Leave alcohol behind and re-learn your life. The freedom thread.

[Drybird2020]

This is thread 6, the Anniversary Edition! Welcome to old hands and newbies! From Day 1 onwards, you’re all invited to share this safe, supportive and encouraging place.

If you've not yet decided whether total abstinence is for you, do feel free to ask questions but please be aware that discussion of drinking can be triggering, especially for those in the early stages of sobriety.

If you are still drinking, or planning on moderating (and this includes occasional or once in a blue moon drinking) have a look at the moderation threads, which might be a better fit for you.

It might help to have a read through the previous threads;

1 is here, www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/3781133-Anyone-else-stopping-completely-in-2020
and

and 5 here;

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/4043965-YES-it-is-SO-worth-it-YES-it-gets-easier-and-YES-we-thought-it-was-impossible-as-well-its-not-A-thread-for-those-embracing-an-alcohol-free-existence?msgid=101761283

You'll find links to the others in there somewhere.

The 31st December is my Soberversary. I'm 2 stone lighter, I've taken up running, I'm better off, more present and more patient with my children, and I've found the courage to address some difficult and traumatic parts of my life. And I couldn’t have reached this point without the threads to keep me accountable, and my lovely sober buddies to keep me sane.

Wow DryBird, 2 stone down is fantastic!
Marking my place sod my 1 year soberversary on 29th.

Thanks for the new thread @Drybird2020 🤗

I’m joining! Did 70 days AF in first lockdown but have found the pressure of work and my lack of work/life balance has really started to impact and I’m drinking more to relax and wind down. I sleep better alcohol free, my motivation is better and I make better choices about my life! I’ve also found recently I’ve ended up being tearful after a drink which has never happened previously. I’m day 2 and committing to the thread for some accountability. Thanks for the motivation.

Hello. I've been sober since mid October. I had done almost nine months a year or so before but then 'questioned the decision' on a holiday and spent another year back drinking exactly as I had before. I'm so tired of it. I recognise it for what it is. I need to be sober always.

Thanks drybird the link I was sent for ‘The 30 day Alcohol Experiment’ is $50 (yes dollars, despite me being in the U.K.) it’s definitely The Naked Mind thing. I’d do it if it was free! Can’t resist a freebie.

Hi everyone. I am coming up for six months sober and very happy about it. I wasn't sure how I would cope with a sober Christmas but it's been surprisingly enjoyable even though everyone else was drinking. I am beginning to believe I can do this permanently and it won't be a sacrifice at all.

Copied over as I posted on the very end of the last thread!
I've dipped in and out of these threads over the past couple of years, they've been very helpful,
Just checked the app and I'm on day 980 AF.
It really does get easier and it really is worth it!

Thanks for the new thread @Drybird2020 and it is so impressive seeing your achievements written down in that way. It’s been such a challenging year and to emerge from it more “whole” than we entered it is incredible. Go us!

Found a free version drybird thanks fir giving me the heads up!
Crikey ohdearshirley so impressive!

Hi everyone
Checking in to the new thread.
Loving hearing all your big milestones.
I will be at 5 months in the next week or two and delighted to have you all to inspire and keep some accountability.

Thanks for the new thread, drybird. Looking forward to celebrating your anniversary

My one year anniversary is on the 2nd. Seems like a long time and no time at all...

980 days ohdearshirly, love it!

Thanks @Drybird2020 for the new thread. I managed Christmas ok but still early days for me. 22 days AF.

Hi all on day 6 for me. This time I have to do it for good. After many attempts on and off alcohol I know I can't control my drinking and it's getting messier each time. Went to my first AA meeting during the week haven't done another one yet, but I need something to fall back on next time I'm three months alcohol free and I try to convince myself it will be ok this time. Well done everyone you are all doing amazing 😀

Hopping aboard. I'll stick the kettle on.

Thanks for the new thread @Drybird2020 !
Excited for those of you celebrating their first soberversary today or in the coming days! Well done to all of us for making it through and enjoying a sober Christmas!

Day 113 here, I’ve definitely preferred Christmas sober. I’m still not quite as patient and as present as I’d love to be one day (toddlers anyone?) but I’ve noticed so many small changes. I listen when people are telling a story, I have lots more moments of simple joy where I notice my kids laughing or a beautiful morning sky and I just feel really peaceful and grateful. I have virtually no anxiety at all and I am never worrying about what I’ve said or done, those last two are bringing me true freedom! I’ve also been able to pay attention through whole films
and enjoy them!

My app tells me I’ve now saved over £1000 from being sober! Pretty harrowing statistic. I feel like creating a special fun fund and putting the money aside into it. Think of how many wonderful and permanent memories could be created with such a fun fund!

Hi all, thanks for setting up the new thread. Day 56 here, don't miss it. Need to add in some strategies on the energy front as I'm wrecked but generally baseline no alcohol is the best thing for me. Hi to anyone new, welcome the thread is a great spot, read back for inspiration.

So many amazing milestones coming up on the new thread! I thought I was on day 20 yesterday but apparently I can't count, so day 20 for me today.

I've had a shitty couple of days. Well, afternoon/evenings. I am ridiculously grumpy and really craving cigarettes. Also struggling to sleep and just feeling all out of sorts and like my own skin is uncomfortable. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.

I can't work out if I'm wrong or my app is. Dec 7th was my first AF day. When I count from the 7th I hit day 21 today, but my app is saying I'm on day 20.

My app is a day behind too wellysock maybe because it starts at 7am and counts 24 hours rather than a ‘day’. So I think I’ve gone a ‘day’ by 10pm that evening but the app needs me to get to 7am the next morning. I’m using the app ‘I am sober’. Are you also quitting cigarettes at the same time?

@StayingVigilant I'm using I am sober too. I've changed my date in a very foot stompy childish way because I want my extra day 😀.

I'm not giving up smoking from scratch but I'd bought some tobacco during a boozy argument with DH and had been having around 3 a day for the 4-5 days leading up to going AF. I didn't want to undo all the hard work of previously quitting so I got rid of my tobacco, but still have the occasional roll up when with a relative that smokes.

I think I'm just craving anything tbh. I was feeling left out and deprived over Christmas and I suppose I'd rather smoke than drink so I latched on to smoking as the thing to crave.

This AF business is bringing out a very toddler-like side to me. I hope this is a temporary side effect rather than my actual personality....

Checking in. Thanks for the new thread @Drybird2020 .

I stopped in the summer - think I got to day 80 something?
Anyway, need to 'stop' again. It should be easier with being locked down.
Just downloaded the app.

@Wellysock I’m the same with cigarettes... Fall off the wagon occasionally😬😬😬 Mostly when I’m stressed! I had such a strong craving last night but had some nicotine gum instead (do you use any?) and this morning I’m glad I didn’t smoke yesterday (it doesn’t always go that way though...).

I find my various addictions absolutely fascinating. With booze I have been so determined over the last 8 months not to touch any and I haven’t slipped at all. With the cigarettes though I do slip from time to time, I wonder why! Surely if I can quit booze I can quit cigarettes? Any insights welcome🤣

@Wellysock If it helps my first AF day was Sat. Dec.5th so that makes me day 23. You should be day 21 by my ''back in prehistoric maths'' days. (I don't do Apps.!)