Alcohol Explained. Day one

[onedayiwillflyaway1]

Hello,
I'm a long time lurker and long time drinker. I've had the day off work today and after another boozy night and my anxiety this morning this lead me to have a beer for hair of the dog. I suddenly realised this is heading only one way, so I downloaded Alcohol Explained and spent the afternoon listening to it whilst sipping my last bottle of wine. Even though I know my own journey of how I got here, it was truly an eye opener and is one of those books that once read, denial is now not an option.
I'm now wide awake with one beer left but I've decided that tomorrow is my day one of quitting alcohol altogether. I've tried moderation, occasional abstinence etc but it always sucks me back in and now I know why. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow but I know I can get through it hopefully now fully armed with the knowledge I've just heard. My plan is to use this thread to track my journey and share my experience. Lastly I would like to thank each and everyone of you who have shared your experience over the years.

[quote onedayiwillflyaway1]@MrsYan thank you, well done on two years I am looking forward to getting my life back to how it used to be.
@coodawoodashooda I listened to it on audible it sank in better I did try and read it a while back but was drinking so heavily I just wasn't concentrating so it was less effective. He basically strips all the myths surrounding alcohol and the alleged benefits. Why not give it a listen with an open mind regardless of how much you drink and what your goal is.[/quote]
Yes i will. Thank you.

Hi @onedayiwillflyaway1, can I join you? Longtime lurker here....

Am halfway through Alcohol Explained, its amazing! I've been trying to quit for a couple of years off and on, drinking 2/3 bottle of wine every night, much more when stressed, have read lots of quit lit, have gone three months but would then cave, drink more, somehow keep up appearances outside the home but health suffered, constantly tured/irritable with kids, marriage a mess (but that's another story)

This book has really clicked - the way it links how and why we continue to drink to how our brains work, the conscious vs unconscious mind, and how its a drug that worsens anxiety each and every sip taken, has changed what alcohol means in my head.

It no longer feels like an escape.

I have had far fewer urges to drink, I don't feel quite so 'powerless' if you see what I mean?

I'm day 2 today. Going to look into some kambucha! Maybe go for a swim. Would be great to have a place to share thoughts and progress and support others.

And yes, it's 4.30am and I'm awake....!

Has anyone tried kombucha which is fermented tea - sounds horrible- but fruit flavoured, slightly fizzy and nice.

The ones from M&S are nice- there's an apple one and a pink lemonade one

@Spaceandtime good morning, i would love for you to join. Day two for me as well.
I love your explanation of why Alcohol Explained changes your mindset towards drinking. The point is we are not powerless the drug is designed to make you want more. I kind of knew this before but how he explains it just took away all the guilt and shame which was a massive trigger for me. Hope you enjoy your swim, I used to swim once a week but since covid I haven't been drinking came first so I plan to get back soon.
I slept well last night woke up once at 2am but managed to go back to sleep. Im enjoying a cup of tea in bed. I'm going to have a shower and then make a start on giving my bedroom a declutter and clean (it's a mess) make it somewhere I can relax rather than just crash. Will check back later.

@PrisonerofZeroCovid, thanks for the suggestion I will try them they sound lovely.

I can’t comment on the book, as I got sober with AA two years ago. But what I can say is it is SO bloody great not drinking! Your life opens up in so many ways.

I second posting here when ever you need to and joining some sober groups online. Having other people to talk to and share the journey has been a big part of helping me stay sober.

Also YES to the anxiety relief myth with alcohol. It delays anxiety….then multiplies it when it inevitably returns. Its a horrible trick.

I am speaking from years of disordered drinking, I quit, then restart it takes a little bit extra from me each time. Quitting is very hard, I am 3 weeks sober today which of course is still very fragile.

I cannot tell you the immense benefits I am already feeling, sleep is good, my eyes looking ok clear but most of all my head, I don't mean in a headache kind of way but emotionally. I was always anxious, overthinking and generally disliked myself, short tempered and just angry. Those feelings are disappearing, someone at work commented about how they are in awe with how much patience I have 😯. I just feel at peace with myself like I can trust myself now.

I think I always felt let down by myself as I couldn't just stop so I felt weak and disgusted. I have energy and don't dread waking up in the morning, instead I am ready to start the day.

It does get easier, but I am no way taking this for granted I know how easy it is to slip. I am just trying to protect my sobriety and be kind to myself. If I can get this far so can you. Have a wonderful sober day.

@Rupertpenrysmistress

I am speaking from years of disordered drinking, I quit, then restart it takes a little bit extra from me each time. Quitting is very hard, I am 3 weeks sober today which of course is still very fragile.

I cannot tell you the immense benefits I am already feeling, sleep is good, my eyes looking ok clear but most of all my head, I don't mean in a headache kind of way but emotionally. I was always anxious, overthinking and generally disliked myself, short tempered and just angry. Those feelings are disappearing, someone at work commented about how they are in awe with how much patience I have 😯. I just feel at peace with myself like I can trust myself now.

I think I always felt let down by myself as I couldn't just stop so I felt weak and disgusted. I have energy and don't dread waking up in the morning, instead I am ready to start the day.

It does get easier, but I am no way taking this for granted I know how easy it is to slip. I am just trying to protect my sobriety and be kind to myself. If I can get this far so can you. Have a wonderful sober day.

That sounds lovely.

@Rupertpenrysmistress " I was always anxious, overthinking and generally disliked myself, short tempered and just angry." I realise this is how I have been with some paranoia thrown in for good measure.
So glad to hear that you are past that and it gives me hope. I thought I was just a negative person.
I've spent the day cleaning and dinner is on, settled down now with a hot chocolate to watch The tourist. I remember this is how relaxing my Sundays used to be instead of sipping wine from around 1pm and trying to act sober at tea time. I've not had any withdrawal symptoms today or cravings so I'm just enjoying the moment.

