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

It's the inconvenience of not being able to go home. That and all of social media. Its just not appealing.

Day 12 here. Slept like a log!

@Thornrose yes I'm feeling really tired, I'm finding it hard to wake up in the mornings, but I can't sleep at night so bit of a vicious circle going on at the moment, it must be hormones and detoxing!!
I've noticed my face isn't looking as dull and bloated which is great x

Hi!! Sorry haven’t really checked in since starting. I’ve managed 11 days, since sept 18th I’ve had 2 nights out where I moderated (2 small wines) and nothing this month. I’m finding it ok going but my tricky point is around 6pm when I’m cooking. I just distract myself and have a mint and that helps. My DP had said he would do it with me but hasn’t managed quite yet so it’s hard when he’s drinking.. but I’m trying to reframe my thinking on this; I’m not missing out really, there is power in saying “No thank you”, I’ll be clear headed in the morning etc etc
Im also doing a bit of fasting at the moment so I’m feeling good - full of energy and definitely see improvement in my skin. Well done to you all so far 👍

My DH is still drinking too but he’s really good at only drinking on Fri, Sat and Sun. My skin is definitely looking better/ x
clearer/ less tired and I guess it’s a combination of sleeping better, being more hydrated as alcohol dehydrates and also the fact I am removing my makeup and applying night cream because I’m not falling into bed in makeup!! 😳

Still hanging in there 😀

Going to a pub tomorrow for dinner but straight from work and have to drive home so I’ll be safe.

Well done guys 👍 another day down x

Day 10 for me 😁 I've lost 6 lbs which was a shock as I look the same. Maybe my stomach is a tiny bit flatter but still huge!

I look healthier and less pale and tired.

I'm going to start using a teeth whitening kit I've had for ages. Now I'm not drinking red wine.

I feel so committed to this but mustn't get too complacent.

@Thornrose that’s amazing!! I wish I had scales. Similarly, I put on a pair of trousers for work this morning that had become slightly snug recently and they were slightly loose so I’m hoping a few pounds are melting off. Night all.

Hi, I'm just popping on to say I'm watching this thread. I didn't start from the 1st (I'm only on day 3) but I'm reading this as one of my things to stay on track. You are are all doing well. I was a drinking a bit everyday but I've been having a lot at the weekends.

I already feel better. I'm sweating a lot at night but not sure if this is not drinking or peri menopause.

This will be the first weekend I haven't drank in ages.

Sorry for gate crashing.

@Thornrose wow that's awesome well done, you must be feeling great about yourself ☺️
Have you changed your diet as well or do you think it is just stopping the alcohol?
@43ontherocksporfavor Its great when clothes fit nicely isn't it, I'm looking forward to shifting this alcohol bloat!
@SpicedAppleAndFreshCider well done love 😘 the starts always the hardest bit I think xx

Welcome @SpicedAppleAndFreshCider , the first 3 are the hardest, followed by the first weekend but have a plan and you will make it. I’m not even thinking about drinking now but will be prepared at the weekend with some AF options.
Im sweating less at night(im52) since not drinking. IT’s always worse for me when I’ve had wine.
Day 13

Welcome @SpicedAppleAndFreshCider the more the merrier 😊

@PeacheyPeach when I drink wine I eat more snacks, like crisps, cheese and biscuits etc. So that's stopped and I'm generally eating dinner earlier and sticking to a meal plan. So not solely due to stopping drinking.

@43ontherocksporfavor clothes fit is as good a guide as scales to be fair. Can't wait for a flatter stomach.

I just realised that I went into M&S after work, bought lovely food and didn't even consider wine for a second!

Day 11, 2 weeks will be a real milestone for me.

@Thornrose thats amazing! I feel the same. I had quite a stressful day today and just realised it hadn’t occurred to me to pour a drink. I would normally if stressed. We’re getting there and just shows how much of drinking is habit.

Yes drinking gives me the munchies, so it's been great not stuffing my face full of stuff plus all the calories from alcohol!!!
It is amazing how quickly we get over the habit isn't it. I really want to keep this going.
For me it will be keeping certain drinks out of the house, I've got a drinks cupboard that's full of ones I'm not fussed on so it doesn't even tempt me, but if I have Gin in or white wine I'll want it, so I'm just not going to buy it anymore!!

Was thinking about it being Friday and how I’d normally look forward to a drink tonight but the thought is not appealing at all. I’ve felt like this before during dry January and got back to drinking soon after. It’s weird, I think it’s been more about conforming and social life rather than a desire. Then again it’s early in the morning and I may feel differently later. Day 14!!

Second Friday and feeling good but not as good as I'd hoped if I'm being honest. Not feeling tempted to hit the wine tonight so hope that continues this evening. Dinner out tomorrow which will be the main challenge this weekend. Good luck to everyone else

@43ontherocksporfavor you are smashing it !
Maybe if you're tempted later, play it forward and remember how great you'll feel tomorrow. I'm gutted I fell in the first week, but ironically, since my mini melt down, I haven't had any - on day 8 now.
@PeacheyPeach it's definitely a habit, albeit a dangerous one. And yes, don't buy it then you can't have it. I rarely go out for it. Too lazy.
@againmaeve I think for tomorrow evening you need a plan. Can you look at the menu online and see what af drinks are available? If I'm eating out, I also eat more than normal as I don't want to drink when I'm stuffed !

Ok so just out of work and stopped at supermarket for 0% so I’m prepared. Going to have a cup of tea and chill them. Got some beers and a 0% Freixenet (?) to sample. I think we will eat out tonight as I can drive out to our favourite restaurant. 😉
Keep strong and well done for getting back on the wagon @Amdone123 !

Yes @Amdone123 well done for not letting the slip derail things completely. My meal out is in a pub so I can't see a drinks menu online but I'll check out the desserts and plan to have one of those instead of the wine I usually would

Was talking about doing Stoptober today to some colleagues and. I’m always amazed at the people that “ Don’t really drink at all.” That’s so alien to me and my family. It’s woven into the fabric of life for us! 😬

Oof I was hit by a really strong unexpected craving this evening.

Quite a petulant, it's not fair I just want a drink, inner voice.

I know that first glass would be amazing but beyond that would just be regret.

I'm being strong but finding it hard tonight. Yesterday was so different.

This is the Friday effect, I know that.

@Thornrose well done! Have you any AF options? It really helps.

Evening all 🥰
Well another Friday night nearly done I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself and our little gang we are all doing so good 😊
We are off out tomorrow evening, so I'm just planning the lovely food I will have instead of not even tasting it because I'm to full up with wine!!