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.

Assuming your partner is a man? If so i"d say probably Alcohol Explained. It's slightly more scientific in the way it's written (but very easy to follow). I think it would appeal more to a male brain. But both are great.

Yes he is, thank you @Jeffsmeffsmiff

Morning all!
Joining for accountability. I drink most days, out of habit and trying to escape my busy mind. I want a much healthier 2024.

Can I join hope that's okay?

Not drank since 30th December. I'd like to go all the way through to Christmas/new year this year.
I was drinking once or twice a week out of boredom/stress, and I'd very much like to stay away from it.

@whereaw another thing that might help is getting alcohol free versions in of whatever he usually drinks? I've got Peroni 0 and Gordon's AF gin and both are good. Then if you have friends round it's less obvious (he might feel like they'd take the piss or something) also I find you can keep to your ritual of having a "drink" while watching the telly. I know some people don't agree with AF but it seems good to me

Hi all,
i really need to do something with my alcohol consumption- have known for a while.
I’m not a binge drinker but a daily drinker- cooking with wine, eating with wine etc.
Was going to ask about helpful literature- see @Jeffsmeffsmiff has suggested two, are there any others that have particularly helped people out or that you’ve heard are good?
Thanks

@Jeffsmeffsmiff Well done on day 19! That’s great. Annie Graces book is great. Russell Brands book Recovery is actually quite good too. He goes through his addiction using the 12 steps from AA/NA. Even if you’re not a person who considers themselves dependent/ addict whatever, it’s a good read. I am on day 2 today. I was a social drinker but would have a hangover after I did drink. I overdone it NYE and I’ve decided I’m just done now. The hangxiety, low energy, eating crap and low mood is interfering with my quality of life. I have a baby now and I don’t want to lose any more time from drinking. I can go weeks or months without drinking but I have a wedding in March so that will be a challenge.

I have downloaded some apps - NHS Drink Free Days which is a counter, also Sober January which is kind of reverse calendar of affirmations (and a counter) also also a private journaling app Day One to record my feelings Bridget Jones style. And this group! Awesome!

@Jeffsmeffsmiff
Do you know what I have actually bought, some CBD infused drinks -
Goodrays - 30mg Drink Mixed Pack - 12 x 250ml Cans - Natural Flavours, Low Calorie, Vegan - 4 Great Flavours - High Strength (30mg/can), All Natural - Reduce Anxiety, Stress & Unwind amzn.eu/d/gvzM53N

You can only have two a day but I tried one last night, and was very nice. I know for him it feels more like it has 'something' in it to help you unwind, and obviously cbd doesn't get you high! It's got very good reviews and the ingredients are much better than any soft/ alcoholic drink I've had before. Might be a good alternative for others..

I would highly recommend Clearminds Hypnotherapy, there are some great sessions (Anxiety/control alcohol/stress/food addiction etc) that are around 20 minutes long and Hughs voice is wonderfully relaxing! There are about £12 each download and you have them forever. The facebook page is great too!

I'm in major panick attack mode.
I feel like my eyes look yellowy around the edges since my last drinks NYE. How ever I have had a few drinks most nights during our holiday since the 22nd.

No other symptoms but I have major anxiety now.

Not a daily drinker at all mainly on a Saturday and Sunday in a normal time that's not Xmas.

Hi can I join as well please, drinking far too much and getting to old for it all now and want to become more healthy

@Littletinytarzanswingingfromanosehair are you sure you're not imagining it? Can anyone else see it? If so I'd definitely get the GP to check you out. Hopefully it's nothing to worry about.

My can't see anything but they deffo aren't white. It's mainly around the edges..
My pee is clear, stools normal etc but I'm googling and now I'm dying.

Hmm I'm sure you're not dying. I think jaundice might show up in your skin tone too. Have you got an unusual "tan"? And are you itchy / nauseous? My guess is that your eyes are slightly bloodshot which is maybe giving them a tinge of yellowish but you should definitely get checked if you're not sure. I think it does usually take years of very heavy drinking to cause alcoholic hepatitis (or worse) and the first line treatment would be to stop drinking - which you're doing. Its probably the alcohol paranoia. But even if it's just to put your mind at rest I'd get checked. They can do a function test or even a scan if they're concerned.
I hope everything is ok. I know the fear. My mum died of liver disease (actually had a heart attack while undergoing the transplant - how tragic is that?) So it's something I get myself worked up about every now and then. But fingers crossed it's nothing. And when it hopefully does turn out to be nothing, maybe the fear will keep you on track. Sending positive energy.
Also everyone is different but my mum had loads of symptoms before she became jaundiced. She lost loads of weight, she had periods of confusion and delerium - didn't last long each time but was very noticeable. Also she hardly ate anything by then and would bleed like a hemophiliac. If you have none of those then it's hopefully nothing too bad.

