Day 1 for the zillionenth time

hashbrownsandwich · 2021-08-12T19:18:44+00:00

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

Original poster

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!

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Haggisfish3 · 12/08/2021 20:36

Me too-I’m a teacher and teach all about health and lifestyle!!

Original poster

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.

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Original poster

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?

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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

Original poster

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.

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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....

Original poster

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.

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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.

Original poster

hashbrownsandwich · 16/08/2021 16:53

@LoveBlueCheese

I've got myself armed with a lime cordial for tonight. How about you?

@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.

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Original poster

hashbrownsandwich · 16/08/2021 16:54

@AvaCallanach

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.

@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!

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Original poster

hashbrownsandwich · 16/08/2021 16:55

@MulberrySquash

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.

@MulberrySquash this is brilliant advice and great to see it's achievable in the real world. Thank you!

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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