Here goes..

[Elgarelegie]

I realised last night, after finishing an entire 70cl bottle of gin over a few hours in the evening, that I was on the verge of potentially doing that every night. Which is, frankly, simply ridiculous from a health, finance and well-being perspective.

So, I’m not going to drink for at least a few months. I’ve not touched any tonight, and when I’m tempted to go and buy another bottle (as I know I will be), I’ll add up the cost of a bottle of gin per night for a year and get my pyjamas on instead, so I can’t get in the car.

I’ve drunk increasing amounts for years now, due to separating from exdh over 2 years ago but still living with him and dc despite a toxic atmosphere. (It has taken this long to sort out financial agreements etc, we’re not living under the same roof by choice. I can’t afford to move out to rented, and he won’t). So, every evening, I take myself off to my room and relax with a g&t. A pint at a time 🙁🥺🤦‍♀️

Ridiculous, I know.

I have to stop.

Hey @Elgarelegie good for you for making that choice! I made the same choice (to be sober for a few months) myself 2.5 years ago, except I loved being sober so much I never went back to drinking😃 If you want some company there’s a great thread called the “Freedom thread” on this board full of people at all stages of giving up alcohol (1 day, 1 year etc). You’re very welcome to pop over there for a chat, many of us will recognise your story. Anyway, good luck to you!

Good luck with it. Sounds like it has helped you get through some difficult times recently and there's nothing wrong with that but now you appreciate it's not a long term solution.

It's hard at first but you will find it easier as you go further and to be honest you'll find yourself a lot more focused and clear headed tackling the next stage in the divorce and moving forwards with your life.

I'm going into my third year with no alcohol and it's the best thing I ever did. Previous to that I was sober for several years but had a relapse in early 2020.

Your future self will thank you!

And one day at a time

Ps you’re not ridiculous at all, your living circumstances sound extremely tough for you and you’re doing brilliantly to have survived all that. Don’t judge yourself🙂

Well done on making the decision to stop. You won’t regret it!

I am now far richer, thinner, healthier etc etc. I was always skint, it was because I was spending £££ each week on alcohol! I used to have a really early shower and keep my hair wet so I wouldn’t be tempted. In PJ’s & with wet hair there was no way I would go to the shops!

The book the unexpected joy of being sober really helped whenever I felt tempted too.

Sorry about your living situation, that sounds miserable. I hope you are able to get something sorted soon.

Wow it sounds like you’ve been through the mill - a real test of your character l, you’re obviously a strong person.

Absolutely not ridiculous it’s brave and smart to realise you need to change - well done you. You sound full of will power. I have no advice to offer, I just came her to say you’ve absolutely got this! Good luck.

Wow, thank you everyone.

@Itsjeremycorbynsfault yes, gin let me take my mind off the never ending grind of living with an ex whose behaviour you realised over 2 years ago is coercive, bullying and gaslighting. I never thought we’d still be in the marital home after 2 years, it is absolutely killing me. And it’s no good for the kids. But he’s been so difficult with the solicitors (who I’ve spent SO many thousands of pounds on) that it’s taken till now for the house to just about be ready to put on the market. Gin helped me get away from all that. And, tbh, it’s tempting to just say ‘sod it’ and carry on drinking till I eventually move into my own home and away from all this stress.

But the realisation that I am edging up to drinking 26units in one night is rather a wake up call.

OP if you have been drinking a bottle of gin a night you may suffer alcohol withdrawal. Speak to your doctor before going cold turkey. Best of luck.

Good luck op. A courageous decision and i hope all is going well.