Less booze. More AF days. But still a bit damp. Not dry jan, but not a soggy summer. Support thread for reducing alcohol.

[Frouby]

New thread in case the other fills up while I am busy this weekend.

Did I mention I get married tomorrow? 😁

Rubbish at clicky links but sure someone clever will be along to link the last thread.

This is a support thread for those wanting to reduce the amount you drink. There is no judgement on here. We are all struggling along with our own problems and lives and looking to cut down. You might only want a couple of weekends off. Or reduce the amount of days you drink. Or the amount you drink. Or both.

Whatever your starting point and whatever your goal come and join us for friendly chat and support.

Dion - how much did you drink?? I always wonder this about each other. We say we’ve overindulged but I wonder the limits of each other. I never go beyond a bottle of wine. Altho tonight I had a small g&t then opened the bottle. Have a glass left in the bottom. That’s my limit. Feel pissed and so different tonight Than I did last nigh AF. Last night was so fresh. Tonight feels so crap!!
Dd managed 3 hours at school today. She needed a lot of meds to cope but she managed it. Let’s see how tomorrow goes. Am crossing everything. X

Woosey, I"m glad your DD managed three hours. It's a step forward, though I'm sure you won't be counting any chickens yet.

Yours is a good question. The night before last, I had two cans of pre-mixed G&T (meaning to have only one, followed by absolutely nothing else). So they were relatively weak. But enough to make press the 'fuck it' button. So I then had a third of a bottle of wine (DS had kindly left that for me), then about 4 or 5 x 40 ml gin (lost count). In fact, I evidently decided enough was enough at some point, as I found a shot glass, still almost full, in the kitchen... I feel ashamed to be saying this.

Dion, your evening sounds like some of mine. Just one before dinner. Just a nip with Dh. Just a few to take the edge off. Then it's three am and I'm drinking wine like it's water.

I would say the fact that you didn't finish the last one shows a modicum of self-control that should be encouraged. I generally try to seize on a left behind glass, or half beer in the fridge the next day as evidence that I can say no at some point, which wasn't always a given. This is the seed of moderation that we want to grow.

Last night I managed to not have a drink, though I did soothe myself with junk food. Evidently I need more than one night af because I still felt kinda shitty in the morning. Dare I hope for a day two? Dh will be working on the shed with the boys, so that means I'll have to keep busy around the house to avoid looking like a total schlub. Perhaps there's hope...

No AF nights here since last Wednesday I think. Fml.

Drink wise I am currently enjoying Budweiser far too much. 3 or 4 bottles a night. And feel shite the next day.

However. My family are driving me daft is my excuse.

Aunt still in hospital, transferred onto stroke ward. Not really sure whats going on.

DH casually announced last night that he wasnt bbqing Wednesday as we would 'do a quick buffet instead' instead of fucking what I wanted to know. Apparently we have about 10 people coming around to watch football. I didn't know this. We have jad conversations about this sort of thing before. They are my friends as well so can't uninvite them now. And I will enjoy it. But would have said we will have pizza delivered or something.

Dds 14th birthday Saturday. Her friend stopping for the weekend so activities and food to organise for them. Plus she casually dropped into conversation I need to pay £100 deposit for Somme trip next year by Friday.

I know nothing about this trip other than the overall cost and dates. No cancellation policy, no deadline for final payment, no clue what kit they will need, travel arrangements.

Apparently I am totes unreasonable for wanting to know shit like this and will embarrass her if I phone HOD and ask. Sigh fucking sigh.

Ds gone to bed with a golf umbrella and a captain America outfit one.

And one of my chickens escaped their run last night so had to capture them 1 by 1 and clip their wings. Which was fun with only ds to help catch them.

Only BabyPony is doing what she should be doing at the minute. And that's only because she is an attentionwhore who likes the fuss and a treat when she has done.

4(small) glasses of prosecco. Trigger- pub garden in the sunshine after work. Can I ever learn to enjoy the sunshine with soft drinks??

Fmfl!!!!!!!!!

Dd been in hosp. Anaphylaxis at school then again in hosp!!

Finally got home couple hours ago. Dh opened me a bottle and I’m on my 3rd glass. Just feel totally gutted and totally bereft.

Woosey, sending you a big hand hold. You must wonder if there will ever be an end to this. I wish I could do something for you.

Frouby, I love your posts. I think I need a Baby Pony, just so someone would do what I ask.

DS was at home on his own last night. He very cleverly put the chain on the front door, meaning that I couldn't open it when I got back this morning. So I had to break in to my own house (if he knew how easy it was, he wouldn't bother with the chain).

Two bottles of wine with DP last night, so Day One again today. FML.

Stuff Day One. I had to go to Ikea today. FML.

Can I join you all please? I admit I’m asking to join but not read the thread in full yet.

I’ve met my low, oh so low and not had a drink since Sunday before last so 9 nights but drinking “for the football” tonight. I’ve had 3 glasses of wine, feeling smusheled when I could easily do 3 bottles to myself.

I’m losing my career but not my family, I have no friends or anyone to talk to so I’m hoping I can stay here?

DailyMail (love the name), you are so more than welcome to join us. It's worth reading the full thread - I know it will take ages - as we are all struggling with the same things. Please do stay here. We can't solve anything for you, but we can certainly listen and chat.

Thank you Dionysa I’m reading and taking it all in. I enjoy the alcohol free nights but don’t they just drag on? I’m 3 glasses onit now and though I’m disappointed in myself I’m enjoying the haze the alcohol gives me, the buzz ofnot having to be here.

I believe I hit my low so now I need to find my not there....

DailyMail... The haze and buzz are, I think, the reason we are all here. Stick with us.

DailyMail, yes. The evenings seem about 1,000 years long without alcohol....

