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Alcohol support

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Original poster

Alcohol free in 23

638 replies

DancingSober · 31/12/2022 11:25

Hello!

This is the thread for doing a whole year alcohol free beginning tomorrow (although some have started a bit early).

This isn't a moderation thread, so it isn't for cutting down. It's absolutely no alcohol for the whole of 2023.

That said, slip ups happen and I will not be throwing anyone off the thread if they have a blip, (or several blips), but please don't post if you're planning to have a few drinks here and there, as it may affect people who are struggling to remain AF but want to.

Tagging everyone from the initial thread:

@SerialMover
@Metalhead
@nancydroo
@blondie87
@TooSunny
@Preparedforjobnottolast
@thenewaveragebear1983
@limitededitionbarbie
@afaloren
@hashbrownsandwich
@Wantmyownbed

I think that's everyone, but please join if you want to (it's open to everyone) and huge apologies if I have missed anyone with my tagging.

OP posts:
WithFlamingLocksOfAuburnHair · 29/03/2023 12:24

frostyfours · 26/03/2023 18:30

open.spotify.com/episode/2ebY3WNejLNbK47emgjd1E?si=ZedVrLgER-SGNezQOBm8kg

I highly recommend this podcast which reinforces why we are going AF. Eye opening!

This podcast was what prompted me to stop, I'm 5 months now. Now that I know what I know I feel I can't choose to drink again. I have also decided that I want my kids to have a non drinker in their circle of adults, my family occasions all rotate around food and drink so I want them to see the alcohol bit is not inevitable. I didn't have it presented to me as a choice growing up, it was just what everyone did. Anyway that's a long winded way of saying that as someone who doesn't have a history of strong willpower, I think the difference this time is that I have a really, really powerful "why" that I'm totally bought into. I realised this when I was reading recently about exercise motivation as I'm sorely lacking there. So for anyone struggling, do you have a really good "why" you can fall back on?

chasinghappiness · 30/03/2023 23:54

Can I join in please as I could use the support at the moment. Completed dry Jan and haven't drank since but I lost my mum this week so it's a miracle I haven't hit the bottle. Still might once the shock wears off as it was unexpected but all I can focus on is getting my dad and the children through it and if I break down I can't do that.

WithFlamingLocksOfAuburnHair · 31/03/2023 07:36

So sorry for your loss @chasinghappiness . Don't think too far into the future, just one step at a time and you'll get through it. If you're looking after everyone do you have anyone to look after you? Or something you can do for yourself, even just a place you can go to walk and cry and let your feelings out? Take care x

TeeNoG · 31/03/2023 17:31

Sorry to see your news @chasinghappiness I agree with @WithFlamingLocksOfAuburnHair , I appreciate you want to support your family but please make time for your own grief too. Alcohol won't help you here.

I've been a bit quiet here, just pootling away and working on getting myself into a healthier place. After my drink in February I am now at over 40 days which is pleasing. I feel quite flat, but that's hormones for you - I know I'll feel better in a few days, and that my mood can't kill me!

I think possibly I am a very good advert for not attempting moderation after sobriety- I had 717 days and if I hadn't started again I'd be at almost double that..... I can live with it and don't beat myself up, but feel free to heed my warning.

AthenaWhite · 31/03/2023 20:57

@chasinghappiness sorry for your loss. Wishing you all the strength you need to get through each day.

I'm on day 91 so still going strong, Struggling this week for no reason at all, just seem to be hit with wave after wave of craving and desire for alcohol. No drink to my lips today and I'll carry on tomorrow. I'm going to listen to the podcast recommended up thread and re listen to Alcohol Explained, need my sober mojo back.

I loved listening to the Sober Awkward podcast but lost interest when they switched the co host.

Just a bit meh and tempted this week.

onelife22 · 31/03/2023 21:04

Back for day 1... again. Life has been TOUGH and I let it get the better (worse) of me. Need to start looking after myself again and this is the place to start.

frostyfours · 31/03/2023 22:28

@chasinghappiness I'm so sorry for your loss. We are here for you. Flowers

coodawoodashooda · 03/04/2023 10:46

How long af before your face looks like that of a non drinker?

coodawoodashooda · 03/04/2023 11:00

chasinghappiness · 30/03/2023 23:54

Can I join in please as I could use the support at the moment. Completed dry Jan and haven't drank since but I lost my mum this week so it's a miracle I haven't hit the bottle. Still might once the shock wears off as it was unexpected but all I can focus on is getting my dad and the children through it and if I break down I can't do that.

I'm sorry too.

HappyHealthy23 · 03/04/2023 12:52

I'm so sorry about your mum, @chasinghappiness . I went on a bit of a spiral after my mum died four years ago. It's so hard, isn't it?

@onelife22 Welcome back! I hope you can start to show yourself some proper care.

@coodawoodashooda I have no idea what my face would look like if I never drank, but at 3 months in, my skin is better than it has been in many years. I think I noticed a real difference after about six weeks.

DAy 92 here and I had my first alcohol dream last night - I dreamed that I got extremely pissed and made a complete arse of myself in front of my old boss. I was so relieved when I woke up!

coodawoodashooda · 04/04/2023 08:26

HappyHealthy23 · 03/04/2023 12:52

I'm so sorry about your mum, @chasinghappiness . I went on a bit of a spiral after my mum died four years ago. It's so hard, isn't it?

@onelife22 Welcome back! I hope you can start to show yourself some proper care.

