be to get into the Christmas spirit in December and drink when I feel like it and then do Dry January. I don't think December is going to be normal this year though, Manchester's Christmas markets have been cancelled so there won't be my usual catch ups and mulled wines, I can't see their being any Christmas parties either, so other than Christmas Day, Boxing Day and NYE, perhaps I won't drink as much in December as I do usually.

I’m usually desperate for a drink at the end of Dry January. I’m not the bothered now, coming up to the end of Ocsober. Maybe it’s lockdown, we’re in tier 3, so nowhere to go anyway.

I know what you mean about December @dugee. I can’t see Christmas parties and get togethers. There’s always the drinks over zoom I suppose.

Well we really are into the last stretch! How is everyone doing?

I’m looking forward to a bath and a no gin and tonic tonight.

Hi.Late to this thread...you are nearly all done. I am not drinking Oct and November as finding hangovers are terrible since I reached my late 40s This is a hard time not to drink but the thought of having a hangover helps.I pour myself a large tonic water in a proper gin glass with frozen strawberries in it when I want a drink.Fools me into thinking I'm having a real G&T.No real benefits though..not sleeping better and my mood is quite low. Lost 4lbs which is motivating.

Welcome @headinthedrawer and well done on your sober October.

I had 1 weekend slip up but I'm proud of myself.
Like pp poster id love to have just two nights in November with a couple but be mostly dry until December then dry January... Feb... March.. All dull months anyway.

We are doing Xmas thing late Nov, I'd love a mulled wine at that. And to be enjoy a few glasses of prosecco Xmas eve and Xmas day without feeling guilty...

Well done @Mokusspokus

Even with a small slip up it’s still worth doing. I’m going to have a couple of drinks next weekend and then stop again til December.

Quite pleased ! May have a glass of wine tomorrow with dinner but definitely plan more regular alcohol free time .

Congratulations everyone for making it this far. Thank you for the alternative alcohol free drinks suggestions, I've really enjoyed some of them and will be making use of them going forward. I'm considering drinking every other weekend from now on, instead of every week end.

I've enjoyed getting up and getting stuff done at the weekend, not drinking has given me a couple of extra hours on a Saturday and Sunday.

Thanks op.
It's doing me the world of good and very timely with corona all around us... One needs to be fighting fit.

i’m considering drinking every other weekend from now on, instead of every week end.

Good plan, it will half your drinking but with little effort and you won’t feel that you are missing out. I may do the same.