Are there really benefits to stopping?

[WelshMammy123]

Hi all. I've read a lot online about the benefits of stopping drinking but I wanted to ask for the views of those that have actually stopped - do you find you sleep better, mental health is better, more energy etc?

I know I'm drinking too much and it's spiralled a bit during lockdown. I'm a sahm and the days have felt long at times at home with the DC. I think I use wine as a 'treat' and a means of relaxing but I'm sick of feeling like crap in the mornings and having little to no patience or energy. I'm also on AD's for postnatal depression and wonder whether going sober would help in that regard.

I guess I'm looking for someone to help me understand the real benefits you've found of not drinking and whether what I'd gain by not drinking is worth it.

Thanks!

Following with interest as I'm looking to cut back but perhaps not stop completely. I still enjoy alcohol and a bottle of wine over the weekend along with a takeaway and movie night with dp is a ritual and treat for me. But my weeknight drinking has crept up in lockdown and I'd like to cut right back on that. Can you still see these benefits from reduction or do you really need to go completely AF to reap the rewards?

Read The Sober Diaries OP. Much better than Alan Carr's book!

Better sleep
Less anxious
Less grumpy
Better relationships with those I care about
More time to do fun stuff
More energy to do fun stuff
Happier

Go for it!!!

Summer I absolutely loved The Sober Diaries but I wouldn't actively dissuade anyone reading it in place of 'quit lit' Clare herself wrote in the book that she caned the quit lit. The Sober Diaries doesn't go into the psychology of over drinking so while its a great read I'd recommend it alongside the more typical quit lit books.

I think there are still benefits to partially quitting / cutting right down.

I’m 12 weeks in and the change is amazing! My weight has come down and is totally stable despite not remotely dieting. My IBS is better and my anxiety is hugely better. I feel like the lights have just come back on in my head. I genuinely don’t believe there’s anything to regret by stopping drinking!

OP
You said days with the kids were long...

Were you drinking in the day while you were responsible for kids?

If so, then honestly, I think you know what the right thing to do is...