On A Mission To Moderate or Absolutely Abstaining? Join us for encouragement, support and non - judgemental chat *2024*

[Swannyb]

@amdone123 @mj20 @touty @Hohofortherobbers @Coppergate7 @bigbus @colouringindoors @wellitywellness @Atacamadesert @Freezingfeetwarmheart @WouldRatherBeAPieceOftToast @Hohofortherobbers @mickandrorty @Mykittensmittens @afaloren @NoTeaNoShade @CrackersCheeseNoWinePlease @LynnThese4reSEXPEOPLE @Needtokickthehabit @OhShitImNearly40 @Nowstrong @enoughisenough4

@Hohofortherobbers im doing ok thanks, I’m on the wagon - I do have thoughts about drink but it’s just not worth it. I just have to remember what vile poison it is.

Im just looking into Sentía that new gaba drink.

Really proud of myself tonight, I was certain I was going to drink and had pretty much talked myself into it! But I had a pint of water and the craving faded... then went away! I think I was just thirsty - who would have thought?

Well done @Freezingfeetwarmheart is it today your dreaded visit is happening? Good luck 🤞🏻

@Touty sentia is odd. The first 2 times I had it I thought it was marvellous. Then after that it randomly stopped doing anything and absolutely didn’t make me feel ‘2 drinks in’. I may try it again at the weekend.

I’m 18 days dry and was doing quite well, but randomly I could just chop someone’s arm off for a cold glass of Chenin blanc right now. Funny how these cravings pop up randomly. Focussing on getting through to 6.30 when I plan to have a bath and read for an hour, but also do feel like it’s such a waste to just wish time away.

DH is away overnight tomorrow and it would be such a treat normally to just have some fizz and a takeaway to myself. Why isn’t it the same without it?

trying to get to the 26th which won’t quite be a full dry jan but it will be 4 weeks just about which would be massive for me.

Today's post is the first of a couple around Tips & Tricks / coping strategies for Dry January (or otherwise!):

http://wellitywellness.com/2024/01/18/dry-january-18-tips-and-tricks/

@afaloren Yes today was the day, and I am invoking the Extremely Bad Day Clause with no shame at all! I have had 18 dry days in a row, so sod it - it really was a very very bad day!

Back on it tomorrow, limiting myself to 3 tonight!

I see your bad day and raise you two big glasses of wine

What buggered up your day? I bet you 50p mine was more deserving of wine

Hey all 👋🏻 I’ve hit 24hrs dry for the first time in 12 years - it may not sound like much just yet but I’m really chuffed.

Oh @Tilllly really really hope yours wasn't as bad as mine!

In a nutshell - DH is from a family that would fit right in on the Stately Homes threads on here! We have been to visit his parents today. On top of the already toxic stuff one of them now has a severe physical illness but refuses to accept it and the other has a worsening mental illness (was sectioned last year) and is being expected to care for the other one.

We live 80 miles away and work full time, and have only seen the true extent today.

I honestly believe one of the PILs could either accidentally kill themselves or the other- imminently! Their carers are bloody great and even they can't cope with them, we met the manager today and she is very, very concerned.

DH is going to be back on the phone to social services and the mental health teams and GPs and everyone tomorrow as none of them seem to be coordinating.

Sorry that was probably a bit more than a nutshell but that's not even half of it! 🤣🤣

Don't suppose anyone here has any experience with unstable elderly parents? I am from a more normal family and right now really struggling with the urge to go back there and shout at them "what the fuck is this, what are you even doing and why?" 🤣🤣

That is bloody good going! Hi and welcome! Do you have a plan going forward?

Thank you @Freezingfeetwarmheart !

My first goal is to make it to 2nd February with minimal drinking, that’s when I next see my parents and I’d like them to notice that I’m slightly less of a puffy faced zombie than usual (hopefully).

I have got away with drinking up to half a bottle of whisky a day for years, because I work from home and have a lot of freedom. Now I’ve got a fancy new water bottle, fidget toys and vitamin B lined up on my desk, cleared the whisky hiding place under my desk, and replaced the door of my study with a bead curtain so I can be seen from the landing.

Wish me luck! 🤞🏻

Best of luck to you @sixthvestibule I also have a whisky problem!

Sounds like you have some good distractions in place, you got this!

Let’s beat that whisky, @Freezingfeetwarmheart 💪🏻

That really is a big deal and posting here too... it's a lovely supportive place to be so stay with us

What a day and situation... keep on at social services, they will leave you to it if they can... 'it's a safety or safeguarding issue' are phrases that help
Good luck

Bloody well done @sixthvestibule
That's an amazing start, you legend!

@Freezingfeetwarmheart that's a humdinger - I think I would probably do that shouting thing!! @skippydo is right, don't back down, SS have to step up asap!

Smidge more 💩 here. Oncologist rang to say cancer has now spread to two tiny areas in my brain, and so now I'm not allowed to drive. I can cope with the cancer, but losing my independence...

Tell you what tho, 2 glasses of wine last night and I don't feel good this morning compared to when I've had none

@Freezingfeetwarmheart there is a thread on Elderly Parents called something like the Cockroach Cafe that is full of people who are dealing with all this sort of thing and might offer advice based on experience.

Hello everyone, I’ve just found your thread! My drinking has really snuck up on me since a break up and i am finally saying enough is enough, especially the drinking solo as I don’t want my kids to think it is normal. I have also put on tons of weight. I am now on day 5 of a diet and alcohol free, I am hoping to stay alcohol free for four weeks of the diet then hopefully sticking to only having a glass of wine at the weekend. I am currently drinking a lot of sparkling water and very low cal kombucha.

Welcome @Gemstonebeach and @sixthvestibule , this is a great thread. Glad you’re here.

So sorry @Tilllly that’s utterly shit Sounds like you had a rough day too @Freezingfeetwarmheart

Still here, still sober. Going out for a meal on Saturday which both DH and I have pledged we won’t drink at. I really want to make it to Jan 29th which is my delayed works Christmas do.

👋🏻 @Gemstonebea

Great start! Keep coming back here, it helps

Oh @Tilllly that really is shit!

Back on it today, I am calling it 18 -1 instead of starting counting again! I stuck to my 3 - had a really good night's sleep but I think that's cos it knocked me put due to my tolerance being low. Feel a bit rough today though and need another detox now!

Social services are being chased (again) today - DH feels like he's banging his head against a brick wall! @HedonistHuntress we'll have a look at that thread, thanks!

Happy Friday! I have that Friday feeling, and really hate that I can't put the cherry on the cake later with a lovely glass of red. Will have to follow some more of my own tips on keep myself off it!

https://wellitywellness.com/2024/01/19/dry-january-19-more-tips-and-tricks/