But the night times are shorter. Waaaaayyy shorter. Just woken from such a deep sleep - have to check but day 16 I think. I used to see most hours in when I’d had a glass or 3 of wine and now I think I woke a couple of times but then I’m gone again. Is this how all “normal” people sleep??? Wow, I didn’t know.

Today is day 18.

Hi dailymail, as Dion says, you are more than welcome here. We are a friendly bunch with the same struggles.
Dion - ikea would send anyone over the edge!!
My neighbours arrived at 5pm last night, I said I’d put the kettle on and they both said ‘sod the kettle, crack a bottle open!’ So being neighbourly, I did!! They went home and I then drink a bottle to myself!! Not feeling too clever this morning!!!!

Actually, I don't know how you are managing to do this. What made you decide finally that you were going to do it? Was there any one particular thing, or did you just get fed up with the nightly cycle of drinking?

Woosey, I feel your pain...

I’ve wanted to for years. But life got in the way. Recently I’ve had stresses that play on my mind all night long then in the morning it would all start again but feeling rough from blotting it out the night before with no sleep. I had to get a handle on things. It took weeks to build. First week one night, two the next and so on until I’d done 5 and 6 was then quite easy. After that I’ve felt better, slept better, still handled life and haven’t wanted to have any partly as I’m on a streak and want to know how long I can go. It’s easier every day. I’ve started loosing count of af days and having to count them! My aim for this month was to end the month with 2/3 dry since last month I just managed 1/2 and for the first time in years and years (I was a teen boozer too) I think it will be easy. Please try, I can’t recommend enough.

Woosey hugs, so sorry about your DD being hospitalised yet again, especially after the camp went well last week
Froubyhow was your footie party last night?
Dion the trick is to make your evenings start later that way they are shorter...I never eat until 8.30pm, keep busy with sport or the garden until then, so the trigger period is well and truly over for me.
Welcome DailyMail its good to have you on board, as has been said we are all at various points in our relationship with booze. I can echo wnat Actually says about the benefits of no alcohol (or strict moderation in my case). I decided to confront my habit last August, never had a long stretch AF but have stuck to being AF in the week with a max of one bottle of wine over the weekend nights, never more than 3 units in one sitting. So although not AF I have never drank enough to have a bad night's sleep with the beer fear and woolly head the next morning. If I drink now it is for pleasure, not as a stress reliever, I know that you can make any excuse to have a drink but in fact they are just excuses to feed an addiction, alcohol can help dull the senses for a while but the problem will still be there the next day. Sometimes it is just better to confront them and its a whole lot easier to deal with things when you have a clear head and have had a good night's sleep! Other benefits - physically you look better, clear eyes and skin, weight loss, more energy and of course you save money. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

anglaise footy party was lovely thank you. Sad england went out but they have done so well so we shouldn't be too sad.

Moderated fairly well I think. 3 x buds, 3 x 35ml g and t. Feel tired today because we didn't get to bed until about 11pm but not particularly hung over.

Am actually secretly glad football is over. Have spent far too much time sat with a beer watching it. I don't mind watching football and my work is sort of associated with it but it seems to have been weeks of football and beer. Had a party for every england match. Won't be bothering Saturday and have warned dh no party!

woosey hope dd is doing ok now. What a bleeding nightmare for you all.

Welcome to Daily. I hope this thread is helpful to you. We all feel/felt the same way. And you are doing so well Actually.

Next week I need to make a really big effort to have at least 2 days AF. If not 3 or 4.

Had 2 x buds tonight just because they are in the fridge. Fml.

Hoping the school.holidays break the routine a little. It might do.

Or it could turn me into a raging alcoholic. Ds is not an easy child

Second af day of the week having had bbq -football -sun-wine eve last night. Ginger beer tonight and early night. Sooo looking forward to guilt free sleep and waking to brighter eyes and skin.
Feel so much more in control when I don't drink. It's becoming a relief not too. However... that buzz and well being feeling is very nice too!
Friday I am having after work drinks with my special girlfriends so will be rather wet, but hopefully not messy!
Thank you for the good advice from Anglaise and Actually.

I had such good intentions, but they have been comprehensively undermined by sodding, bastarding XH, who has been peddling crap to DC2. She, of course, believes it. FML about a thousand times over. Next week will be better. Meant to start today, along with HRT. But it looks as if it's just going to be the HRT.

Actually, did you post on Frouby's first thread? I re-read the first five pages earlier, but then had to go to work. I thought I remembered you having posted, but am peri-menopausal and bonkers. Anyway, I am in awe of you. I think you and Anglaise say so much that's sensible. I just need to get to that stage myself. I think I will, at some point. I haven't yet given up, but tonight is not the night.

Plus sodding delectable DP is off doing whatever (with other males, at least, though I wish he were with me).

Frouby, you are so right about the footy. I never really thought they'd end up in the Final, but it's great that they did so well...

I had good intentions too....onto my 3rd glass.....fml

Woosey xxx No more I can usefully say. I wish there were. I am a hopeless case.

Dion, I half remember commenting on a thread before this one but it would have been another user name and I’m not sure. It’s taken a while to firstly recognise something had to change, then to do something about it and it’s only when I started this thread and became actuallycan that I’ve had any success. Day 19 and just woken from the deepest sleep ever. I actually feel rough and foggy but that will lift soon. All those struggling for a couple of AF in a row, you need to plan the nights like a military operation! Distraction plans in place. Walk at wine o’clock, exercise dvd, yoga. Meals that are easy to grab but filling instead of the wine but not much prep as that encourages wine😂. Choice of other drinks. Healthy grabable snacks help too. Everything you can possibly think of in advance to help. If your wobbling, come on here and we can talk you out of it! Good luck everybody. Tomorrow you will get so much more done if you stay off the booze tonight. Xx