If you gave up alcohol, what was the final straw that made you do it?

[Whatslovegottodowithit123]

Today I think has been my worst ever hangover (I am early 30s). I have felt so terrible all day, both mentally and physically.

I have considered giving up alcohol for a while and now I think today has just confirmed my position.

If you’ve given up alcohol what other benefits have you noticed apart from the awful hangovers?

I gave up alcohol for a long period of time because I had a massive, ridiculous argument with an ex and got so drunk I fell into a mirror and broke my nose. It was years ago, but I still feel shame and the ultimate cringe when I think about it. I also ended up in hospital with borderline alcohol poisoning.
I do now drink again, but I've never, ever gone back to those levels. I've been cutting back in recent months, though, for physical and mental health reasons.

I am an occasional drinker - glass of wine on a Friday night maybe if it has been a long week.

Clear head - lost too much time to headaches and generally feeling lethargic
Slept better
Saved money
Saved time
spent more quality time doing what I wanted
better decision making
.

It started giving me evil hangovers with tummy upsets for days. And it was expensive.

But I didn't tell myself "that's it, no more alcohol ever!" I like a lot of alcoholic drinks, I'd made a lot of home brew and liqueurs, and I didn't want to give all of that up. So I took a break instead, then just.... didn't end that break. Easier than telling yourself you'll never, ever do that thing you enjoy ever again. Plus you don't have to feel awful if you do crack and have a cocktail with friends on a night out. You just start another break.

(But I have PDA and as soon as I'm told not to do something, even by myself, I desperately want to do it, so outright quitting does NOT work for me)

Honestly, the emotions aspect could really fuck your life up. I know people who have ruined relationships with partners and friends for that very same reason. DP and I have both caused upset to each other and seem to come through stronger but there have been bad times! I would focus on that part rather than the disgusting hangovers. It's likely something that needs resolving sober and crosses over.

I'm ok ish now. We went for a meal with family and I struggled to eat but took it home. Now I'm still a mix of hungry and sick. I'm just waiting to go to bed tbh. I've ruined my Monday. No way will I be able to go to the gym and I can't be bothered to wash my work clothes so who knows what I'll be wearing tomorrow...

I gave up alcohol just over 8 years ago . No real awful thing happened, but increasing memory loss when I'd been drinking , awful anxiety, unsafe situations and terrible hangovers.
I love being fully sentient all the time, no more anxiety, no more hangovers, my life is so much more peaceful and I am SO much happier ...

You will be so glad you did

@Whatslovegottodowithit123 how are you doing ?