Day 14 Alcohol Free

[ilovetomatoes]

So I’m day 14 alcohol free and loving it. A few things I’ve noticed, would love to get perspectives from you all

• I’m really really tired all the time. Falling asleep on the sofa and struggling to get up in the morning. When does the boundless energy that I’ve heard about kick in?!
• the most difficult part is managing other people. Having been a big party animal before, I’m getting comments from friends and disappointed reaction s when I order a soft drink
• i want to talk about it all the time because I’m so excited to be free of alcohol. It’s probably annoying for my husband in particular. I need to stop that
• i find socialising sober even better than with alcohol because I remember everything!

Well done. I keep thinking about doing this but then put it off. Your most just might encourage me to go for it

Your ‘post’

Do give it a try. Like many on here I found William Porters Alcohol Explained a complete revelation x

Well done @ilovetomatoes ! Does your DH drink in front of you and how are you finding it? That's my trigger! I've done many periods of abstinence so I know I can do it and am still doing it just the f it button sometimes is too large!

@Namechanged12344 he hasn’t had a drink in front of me yet but is being quite grumpy about the whole thing. I get it, I’ve complete changes. We would usually have a bottle or two of wine on the sofa, stay up late chatting, go out for big big drinking nights with friends. But I just can’t do it anymore, I don’t want to waste days being hungover anymore.

im trying not to be complacent and I’m saying to myself I don’t drink anymore and I have no intention of going back. But I am still very much in the honeymoon period and May fall back into my old ways before long. I really hope I can keep it going.

Yes! Go you!!!

So I found the same with tiredness and then I started sleeping really deep and dreaming lots, struggling to wake up in the morning! But not a bit tired once I start the day!

Talk about it! Post about it! Journal! If this gives you motivation then do it!!

I have some friends starting AF journey and we really chat about it!

I am 7 weeks in and feeling wonderful! Keep going! X

Well done. I think the energy and sleep kicks in at about 3 weeks so, hang in there. I am 10 months sober and I can honestly say it is the best thing I have ever done.
I feel so content, I do have the odd thought of oh just one glass might be nice but, it passes quickly. My DH drinks, not every night but very socially, he fully supports me.

I have managed sober holiday, night outs and celebrations, and, I feel stronger for it. I do remind myself of how the hangovers/anxiety felt and there is no way I am going back there.

Keep going, treat yourself and be kind to yourself, it is tough but you can do it.

Thank you all!

Still haven’t had a drink and had quite a few nights out, really don’t miss it at all when I’m out.

the worst time is when I’m bored at home, thinking of a movie and a glass of wine. But it passes quickly.

I honestly can’t believe I’m managing it. I was one of those people known for loving boozy nights.

ive been doing the fast forward thing when I get a twinge, it really works!!

What's the fast forward thing?

I've been alcohol free for a similar number of days OP. I am also loving it, and unlike previous times of having time off booze eg dry January haven't been tempted at all. I also read Alcohol Explained at the start.

@jelly79 the fast forward thing is when you’re tempted to have a drink, fast forward a few hours and think about how you would feel after the drink and in the morning. Wide awake in the night, anxious, tired and nauseous in the morning etc. it’s helps you to get away from that craving

Well done @PosiePerkinPootleFlump . It’s really liberating isn’t it!

Well done, it's been just over 8 months since I listened to alcohol explained. Been mostly alcohol free apart from the occasional blip which afterwards I realised it wasn't worth it. Not touched a drop for 4 months the freedom feels amazing.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. They are really inspiring for someone who is hoping to make the leap once again. It does feel like the sober movement is growing - more drink options, more awareness, more acceptance.

The idea of a good night's sleep remembered evenings and no hangovers is certainly very appealing. I will look up alcohol explained!

Well done @onedayiwillflyaway1. what happened with your blips? I’ve got my best friends birthday coming up in 6 weeks. Typically a huge night, 2/3am finish kind of thing. Nervous about that one for sure

@Stircrazyschoolmum ive tried several times before but alcohol explained really hit the mark for me. I’ve read quite a few of the “quit lit” books. Give it a go and good luck x

I've had many good nights out without drinking a drop, a few were not so good where everyone was plastered and really irritating. My blips were the reward bottle of wine after a week at work which then became a weekend of drinking and regret.
I don't know if I will ever be able to just have the odd one and be OK; upto now I've not, so I'm staying sober as I definitely feel 100% better.
My anxiety has pretty much gone and my skin glows. I only miss it occasionally and then it's just a passing thought that quickly goes.

@onedayiwillflyaway1 thanks for sharing that. I’m thinking I might be the same and need to stay sober from now on. My triggers are really my DH to be honest, he’s struggling with my decision saying he can’t believe we’re never going to have a “fun” night together again. It’s quite tough at the moment.

Hi @onedayiwillflyaway1 what you said resonated as I've been up and down for god knows now but when I'm completely sober I feel better but why I then crack with the rears wine and my DH also is a trigger @ilovetomatoes he is really into his wines and always has some nice ones available on tap. He knows I have some issues surrounding alcohol but he says things like it's not his fault I can't control it etc etc he's not supportive but I have 2 people irl that understand but not fully unless you have been in this exact situation. Today I have not drunk.

Ah the good old 'we lack control so must be irresponsible' nice addition to the level of guilt.
It's a highly addictive drug this is a fact and it's also a socially accepted one so it must be our fault.
Took me a while to step away from the guilt of feeling out of control when I see how much the alcohol industry push this substance to encompass every social scenario but then tag on to adverts 'drink responsibly' it's no wonder we blame ourselves.