And sorry for hijacking the thread with scary stuff everyone. That was meant to put @Littletinytarzanswingingfromanosehair mind at ease rather than freak anyone else out. Xx

Well I'm 37 now and it's been on off weekend drinking over 20 years. It's not noticeable from a distance. And I have obsessed by looking in all the mirrors over the how's, in all different lights etc

No sickness or itching. Im just terrified of waking up in the morning, looking and it's worse.

I currently go around 5-6 days without a drink.

Sorry, this wasn't to scare anyone!

I'm on day 5 as got spectacularly pissed on the 28th. No reason to drink 2 bottles of wine plus spirits (as I ran out if wine). No reason at all. I needed to start there and then or I never would.

I'm so sick of it. I have absolutely no off switch. And my triggers/ excuses/ celebrations/ bargaining is starting to get closer and closer together.

So. Day 5 feels weird. I am anxious and bored and argumentative. But my trousers feels slightly less like they are going to cut me in half.

I'm doing this for so many reasons- one is to lose weight.

Any advice on how to not turn to sugar to replace wine? I'm picky and aggravated. I've had a shitty stressful day back at work. The kids are picking at each other and I would normally crack open a bottle on a day like today. Instead I'm thinking I need to eat an entire tub of Ben and Jerry's.

I clearly am just greedy with whatever vice I have.

What can I do instead??

@glindathegoodbitch herbal tea? The fruity ones can be quite sweet to take the edge off wanting sugar.. and you have a nice, calming drink to drink ☕ x

Hi, please can I join? I really need to do this (just stop!) Today is day three for me. Have made it to three months before and done the odd week or two, but I just need to really stop.

Have a massive family history of alcoholism. My dad died from it in his 60s and it was truly the most awful way to go. Big history of neurodivergence in my family too and I'm convinced that many of the older generation were self-medicating with alcohol because they were also neurodivergent and didn't understand why they couldn't cope with normal life..... I'm autistic and have ADHD and am a binge drinker with no off-switch. Drinking helped my social confidence (even though I'm sure it also made me a massive twat!) but I have never had the slightest control over it. I'm in my early 40s now and am convinced my health is being adversely affected. I'm overweight (used to be so fit!) and generally just feel shit, tired.....honestly like I'm dying at times! Massively stressed/anxious too. I have kids who are also autistic/ have additional needs and they deserve a healthy, present and energetic mum!

I'm currently actually feeling really good about it all and very motivated....just really bloody hungry! Friday nights will be my biggest challenge, as that was always the night I finished work and hit the wine.....really need to find something else to do, maybe a run or a swim at that time..... if I can get into a new routine I'm sure that will help!

I'm really afraid of failing but will try to log on every day to check in and stay motivated...... good luck all!

Joining in, just similar to all
your stories, tired of it really, hangovers are bad!! Feel
im getting some bad side affects from it too which is worrying, I have anxiety and nightmares and palpitations after drinking.

Day 2/366 done. No major cravings however, I wasn’t hungry for the dinner I prepped so I refused to cook it. The adult men in my family had to get their own dinner. I had prepped it so it was easy for them. I think I am going to be more selfish in relation to cooking meals every night now we are all adults (I know it’s harder when the kids are not adults yet) because it is a major trigger for me.

Welcome all newbies. Anyone worried about liver damage can get a free liver fibroscan if you live near an area the liver roadshow is going to visit in 2024. Painless and takes 10 minutes.

https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/love-your-liver/roadshow/

Hello, hope you don't mind me sharing my progress.
I'm 3 months AF today & it's so worth the effort.

I've had a very stressful 48 hours with a family issue & I did find myself thinking of wine. But I immediately realised I wouldn't be coping with events as well as I have & it would make everything 10 times worth for a short term, fake reward.

So I am learning & I'm proud to have passed my first really big challenge.
Keep on going everyone, we're doing great!

Can i tag along .. Day 3 today but really want to go further than Dry january.. Ive never even completed Dry Jan before so it will be a challenge.