Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Alcohol support

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

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:
Original poster
DancingSober · 04/01/2023 14:58

Oh that's interesting he says to cut out alcohol! I would've thought maybe just cut down. I do think even moderate drinking affects my sleep, so it does make sense.

OP posts:
hashbrownsandwich · 04/01/2023 15:35

I'm with all those saying they feel knackered!

I always have crap sleep when I've been drinking, usually the 3am wake up of my body wanting more sugar, then back to sleep about 5am for a 6am alarm Envy

I am having really good sleep since quitting but I still feel knackered. I've been checking my blood sugar levels too just out of curiosity and they're quite low so it'll be interesting to see how long it takes for me the 'even up'.

rothbury · 04/01/2023 17:42

Another sleepless night. I am really hoping I get some sleep tonight as I have to drive tomorrow morning.

No cravings or anything. Felling very positive and productive Smile

Original poster
DancingSober · 04/01/2023 18:27

That's great @rothbury. I hope you get a good night's sleep.

That's interesting @hashbrownsandwich. I wonder if that's why we're all so tired...

@Icanflyhigh how is your anxiety? I was starting to spiral a bit too on nights when I'd had a few. It's really bad for anxiety apparently (alcohol I mean)

OP posts:
Icanflyhigh · 04/01/2023 19:29

DancingSober · 04/01/2023 18:27

That's great @rothbury. I hope you get a good night's sleep.

That's interesting @hashbrownsandwich. I wonder if that's why we're all so tired...

@Icanflyhigh how is your anxiety? I was starting to spiral a bit too on nights when I'd had a few. It's really bad for anxiety apparently (alcohol I mean)

I'm actually OK. I slept like a baby last night, so deep I didn't hear DH get up and go to work this morning- I obviously needed it.

I think going 4 days now is the longest I have gone in probably 12 months without alcohol and its obviously totally gone from system now.

Not worried about cracking and giving in, downloaded the dry January app yesterday and having worked out how much I've saved already this year by abstaining is a HUGE incentive.

We are desperately trying to get on the mortgage ladder and saving money has to be a good thing.

SnowAndIceLobelia · 04/01/2023 20:09

Tired here as well and desperate to go to bed. But it's not possible for about an hour yet.

One thing that occurred to me today..... I have chronic back, hip and knee problems. I am 3 stone overweight which obviously does not help but have been in such pain and really debilitated for a couple of years now. Yet- the past 24 hours I have been almost completely pain free in my joints. It's hard to explain just how unusual this is- and I have noticed because we are away and walking alot wheras usually I simply cannot walk far or keep up with my family.

I have just googled alcohol and inflammation in joints and it seems there is a connection. Certainly it does not seem to me to be a coincidence- i guess it remains to be seen but I am really cautiously - optimistic and hopeful and really quite excited!!

Plus we have been out for both lunch and dinner today and the savings on the costs of restaurant wine is also really exciting. So I am feeling SO positive today and must recall this feeling for when i have a slump (due sometime tomorrow I think Blush ).

Hope everyone is well this evening.

SnowAndIceLobelia · 04/01/2023 20:12

I will check out the I am Sober app. Love watching the savings tick upwards! Thanks!

Original poster
DancingSober · 04/01/2023 20:59

That's amazing @SnowAndIceLobelia!

I think I may have turned a bit of a corner in terms of the absolute exhaustion today. I was knackered this afternoon, but had a busy late afternoon and suddenly felt quite energised. Hope this is the beginning of some more positive side effects, but I know it's extremely early days.

I've d/led the I am Sober app and it is quite fun to see the days adding up. Soon it will be weeks and then months 🥳

OP posts:
Coppergate · 04/01/2023 21:21

That’s very encouraging @DancingSober , hopefully the energised parts of the day get longer!

I’ve got they Paul McKenna sleep app now so I’m going to try a bit of hypnosis/listening to him later…fingers crossed.

Now to get this sober app…

onelife22 · 04/01/2023 22:16

Another day ✅ I was thinking today about how I used to use wine to self sabotage. It's weird but that's the first time I've looked at it like that. I suffer with terrible IBS made worse with wine but would almost encourage myself to drink the night before a long day travelling, an event or meeting then have serious anxiety about how my stomach was going to be all day.

I've spent the evening booking early weekend bookings for my hobbies over the next few months hoping now I've acknowledged my self sabotage I will stay strong so I feel refreshed on those mornings.

I have turned down a delayed Christmas meal and drinks this month though as it's too soon to say I could stay strong through that.

coodawoodashooda · 04/01/2023 23:08

I like that the wine witch is gone. None is easier than one.

Original poster
DancingSober · 05/01/2023 14:24

Checking in!

Hope everyone is well.

