Anyone stop drinking alcohol at home when they don’t have a problem?

[Cozytoesandtoast00]

I’m so annoyed with myself.
I normally drink a couple of glasses of wine on a Friday and Saturday at home but not on any other days.
Last night I had two glasses of wine in the garden with my husband and really enjoyed it. But, following that I felt my mood dip a little because I won’t drink anymore than that or it will affect my sleep. I ended up watching Instagram reels for two and a half hours and ignoring my husband, becoming totally insular.
I’m due to go on a run with my daughter this morning and I’m really not feeling it!
I keep trying to give up, but my husband loves his wine at the weekend and I always cave in!
I just need an incentive really to completely stop at home. I very rarely go out and like to have a couple when I do.
Any thoughts.

Sounds like alcohol is causing problems for you.

your message describes my previous life before I stopped 3 years ago. I just had to draw a hard line as the negatives were outweighing the positives. You get used to it over time. Good luck.

Hi,There's an app it helps recognise how much you drink (NHS drink free). It tell's you how many calories and how much money is saved.you also set goals with how many days a week you don't want to drink etc...

An app called "I Am Sober" is brilliant - a whole support network of people who are in the same boat and can give you the motivation you need xx

Read This Naked Mind as it explains what happens when you drink, why you drink and how it's not your fault when you crave a drink. It also explains the after effects in such interesting detail that it really joins up the dots to drinking.

I gave up for nearly a year after reading it and have never drunk wine since the book. Again now I don't drink and I don't miss it.

Very interesting read.

Good luck !

Thank you. I’ll check that out.

Thanks so much for the reminder!
I read this book a few years ago and I think it would be a good idea to give it a re-read. I stopped drinking for four months after reading this!

This sounds perfect. I will definitely look at using this!

You won’t feel less shit if you only drink when you go out. But yes, I stopped drinking completely even with Dh and friends/family who all still drink regularly. It’s absolutely fine.

I actually find I have more meaningful conversations over ‘drinks’ now that my drink isn’t alcohol. Dh initially still had beer, just I drank something AF. It’s fine. It didn’t make any difference, except I was up enjoying my day feeling great the next day while he was groggy and feeling ill.

Since then, it’s been over a year now, my MIL has stopped drinking too, and Dh is barely drinking at all. He used to drink 4-5 nights a week. He might have 2-3 drinks once a week, but then switches to AF beer.

Does DH pressure you to have some or could you just get some nice AF drinks in? It sounds like that ritual of you as a couple celebrating the weekend is a thing. To make changes you'll need to find a way of substituting that routine in a way that still feels good, not joyless.

I've quit booze at home and I'm not encouraging you to stay on it... but I just wanted to add that whilst wine absolutely destroys my sleep, a G&T or tonic with a little shake of angostura bitters doesn't. But a fancy flavoured tonic with ice, lime etc would be my go to now.

I am exactly the same when I have a couple of glasses of wine at home. I switched to a low alcohol beer (3%) or alcohol free beer and it's far better. I feel like I'm relaxing but without any of the negative effects.

Substitute for an alcohol free beer or g&t. I absolutely need to feel that I’m unwinding after a hard day but I’m trying to cut back on the wine as I’m getting too porky so I join in but with alcohol free. If husband asks why just say you want a clear head for your run in the morning.

I meant alcohol free g&t too!

Are you menopausal? Alcohol (minimal amount) makes me feel low the next day as a menopausal woman - didn't in the past.

I've switched to alcohol free beer and as a special treat can have a glass of wine occasionally (as long as I'm relaxed beforehand)

I gave up at menopause, but really it's the same scenario: the detriments start to outweigh the benefits. If you are self aware enough to recognise that (and not keep drinking due to peer pressure, culture etc), then good on ya!

Are you sure it's the alcohol? I've stopped drinking these past few months (I'm trying to lose weight) and I don't feel any different (at least not that I can put on the wine, as I give it up every year for Lent without dieting and same then).
Or is it a consistent pattern? A couple drinks doesn't seem like much, but if every time it made you restless and insular and 'not feeling it' the next day, then that's a pattern.
Try not drinking tonight (not your husband, he should do as normal). A lot just may be habit - yes you enjoy it but maybe you can enjoy your garden and the company of your husband while having something non alcoholic?

Yes, I gave up because was getting hangovers from just a couple of drinks and I hate feeling rough. I listened to Andy Ramage on podcasts and Instagram and read This Naked Mind, The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober and the Sober Diaries. Haven’t looked back and haven’t had any alcohol since 2019.