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Original poster

Anyone up for dry October?

15 replies

lemonsaretheonlyfruit · 03/09/2023 11:49

Hi. I'm putting this on chat as the dry jan thread was on here and was a brilliant support to all on there.
I did dry Jan and felt great, so good I did an extra week, but then levels slowly crept back up.. it's been a really boozy summer (my 50th) and my own consumption when feeling stressed in the house (DD has MH issues) has become too much too. It's mainly the stress drinking I want to stop, but moderation doesn't work for me. I loved the black and whiteness of dry jan so thought I'd try October. I appreciate it's a month away, but I have 3 good friends' 50ths in Sept and a weekend away. So October it is. Anyone tentatively interested?

OP posts:
Original poster
lemonsaretheonlyfruit · 03/09/2023 16:43

Haha just me then!

OP posts:
BearKey · 03/09/2023 16:49

I'm doing Sober September! It's only been 3 days (if you count today haha) but I already feel better for it.

Go for it!!

I'll see how I go and might do Oct too if I manage to stick to it!

cashmerecardigans · 03/09/2023 19:46

Hi @lemonsaretheonlyfruit I remember you from the DJ thread.
I found that thread so good, really supportive and it kept me on track. Much to my surprise I've found I've been able to moderate post Jan. The difference has been making the decision to cut out the rather mindless drinking by myself in the house. I had got
in to such bad habits of pouring wine just because it was Friday, when I was cooking dinner etc etc. So now I drink when I'm out, or we have people over. I've also virtually cut out wine and stick to gin or beer.
I've been able to keep under 14 units a week for pretty much all of the year. Im not sure if you're looking to moderate long term or give up, but I thought I'd share my progress just in case it's helpful.
I found DJ a brilliant kickstart, so I hope October works for you.

cashmerecardigans · 03/09/2023 19:48

Just to add, I found being honest with friends has got me through some social situations where historically I would have drunk absolutely loads. So just saying I had got myself into bad habits and was trying to look after myself better. Everyone has been great and to be honest if they hadn't been, they obviously wouldn't have been very real friends

43ontherocksporfavor · 03/09/2023 19:49

Dry Mon to Thursday? I’m in.

Goldencup · 03/09/2023 19:51

I do from 10th September - 10th of October (reason for those dates is outing) every year.

Original poster
lemonsaretheonlyfruit · 03/09/2023 21:16

cashmerecardigans · 03/09/2023 19:46

Hi @lemonsaretheonlyfruit I remember you from the DJ thread.
I found that thread so good, really supportive and it kept me on track. Much to my surprise I've found I've been able to moderate post Jan. The difference has been making the decision to cut out the rather mindless drinking by myself in the house. I had got
in to such bad habits of pouring wine just because it was Friday, when I was cooking dinner etc etc. So now I drink when I'm out, or we have people over. I've also virtually cut out wine and stick to gin or beer.
I've been able to keep under 14 units a week for pretty much all of the year. Im not sure if you're looking to moderate long term or give up, but I thought I'd share my progress just in case it's helpful.
I found DJ a brilliant kickstart, so I hope October works for you.

Hi Cashmere! Yes that's what I'd love to do in reality. I don't want to give up completely and would still love to drink socially but it's the drinking when stressed on my own at home i need to sort out.
DC are both teens, single parent shop is literally 2 minutes away plus am always needing something from 'the shop' and I don't seem to have the discipline that you do!
I think that's why dry jan worked. It didn't feel like the same kind of discipline.. like i had decided 100 % that I would as doing so there was no umming and ahhing (or giving in)

OP posts:
Original poster
lemonsaretheonlyfruit · 03/09/2023 21:18

43ontherocksporfavor · 03/09/2023 19:49

Dry Mon to Thursday? I’m in.

I have tried this! With varying degrees of success. DCs go to their Dad's on a Thursday so that has always been a night out night for me. But yes if you are in then I'll join you for that but hopefully manage the weekends without either.

OP posts:
43ontherocksporfavor · 04/09/2023 13:22

I’ve done DJ twice and it actually lead to me being dry Mon to Thursday so I was being cheeky really. I am more mindful at weekends too and try not to automatically drink.

Lottapianos · 04/09/2023 13:26

'I'm doing Sober September'

Ditto. I'm a week coz I started straight after bank holiday Monday. Feeling great. Slept LOADS at weekend. Bags of energy and motivation, even on a Monday morning 💪

Go for it!

Submariner · 04/09/2023 13:32

I'm in for sober October. I was on the dry Jan thread and did Jan and Feb, and I have since done a random month sober in the middle of the year. October feels like a good time to get things in check before November and all the Christmas drinking ramps up again.

GR8GAL · 04/09/2023 15:04

I always think these dry months are a waste of time. It takes at least 6 weeks to feel the full effects of zero alcohol in your system, so not many people who do those kinds of months actually get the full benefit. Why not pack it in altogether, give sobriety a chance. I've been off it for four years now and they've been the best years of my life. Nowadays the £100 that could easily be spent on a night out between overpriced cocktails, stodgy takeaway foods and taxis, goes on long weekends, flights and top restaurants with my SO. Hope you stick with it, more money, better skin, better mental health.

Aigburth · 04/09/2023 15:16

I'm in!
The early planning is a good idea, as it'll take some mental preparation.

We'll need to keep this thread bumped throughout September, to get more on board for October.

And btw, happy 50th, OP!

Lottapianos · 04/09/2023 15:39

'It takes at least 6 weeks to feel the full effects of zero alcohol in your system'

Depends how much you drink in the first place. I usually only have 3-4 drinks over a weekend, nothing during the week. I feel the difference after just one weekend of no booze. I do agree that 6 or 8 weeks would be even better to aim for than a month

43ontherocksporfavor · 04/09/2023 22:10

@GR8GAL soft drinks are almost as much as alcoholic!

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