@coodawoodashooda I have no idea what my face would look like if I never drank, but at 3 months in, my skin is better than it has been in many years. I think I noticed a real difference after about six weeks.

DAy 92 here and I had my first alcohol dream last night - I dreamed that I got extremely pissed and made a complete arse of myself in front of my old boss. I was so relieved when I woke up!

I'm on about day 92 too. Something like that. Its my eyes that are most different. I just can't work out why.

HappyHealthy23 · 04/04/2023 08:40

Brighter and whiter? Not red-rimmed and looking like pissholes in the snow? 🤔😁

coodawoodashooda · 04/04/2023 12:45

HappyHealthy23 · 04/04/2023 08:40

Brighter and whiter? Not red-rimmed and looking like pissholes in the snow? 🤔😁

Less saggy I think.

rothbury · 04/04/2023 16:21

My skin definitely looks better.

Also, a colleague who is twenty years younger than me (at least!) was commenting the other day that she wished she had my energy and enthusiasm.

Honestly, it’s all because of not consuming alcohol.

The only thing I am finding difficult is the headaches I get even three months in, a few times a week, for about three or four hours at a time. I don’t miss booze at all.

JerseyRoyals · 04/04/2023 16:56

I'd like to join as well- but starting tomorrow.

I am hoping for more energy and to save some money.

TeeNoG · 04/04/2023 19:56

@coodawoodashooda It's all in the eyes! If you look at sober transformation picks, you can always see it in the eyes - it's like your soul returns or something, there's actually life shining through ☺️

coodawoodashooda · 05/04/2023 09:00

TeeNoG · 04/04/2023 19:56

@coodawoodashooda It's all in the eyes! If you look at sober transformation picks, you can always see it in the eyes - it's like your soul returns or something, there's actually life shining through ☺️

Yeah. That pissholes in the snow resonates. It's all around my eyes, unexpectedly. There is less skin and more eye. My whole face is actually smaller.

HappyHealthy23 · 06/04/2023 07:45

Same, @coodawoodashooda . It's crazy how puffy my face must have been before and I didn't even notice!

DD's birthday party was yesterday- 8 kids causing havoc all afternoon. 🙃 Usually, I would use the stress of it all to get pissed in the evening, and I'm so pleased that I wasn't even tempted last night. I put a bottle of AF wine in the fridge just in case but I didn't fancy it in the end. 95 days today. 🤩

coodawoodashooda · 06/04/2023 09:46

HappyHealthy23 · 06/04/2023 07:45

Same, @coodawoodashooda . It's crazy how puffy my face must have been before and I didn't even notice!

DD's birthday party was yesterday- 8 kids causing havoc all afternoon. 🙃 Usually, I would use the stress of it all to get pissed in the evening, and I'm so pleased that I wasn't even tempted last night. I put a bottle of AF wine in the fridge just in case but I didn't fancy it in the end. 95 days today. 🤩

I think that's it. I didn't notice. Omg though. I feel so nice because of it. Definitely gives me motivation for getting fit. The small changes are not invisible. Definitely using af beer as a bit of a crutch. Not found an af wine that doesn't taste like sugary fizz. Well done about your party. Must have felt so nice to wake up fit for a new day.

AthenaWhite · 08/04/2023 06:41

Day 99 here. Was really sticky for a few weeks, felt pointless and lots of cravings, back on track now. My 100th day will be Easter Sunday which wasn't planned but tickles me. When I started DJ I contemplated doing a dry Easter too 😄

Post easter I am sorting out the sugar intake. Just read Atomic Habits which was motivating.

The sober life is a good life, keep going everyone!

rothbury · 08/04/2023 08:57

Well done everyone!

I need to lose two stone and my sugar intake is crazy. I’m on holiday soon, so will start a serious diet after that.

Should be easier than quitting alcohol, right? 😀

coodawoodashooda · 08/04/2023 10:49

rothbury · 08/04/2023 08:57

Well done everyone!

I need to lose two stone and my sugar intake is crazy. I’m on holiday soon, so will start a serious diet after that.

Should be easier than quitting alcohol, right? 😀

But the easy thing about not drinking is you just don't drink. You can't do the same thing with food!

rothbury · 09/04/2023 13:25

Thats very true @coodawoodashooda but I feel like I am in the right head space to tackle it.

I had a medical questionnaire during the week, and was asked all the usual questions, including “how much alcohol do you drink?”

I was so ridiculously proud of myself saying “none. I don’t drink at all.”

coodawoodashooda · 10/04/2023 08:25

rothbury · 09/04/2023 13:25

Thats very true @coodawoodashooda but I feel like I am in the right head space to tackle it.

I had a medical questionnaire during the week, and was asked all the usual questions, including “how much alcohol do you drink?”

I was so ridiculously proud of myself saying “none. I don’t drink at all.”

That must have felt fabulous!!! I don't think I'd write that and I've been af all year, so far anyway. Survived two traditionally boozie occasions this weekend. I had a bottle of af wine which was actually lovely. I felt like a queen waking up with a spring in my step. Was also interesting to watch other people slowly become shitfaced. What a crazy past time.

rothbury · 11/04/2023 21:25

Did everyone survive the Easter weekend alcohol free?

I imagine a few of us hit 100 days 😇

I am having a “posh lunch” in London tomorrow with adult DD. No temptation whatsoever to drink alcohol. Just seems like a ridiculous waste of money now.