What's the best way forward?

[poorlyarm]

I have a history of heavy drinking as do most of my family and friends although all are high functioning / successful etc on the surface.

I've got to a point where I honestly just don't want to drink anymore. I've had a very stressful few months and done a couple of silly things.. so now I'm just feeling an intense dread every time I wake up after having a drink. I even sometimes dream that I've had a drink and feel the same dread but then wake up and realise it's all fine.. I haven't had a drink! Almost like some kind of trauma!!

Anyway I'm not drinking much at the moment, not at all on 'school nights' but still sometimes on a weekend and sometimes quite a lot.

I feel like I want to stop completely but feeling a bit of grief? I just wish I could drink sensibly but I know I just can't. I also feel some guilt because we spend a lot of time with my parents who like a drink and not sure how that relationship will be if I stop drinking?

Not sure why im posting.. but wondered if anyone had any words of wisdom?

You need to not be with people who drink when they will be drinking.
Where are you drinking, at home or out ? If it’s at home just don’t buy it/buy as much.

Don't really drink at home at all now.

It tends to be more Friday teatime on a sunny day someone suggests going to the pub etc. but I tend to go a bit mad once I start. I guess I just need to say no!

Yes, just say no. Have your excuses ready so you don’t wobble.

I'm not an expert, but I gave up smoking and to do that I had to give up drinking. At the start it is about being quite boring, but eventually you have a handle on things and can cope with socialising. Being around drunk people is boring, but I'd sometimes go out until that point, and of course it was easy to jump in the car and drive myself home. Its lovely feeling fresh in the morning. Hopefully other things will then start to fill the gap, or you just adapt. I can totally dance sober now 😂