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Alcohol support

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Original poster

Quitting has made no difference

61 replies

Barkingdogbarks · 11/10/2024 08:53

In a typical week I think I drink:
1 litre of spirits (gin, whiskey or vodka)
a couple of bottles of cider a night
wine at the weekend
A couple of cocktails in a can
sometimes a couple of pints if in the pub

And have done for a few years - some time off for childbirth/ breastfeeding, but generally I’ve been a drinker for a while.

I never drink before 5pm, I don’t crave it when I get up in the morning. I generally don’t get hangovers that a couple of paracetamol can’t fix.

But, I’ve quit. Wound down over the past week and am now 48 hrs alcohol free. I thought there would be great feeling of wellness? Better sleep? Glowing skin?

The only difference between last week and this one is that I’m now bored in the evening? I can’t be bothered doing the ironing and cleaning in the evening now, it was the alcohol that made that fun. I know there are health benefits, but as it wasn’t making me unhealthy I’m just not feeling it.

Doesn’t seem worth the effort at this point.

Anyone got any words of wisdom?

OP posts:

Windsorlady · 11/10/2024 19:58

You are doing well ..keep going and try different hobbies or reading or sport or walking in the evening ..xxxx best wishes

1viewoftrees · 10/02/2025 15:06

TorroFerney · 11/10/2024 10:18

Are you sure you aren’t saying /hoping no change so you can justify drinking again? Well that’s obviously what you are doing, even if subconsciously.

I think this comment is very wise

1viewoftrees · 10/02/2025 15:08

Barkingdogbarks · 11/10/2024 11:01

Well this is sober / scary / enlightening reading.

Thank you all, especially those of you who have shared your stories. I really appreciate the time you have taken to reply.

I guess that’s why I posted, because I’m struggling to see the woods from the trees. And clearly, going by your sharing, I need to take my head out of my ass.

Yes, I’m scared that one day I will wake up properly addicted and can’t stop.
Yes, I’m scared that the wheels will fall off and I get ill.

Yes, I probably have ADHD, or am neuro-spicy in some direction?
I was looking for quick wins (skin, sleep etc), as I generally need an immediate positive feedback loop to continue something. It’s a personality failing on my part. I’m not proud of it, but ancient age of 44 I’m unlikely to change.

So I stopped this time last week, bar the odd can of g&t, so you could say I’m on day 7 now.

To answer a question - I’ve stopped because I’m generally quite athletic. I gym, cardio and heavy weights, and I’ve plateaued. I need to reduce my body fat % and am stuggling. It’s all very superficial I’m afraid.

How are you getting on now OP? x

1viewoftrees · 10/02/2025 15:12

quellequechose · 11/10/2024 11:59

I'm over three years sober now and there was no set moment where I realised life was better for it in terms of skin/ sleep etc. It was all quite subtle and gradual. But when I look back at photos of me in my drinking days the difference is stark. I look puffy and red and tired, I look so much better now. Sleep improvement for me was more about waking up with no regrets/ fear/ guilt, and going to bed knowing I'd wake up happy in the morning. That was a game-changer for me. Removing the questions around how much and what I would drink etc also gave me loads of peace of mind. I used to do so much mental gymanstics trying to justify my boozing and planning how I could drink without it ruining my next day etc (never stuck to it anyway).

For me it wasn't until not drinking became my new normal that everything slotted into place. Once I'd broken the habit and didn't have to think much about it anymore, my life just improved immeasurably and I now couldn't imagine going back to booze. Every now and then I get a pang of temptation/ envy when that first glass of champagne is poured at an event/ celebration etc, but I've trained myself to play the tape to the end an then I know it would never be worth it.

Good luck, OP. The rewards are enormous, they just take time. Every day is a victory. Maybe download one of the sober apps or tick a day off on a calendar when you go to bed sober each evening. Be proud of yourself.

This is really interesting. I'm not a big drinker. I used to binge every weekend but have never drank at home and since having kids, really hardly ever drink. BUT when I do, when there is an event or something, the mental gymnastics is exactly as you describe and so I'm considering giving up altogether. The idea being that I won't have to think what to drink, how much to drink, when to stop and also knowing I'll always be able to drive. Thank you for sharing!

Peclet · 10/02/2025 15:17

What’s the point for drinking? Serious question.

I didn’t drink as much as you but my parents did. Both dead in their 60s. Nice house, good jobs, drank nice wines and gin and tonics. Functioned. Lived. Present in my and my children’s lives. However the idea of not drinking of an evening was completely alien to them.

Cancer, fatty liver, heart disease. Looked older than they were. Irritable. Bad sleep always. Poor health in their latter years.

So I only drink when I actually really fancy it- last time was at a mates 50th and I had a glass of really chilled delicious champagne. But that’s all. That was 4 weeks ago.

I’ve been sober curious for years with lots of breaks over the years.

Try it. Alcohol is poison. There is no safe amount. I’m not being sanctimonious but really you’re drinking yourself into an early grave.

Touty · 20/02/2025 12:03

Please be assured that you will see changes but it will take months. You will look years younger , your face will be softer and you will lose weight, remember that belly, it will go. Your brain chemistry will change and you will get back that natural joy and wonder you had as a child. You will also save yourself a fortune.

Zuve · 20/02/2025 12:12

I am teetotal and healthy. Drinking slowly takes its toll. You will become diabetic etc etc. Stay strong and safe. Keep g2

Original poster

Barkingdogbarks · 20/02/2025 15:41

Ah, so.

I have quit drinking now for a few months, occasionally socially drinking over Christmas, but otherwise TT.
…..and it’s made no difference. Hair, skin and most annoyingly weight are exactly as before.

I have a theory that as I have more money in my pocket I’m buying yummier food. So that’s a bit of an own goal.

The first couple of weeks were tough, but now I find it easier not to drink.
its still a conscious choice

OP posts:

LillyPJ · 07/05/2025 16:11

I'm on Day 6 and can empathize - like you, I didn't crave alcohol in the day, didn't feel it was harming me, but had got into a habit. I drank every day, two large glasses of wine, starting at 6pm. Sometimes a pint of beer or two if I was out. Now my evenings seem endless and I have to distract myself - jigsaws, reading, radio, cooking, music etc. The positives are that I am sleeping much better and feeling more energetic, and my eyes look brighter. Not saved any money yet because AF alternatives are costing me more but it's fun trying them out. (Martini Floreale with tonic is great!) I just have to keep telling myself that my liver and other bodily functions should be improving even if I can't see it (Google what happens in your body when you stop drinking.) Also, I'm getting rid of all the worry of what alcohol was doing to me.

LillyPJ · 07/05/2025 16:23

Sorry - I'd only read your original post when I commented. I can see you've done amazingly well - I can only hope I get that far. Even if you think it's made no difference, I'm sure it has inside! And thanks for the thread anyway - lots of good advice here which I can use.

dustydvd · 07/05/2025 16:29

Your liver will thank you.

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