Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice.
Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice.
Alcohol support
Day 1 for the zillionenth time
hashbrownsandwich · 12/08/2021 20:18
Today is the day I take control of my drinking.
I'm drinking a bottle of wine/Prosecco every night of the week. Sometimes more.
I work in healthcare and I know it's a slippery slope.
I've tried moderating but it just doesn't work for me yet.
So here is to day 1.
Is anyone joining too?
Haggisfish3 · 12/08/2021 20:20
Yes, me! Also again! I’m drinking about half to two thirds of a bottle a night. We can do this.
Haggisfish3 · 12/08/2021 20:21
This is actually my day 2-drank about two bottles of wine on Tuesday and had horrendous hang over so didn’t drink last night. I can feel myself weakening so thank you for the thread!
Soberfutures · 12/08/2021 20:27
Can I join. Been drinking way too much for a while now. Definitely can't just moderate it. Need to quit. Bottle or more most nights
hashbrownsandwich · 12/08/2021 20:33
It's strangely reassuring to know there are others like me. I just think the habit is so easy to get into.
We can do this!
I unfortunately do not have a cheap wine habit and we are spending at least £12 a day on wine and easily another £20 at the weekends. It's insanity when I think that's nearly £400 a month and I'm wondering why I can't afford a new kitchen? So that's one practical motivator.
As mentioned before, I ironically work in healthcare and actually am in charge of a running a healthcare programme in my setting for the NHS which is about promoting cardiac health, which does include alcohol consumption and it's consequences. It's just unbelievable really that I sit there telling people how they are doing life limiting things and I'm a bloody hypocrite!
Haggisfish3 · 12/08/2021 20:36
Me too-I’m a teacher and teach all about health and lifestyle!!
hashbrownsandwich · 12/08/2021 20:44
@Haggisfish3 it's so bad isn't it?
I've recently found out one of my older drinking buddies is now in a hospice with oesophageal cancer. I just think it should be a massive wake up call for me. He is the definition of a big drinker.
How are you feeling tonight and what are your goals?
I am aiming for total soberiety until October. We are going away for a celebration the first weekend in October which is long overdue so I don't want to rule out having some champagne but at the same time I'm not thinking much past that at the moment as don't want to be overwhelmed.
hashbrownsandwich · 12/08/2021 20:45
Sorry @Soberfutures meant to tag you on my question too, how are you feeling tonight and what are your goals?
Haggisfish3 · 12/08/2021 23:01
That must be terrifying to see an ill friend like that. I got a slightly elevated liver enzyme about a month ago and can feel the damage to my guts etc. My honest aim is one day at a time! I’d like to do two months but actually I’d like to do forever!
Soberfutures · 13/08/2021 09:23
Hi feeling quite apprehensive. But determined at the same time.
I am hoping to do 1 full week.
Well a month at least but taking it a week at a time. A few years ago I did 6 months and felt so much better. But life got in the way and it became my go to of coping.
FeeBeeBooh · 14/08/2021 11:22
I need to do this too. Can anyone recommend a good app to help give up? Thank you
hashbrownsandwich · 15/08/2021 09:15
I have downloaded The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace. Also been listening to Over the influence podcast.
I have to admit I failed yesterday and has Prosecco at a party.
MulberrySquash · 15/08/2021 23:33
Try Dry is a good app. I've been sober over 10 months and have saved over a grand and the app records it.
Stick with it, you do feel better. Read some quit lit. I like Catherine Gray, Clare Pooley amongst others.
LoveBlueCheese · 16/08/2021 08:14
Can I join? Daily bottle. Stopped for 3 months earlier this year, but life got in the way. Its not good for my blood pressure and I'm so scared I'm going to drop dead if I don't stop. But the stress gets to me by 5pm....
hashbrownsandwich · 16/08/2021 10:36
@LoveBlueCheese welcome aboard!
I had a proper relapse yesterday. A bottle of Prosecco and half a bottle of red. Resulted in a fingers down the throat scenario. Horrendous. This stops now. I know that's easy to say but I think I've hit the point I needed to just say enough is enough.
I am absolutely determined now that I don't need alcohol anymore.
LoveBlueCheese · 16/08/2021 15:06
I've got myself armed with a lime cordial for tonight. How about you?
AvaCallanach · 16/08/2021 15:13
This might sound totally stupid but what helped me reduce my drinking was buying a lovely teapot and cup, and a whole load of different herbal teas. Now when I am watching tv of an evening I make a big pot of herbal tea. It fulfils that same pour-and-refill ritual as a wine bottle and glass to me. I guess some of the non alcoholic spirits might fulfil the same role but I like how the tea warm and cozy to wrap my hands around the mug, and good for me.
hashbrownsandwich · 16/08/2021 16:53
@LoveBlueCheese
@LoveBlueCheese
I've got the worlds biggest supply of soft drinks in my fridge 🤣 5 varieties of san pelligrino, Diet Coke, diet lemonade and various squashes.
I am well aware that a lot of fizzy drinks aren't good for us but as my clinical training tells me, one step at a time.
This afternoon while youngest DC napped, I decided to start a blog/diary for myself. It was really therapeutic. I've started with the suggestion on The Alcohol Experiment of 'What's my why?'. I honestly feel so much better having written it all out.
I've also calculated we are spending £450 a month on alcohol. Insanity.
hashbrownsandwich · 16/08/2021 16:54
@AvaCallanach
@AvaCallanach this is a really good idea!
I have invested in some faux crystal hiball glasses for my soft drinks. They just feel a bit more luxury than my cheap glasses and I'm hoping that will also remind me we could afford the real deal Crystal glasses if I cut out the booze!
hashbrownsandwich · 16/08/2021 16:55
@MulberrySquash
Stick with it, you do feel better. Read some quit lit. I like Catherine Gray, Clare Pooley amongst others.
@MulberrySquash this is brilliant advice and great to see it's achievable in the real world. Thank you!
Usernameucreate · 17/08/2021 20:58
Hello,
I too have had lots of day 1s.
I read ' This Naked Mind ' a few weeks ago which has really helped with my outlook on alcohol. It's early days for me yet but I recommend that book.
BackToBasics1808 · 24/08/2021 08:34
Hi- Can I join you?
I have to do something - I'm starting to notice the affect alcohol is having and suffering from anxiety anyway its not a good mix
I enjoy a gin and tonic on a night but from starting a food diary to lose weight I've noticed I'm averaging 6-7 drinks a night!!! I'm ashamed to actually admit that!
Going to try the taper method to begin with - yesterday was day 1 for me and cut it down to 4 drinks last night, taking it a day at a time
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.