Imagine there’s tons of these… sober October support thread

[Poopertrooper]

Staring tomorrow. Successfully did sober October last year and drank on November 1st and have done almost every day since.

Determined to make this my starting point again - anyone want to join here for mutual support?

Also any recommendations for podcasts to listen to for starting short bursts sober journeys welcome

Day 1 for me. I will NOT be drinking today.

Day 1 ✅ I find Monday the easiest day of the week not to drink. I'm often full of good intentions early on other days then resolves weakens at dinner time.

I’d like to join you all please. I have been drinking most nights for ages and feeling lousy for it. I sometimes do a couple of days without and then cave/reward myself on 3rd or 4th.
I’ve been trying to follow a weight loss plan the past month and it’s clear as day that the only thing spoiling my success is alcohol.
I think I’m going to find this really hard as I have family birthdays and a week off work this month, but I’m scared to leave it until November as by then I’m usually sinking into a SAD slump and drinking even more.
Nice to be with you all for this for mutual support.

@Littlemaple yes, I'm similar. I can go 7 days, then reward myself. Some reward !
If I didn't drink, my weight would not be a problem. I only eat rubbish when I'm hungover.
Regarding finding it hard, well, it is hard, but try to take it one day at a time - don't think too far ahead. And post here when you're struggling, we'll help.
I think the longer you stay af, the stronger - and more confident, you'll get, so those parties and your week off could be approached with a different mindset ? That is, you're doing so well and feeling so much better without it, that you're inspired to keep going.

Thanks @Amdone123 I have actually managed previous spells of stopping for a couple/few months but then decided that, as I was fine not drinking, I could just drink on holiday/special occasions etc, but of course the events all started merging into each other, and I was back to drinking something most nights with any excuse. I felt great every day not drinking, but I must admit I hated sober parties and I had a dry Christmas which was actually torture as I cater for all my family and just felt like a sober funless skivvy throughout it, watching them all drink! I am trying not to wrestle with all these conflicting feelings and just starting again with having a month off to see how that goes. I hope you do well with it.

I easily didn’t have a drink last night and it always means I go to be earlier and sleep better. Nice to be a bit fresher this morning. I always try not to drink on Mondays and Tuesdays anyway so hopefully this will give me a three day start before my first challenge which is dinner with friends on weds.

It's funny isn't it how the pressure from friends is sometimes a deciding factor into us having a drink or not,
I sometimes feel like my friends get a bit funny about me not having a drink, like in the past when I've done dry Jan etc it's almost like it's something personal against them or I'm doing it to prove a point to them, or it becomes this big deal " oh well your not having a drink are you" !!!
I think I need to find better friends 😕🤣

Day 3 here and felt so much better at work on a Monday morning than I usually do. Had a great sleep and was organised and early this morning. Felt sharper and in a better mood too. M-Th will be easy . I have a dinner with friends on Friday night but they all drive there anyway so it’s usually just me having one drink while they have soft drinks. This time I’ll be joining them. Was out last week with friends and none of them had a drink either( one can’t since Covid as it gives her a migraine now) but the others just do t drink much and would rather get home without a cab fare.This is why we meet up for dinner or coffee or a walk. I’m focussing on the 1200 calories saved by not drinking 2 bottles of wine over Sat and Sun just gone.😀

Day 2 for me. I was so grumpy at work this morning but that is because it was Monday morning and I'm not very happy in my job atm. Not really to do with sober october!

Anyway, the day got better and I'm sure I'll feel (and look) better this week without the booze

I'm safely in pyjamas, having an early dinner and will have an early night!

I expect to not sleep as well, or at least will take longer to fall asleep when sober!

First night ✅️

I like the getting into pj's idea. Might do the same! I've got laundry to do and then an early night for me 😴

I’ve cooked and eaten with a sparkling water in hand. Waiting for thunder to pass then a big dog walk, bit of TV and bed. Good luck all.

@Thefacethatlaunchedathousandchips I find it helps avoid any temptation to pop to the shop!

Morning !
Day 3 looms. I slept really well yay.
Hope everyone else is doing OK?
Sometimes the early days are the hardest ( or indeed getting started ! ), but so far so good.
I was thinking about the weekend.
Friday night won't be a problem - I'll be tired and I'll just want a shower, food, my dog and bed.
Saturday and Sunday - I've made a list in my journal of things to do including 2 films, finish my book and tackle the spare room.
Food / drink wise - I'm not having af beer as it's too cold so I'm going to eat healthily, have hot chocolate and lattes and have a few chocolate treats.

Morning all x
Hope everyones day goes well,
I'm finding that the past two nights I've really struggled to fall asleep literally lying there for hours 😭, I'm wondering if my body is so used to falling asleep with alcohol in my system that it doesn't know what to do!!?

@PeacheyPeach I think insomnia is really common when you stop drinking. I read that it takes five days for your sleep cycles to start going back to normal, which sounds like quite a lot.

I didn't get insomnia but I was shattered when I had to get up this morning. Usually I wake myself up on time more or less, but today snoozed my alarm and could have gone back to sleep.

Feeling OK today though and work ends for me in a few hours, so I'm happy about that!

yep insomnia is the worst when you stop drinking - I don’t sleep if I drink too much and I don’t sleep if I don’t drink 🤣 there’s always a sweet spot after a couple of glasses.

BUT I must tell you all to go and buy the trip cbd drinks!!! I have had one each night now since the first, just one at my usual ‘trigger’ time of cooking. It makes you so relaxed but also really focussed and energetic- if that makes sense?! Has made dinner and bedtime rush with the kids super easy and actually, dare I say it, enjoyable! Highly recommend!!

I think I’ll make it my nightly routine 🙏🏻

Day 4 here. Sleeping well but does take a little longer to drop off. I have some Nytol herbal if it takes too long but haven’t needed yet. It just switches my brain off which is great- stinks though as it’s made from valerian and hops. Cup of camomile tea before bed helps. Just having a cup of tea after work.

@Poopertrooper I have, on your recommendation, got a can of The Trip. I'm trying the elderflower and mint one and it's really lovely. It's got a grown up taste, if you know what I mean. And grown up because you have to be ID'd to buy it in a shop! Have only just opened so can't comment on the alleged calming effects.

I also slept poorly @PeacheyPeach. It's rubbish isn't it. But waking up just tired is so much better than waking up tired and hungover.

I'm really going to think about and record the positives I'm experiencing daily from not drinking now in readiness for the end of the week. This is when my brain will start trying to play tricks on me about it being ok to have one, that blah blah study (sponsored by a drinks company!) said this, and that everyone is out having fun but me.

I had a really stressful day at work and that little voice got in my ear on the drive home.

I've ignored it but it was really hard! I'm in pyjamas and having a cup of tea.

I'd love to go for a walk as it's so lovely but just daren't risk it which is so ridiculous! 🙄

Hang in there @Thornrose ! Is there a route that avoids shops ?

I'm determined not to give in so will stay at home.

@43ontherocksporfavor the nearest shop is less than 5 minutes walk from my house, which is a pain but at times very convenient.

Let me know how you find it @Accidentaladult and if you sleep better tonight! 🙏🏻

I hear a magnesium supplement taken in the evening can also help with sleep.