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Alcohol support
10 days.
Amdone123 · 24/03/2021 09:03
Morning all, I really want to do the next 10 days alcohol free. I say 10 days because that takes us to Easter Saturday, when I know I will be celebrating with my OH, and there will be wine, etc. Plus, I've found in the past, that short, realistic goals are best for me.
Is there anyone here who can join me, for mutual support and encouragement?
I've tried lots of initiatives, to varying degrees of success. I've never asked this on here before. This is my first post.
I know 10 days af will result in a weight loss, better sleep, better skin, and, most importantly, a more positive attitude. I found myself yesterday in danger of getting depressed, and I know I need to remain upbeat and positive, so I need help. We can check in daily, and support each other.
Lastnightidreamtofmanderley · 24/03/2021 13:26
I’ll join you. I think a shorter goal might work better for me too although the weekend will be tough!
Amdone123 · 24/03/2021 15:14
Great, thanks. Am at work atm, but I'l post later and tell you how my af weekends were not as bad as I thought they'd be !
Amdone123 · 24/03/2021 18:00
Yes, as I was saying.....I've tried various things, all work to an extent. I did dry January ( lasted 3 weeks), and I was dreading the weekends. But, in the end, they were really good. By the time Monday came, the house was spotless, I felt lighter and overall, happier.
Thanks for coming on board. I just need someone to be accountable to. I normally keep a diary and record days in there, but I noticed recently it's not working. I keep buying diaries to 'start afresh. Honestly, I have so many now !
Day 1 done...woo !!!
Lastnightidreamtofmanderley · 24/03/2021 19:38
I’m the same it’s the drive home from work I always end up weakening and going to the shop. Day 1 and I’ve made it home so the rest of the evening will be easy. I’ve tried keeping diaries but I stop as soon as I fail. Well done on day 1!
wintertime6 · 24/03/2021 19:59
I've given up alcohol for lent so I'm 5 weeks in and feel great! I was a big drinker so this is a big thing for me. Things that have helped me are:
- Being aware of when I normally reach for a drink. I would usually pour a glass of wine when I get in from work or when I'm making dinner. But I find that if I can get through to about 7pm or 8pm then I don't really want it that much anymore.
2. Exercising more. I'm doing couch to 5k at the same time and it's helping because the exercise is lifting my mood and also I like running in the mornings so don't want to feel rubbish when going out for my run.
3. If I do get a craving I focus on how rubbish I'd feel the next day and that tends to put me off.
The early days are definitely the hardest so keep going and it will get easier! And you will feel great for taking a break from alcohol.
Amdone123 · 24/03/2021 20:01
And you !
I don't drive to work, I walk there and back. It's so easy to be tempted to nip into a shop ( sometimes without even thinking), so I often leave my purse / card, at home.
I appreciate that's harder to do when driving, though !
Amdone123 · 24/03/2021 20:03
@wintertime6, sorry cross posted there. Well done on your progress, you're doing really well. Thanks for posting your tips.
Lastnightidreamtofmanderley · 24/03/2021 20:49
Thank you all tips are gratefully received! Good to hear I’m going to feel fantastic 
@wintertime6 do you think you will keep it up after lent?
wintertime6 · 24/03/2021 21:25
@Lastnightidreamtofmanderley I don't know! There's part of me that's really looking forward to having a glass of wine again, but I also know I find it impossible to moderate and I don't want to end up going back to my old habits of drinking a bottle of wine or more again.
I think I'll try to make it to 50 days as it's a nice round number and only a few more days than Lent, and then decide what I'll do after that.
Amdone123 · 25/03/2021 08:15
@wintertime6, love nice round numbers, too.
I would just keep doing what you're doing as it's obviously working. It's so easy to get sucked back in, so one day at a time.
Woke up feeling great. For me, a good night's sleep is one of the best things about being af. Also, feeling really positive that I can do the 10 days. That is already making me feel better.
Lastnightidreamtofmanderley · 25/03/2021 10:00
Morning! I usually sleep quite fitfully when I’ve had an AF day but last night I slept really well! Full on day at work today but I’m working from home so no shop to drive past later and I’ve got a meeting tonight.
Amdone123 · 25/03/2021 18:34
Evening, all. I've had a great day, a lot of energy and feeling positive. Whilst this sounds good ( and it is), I have to be aware that this can be dangerous for me. I drink when I'm happy and feeling good. I forget that the reason I am happy and feeling good is because I'm alcohol free!! It's weird. I was happy at work, feeling productive etc, when I had a thought of drinking this evening, but I batted it away.
So day 2 done and dusted.
