I’m doing it!

[BeYourLongLostPaal]

I have reached that point in my life where my life style is not sustainable. I have a very large drinking problem, and I have tried countless times to cut down on the amount I drink. From drinking “small amounts” every evening. Which I lied to myself saying it was a healthier way. It wasn’t. To being tee total in the week and then going on a massive binge at the weekend because I am unable to control my self.
I can easily sink half a litre of vodka on a Friday night and wake up as fresh as a daisy Saturday. I am High functioning no one would know how wrecked I actually was. I also developed a gambling habit which was synonymous with my problem drinking. Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I’ve contacted AA and Gamcare and I’m finally putting my health and mental well being first.
Does anyone have any tips on how to keep active in the evenings and weekends they can share with me. Bonus points for things that don’t cost a lot as I now need to tackle my debts from the above head on. TIA

Congratulations on making the decision to change your life forever, you won't regret it. I'm 16 months sober and its the best, most positive thing I could have done for myself. I wish I had done it sooner but you have to be completely ready. The first part can be tough so get all the support you can.

For the evenings I recommend exercise, including yoga which helps sleep. Long baths, lots of books, beauty stuff like painting nails and waxing, which are incompatible with booze. Knit or crochet, polish your jewellery, get a tea fetish...and if in doubt, clean the bathroom. 😁
Come and join us on the long running "freedom thread " if you want some community and lots of help and advice!

I can be your buddy if you like. Just contacted aa i need to do this otherwise we'll does not bear thinking about..

Congratulations, OP! It'll be so worth it.

One step at a time, you've got this!

How're you all doing? It's tough but you got this!!

Hi everyone thanks so much for the replies. I’m actually doing really well! Not touched a drop of alcohol, or been near a betting website, nor have I wanted too. I’m sleeping really well! My energy levels have increased. Although it is taking me a lot longer to wake up properly in a morning! I have a lot more patience and best of all I’m a lot happier. And I’m only on day 3. Taking every day one day at a time!

That's great to hear, OP. Well done!

That sounds really positive well done I love the sound of more energy. I am only day 1 today and just attended my first aa meeting. Feel very emotional now.

Firstly well done for making the decision!

Everything @Drybird2020 suggested I would echo in terms of keeping busy. In the early days of my sobriety I also walked a lot (and left my purse at home to avoid any accidental shopping 🙄).

I am almost 22 months sober, and in that time have managed to pay back a lot of debt I had amassed whilst drinking. Still a way to go, but I'm doing it and it couldn't feel better. Life is going to get a lot happier for you, I promise.

It isn't all plain sailing of course, and I would recommend you find yourself a sober community, whether that be at AA or on social media or here on Mumsnet. It really helps having people who understand.

All the best to you!

@Rupertpenrysmistress
Honestly stick with it. It’s so worth it. I actually had a dream last night! I can’t remember the last time I was able to sleep so soundly that I had a dream! I’m taking little wins and one day at a time.
@Drybird2020 @Sharonthecat
Ive been keeping myself a lot more active for sure. I even signed my DD up to a club two nights a week so I’m out the house and away from temptation. I have to drive there which again is an added bonus cos it means I of course won’t be even tempted to the bottle!

Hey, no advice as I’m just starting myself - I am also high functioning - no one knows I have a problem but easily drinking at least a bottle of wine a night minimum. Just wanted to say I wish you well. My plan is to try and be busy at the times when I would usually drink and bonus points if this involves driving so I deffo can’t. Typing this is so much easier than follows through though. Just wanted to let you know you aren’t alone!

A wonderful benefit of being alcohol free is being able to drive wherever you like. It simplifies things.

@Rupertpenrysmistress how are you feeling now? I wonder if AA is like therapy in that you might feel.worse before you get better? How did you spend the rest of the day?

Drybird2020 I guess AA is a bit like therapy it's not what I expected, all a bit surreal. People really wanted to help me they gave me phone numbers and one lady phoned me. I was really touched but not sure how to progress.

I had previously avoided AA not sure if it's the stigma or religious affiliation, but the people were just normal people!! some with heartbreaking stories yet so friendly and caring. It was very humbling.

It's great that you are giving it a go, @Rupertpenrysmistress. I've seen you on these threads for a while and I hope that this is your time.

Thanks drybird2020 I have been around a while I am ashamed to say. Something feels really different this time. I really hope it is my time to quit.

It can take a few attempts to dive off the high board, @Rupertpenrysmistress! When it was the tight time for me it felt as though a switch had flicked in my head. Keep going, one day at a time, and you will feel so much better, maybe sooner than you think .

How's it going, @BeYourLongLostPaal?

@Drybird2020 Really good! Still going strong! I’m feeling so much better! My aim is to get through the weekend sober after that.... I think I’m home free I think! X

Amazing well done!! I contacted AA four years again and my life has transformed beyond all recognition. I watched a lot of Netflix and ate a lot of chocolate in the early days

@BeYourLongLostPaal well done last week, how is the weekend going?

I found Friday nights in particular very flat at the start. Now I love them, and the rest of the weekend. I can feel real joy in free time, without it being masked by the desire for, acquiring, and consumption of booze. Alcohol was getting into the way of everything.

@Drybird2020
Really really good actually thanks for asking. This is my first Sunday in years I’ve not woke up with a cracking head ache! I have a lot more mental clarity at the moment. I did have a glass of wine with dinner on Friday, but I knew that one was enough and I stopped. I know what you mean by the desire for consumption taking over everything. I can’t believe how much time I must of wasted on even just thinking about alcohol!