Anybody else doing Sober October?

[Trodincatsickagain]

I know there’s been a long running thread for years for dry January but I fancy having a break through October, in preparation for Xmas, give the liver a break beforehand - that is all meant very tongue in cheek 😜

Anyone fancy joining?

@Trodincatsickagain I'm just so cross with myself.
If it had been a special occasion etc well all well and good . It was just me coming home in a strop really

I know how frustrating it is, I’ve been there so, so many times myself as have all of us! But we need a Doctor on this thread so you can’t go anywhere 😁

@Trodincatsickagain unless you want your cataracts doing I’m sure I’d be much use these days 😂

🤣🤣🤣🤣

Not sure - that should say 🙄

@Nearlyadoctor it’s annoying and easy to do. Anyway back on the wagon again with us!

Was about to descend into eye related puns but can see that would not help with the mood.

😂😂😂

I quite like the fact that you didn’t enjoy it, Nearly - that’s so much better than thinking you’re back to “normal” & you wanted to knock back another!
So please do take your response as a real positive, weird though that may seem - it shows that your default is not to keep drinking. And you took one for the team too, as TrodIn nearly cracked too - how terribly public-spirited of you! ☺️

Ive had a hungry day today & just polished off a mushroom white pizza at a restaurant near my DD’s Uni; first time we’ve visited her in the 4 weeks she’s been away, so obviously we had to buy her something that had leftovers for her lunch tomorrow (not from mine though!)

The appointment went well thanks, TrodIn, her meds have been increased which may slow deterioration. The Consultant Psych gave them some heavy steers on living with dementia (though as ever with stubborn old folk, who knows if they will take any notice!)

Anyone else got any news? Or eye jokes for Nearly?

How’s the new week, @MissyElif @ @darkmoor@chachahide@Texanchilli@hels71 and the loads of other MNers who are here for support with this challenge

Day 14 - Almost half way there!

Morning All

How is everyone this morning? @Nearlyadoctor I hope that you’ve forgiven yourself and are ready to put it behind you? and that goes for anyone else too.

One day at a time is the mantra and even a week or a few days AF is such a positive for the body and mind, so please do jump back in if you’ve had a wobble - we’re all in this together.

I’ve got a busy day and hopefully it will be a better one that yesterday’s, 13 really wasn’t lucky for me 😄 and just keep on keeping on peeps 💪

Writing this now before the wine witch talks me out of it!! I’d really like to join you if that’s ok? I’m only 3 days AF though (but can push through til early Nov)

I did 95% DJ - started that late too - I just really need this atm, was terribly drunk at a works drinks on Friday and have been feeling so anxious about it ever since for saying so many things I regret 😓 hoping the group will help me stay accountable to stay dry!!

We’re here to support you @101WaysToFail but maybe you need to change your username? 😄. Now sounds like a really good time to hop on board. I would put Friday night out of your mind, it’s done and chances are you were nowhere near as bad as you think. We’ve all been there but now it’s Onwards and upwards!

Thanks for the welcome Trodin! I should have rethought the username for sure…

My only comfort is there were people worse than me, and I wasn’t rude or anything like that but sang like a canary about things I shouldn’t have - All of my bad memories are alcohol driven, why do we continue to do this when we know nothing good comes from it?!

Hello all 👋

After my 2 blips earlier in the month I’m adding to the AF days and quietly feeling that sense of
achievement again.

I’ve realised for me, with my adhd brain, all or nothing sends my brain into a tizz. My disobedient streak automatically wants what I’m told I can’t have. But it’s a double edged sword, as I feel failure hard and need the sense of achievement to give me the dopamine that I crave.

These last few weeks have been so helpful already in understanding my drinking triggers and pitching for a high as possible number of AF days a month on an ongoing basis is going to be a useful strategy for me (especially in December, where the “why the hell not” mentality has to be navigated)

Not planning any further October slip ups but one day at a time, I’m 11/13 and resolutely won’t drink today, each day as it comes.

why do we continue to do this when we know nothing good comes from it?!

It’s madness isn’t it? Alcohol is an addictive drug whichever way you look at it, with very little pay off and only negative outcomes.

So pleased to hear you sounding more positive- the fact that you’ve jumped back on board proves it; its not easy after youve had a blip but you can do this and the days will soon start building.

Thanks @Trodincatsickagain for the support and everyone else obviously.
Tbh having a drink last night has really buoyed me up as I didn’t really enjoy it and didn’t want a second which is an achievement in itself.
Super busy clinic all day today and then an evening work event so will be busy.
Well done to everyone else and welcome to @101WaysToFail .
Stay strong 💪 everyone

@Youngatheart00 some similarities. I had 3 events/parties this month that I had allowed self to drink alcohol. I have one more in the diary but now am going to try and not drink at that. And then I am doing rest of the days AF, and plan to extend this approach into November and December, as this is meant to be a reset.

For me it’s been a huge shift not having a drink on a regular evening at home. This thread is fantastic and has really made a difference, thank you all!

Two weeks!! I do wonder if it really is helping me though as I think more about how many days to go than how far I’ve come…

I think that’s very normal at this stage but you might be surprised at just much that changes with another 2 weeks under your belt. When that sense of achievement hits that you made it through a whole month AF and you’re feeling physically and mentally much better. I bet that at the very least it will make you reflect more on your drinking going forward.

Tis a pity that October is such a long month 😆
On the other hand, that’ll be 3 more days of self care than if we’d decided on SoberaryFebruary 🤔🙄

Anyway, bit of a mixed bag here today - Mum fell overnight, again. Long story short DF relied on me, DH & DS to get her up at 5:40am (no ambulance, just left her & waited until he thought it was a more sociably acceptable time to call us!)
No long term injuries thankfully. He flatly refuses any carers, thinks he can do it himself - patently not true. So after ensuring she has the personal items she needs, and food, I’m leaving them to it until they learn.
Its heartbreaking but I am not healthy enough to help more. I’m beginning to consider he has cognitive issues too tbh.
If it wasn’t for this bleddy gastritis (& this thread) I’d be on at least my second Stong Cider by now! Thanks for the therapy, all 🤗

Enjoy your knitting, quality telly, cats & dogs and AF drinks 💐

I was just saying the same to my husband the other day! Why are the “dry” months the longest ones? 😄

Alright super Troopers! Hope everyone has survived the day and I hope the wine witch is behaving herself for you all this evening?

I had a bit of a longing for a nice glass 🍷 of red earlier but it soon passed, aided by popcorn and some frantic knitting - I’ve even managed to bend the needles 😁 not quite sure how!

Stay strong everyone and keep posting!

@HotTiredDog I think you’ve made the right decision, there’s only so much you can do if they won’t accept the help and you must take care of yourself, but sorry that it’s all been so stressful again!

Thank you TrodIn xx
How the Dickens did you bend needles 🙀
Also, what are you making?

It’ll be helping us massively in terms of physical health, quality of sleep, liver function etc. Also there’s plenty of evidence on here about overall reduction in anxiety levels, which is a benefit I wasn’t expecting (& am grateful for!) As well as zero hangovers of course!
One day at a time is the way forward, and every AF day is a victory.
Best wishes 💐 and keep strong 💪