Lastnightidreamtofmanderley · 25/03/2021 22:30
Evening! Busy day only just finished my last meeting so today has been easy! First Friday tomorrow so that might be tougher! Feeling a bit gutted I gave in on Tuesday as I would be on day 4! Nevermind the 10 days is still in sight! I have been invited to a zoom get together on Saturday evening but I think it will be too tempting so I’ve put it off until the following Saturday. Night all!
Springflower99 · 26/03/2021 06:40
Amdone123 glad to hear you doing so well. Hope you have a good day today :)
Ynwa12345 · 26/03/2021 06:47
@Amdone123 well done for this I think short sharp goals benefit us than nothing at all! I have been on and off for years but recently did dry Jan and a few more days my H did it with me so was easier! Then we stuck to on weekend drinking but when I've had a hard day at work too I automatically reach for it ! I also want to try 10 days or so so am on day 2 now. Well done and keep going x
Amdone123 · 26/03/2021 07:50
Thanks everyone! This is exactly what I need, and I know it can help others, too.
Feeling good this morning. Was thinking last night about what today, Friday, would look like. I normally go to work in the afternoon, then on the way home pick up 2 bottles of wine and cigarettes ( I only smoke when drinking ; I hate it ). I do not want today to be like that. I am going to go to work, come home, eat, have a nice bath and read.
Tomorrow I can wake up hangover free and not lie in bed all day, feeling awful.
Have a good day, everyone !
Lastnightidreamtofmanderley · 26/03/2021 07:55
Morning, I was hoping to be full of beans today but I slept awfully and have woken up with neck ache. I’m doing an online quiz with the DC tonight and I’m quite looking forward to doing it without a drink in my hand. Have a good day 
Ynwa12345 · 26/03/2021 11:20
Good plan @Amdone123! Hope u will have a great night and a productive day tomorrow! I also used to drink and smoke then no drink but smoke now it's no smokes for a good 5 months but drinking etc etc! There was a point couple of years back no drinking or smoking and I look back on pictures and I looked pretty damn good! Lol
I've just got home to see h has already taken out the red wines for tonight and takeaway....but I'm hoping to be strong and not bother with it!
Ynwa12345 · 26/03/2021 11:23
@Lastnightidreamtofmanderley hope your neck gets better and sleep improves. There was a lovely thread this past year that really helped with tips and tricks in the alcohol support section but everyone has disappeared unfortunately! But the sleep gets worse before it gets better and magnesium powder is supposed to help and good candles!
Lastnightidreamtofmanderley · 26/03/2021 12:17
Well I just got an appointment for a filling at 9 am on Sunday morning over an hours drive away so I’m glad I’m not planning to drink tomorrow night but it has made me want to drink tonight! 
Lastnightidreamtofmanderley · 26/03/2021 12:45
Scrap that, after taking over 2 hours to book the appointment has now been cancelled as its useless! It’s now going to cost me a fortune and still needs to be sorted. Really tempted to do dry Monday to Thursday but I need to keep going!
Amdone123 · 26/03/2021 18:07
Evening all, hope you're all good. I've had a great day. Met my niece and great- niece this morning for a walk. Was lovely, despite the horrendous weather. Work pm was great, and I've come home and done as intended. Gorgeous tea and an evening of reading/ puzzles/ mumsnet, planned. Am feeling really happy. I was thinking about this before. Whenever I abstain, I am really happy. No anxiety, no daft texting, no snapping ( hangover). I really am happier not drinking.
I did have a slight wobble this morning when I thought about the weekend and if I could do it or not. But, I know I can, because I've done it before.
Have a lovely evening, everyone.
wintertime6 · 26/03/2021 21:53
Well done @Amdone123! Hope you're doing ok tonight, just think how great you'll feel waking up tomorrow without a hangover.
Lastnightidreamtofmanderley · 27/03/2021 09:49
Morning all, woke a couple of time last night but on the whole didn’t sleep too badly. Plan to tidy round this morning then go for a walk this afternoon. I expect tonight will be tougher, I’m already thinking I could just drink one evening a week. Have a lovely day ☀️
Amdone123 · 27/03/2021 10:00
Morning ! I woke as well, but I've been experiencing insomnia for a while now, so used to it. At least, I wasn't up with an insatiable thirst, a mouth like an ashtray and anxiety about who I text,or what I said !!
Day 4. Funny, I just had to count that. I found that when I did dry January, I forgot what day I was on. Wish I could stop thinking about it forever !
No plans to drink today, and by that, I mean no wine witch on my shoulder. I think this weekend will be ok for me. Definitely due to this thread.
I plan, too, to tidy around, go for a walk and chill in general.
I might get some treats in for later. I don't have a sweet tooth, but when abstaining I find I want chocolate a lot more.
Have a great day, everyone, and thanks for keeping me going.
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