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Original poster

Dry January 2022

999 replies

MyGhastIsFlabbered · 12/12/2021 09:25

Did Dry January this year and we had an amazing little support group going on here and I wondered if anyone cared to join me next year? This time I'm hoping to stay dry longer - 100 days - but will see how January goes first. I don't want to set myself up to fail.

Who's with me?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
StarryNightSparkles · 28/12/2021 00:20

Well done @Upyouranty that must have been so empowering for you. Sounds like you had a fab night. I didn't drink any alcohol tonight either as I am working tomorrow. Looking forward to joining you being fresh in the morning.

Lushmetender · 28/12/2021 00:36

I’d like to join also. Had the first night off alcohol in a while tonight and want to keep off as much as possible as been feeling so rubbish! Unfortunately we had some late Xmas alcohol presents including one litre of gin. Not sure what I’m going to do with that esp as we’re trying to cut down long term. Hopefully give it to someone as a present!

Bu2014 · 28/12/2021 03:58

I'm in. I need to give up altogether, this will be the toughest month for me.

Namaste6 · 28/12/2021 05:03

I'm in please. Would love to hear of good alternatives. Has anyone tried the Three Spirits range. I already have Clean Co gin. It's great!

turnaroundtouchtheground · 28/12/2021 06:48

I’m in!
I have a million reasons to take a month long break and ideally more. I just can’t wait to start feeling better. I always feel so rotten between Xmas and new year from all the booze and this year sadly no different.

Peanut82 · 28/12/2021 08:44

Morning everyone
Well done to those who have started already, I think I'll start on the 1st, I'm planning on going back to slimming world too because my eatings been rubbish too

Ijustneedtosleep21 · 28/12/2021 08:44

I am in. I quit a while ago and managed a few months where I would go AF then have a drink then start again! There is a really good threat on here, the 'freedom alcohol' thread which really supported me. There are some good books/audio books too.

I have had a lot of bad things happen to me and my family in the last 2 months and lost my way a bit. I've gained weight and it has made me feel worse so I am starting again. Not drinking 'forever' seems unachievable at the moment as I've failed a few times but this looks like a great place to start and maybe we could start a 'dry Feb' 'dry March' thread once we've made it through Jan for anyone that wants to carry on?

Ijustneedtosleep21 · 28/12/2021 08:47

Benefits for me:

Sleep - difficult one as I've had a baby waking me up every 1-2hrs for 9 months but the little sleep I do get is better

Patience - I'm not as irritable

Motivated - I wake up more motivated to start the day

Less bloated

Less calories - I didn't actually lose weight last time as I think I replaced alcohol with sugar but one step at a time 🤣

Money saved - the wine I like isn't cheap!

FanGirlX · 28/12/2021 09:20

I'm stocking up on low cal ginger beer, sparkling elderflower and some limes. Along with some clipper lemon and ginger tea. They were the AF drinks that got me through Ocsober.

I need to get some healthy snacks in too, as well as build up my watchlists.

Feelingoood · 28/12/2021 09:29

Can I join! Even the thought of one night off is daunting.

turnaroundtouchtheground · 28/12/2021 09:32

@Feelingoood
I hear you

SquirrelFan · 28/12/2021 12:37

I'm in! I am looking forward to giving my liver a break. Anyone got any tips for dealing with a DH who is definitely not on board? Over the pandemic, we've got into the habit of cocktails 3-4 times a week. Also any tips on social activities (given cold and pandemic) that my friends and I can do?

IcedAbstinente · 28/12/2021 14:15

@SquirrelFan

I'm in! I am looking forward to giving my liver a break. Anyone got any tips for dealing with a DH who is definitely not on board? Over the pandemic, we've got into the habit of cocktails 3-4 times a week. Also any tips on social activities (given cold and pandemic) that my friends and I can do?
I am a big fan of meeting up for breakfast when I am not drinking. If you are able to of course with the pandemic. But eggs benedict and loads of coffee.

Plus walks and walks.

Lushmetender · 28/12/2021 14:26

Had my AF night and feel a bit better. Slept until 1240 pm shamefully but not been sleeping too good recently so feel a bit more ready to face the day. Will try to keep it up but might have a last blast on NYE.

