Need help stopping

[user987623]

I'm absolutely terrified that I've done some serious damage to my health already and I really want to stop so I can try and get myself healthier. I have this resolve every morning but then by evening I can never stick to it. I drink about 3/4 of a bottle of wine every night. Sometimes that turns to a bottle on weekends. I started drinking at about 15 with mates at every party or night out etc. I then went to uni and it became a nightly thing. I'm now in my 30s and the only time I've stopped for a significant period is when I was pregnant with DC's.

On the occasions that I've stopped for a few weeks I've slept so much better and felt so much better in myself but then something pops up and I start again. I never sleep very well, I get constant stomach pains, my face looks puffy and horrible.

I really want to just give up for good but I don't know how!

Anyone?

Keep yourself busy at that time when you'd normally open the bottle. I decided to train for a long distance hike. So I did a lot of walking. And I listened to sobriety podcasts while cooking dinner (instead of drinking, which is what I'd normally do while getting dinner ready).

Hello!
There is hope - come and join us in the thread for living alcohol free - welcoming and non-judgmental - I couldn't do without it.

@livingalivelife could you send me the link please x

.

Call AA,I did 21 years ago,not had any alcohol since.I could always stop,but never stay stopped.I do Zoom meetings since Covid and now have friends from all over the World.

@user987623

Try AA meetings - they are so helpful and fill up time - can do them online.

Switch up your routine - at wine o clock - do things differently. It takes up to 30 days to break
a habit.

Buy non alcoholic alternatives - there are so many alcohol free options that you can put in a nice glass and still feel like an adult. Or like me you can just drink water. Every time I crave I drink water.

Excercise / get outside - again if I feel that wave (cravings are waves, they do pass) I go for a walk and stomp it out until it passes. I keep my trainers by the door for this reason.

Mindfulness / meditation / online dance classes - some are short enough that it’s not a huge commitment but long enough just to get you over that itch.

The more you do it the easier it gets.

best of luck

I found this thread @user987623

The continuing support thread for living alcohol free, every day. Everyone welcome. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/4910596-the-continuing-support-thread-for-living-alcohol-free-every-day-everyone-welcome

I found the books
The unexpected joy or being sober
And
One year no beer

Both really helpful.

One year no beer is now a paid for thing, but the book I had (from a charity shop) had a day by day bit to read and prepare for how you might be feeling that day.

I have to get other drinks in- I like a little can of the fever tree elderflower tonic or some lemonade with slices of lime in and some ice and I drink that while I'm getting everyone dinner and kids to bed. After bedtime I have a herbal tea and some fruit and choc possibly- just replacing the habit of having a drink with another one but it worked for me to cut down.

@user987623 it's the top thread on the alcohol support topic - do join us - we are a welcoming bunch

90 Days Later podcast. Proactive, pragmatic advice.

Follow mummy or mommydoesnotneedwine on insta. Best of luck

Read Allen Carr’s book Stop Drinking Now. Keep it close by and dip in and out when needed.