No alcohol in 2024

[Noalcohol2024]

I gave up alcohol for an entire year 10 years ago and I am going to challenge myself to do it again in 2024. Anyone want to join me? I won’t lie I found it really hard. However, it did help me reset my habitual drinking. I feel ready to do it again. If anyone else feels a year off alcohol is something they want to do then join me on January 1st. I am going to take the next few days being honest with myself and reflecting on why I feel this challenge is something I need to do. Anyone who starts on January 1st with me can include their reasons in the introduction (if they wish to). I have a big birthday this year so I know it will be a challenge on that day as-well as Christmas and New Year 2024 but I am determined.

Yes please to a product review on both the above!

@glindathegoodbitch Argh, friends like that sound a nightmare (am sure they are lovely in other ways, but still.....!)

If you don't feel willing or able to explain the whole reason for wanting to stop, could you use an explanation like mental wellbeing (e.g. "this isn't easy for me to talk about, but alcohol has been increasingly negatively affecting my mental health and causing huge anxiety issues - I'm massively benefiting from the break and have no intentions of going back to it anytime soon!") A bloody doctor of all people should understand that even if that can't imagine why anyone would do Dry Jan (honestly! 🤯) And it is likely at least part of the truth, given that alcohol can affect mental wellbeing for so many if us? If people think you are struggling with mental wellbeing partly due to alcohol (which it sounds like you legitimately are, around the stress of it all!) they really should support you.....if not, they are simply not genuine friends!

This all makes me glad that I'm an anti-social bitch 🤣

The is the app i was taking about. Very motivational and sends me notifications when I reach a time or drink target.
Easyquit drinking.

Yes, I feel a big deflated about the whole friends thing... but I've been that friend 😬

It's only early days, I'm sure most of them think I'll give up soon and all will be rosy again!
Not this time Pedro!

You press on each one and it gives you a timeline and reasons etc when you can expect to be like a newborn baby again. I'm finding it fascinating.
Of course it's all guestimated and circumstantial, but it's so good to know.

@glindathegoodbitch your husbands response about your friends was very astute! I think a lot of my friends started as drinking buddies!
@Noalcohol2024 sleeping soundly until 10 sounds amazing! It’s hard to even express how jealous I feel reading that!
After a wobble at the weekend I feel pretty good about finishing Jan. I’ve got a few events in Feb that are playing on my mind though!

Hi all, I am day 40 something now as quite just before Christmas. I am feeling good and have just finished Jason vale's Kick The Drink book, but I must admit - I have been starting to think I could moderate again. Even though, I can't! Well, sometimes I could. My problem is not that I am drinking every day or even every week, but it was drinking to excess on nights out in groups. I need to remember how I'd feel the next day (the usual - anxiety, shame, fear) and remember that it's just not worth it.

It has been great to plan things on Sundays knowing I'll be fresh as a daisy and I'm excited to think I'll never have a hangover again.

My main fear now is socialising with friends. At the moment, no one is really going out but like @glindathegoodbitch has been saying, I think my friends are expecting me to be back on the drink come Feb. I know at work the boozy nights are starting again and I have already been branded 'holier than thou' for not drinking at all over Christmas. I hate the attitude of others around it all, it really makes me anxious.

I need to put myself out of my comfort zone and do some group socials but stick to the soda and lime. Wish me luck... (any advice welcome!)

We need new pillows , does anyone have any recommendations for ones that dont go flat ?

@wannabedry I can relate to your situation. I am similar with my alcohol use. It can be just as bad or worse than someone who has or two every night. I have done sober nights out. The most important thing is to have a plan so you don’t get roped into drinking or cave- like driving or making another engagement early the next morning or that night. You’re far less likely to drink when you are prepared and have a plan. If you’re not driving, plan your exit by booking transport home at a certain time. Friends just get used to you doing it. It can be just as enjoyable to not drink especially when you wake the next morning smug and happy you’re not ill!

Had a trigger tonight. Something I had been worried about presenting at work went really well and a big project that has been 8 months of hard slog and long hours just got signed off. It was a big relief and I felt really happy. Got the urge to have some wine to celebrate 😮. Gave myself a talking to and decided if I was not going to break my AF streak on a whim or a craving. Had my dinner now and not bothered at all. I’m realising my cravings really aren’t that strong at all.

