When I drink I ...

[MsJuliet]

I Pour giant measures for myself
I hear myself slurring after one or 2 drinks
I do stupid things
I hardly pee the next day no matter how much water I drink to rehydrate
I take migraine medication to avoid hangovers
My sleep is affected for days.
My face is puffy

I want to stop drinking this way, or altogether.

Going AF has been life changing for me, and my bank balance!

No one ever wakes up and regrets not drinking the day before.

I can recommend this to keep you motivated. Whilst my drinking was nowhere near on her level, I could appreciate how much of a slippery slope it was, especially if, like myself, you are unable to pour small measures. I realised I couldn’t moderate so the solution was to give up altogether. 4&1/2 years alcohol free and I can honestly say I don’t miss it at all. It took around 3 months for the puffiness to go completely and for my sleep/energy/state of mind to improve, but I’m so glad I decided to quit. You won’t regret it!

www.amazon.co.uk/Unexpected-Joy-Being-Sober-alcohol-free/dp/1912023385/ref=asc_df_1912023385?mcid=867b29aef08b3e8b82bf4e68da06fd50&hvocijid=13738723677321748238-1912023385-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13738723677321748238&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007435&hvtargid=pla-2281435177818&psc=1&gad_source=4

I second all this. 8 months down, I thought drinking would kill me. The quoted book saved my life to be quite honest.

you got this

Thank you, I've ordered this book. I'm going to have to make changes. My drinking is generally 3 times per week, and it's heavy to the point of never remembering going to bed.
I'm going to update on here how it goes.

@MsJuliet Loads of Catherine Grey on YouTube, good one with her and Annie Grace, worth a look whilst you’re waiting for the book. She writes very well. There is a lot of quit lit out there, some better than others. Good luck, and check in regularly. One day, sometimes one hour at a time, don’t drink today. Forget about tomorrow, just don’t drink today. A good friend who used to laugh and say that he had spilt more drinks than I had drunk, told me that he got sober, by not having the first drink.

Do you have a partner? Is there alcohol in the house currently?

Yes I do have a partner and we've both recognised my drinking isn't safe anymore. My partner doesn't drink this way and can take it or leave it.

Drinking isn't always initiated by me.

We don't have lots of alcohol in the house generally, we buy it weekly with the weekly shop and have made the decision not to buy it this week, so there is none in the house. We're both happy with that. My usual pattern is not to drink every day but around 3 heavy bouts per week, I've not had any since Saturday.
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday is my pattern. I usually become excited and preoccupied on the day and look forward to it but today I'm feeling very comfortable that we didn't buy any.

It feels like less pressure, rather than more pressure.
I don't want to try non alcoholic drinks as I know myself well enough that these would make me want alcohol. I'll stick to soft drinks.

I've not had a sober Christmas, for years, so tomorrow I have lovely food and plans to go out to Loch Lomond with the dog on Boxing Day.
One day at a time.
To reiterate, to myself, if I drink tonight

I'd drink excessively,
I'd take prescription medication to avoid the hangover,
I'd probably do or say something that sober me would not,
I'd be breathless tomorrow, I'd be over the driving limit,
I'd fall asleep on the sofa during the day on Christmas Day,
I would be back to square one.

Sorry, that should have said

Drinking is always initiated by me.

It’s good that your partner is on the same page OP. Changing habits can be really difficult but you’ll slowly realise how much better life is without alcohol. It just isn’t worth it. I’m rooting for you!

I gave up drinking 2 years ago as I was drinking too much and using wine as a sticking plaster. I won't say it's been easy but I don't miss hangovers, beer fear, regretting drunken actions etc. DH gave up last year so we don't have any alcohol in the house. Christmas is much nicer without it.