I'm giving up drinking.

[WeAreAllAdults]

I'm writing this so I can come back and remind myself why I'm doing this when I feel weak.

I don't want to drink anymore. I don't want hang overs. I don't like how irresponsible I am drunk. I hate waking up and wondering what I did last night. I hate feeling guilt and remorse the next day. I hate that if I don't get to have a drink on a Friday night I get annoyed. I hate that I can't just have one without wanting more. I hate that my friends buy me alcohol for my birthday because they know I like a drink. I don't want to end up like my dad.

I don't want it. I don't need it.

[CantstandmLMs]

I've found that not drinking isn't a problem for me now (I'm at a month dry today!) i had a bit of alcohol free speaking on Christmas Day and Boxing Day just to feel a part of it but am enjoying just tonic water to be fair. I am having just as much fun and the relief of being able to drive and that I get my next days back too. I feel I've found a whole new freedom...

What I am struggling with is other people having a problem with it. There's been a few comments but I'm not letting the phase me and all my friends can see how dedicated I am. I just don't want to be around drunk people anymore which is a bit isolating...should be easier in January! My partner got into a sulk yesterday and clearly started drinking (away from me but you can tell from the texts!) and it's put me off him loads! I've declined to see him today. I don't want to be around a hungover person thank you!

Only when you take a step back do you see alcohols hold on society in general. It's a little depressing. But the focus is on us as individuals, all we can do is do something good for us and hopefully help inspire others.

[CantstandmLMs]

• Alcohol free SPARKLING

[DrinkSangriaInThePark]

Right, I'm doing dry January but I'm starting today! I've never managed more than a week so this will be hard but I have definitely reached the end of drinking as heavily as I do now. I have a New Year's Day party in my house with family and I will be so proud of myself if I manage to do it without drinking.

[ElsaCragg]

Lots of positivity on here.

@DrinkSangriaInThePark, I hope you find that being host keeps you in control. It worked for me on Christmas Day. And well done for starting Dry January early.

I have decided that I am going to get £10 cashback when I do my supermarket shop each week and save it towards a holiday. I won't miss that amount, as I must have been spending that on wine every week at least. Not to mention trips to the pub and meals out with wine, cocktails, you name it.

Is anyone else planning to join us and do Dry January (and beyond)?

[DrinkSangriaInThePark]

ElsaCragg That's a great idea, I think I'll do the same and save for a nice treat.

[jelly79]

@ElsaCragg great idea! I have a smashable money box I'll save in there :)

@DrinkSangriaInThePark I have made some AF cocktails at home over Xmas, seedlip do some AF spirits and nice tonics. Playing around with those made me feel like I was having a nicer drink (lots of recipes on their website) I have someAF fizz for NYE hahaha