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Alcohol support

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Original poster

I need your help please

295 replies

Dotty2019 · 04/11/2019 10:21

I need your help to enable me to stop drinking.

I'm drinking every day and far too much. I couldn't get out of bed this morning to take the children to school. Probably a good thing as I would have been over the limit anyway.

I'm sick of feeling crap all the time. Why do I do it? I can't just have one glass. As soon as I start I think sod it and just carry on drinking until I physically can't any more.
I have so many problems in my life but this is one I can control so I'm starting with stopping drinking.
I'm going to use this thread to keep reminding me how much I need to do this. I would love some support and positive stories if anyone wants to join me.
Day 1 starts today! Thank you for reading

OP posts:
Original poster
Dotty2019 · 21/12/2019 08:48

Good morning!
Cannot believe how well some of you are doing!

Struggling look how far you have come from your original post.
I'm doing ok (ish) still very stressed but not drinking half as much as before.
I'm really looking forward to the new year and a new start. My mindset around alcohol has definitely change.

If anyone is trying to give up or moderate I cannot recommend the Alcohol Experiment enough. Please have a look.
Im trying to stay positive on what the future holds for me but believe I can kick this horrible merry go round with alcohol into touch.

Just wanted to thank you all for your support and kindness. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and hopefully 2020 will be a turning point for us all x

OP posts:
Cocoali · 21/12/2019 22:22

Hi all... this is struggling... ive changed my name 😂 day 28 for me now. Had a change of antids as i couldnt stand the constant feeling of being hungry all day and night. I was waking middle of night with baby and wanted to eat everything. New ones i am fine with the food and have little appetite again which is my normal. Been on them 2 weeks and managed to lose 3lb... alot slower than putting 11lb on in 11 days but at lease its shifting.

You are all doing great. Welcome to the newbies. 10/20cl whisky... that doesnt seem much? Or am i not correct on measurements?

Wish u all a very merry xmas and new year too! Hope you all have a lovely time amd get through it with no alcohol. Im gonna get sone alcohol free lagers and wine... i dont think i can manage a hangover ever again so will def not be having any drinks with alcohol. Feeling much better with a clear head and more energy. Baby is back to sleeping well again so all is good xx

Silversleeve · 24/12/2019 15:35

Hi everyone - I did the 30 days but have been intermittently drinking in the last week. What's amazing is I've not had booze sometimes when others have (not wanted it), have had AF days AND seem to have gone off wine. Had a maximum of 2 glasses when I've drank. AE seems to have reset my drinking pattern and tastes.
How is everyone else doing?
Wishing you all a peaceful holiday.

lovemyfurrywuff · 24/12/2019 18:45

Hi to you all. That's me five weeks with the drink and two with the painkillers and the world is a brighter place. Was tempted to have a wine tomorrow but I don't think I'll bother. Be weird being sober at Christmas though. Had a whole debate with myself about moderating and only drinking at certain times eg Saturday nights and then I was stressing myself out about my own rules and thought fk it I won't bother! Thankfully the sugar cravings have stopped so weight loss next. Hope you all have a good time.

Cocoali · 27/12/2019 06:32

Hi all. Hope you have all had a great christmas and boxing day. I have drank a little both days, a coyple of lagers and i got peach schnapps instead of wine so had that with lemonade. Not missing the wine at all. I wasnt going to drink but i felt i could handle it and not need more and more and i managed it. Im just goong to have a drink on special occasions, birthday, Christmas and parties etc. Not having drinks weekly on weekends as thats where it starts for me. Will probs have a couple whats left on new years eve but thats it till the next occasion. How have u all done? Xx

Original poster
Dotty2019 · 29/12/2019 22:21

Hi all
Well done lovemyfurrywuff and Cocoali
You have both done so well.
I'm not that great. I thought if I stopped drinking everything else would be ok. It's everything else that is making me drink.
I've finally realised that my marriage is probably over. But I can't do anything about it.
I'm going to try and to dry January.
But I just feel so sad
I know my marriage is the reason I drink.
Perhaps things will be clearer in a month or so
Happy new year to everyone and hopefully it will be a sober one x

OP posts:
lovemyfurrywuff · 30/12/2019 06:38

Sorry to hear that Dotty. That's why I started drinking regularly too.
Cocoali, I decided not to have a drink as I wouldn't be able to moderate and it's been six weeks now. Mental health definitely better.

Shockers · 30/12/2019 06:50

I’m doing the alcohol experiment too- it’s brilliant!

Shockers · 30/12/2019 06:53

Sorry Dotty, I’ve just seen your update. You’re in a period of great adjustment- I would take any life changing decisions slowly, as you’ve said.

Silversleeve · 30/12/2019 06:58

AF for 30 days, then a week of a few glasses which was great. Then in the last week I've had much more than I should on 3 separate days (headache following morning and still OTL to drive).
Sadly it does look like AF is the only way for me. So, starting yesterday I'm back to AE........

lovemyfurrywuff · 30/12/2019 08:23

Morning Silver, was wondering how you were doing. Don't beat yourself up. The stuff is so addictive it's just sucked you back in. I'd be exactly the same.

lovemyfurrywuff · 01/01/2020 09:32

How did you all manage last night?