FanGirlX · 28/12/2021 15:20

@SquirrelFan

I'm in! I am looking forward to giving my liver a break. Anyone got any tips for dealing with a DH who is definitely not on board? Over the pandemic, we've got into the habit of cocktails 3-4 times a week. Also any tips on social activities (given cold and pandemic) that my friends and I can do?
Has he got a space where he can drink, either with friends or away from you?

DP drank in the office / gaming room last year but didn't drink in the living room while I was there. This was his idea to support me.

So basically, so as not to put temptation in my way, he didn't drink in front of me.

Stuckhere2021 · 28/12/2021 15:44

Hello everyone. I managed to drop my phone into the bath on Christmas Eve and just got the new one today. I have managed a moderate Christmas drinking wise. I did drink on Christmas day - half a bottle of 9% Prosecco and two Baileys. My goal is still to be completely AF and I intend to move forward on that basis. So it wasn't carnage and my tolerance is high (not a good thing I realise) so I wasn't blind drunk - but even still, I want to stop completely.
So today I am day day 3 AF / 1 day drinking out of 13 days. Not ideal but I am not going to beat myself up and get on a downward spiral or use it as an excuse to drink more. We had my husband's brother for Christmas day and he is such hard work that I caved. New Year is a big celebration in Scotland but my husband is working so it will be a quiet AF one for me and straight onto dry January......then stay AF. We are all different but I find it easier to think in months/chunks of time rather than 'I am never going to drink again'. I want to get to that mind set but I still hold out that there is something good about alcohol.
Hope everyone is doing well and not struggling too much when booze seems to be everywhere!

SarahJessicaParker1 · 28/12/2021 16:23

I'm on day 2 of (early) Dry Jan! I'm tired today, but I did a very early shift at work, so expect that's why. Think I fell asleep a little after 10pm last night, finished my shift at 1ish this pm and had a nap when I came home Xmas Grin. Probably not related to lack of alcohol, but I'm certainly sleeping well.

Original poster
MyGhastIsFlabbered · 28/12/2021 19:08

How's everyone doing? I'm trying to find some quit lit as I'm just sick of drinking too much and feeling like shit. My mental health isn't great, DH and I are fighting every day and I need a complete reset.

OP posts:
IcedAbstinente · 28/12/2021 19:11

for quit lit my perennial fave is Clare Pooleys Mummy was a Secret Drinker.

I also recently read Holly Glenn Whitaker'as Quit Like a Woman. Very ragey, and feminist and well researched.

Stuckhere2021 · 28/12/2021 19:38

@Namaste6

I'm in please. Would love to hear of good alternatives. Has anyone tried the Three Spirits range. I already have Clean Co gin. It's great!
@Namaste6 - I have tried three spirits. I like the livener and nightcap but not the social. I make mocktails with the livener and have a nightcap before bed with a slice of orange. Nightcap is an acquired taste but I really like it.
teaandtoastwithmarmite · 28/12/2021 23:41

I'm in. Had a disastrous Boxing Day so very happy to give up alcohol from yesterday Blush

CandyLeBonBon · 29/12/2021 01:36

I'm in! I did it this year too and have massively reduced my alcohol intake since! Had a couple of boozy days over Christmas but want to do dry jan again!

OutbackQueen · 29/12/2021 05:59

@Ijustneedtosleep21 I like the idea of continuing dry months! I need to stop altogether but can’t face the idea of never drinking again ATM and dry January is such a good start. I can also just tell people I’m doing dry Jan rather than telling them I want to stop altogether (including new partner and feel too soon to tell him I have a drink problem).

gerispringer · 29/12/2021 06:31

My early Christmas present to my OH was an Aarke sparkling water maker. He has an alcohol problem but has given up completely - he now is 60+ days in dry. I am supporting him and we made it through Christmas both without drinking which is a first. It is possible to have a lovely time without alcohol. So far the best tip is to tell friends and family you’ve given up - dry January a great start and to have alternatives in stock. The sparkling water maker has had a lot of use. Apple juice with sparkling water plus some ginger, cinnamon, star anise and some slices of lemon and lime makes a refreshing drink- we made a big jug of it and sipped it through Christmas day. The DJ app is useful for tracking £££s saved. So far we have saved £700+.

Namaste6 · 29/12/2021 06:31

Thanks @Stuckhere2021 I've ordered the set! Looking forward to trying them out. Smile