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Alcohol support

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Best books/other support on giving up drinking

7 replies

CremantCharlie · 23/10/2020 09:17

Despite the name, I don't drink Cremant, and I don't do cocaine. I do however drink far too much wine, and lockdown has exacerbated that. I have the (very) occasional gin, or dry martini and tonic as well. I think I would benefit from a period of abstinence for health reasons.

My problem is my DH. He comes from a hard drinking family, his mother was an alcoholic but nobody would talk about it. He drinks a lot, lots of cider (Strongbow) and craft beers. Strangely after years of drinking Strongbow he has suddenly stopped drinking that. But he has drunk nearly a bottle of gin this week as well as wine and beer. The alcohol does not stop him functioning, he is disciplined about eating well, he exercises, conscientious worker.

I never used to drink that much, I can't blame my increased consumption on him, but undoubtedly I would not be drinking that much if it wasn't for our relationship. Our relationship is good, but I think we have both slipped into very bad alcohol habits.

I have just told him I am stopping alcohol for a while and he looked uncomfortable. He would be supportive and not sabotage but I think it will be difficult to stop completely if he carries on drinking. However I want to try. I can only control myself.

Sorry for the essay. First time I have admitted there is a problem and it all came out....

So, any recommendations on good books to read to start me on my journey?

OP posts:
timehealsmost · 23/10/2020 09:27

jason vale: kick the drink easily

Eliphanbee · 23/10/2020 09:29

The unexpected joy of being sober is great :)

BobbyGentry · 23/10/2020 10:19

Read on mumsnet but Allen Carr’s Easyway books, drinking, smoking & eating healthy. Each book covers the same method, Easyway (bit repetitive (slightly curly) but drills the points home.). Haven’t drunk alcohol or smoked cigarettes for nearly two years. Still like the odd trash meal though 😆

BobbyGentry · 23/10/2020 10:20

Culty not curly (autocorrect)

FastFood · 23/10/2020 11:36
  • Alcohol Explained - William Porter
  • The Naked mind - Annie Grace
These two books cover how alcohol works and what it does to you (not in a "it's bad for health way", more in a "what's actually happening in your brain" way)
  • Quit like a Woman - Holly Whitaker
  • We are the Luckiest - Laura McKowen
  • The unexpected joy of being sober - Catherine Gray
These are more focused around recovery, self-care and what wonderful journey it is.
Sneachta · 25/10/2020 06:46

I've read a lot of the above but the one book that coped me on was Craig Beck Alcohol Lied to me

BertieBloopsMum · 25/10/2020 21:51

Another vote for Allan Carr's Easyway To Stop Drinking - buy try the audiobook. It's very effective. Just make sure you follow all the instructions!

Alcohol Explained also helped me once I had stopped.

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