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.

*think about

You're exactly right @whereaw. I know I can I enjoy it. My last drink was December 7, so I've done Christmas and NY without a drink plus a couple of big birthdays of family in January alcohol free.

I am a sucker for marketing. I know it's all a load of shit, but I do get misty eyed when it comes to summer drinks.

I have committed to 100 days, which takes me to mid March, but yes - like you, would like to do a year to, as you say, take the pressure off and it's a quick and easy comeback to any offer of a drink - "I am doing a burst of no drinking"

@wannabedry the dangerous thing about the marketing is that the marketers believe it all themselves too. I worked in marketing companies for the biggest alcohol brands in my early 20s, and was very much plied with alcohol the whole time!

@wannabedry I'm 100% the same. I'm completely fine with the idea of no alcohol day to day, weddings, Christmas (done it) birthdays etc but holidays has me thinking maybe??... We're doing all inclusive as well so I've found myself thinking about drinking alcohol just because "we're paying for it anyway" BUT I've already emailed the hotel in Crete to ask about alcohol free. They've emailed me back saying they do cocktails and alcohol free beer and if I give them a couple of weeks notice they'd be happy to get some alcohol free wine in and let me include that in my package (which is absolutely lovely if them) I guess it's in their interest since it's cheaper but I think forward planning is the key

@Jeffsmeffsmiff - it's annoying, isn't it! Well done on seeing what AF stuff the hotel could get in for you. We are staying in a villa, so hoping there is a supermarket nearby where I can pick up some AF drinks (I feel this will be highly unlikely in a little town in Italy, but here's hoping). At the very least, soda and lime will be fine.

I've never had a problem when it's just me and DH drinking. I don't feel the need to go overboard. But when I'm others, that's when it goes wrong. I'm a bit of an all or nothing person though, so it feels right to just have a blanket ban on drinking.

Who are you going on hols with? Will they be drinking (lots?)

We’re actually off on holiday next week… I said I had some hurdles coming up 😨.
Initially I was planning to not drink alcohol from NYD until the holiday, but I read The Naked Mind to help me with that and then decided to plough on and aim for longer (ever?).
I think I’m ok about it, but to be honest I deliberately haven’t been thinking about it. Head in sand for me… am hoping that the joy of winter sun on my skin and seafood and relaxation gives me enough pleasure without additional need of booze.

@PissPotPourri good luck and enjoy your holiday. I am beating in mind that the booze was only a small part of it anyway. The sun and heat is always my favourite thing. And you can have nice holiday drinks still! They just won't have ethanol in them. They won't be poisonous.

I did the Annie Grace 30 day no alcohol challenge a few years ago and it was really good. Lots of journalling involved. I have also read Jason Vale's Kick the drink book recently too and it's been good for reprogramming my brain. I just need to keep reminding myself of what was said in the book and how awful a night on the booze would make me feel.

It's just not worth it.

Thanks @wannabedry
I liked the book but am really not a self-help, journal type person so haven’t engaged with the extra. I found it very enlightening and as others have mentioned, especially about the drinks industry and how we are likely to put blame on ourselves and our ‘weakness’ rather than the pushing of beautifully packaged highly addictive poison.
The Sober Diaries is next on my list- it arrived yesterday!

@PissPotPourri have a fantastic holiday. How exciting. DH and I always used to try and get away in Feb pre kids because I have SAD and need to get some sunlight. It's not really possible with school term times though sadly.
@wannabedry you'll be able to get AF beer in any Italian supermarket I'm sure. Maybe not wine but they have all kinds of weird and wonder juices don't they? Peach juice anyone?
No big drinkers in my holiday group thankfully, just me DH and kids. Having said that we're thinking of visiting family (in Italy too) later in the year and they most definitely do drink a lot so that one might be trickier

@Jeffsmeffsmiff exactly! We have 3 kids, all school age and we’ve never done a half term holiday before because of the expense. We’re taking them out a couple of days early (tut tut) and it feels like such a treat. Cannot wait!
That’s a treat enough in itself, right, without ‘treating’ myself to alcohol…

I did an AF holiday a few years ago and LIVED it. It was so nice being fresh every day to really enjoy the place and make the most of the time. Was more engaged with the kids, SO relaxed and slept like a baby. Remember sitting in work when I got back thinking I don't feel tired for the first time in ages, the holiday had actually been a rest not a smash of drinking, hangovers and battling through family time then having a rubbish, broken sleep. It will be a revelation for you, enjoy! I'm jealous!

*loved it even. But loved it too lol

Today was going to be a challenge as I was planning to have lunch with a group of boozy friends. However the train strikes have put paid to that and I'm staying at home. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise, although I did have a strategy in place.

Thanks so much for this, I have one coming up too and this is very motivating/inspiring!

We've done a month! Well done everyone. Now I need to make sure I don't have a drink just because I've done my month. My next aim is my dh's birthday in march.
Those of you who have read a couple of books about not drinking, is there one you would recommend to start with?

My fav AF book is Catherine Gray's The joy of being sober. Full of life stuff. Another good one is Jason Vale's Kick the drink. He's a bit marmite, but I liked it. Very NLP. I'm listening to William porter's Book at the moment and have David Nutt's eyed up next....

Well done on making it to the end of January everyone!
@Junobug I read Annie Grace’s The Naked Mind. It does alter your thinking…

Well done everyone! A whole month down!
Currently struggling, not with the drinking but lack of sleep and insane feelings of mum guilt, which possibly were kept at bay with evening wine. Anyway, onwards and upwards.
Lots of work today and going to try for a very short (20 minutes!) run.
I haven't been reading quit lit but instead other books to help with life and understanding more generally - just started Scattered minds by Gabor Mate. I feel like I want to add to my life so focusing on other things that I wouldn't have if I was slobbing in front of the tv with a glass of wine. I am finding all the AF accounts on instagram very motivational though.

Welcome to February everyone 😄.

Excited to see what changes this month will bring. I'm definitely feeling less exhausted, so the months 'extra' focus for me will be including more exercise. I have zero desire to drink at the moment which I am very grateful for.

No Alcohol 2024 February

Created a new post for February check in there if you are committing to AF 2024 👍

Well done everyone who has succeeded being AF for Dry January. It’s an accomplishment.

I don’t know how to link the new thread so if anyone else does please do so.

I can't find the new thread !

No Alcohol 2024 February www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/4998281-no-alcohol-2024-february

Thanks @whereaw for sharing the link.