Stop for 30 days or moderate?

[Anythymenow]

I've been drinking way to much since mid November. My anxiety has been through the roof, I look tired. Should I stop for 30 days or moderate for a couple of weeks then take a break.
I've had 2 alcohol free days this week, been feeling ok just a wicked headache from lack of sugar and withdrawal.
Any tips?

It would probably be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it, ask for their advice. They may suggest cutting down slowly if your intake has been particularly high, but personally as long as it's safe I would try to go sober 30 days.

I gave up a few months before falling pregnant and it was haaaard! I hadn't realised how much of a coping mechanism it had become for me - therapy helped a lot.

I also found going out for a walk each day, and listening to a few sober curious podcasts really helped - sober awkward is great as is 9lives with cassia tierney. They both helped with motivation, and the walking listening routine really helped me deal with the emotional side. I think it improved my mental health. Even if you don't fancy walking though the podcasts are great!

Wishing you the best of luck, you have taken the most important first step of recognising that you're not happy with something and wanting to do something about it

Also for headache, you might not feel as thirsty for water but get as much of it as you can, and consider whether your electrolyte balance could be off?

Whenever I have taken a break from booze I find I get sweet cravings (to replace that alcohol sugar!) and I would say don't be afraid to indulge in a few sweet treats as you get used to it, I usually found the cravings subsided after a week or two anyway.

It does sound like you may need some help from your GP, if you are drinking consistently, 5 days out of 7 and having withdrawal symptoms when you are not drinking. Try and speak to someone as it's worth understanding the underlying cause of why you are drinking so much.

IMO, it's fine to just stop. Everyone will feel rubbish if they have been drinking regularly and stop. It doesn't mean you are physically dependent and need medically assisted detox. But our bodies get used to alcohol even when it's just a few drinks a night for several weeks. As you said you've only been drinking heavily since November and you've done 2 days AF this week, you should be safe to stop. You will feel a bit rubbish though. That's your body adjusting to not having loads of chemicals in it.

If you've gotten yourself in the situation of drinking nearly every night, you will likely find it difficult to moderate. If it wasn't difficult, realistically you'd probably be doing it already. I'd give yourself a month off and see how you feel. It's actually much easier for most people to not drink at all than to moderate. After a month, you can take stock and see what you want to do.