Please can I have some support?

[DreamADream]

I stopped drinking last week, I was drinking far too much and using it as a crutch. I was easily drinking a bottle of wine a night at the weekend and really wasn't feeling the effect of it at all.

I've coped remarkably well with it until today. I'm struggling with my MH and not having a good day at all. I've been drinking becks blue, which has sort of quenched my need for a drink, but it's just not working today.

I had a dream last night that I was in a bar and ordered a gin, but changed my mind and had a coke instead and was dead proud of myself! I know I'd be gutted if I had a drink tonight. Could just do with a handhold to get me thru the next few hours please!

A handhold from me m'duck.

You will get through this and it will be okay. In fact it will be better than okay, it'll be a better life for you so hold onto that thought.

Thanks. I've just taken some propranolol and hoping that will help as I'm feeling rather anxious! Doesn't help that I'm dieting too and I think I'm just crying out for something naughty! I can do this though

I don't know what propanol is, but whatever it is I hope it helps.

Anyone and everyone who has kicked a habit is holding your hand tonight.

It's an anti anxiety drug. Seems to have worked thank God! Distracted myself by making dinner and am going to take the kids out for a walk now to get some fresh air. Thanks for the hand hold, was so very close to caving before!

I'm in the same place! Been dry all week and struggling this afternoon. I have found you just have to sit it out and it does pass.
I'm off to take a propranolol too 1 haven't had one today so perhaps it will help me x

Well done it will be worth it!

I hope it works for you too ohwhat

I've just been to the shop and didn't even consider buying alcohol! Just got to make sure I'm strong when I get the urge

I think you're starting to get the right idea - you need to become aware of your triggers and anticipate them. I personally would not be drinking an alcohol-free version of an alcoholic drink so soon after giving up, as I know in my case that would have triggered my brain into thinking 'you know what would taste better than this? BOOZE'. In fact even now (8 years sober) I have never had a virgin cocktail or alcohol-free wine or beer.

I used to have a lot of dreams about drinking. Your brain wants to process the change and not always in helpful ways. I used to dream quite often that I was still drinking and everything was fine, even though I know perfectly well it would not be fine at all!

Although you did well this evening, I would avoid things like going to the shop at this time of day, when it would be all too easy to pick up a drink and have it immediately. Distraction and fresh air were the right techniques. You'll start to be able to predict better when the triggers are going to come and plan ahead for them.

Do people know that you've given up? I would tell the people around you; it will make it much harder to slip when you're next out socially, thinking 'well one won't hurt'.

Thanks tribpot I knew going to the shop was risky, not sure why I did it! That said, I had considered buying a bottle for a neighbour who has done me a favour and realised that was a very very bad idea.

I've not really told anyone I've stopped, I'm a single mum so don't often go out drinking. I'm definitely known as the one that's always drunk at social events, so I know I find things like.that hard. I'm dieting atm tho so that's a good excuse until I can build myself up to tell people the real reason. My close friends know I'm having big MH issues atm, so should be very understanding!

I did Manage to get through DreamADream.
So hard but another day done.
Keep going! X

Well done ohwhat we've got this! Hopefully it get easier from here. My app tells me I'm 2 weeks alcohol free tomorrow, can't quite believe it!

Wow, that's amazing. I did mange almost 100 days before Christmas. Then started drinking again and the amount slowly crept up!
I have had some nice alcohol free g&t's which have really helped x

I did the same around Xmas! Determined to keep it up this time, even managed to turn down a drink Today!

Been thinking about you today and hoping it was going well, so that you can tick another day off.

Thank you! I've felt so much stronger today. Hard to believe that I had my last drink 2 weeks ago tonight. Tomorrow morning marks 2 weeks alcohol free, which feels like a big, big deal! Just got to keep saying no and thinking of the benefits!

2 weeks alcohol free today!! Can't believe it! Also can't quite being myself to say sober rather than alcohol free. Sounds more alcoholicy I think. Here's to another 2 weeks!

Yay you! Most excellent.

Here's to the next two m'duck.

Heading into my 3rd alcohol free weekend! Did have a moment earlier where I was considering going to the shop, cos one wouldn't hurt, but I knew that really it was just a force of habit. Luckily I got over it pretty quickly!

The changes I've noticed have been amazing. My MH is bloody miles better than it was and for the first time in my life (bar when the babies were little) I'm not having to set an alarm in the morning, cos i'll be awake. Wish I'd done this years ago!

I would imagine you will soon start seeing positive changes in the quality of your sleep, your skin, your hair - it's all good. Well done to you.

Really struggling today:( I've had a shit week and really just want a drink.4 weeks sober on Monday tho

Four weeks in brilliant!
Good tool is Halt! To avoid drinking. Avoid being
Hungry
Angry
Lazy
Tired

So if you have a craving run through those triggers and address what you can. Hungry includes thirsty of course, and for the moment prioritise not drinking over your diet.

I'm feeling angry, lazy and tired lol. I've had major man issues this week and am basically just in a constant state of rage. Haven't turned to drink tho which is good!

Made it thru the day! So glad I didn't cave. Can't wait to see 4 weeks on my app on Monday!

Am following this thread as I also need some support and reassurance on giving up/cutting down. Well done to those that have managed so far

Hi honey bee! It took me ages to get my head around stopping, I'm very much all or nothing and struggle with how much social events revolve around alcohol.

When I wake up, I'll be 4 weeks sober! I was telling a friend earlier and she was so shocked! I was worried about telling people, but as I'm on a diet, people are assuming it's to do with thwt. Tbh though, when I've discussed it in more depth with people, a lot of them have similar concerns about their drinking.

It's been very very hard this weekend, but I'm so proud of myself!