Is Allen Carr some kind of magic?

[wintertime6]

Like a lot of people this year, my drinking has got pretty bad. I've had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol for years and have tried to cut down or to only drink at weekends etc on numerous occasions and never got very far.

So I started listening to Allen Carr's audiobook in the car on my work commute and finished it earlier in the week. I don't think I learnt anything I didn't already know and I finished the book and wondered if that was it? I admit I had been waiting for some sort of epiphany at the end but no there was none.

But the weird thing is that I haven't wanted a drop of wine since finishing the book. Like I really haven't wanted it! This has never happened to me before. I was tentatively dreading Friday when I would usually pour a glass when I get in from work around 5:30pm and often be opening the second bottle before the kids were into bed around 7pm. But no, I had absolutely no desire for even one glass! My DH got himself a beer and asked if I wanted a drink and I said a cup of tea. I could tell he was surprised but he didn't say anything.

So here I am starting on Day 5, waking up without a hangover. I just feel really weird. Like I'm not myself. I don't even know how to describe it. I'm sure my post makes no sense but I just had to write something down.

I've been inspired by this thread to order a copy - been getting quietly worried about my drinking for a while, hopefully this will do the trick.

The dreams may continue for some time, @wintertime6 - they are bloody weird. I still have them now and then and I've been sober for nearly 10 years.

It sounds like you're doing the right things in terms of watching for your triggers - it'll be important to plan ahead for some of them, i.e. if you're seeing people over Xmas or are usually a social drinker. Lockdown won't last forever even if it feels like it will now!

Making sure you don't get bored is important as well, so if reading could be your new thing that's great.

Keep it up!

Well I was a chain smoker from age 13. Couldn't go to bed unless I had a full packet in reserve, just in case I couldn't sleep. I was terrible. I read his stop smoking book and although I didn't give up immediately, about 2 weeks later, I just stopped. Just like that. 15 years ago. I'm really hoping his audiobook on alcohol can do the same job.. I want to stop drinking.. I have beautiful 3 year old twins to think about.

I felt like that after reading annie grace naked mind. It was just logical made sense. Been nearly two yeas since I've touched booze and I loved it.

I really hope he can do it for me . I want a happy Christmas where I'm present with my boys. I played the book last night, but I'd had a few... I'm going to play it again tonight, sober hopefully.

It did the same for me with smoking.. great stuff! I tried not to question it too much because it worked

@Summerhillsquare there actually is

Just hopping on this thread to say I read the How to Control Alcohol book in two days this week. I didn’t have a drink last night for the first Friday in ages. I mean... years.

I was thinking about alcohol a lot last night. Not craving it at all, more thinking things like “ooh at this time, I’m usually squiffy posting on Twitter - how weird that I’m not now.”

Anyway Day 2 here I come.

@PuppyMonkey that's great! How are you getting on now?

@wintertime6

Like a lot of people this year, my drinking has got pretty bad. I've had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol for years and have tried to cut down or to only drink at weekends etc on numerous occasions and never got very far.

So I started listening to Allen Carr's audiobook in the car on my work commute and finished it earlier in the week. I don't think I learnt anything I didn't already know and I finished the book and wondered if that was it? I admit I had been waiting for some sort of epiphany at the end but no there was none.

But the weird thing is that I haven't wanted a drop of wine since finishing the book. Like I really haven't wanted it! This has never happened to me before. I was tentatively dreading Friday when I would usually pour a glass when I get in from work around 5:30pm and often be opening the second bottle before the kids were into bed around 7pm. But no, I had absolutely no desire for even one glass! My DH got himself a beer and asked if I wanted a drink and I said a cup of tea. I could tell he was surprised but he didn't say anything.

So here I am starting on Day 5, waking up without a hangover. I just feel really weird. Like I'm not myself. I don't even know how to describe it. I'm sure my post makes no sense but I just had to write something down.

How can I find the book to listen please? It is not on kindle audible? Thank you.

@UnTaamed, I’ve found his books there.
www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Allen+Carr

Many thanks for the link, it is odd that I can open via the link but cannot find on the search field.

I've just downloaded this and will be walking the treadmill listening from tomorrow in the evening at the gym - minus wine!

It’s about 3 years for me. The Jason Vale message is effectively the same as ACs but with a lighter delivery. Both books are highly recommended even if they deliver a tough message.

Very odd. Not too sure if this is temporary for me, but I finished the book and this is day 4 for me. I use white wine for cooking and even the smell doesn't attract me now !!!
Managed to do so many staff that I was usually dreading! I was sceptical as well. And started exercising! I hope this is permanent!

Inspired by this thread, I've just finished the Allen Carr book on Audible. About half way through I actually didn't want to drink, although I did still have a few glasses over Christmas. I've now finished the book and not had a drink for two days. It's early days but so far I've really not felt like having anything at all.
For me, the book just made sense.

Well done everyone that's brilliant. I gave up smoking pretty easily 15 years ago with his book - it's saved me thousands of pounds and my health. Highly recommended!