@pavillion1 https://www.harrycorry.com/white-goose-feather-d-feather-d-pillow?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0_ep5ef2gwMVn4pQBh0ghgsKEAQYASABEgKvevD_BwE
These don’t warp or flatten as they are goose feather. I have a couple of them. They’re divine and such good value.

@Atacamadesert congratulations on your presentation.

As soon as I have eaten dinner my cravings go it’s like not starting the ritual puts an end to the craving.

Not long now til the end of January 🤞

thank you .

@pavillion1 I like this type but I know it’s not that popular. I’m a side sleeper and I like my shoulder to fit in the space plus they are cooler now I’m menopausal. Think we have the dearer one now but started with a cheaper one although I think Ikea let you return them if you don’t like them.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/rooms/bedroom/how-to/experience-the-ergonomic-pillow-effect-pub09265130

Just checking in to say that I'm SO happy to be on day 24!

Last time I did dry Jan I lost a parent on the 23rd and it all went rather wrong.

Yesterday was an emotional and difficult day, and I enjoyed a couple of cans of Guinness 0/0 to take the edge off the angst - I honestly can't taste the difference, but - I'm still dry!

@Luckingfovely glad the 0% Guinness got you through the tough patch.

I like the 0% Guinness too. It is delicious. Not had any replacements yet as been drinking CBD and Kamboucha but I have a stock in the garage for when I feel the need. The CBD drinks make me have vivid weird dreams so not sure I will buy them again. Kamboucha is nice.

Day 24 and I don’t want to tempt fate but I think it’s getting easier!

@Luckingfovely Love the Guinness 0.0. It tastes the same. Well done!

I’m intrigued reading the thread about these CBD drinks. @Noalcohol2024

The goodrays £18 mixed pack is back on Amazon, I've just ordered one. Actually looking forward to one or two on Friday, who knew I could get excited about anything but vino on a Friday!?! 😁

The goodrays drinks are lovely!! You can do subscribe and save on them too for £16. I've actually done it for every two weeks as my OH loves them too! Still cheaper than alcohol though.

Just ordered the goodrays @unbelievablescenes from Amazon to give them a try. Thanks 🤩

I have an assembly line of really big ice cubes which last forever and psychologically make me feel like I’m having a treat drink. Had to buy some new wide glasses to fit them in which is also helping. The little things in life!

I’ll stick to the cbd drinks at lunchtime only though. Weird dreams if I drink them any later.

Going to SW now and feel excited about planning for February.

Is everyone else thinking about February and how it will be different this year being AF?

I have also got my milk foamer machine out of the cupboard too and making macchiato’s at home.

i may try these Goodrays too. Thanks for the suggestion.

@hashbrownsandwich thats great news. Glad you are feeling well.

@Noalcohol2024 Im thinking about doing feb. Feel totally chilled with the idea except one thing. I’m going clubbing for lthe first time in about 10 years in the middle of Feb. Just cannot imagine ever doing that sober. The timing is awful but I really want to go because it’s a trip down memory lane for me and my friend. Arrghh

@Atacamadesert we have to live and engage with our friends and family. I too would struggle in a night club to not drink.

I would go and decide nearer the time. Everybody on here has different goals. I still say to my DH ‘I might not last all year you know’ and he just replies ‘one day at a time is good enough.’

I’ve been looking at this protracted withdrawal syndrome which is related to drugs and alcohol as I feel some of my symptoms (fatigue, muscle and body pain, weird dreams etc) the last couple of weeks fit in with it.

What are the windows and waves of protracted withdrawal syndrome?

‘Often times those experiencing a withdrawal syndrome may experience days when they are partially or totally free of symptoms (this period is called a “window”), followed by days of mild or more severe withdrawal symptoms (this period is called a “wave”).’

I am taking time to reflect just how much I drank (a lot and often) and I know I wasn’t physically addicted in the sense I had detox symptoms but I can definitely relate to this syndrome.

I am in a position to take a year off work (self employed paying myself from my BA). I don’t have the same stress in my life I did last year. Those of you with stressful jobs and kids at home (my son has gone to Uni) have it far harder than I do and I respect how much more effort this must take.

I don’t want to encourage you to drink but I don’t want to demonise you for wanting to either. It’s your personal journey and look how far you’ve come already. If you have a drink no big deal just get back on track and recommit to a significant dry spell again if that’s what you want. If you feel ready to moderate then that’s fine too.

Listen to your mind, body and soul it will guide you best. I’m beginning to finally recognise this fact at 50 years old!