How was your day oneday? I remember Sundays for me as cooking a roast which spanned most of the afternoon, accompanied by wine followed by trying to act sober it was exhausting. It is so much nicer to enjoy my evenings and remember what I have watched and who I was messaging.

This time around, I have not subbed any non alcoholic drinks I just don't count calories in nice coffee and cake. I pamper myself, listen to audio books/read/nap and watch rubbish on TV. I have no guilt just do what I have to, to get through. I work full-time too. My long term plan is to start exercising and start healthy eating but when I am ready.

It all sounds selfish but my DC and DH are benefitting from it to, I am calmer, more organised and just do more for them.

@Rupertpenrysmistress it has been the best Sunday I've had in ages. We had dinner then cleared up and I had a nap whilst the boys played on their xboxes. Food shopping tomorrow so I've been browsing cook books to try some new recipes then back in work Tuesday.
Your day sounds lovely too and no way selfish. Oh yes there are a few programmes i will need to rewatch and the messaging glad i don't have worry about that in the morning.

I'm going to give it a few weeks and get back into some fitness plan I cycle to work during summer and used to swim so plan on using the spare time to get back into that.

@coodawoodashooda @Nothingsfine how as your Sunday been?

@wukfit sorry meant to thank you for your words of encouragement. Oh the anxiety brought on by alcohol is on another level for me anyway. Im peri menopause too so its a double whammy.

[quote onedayiwillflyaway1]@Rupertpenrysmistress it has been the best Sunday I've had in ages. We had dinner then cleared up and I had a nap whilst the boys played on their xboxes. Food shopping tomorrow so I've been browsing cook books to try some new recipes then back in work Tuesday.
Your day sounds lovely too and no way selfish. Oh yes there are a few programmes i will need to rewatch and the messaging glad i don't have worry about that in the morning.

I'm going to give it a few weeks and get back into some fitness plan I cycle to work during summer and used to swim so plan on using the spare time to get back into that.[/quote]
I joined the gym a week after I stopped drinking - simply because I suddenly had so much more energy and I wanted to make the most of it! I’ve been 3 times a week ever since and feel brilliant for it. I even walked the dog at 5:30am the other day! Then straight to gym afterwards - normally I would have been on the sofa with a hangover until 10am.

I’ve also given up takeaways and been into cooking much more. I used to get a takeaway as I’d be too drunk to follow a recipe on a weekend come 6pm.

Giving up alcohol has been the best decision and I’ll never go back. Well done OP, you’re doing great ☺️

[quote onedayiwillflyaway1]**@coodawoodashooda* @Nothingsfine* how as your Sunday been?[/quote]
Thanks op. I bought Russell Brand's book on addiction. More than anything i think im addicted to being down on myself. I really think im at the end of the road with alcohol. Money wise if nothing else. I want to get fit and feel fresh. I want to be sociable because I have nice clothes. Id like a partner. None of that can happen as long as I fill the weekend with evenings of netflix and prosecco.

Is alcohol explained the same as netflix truth about alcohol?

@coodawoodashooda, good morning. Im not sure if they are the same, I've not watched that programme will take a look later. Alcohol explained for me was just very factual about how alcohol affects the brain and sets up the addictive loop in your sub conscious. Interesting how you say you are addicted to being down on yourself, I did the 2nd day of the alcohol experiment yesterday. It focuses on how we talk to ourselves and our perception. I read through some of my old journals (mostly written in a drunken stupor) it was sad to read how horrible I was with myself I would never dream of speaking to anyone else like that it was really sad to read. I have a lot of things to unpick and although I had a good day yesterday however I more than aware that I am going to have to face some things I've been numbing with alcohol. I too would like a partner, nice clothes and get fit. Nice clothes are my first goal .

@SnotRags early mornings are my favourite time of the day. I have to leave for work some day's at 5.30am. I'm usually groggy and anxious so don't get to appreciate them fully. I'm really looking forward to getting back to cooking again and enjoy it rather than see it as a chore.
I've never been to the gym always wanted to. When I get back to the pool I'm going to take a look at the gym and give it a trial.

Happy day 3 OP, what are your plans for today? ☺️

Alcohol Explained and Alcohol Lied to Me have completely changed my life. I'm nearly 3 years without alcohol. I tried so many times to quit but life seemed bleak without alcohol. Life is absolutely joyful without it. I wish I'd found those books years ago but I'm just grateful I found them at all. I know I'll never drink again. I've got wine in downstairs that I bought for visitors. It's gathering dust down there . I second audible format. I found it got into my brain, every nook and cranny.
All the best OP. Ps you can catch William Porter doing live talks on his AE page.

Thanks @snotrags I'm going to get some food shopping. Then make home made cheese and onion pie and apple crumble.
I feel the need to clear out my wardrobe and then ive got a couple of podcasts to relax to later. How about you?

@northernsoullover three years is amazing. I wish i had listened to them three years ago however no point just glad I did now. I do feel like a spell has been broken.

snotrag that sounds lovely that is the sort of thing I would love. It's time I appreciated what my body does for me.
Cooda alcohol strips everything, it's so addictive and sneaky. When you finally see it for what it is, it's quite a revelation.

Has anyone noticed how alcohol is everywhere? Adverts, it's always the go to in soaps and films but it only serves a good purpose. On TV you are either a homeless drunk or someone for whom alcohol enhances their abilities, not impairs them (hello hangover).

I may have said this before but I highly recommend Craig Beck particularly on audiobook.

Have a great day everyone. Thank you oneday for starting this thread.

Ending day 3 with an early night, I feel absolutely exhausted and I am back in work tomorrow. Hope you all have had a good day.