Original poster
Dotty2019 · 02/01/2020 11:37

Hi everyone

So glad Christmas is over with. Such a stressful and tough time for me. Not sure what is going to happen regarding my marriage but I do know something has to change.
It's very difficult circumstances. No major things but just constant arguments.
I can't do anything about it yet BUT I can do something about my drinking and how I feel about myself.
So I'm determined to start with dry January. I think this is easier as lots of people are doing it and I have the perfect excuse for not drinking.
I'm going to start walking and looking after myself more.
I've started back on the alcohol experiment and today is Day 2. Small steps
How is everyone?

OP posts:
lovemyfurrywuff · 02/01/2020 12:07

Hi Dotty, glad you've started the alcohol experiment. If you stopped drinking totally do you think your relationship would get better or do you think it's run it's course?
I've been tempted the last few nights. DP been drinking as he's off work and I remember the feeling and wanting to join him then I remember feeling yukky the next day and stop myself. I'm going to have a clear out today so that'll keep me busy.

Cocoali · 02/01/2020 12:26

Yep i f*cked right up again. Drank new years eve and then all yesterday! Def AF for me... i cant moderate! Feel so ill today... awful... sick as 😫

How is everyone doing?

Sorry to hear about your struggles dotty. Hope you are ok xx big hugs xx

Well done to all who have managed to stay AF all over the holidays. Ive failed big time and everyone is so mad at me x

Original poster
Dotty2019 · 02/01/2020 13:02

Hi Cocoali please please don't beat yourself up. You have been doing so well. Lots of water today and be kind to yourself.

lovemyfurrywuff
I'm really not sure. I know I'm dreadfully unhappy. I don't want my marriage to end but I can't live like this anymore. I drink because I'm unhappy but I know the alcohol isn't helping!
So I'm going to try and work on myself and see if things improve. You are doing so well too!

OP posts:
lovemyfurrywuff · 02/01/2020 13:56

Cocoali, new start today. Join us being AF, one day at a time. We can do it together!
Dotty - I drank in my marriage too but only the last few years. I knew I was so unhappy but didn't know how to change it. He was an alcoholic and constantly depressed, there was no light or fun ever, I think I just sank with him. It sounds a great plan to work on yourself and see where it goes. No drastic decisions. We are here for you.

Cocoali · 02/01/2020 14:49

Lovemy.... Just to let u know it is strugglingagain here. Changed my name. Dont want to confuse anyone lol.

Cant keep anything down. Not good! Roll on bed time. Still thinking of alcohol though.

I was doing so well... i got to 32 days af... felt amazing. Cant believe its back to day one again.

lovemyfurrywuff · 02/01/2020 15:03

I know it's you, I remembered Grin, I just thought you had been trying to moderate rather than going totally AF, I do have a crap memory though, I think my brain is pickled!

Cocoali · 02/01/2020 15:14

Love my... no i did go AF for over a month. I thiught i could manage a few at xmas. Did ok xmas day and boxing day. But new years eve... that was just a write off and i continued yesterday. Gotta get everyone to trust me again. Dont miss this feeling like shit. So pissed at myself. Cant hekp but beat myself up about it. Wish alcohol never existed 😐 its so dangerous and addictive and causes so many problems x

Nutellaoneverything · 03/01/2020 22:54

I started again at the NY and have just completed my 3rd day...starting off with Dry Jan as the thought of never having another drink just feels impossible to do. Eating all sorts of crap, to replace the sugar

Original poster
Dotty2019 · 05/01/2020 09:38

Good morning
Day 5 for me today. It's amazing how productive I have been over the last few days. I have so much more energy.
Angry at myself for drinking over Christmas but I don't think I could have got through it completely sober.
I have been eating a huge amount of chocolate so going to try and start eating better from tomorrow and start walking. Really aiming for a complete dry January.
Last night was a bit difficult but I tried to keep busy. One day at a time!
How are you all?

OP posts:
Nutellaoneverything · 07/01/2020 19:56

How's everyone doing? I can't believe I'm 1 week in without drinking a drop! It's a first for me getting that far but I won't lie, it has been sooo hard, especially with all the holidays, lie ins and my husband seeming to be drinking ridiculous amounts.... or is it just that I am noticing it now that I'm not drinking and have become over sensitive to the 'glug glug glug' sound made when a drink is being poured.
Now kids are back to school today I'm hoping the routine will help make it a bit easier. Still eating rubbish... how long do the sugar cravings usually last?

Shockers · 08/01/2020 01:17

It’s really odd- like a switch has been flicked in my brain and I’m just not interested in drinking alcohol at all. I’ve tried before and thought about it constantly, but not this time.

I think the Alcohol Experiment is really helping. I see before photos of people with faces like mine, then after photos looking younger, less bloated, healthier. I want that too!

lovemyfurrywuff · 09/01/2020 15:46

How are you all doing? I'm on my own this weekend and so tempted to have the nice bottle of wine that's in the house....