No/not much alcohol side effects

[BoozeBegone]

Good and bad? Neutral? Can we have a thread?

I've been on MN a while but never ventured here. I guess I was a bit afraid to admit I had a problem?
I don't know what actually constitutes 'A problem' either, really but I have drank nearly every night since I was a teenager. I'm 39. After a particularly heavy weekend and suffering a lot (I suffer psychologically more than anything)!I decided it was time.

It is somewhat embarrassing to admit that It's being with a new partner that did the change for me.

Now, I only drink on occasions. Visitors/visiting someone or other such celebrations.
It has been a lot easier than I thought.

What are your good and bad side effects?

I think the good for me are;

Nicer mornings
Clearer thinking
Weight loss (I've lost 5lb since I began this plan on the 8th of March)
Better skin
Sleeping better

Bad?
Not getting that satisfaction of 'ooh I get a glass of wine soon!' when the evening draws in
Thinking up excuses when I visit people
Friends' reactions!

You? :)

I realise I'm talking to myself but it is helpful. I dont feel i need as much make up now I dont drink :)

Good - money saved (although I spend this money on facemasks, incense, candles, books etc)
Free head every day
No guilt
More patient and more productive
No longer dehydrated
More time in the evenings
Lost weight
Clearer complexion
Sleep through every night and fall asleep easily
Feel over all happier

Cons
Miss celebrating good news/occasions with a glass of fizz (but I still do only with fizzy juice but its of course not quite the same)
Miss having wine on me & hubby's date night at home
Miss being silly & drunk with friends (im sure once restrictions lift I'll find it hard meeting up for nights with friends but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it)

That's all I can think of:-)

Fresh head not free 😆

Good thread! I’ve cut down a lot recently as has my partner and am enjoying saving money, sleeping better, having to empty the recycle bin less often! I’ve also found that I can enjoy substitutes more than I thought I would, so sitting down with a zero alcohol beer or cup of herbal tea. I found doing a cost benefit analysis very useful motivating me to cut down.

Love these responses.
More time in the evenings is so true-why is that?! My evenings seem to last so much longer now.

I really wish I knew how much I would spend on booze, before doing this. I never did work it out. It was probably close to £35 a week at the very, VERY least. If I knew that, i2d start putting it in a savings account now. Not noticed any savings as of yet.

I would have either a bottle of wine or several bottles/cans of cider throughout the evening.
Has anyone had random spots? Is that your body relieving itself of toxins?
Im so surprised how little I have missed booze, if I'm honest.