I have finished work for the day so I'm going swimming.

Definitely feel much less tired today. I won't say I'm bursting with energy, but the constant sleepiness is gone, which is great. I've been really tired since the new year, so glad I'm evening oy a bit.

OP posts:
SnowAndIceLobelia · 05/01/2023 14:47

Swimming sounds like a lovely way to spend the afternoon!

As i thought I hit a slump this morning. I managed it by eating two bowls of crunchy nut cereal and am feeling alot better. Grin

Hope everyone is fine.

blondie87 · 05/01/2023 18:01

Well done with the swimming!
I was cooking a roast last night and I really fancied a glass of wine, but I desisted. At the time, I felt a bit deflated, but then I realised that a couple of glasses of wine with a big meal and I would usually feel so sleepy and bit rubbish. Not fancied any today.

rothbury · 05/01/2023 18:16

Sleep was marginally better but still very hard to nod off without passing out from alcohol. Also I have developed a tick in my eye - do posters think that's part of my body detoxing/adjusting?

On the plus side, I went into the office today for first time since before Christmas, and four people complimented me on how well I looked Blush Of course they could have meant "fat" but I do feel a lot more positive and maybe that shows in my general demeanor.

earlyraisin · 05/01/2023 20:07

Something amazing happened today in my office. In the summer I was gifted a bottle of fizz, which has sat in my drawer since because I didnt want to take it home. A colleague came up to me and made an announcement about a life changing decision, so I gave her a hug, reached in my drawer and said here, have this! She said, are you sure? I said, 'yes, I don't drink!'. Yeay! I may fail, but I'll think back to that moment.

Coppergate · 05/01/2023 20:48

Love that @earlyraisin !

I listen to the Paul McKenna sleep hypnosis last night, that in combination with going to bed tired with no distractions (iPad/phone/kindle/book)…worked! I woke briefly at 4am but otherwise slept all night. It made a massive difference today!

I would take it as a genuine compliment, especially has that’s how you feel @rothbury !

Sounds like we’re all feeling a bit better 😀

onelife22 · 05/01/2023 20:54

Overslept again this morning...

I think I'll be ok this weekend with no alcohol as my husband is doing dry Jan. It's the food I'll struggle with and I'm trying to lose weight.

Original poster
DancingSober · 05/01/2023 21:37

Hi all

It all sounds really positive today! I am tired again, but I think it may have been the swimming and slightly earlier start this morning. I'm going to bed already which is terribly rock and roll of me 😄

Definitely feel more positive today - I haven't wanted to drink today either. Not that there's been any days where I've got close, but I have to admit the thought has crossed my mind on other days. I'm sure it will again, but glad it hasn't occurred to me today.

I've booked a dance class for Saturday morning quite early so that should put me off wine tomorrow night! Fridays are usually wine night chez DancingSober.

OP posts:
Icanflyhigh · 06/01/2023 00:07

Day 5 in the bag!
I didn't sleep last night and though I'm in bed now, I'm laid listening to the rain.
I've had noticeably less heartburn last 2 days which is amazing!

TeeNoG · 06/01/2023 12:03

So nice to see everyone's progress!

On day 7 here today, and I am definitely feeling brighter and less tired - though I am sleeping very well! I remember when I gave up initially a few years ago I went through a period of REALLY weird dreams, and a lot of them to do with drinking. I haven't experience that this time but am interested if anyone else has?

We are getting a takeaway tonight, which I'm absolutely buzzing for - I have no desire to add wine into the mix and hopefully that will last throughout the weekend.

SnowAndIceLobelia · 06/01/2023 17:08

I am feeling exhausted today. I could go to bed right now I think!

I have a simple meal planned and will probably flop until it is a more respectable time to go to bed!

Original poster
DancingSober · 06/01/2023 18:19

Hi all

Snow, yy, that's how I was feeling! I even dosed off on the sofa a few afternoons while still off work Blush

I'm feeling much more on an even keel now. Had a bit of a trying day at work, but I'm really not tempted to have a drink I'm just tempted to hand in my notice 😩😂

tee, takeaway sans booze sounds good. I'm tempted to do the same although DH had a work lunch this afternoon so probably won't be up for joining me...so I'll just have leftovers for tomorrow mwahaha!

OP posts:
TimeAndSpace · 06/01/2023 19:10

@TeeNoG funnily enough I had an odd sleep last night. I rarely dream, or at least I rarely remember them, but last night was all about ordering White Russian cocktails which I don’t actually think I’ve ever even had!

onelife22 · 06/01/2023 19:21

Friday night and feeling fine.

I would usually have a drink on a Thursday and wow today was so much easier without feeling a bit meh after wine and a crap sleep the night before.

Feeling motivated for the rest of the weekend.