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Original poster

Dry January and beyond

998 replies

BulldogMumma · 23/12/2024 07:03

I couldn't find a dry January thread so thought I'd make one.
I've posted on the alcohol threads before but never see it through. This year I'm determined to do dry January and even beyond.
My drinking has really crept up lately and I know I need to address it. I lost my mum this year due to alcohol and I don't want to go the same way. I've been using alcohol as a crutch since losing my mum but now's the time I stop relying on the wine and take back control.
Anyone else who wants to join me are more than welcome, would be good to have some buddies along the way x

OP posts:
Dry100Days · 23/12/2024 08:45

I'll join you as my username suggests I want to try 100 days! Let's see how we get on. Are you starting January 1st or before? Not sure for me yet

Original poster
BulldogMumma · 23/12/2024 10:17

@Dry100Days my plan is to start on Jan 1st, 100 days sounds a lot but it's actually a great goal

OP posts:
Summervibes24 · 24/12/2024 14:59

I'm gearing up for a dry Jan. I did DJ this year (and most of Dec) but since then I've fallen back into the same bad habits when I'm stressed or it's holidays etc etc

Northerngirl89 · 27/12/2024 07:33

Can I join?

I love a drink with friends or even just in front of the TV after work, but one always ends up being more. Not every time, but once in a while I will have gaps in my memory and spend the next day worrying about what I did or said.

I have wanted to stop for ages but I just can't do it.

Now is different!!

Had a boozy Christmas day. I was fully with It, but definitely tipsy by bedtime. It upset my mum who had strong words. She was right.

Yesterday I didn't drink so my dry January (and hopefully beyond) has begun :)

Els1e · 27/12/2024 09:55

Can I join please? I've tried DJ before, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. I would like to aim to complete DJ and go beyond.

Original poster
BulldogMumma · 27/12/2024 10:28

Welcome all, the more the merrier!
I know I'll drink NYE so I'm starting on January 1st.
I've tried dry January a few times, the longest I lasted was 12 days. This time I'm determined to see it through to the end

OP posts:
40andlovelife · 27/12/2024 11:42

I would love to join!

I mainly drink about once per week but when I do, I overdo it and always lose memories. Then comes the anxiety. I have definitely overdone it throughout Nov and December with the gatherings etc.

Using DJ as my reset to get back to once a week . Once a week is perfect for me and I am so much happier. Cutting back will also help me reach my fitness goals and help me to reduce the number of takeaways I have .

I'm starting my dry jan today as I literally have no events planned now. NYE is cinema and food with the kids. I have planned this so that I don't feel like I have to have the obligatory NYE drinks.

RedxRobin · 27/12/2024 17:13

Would love to join. I’ve done it successfully the past few years but always end up falling back into bad habits by the end of the year. DF died in November after a pretty horrible illness so this year has been a particularly difficult one & I feel in real need of a reset

ThriveIn2025 · 27/12/2024 18:11

I’m joining! I’m on one of the other long running alcohol threads here but it’s been really quiet and I could do with some support for January. I’ve done dry Jan many times but like others, the good intentions fade and by the end of Feb I’m back to old bad habits.

I’ll be starting on the 1st as I don’t want to be setting myself up to fail and not sure I’ll manage a dry NYE but after that I’m 100% committed.

LydiaWickhamsBonnet · 27/12/2024 18:38

Hi all can I join? Am planning to start on Jan 1st.

fuzzylegs33 · 27/12/2024 18:41

Hi guys I've been hoping to find a thread for this.
Like you op, my drinking has crept up a lot this year. I would say I drink probably 5 nights a week minimum and probably average about 30 units which is way too much. I saw a thread on here a month or so ago highlighting the very real long term dangers and risks so I'm determined to have a big reset in January.
I don't know if I'll manage it. It will be a huge lifestyle change for me but I know I need to drastically cut back.
Hopefully we can support each other along the way.

Hohofortherobbers · 27/12/2024 21:30

Thank you, I'll hop on for a dry Jan, just saving my spot for 1st January

OverthinkingOlive · 27/12/2024 22:01

fuzzylegs33 · 27/12/2024 18:41

Hi guys I've been hoping to find a thread for this.
Like you op, my drinking has crept up a lot this year. I would say I drink probably 5 nights a week minimum and probably average about 30 units which is way too much. I saw a thread on here a month or so ago highlighting the very real long term dangers and risks so I'm determined to have a big reset in January.
I don't know if I'll manage it. It will be a huge lifestyle change for me but I know I need to drastically cut back.
Hopefully we can support each other along the way.

30 units per night or 30 units per week?

Littletinytarzanswingingfromanosehair · 27/12/2024 22:15

Can I join?
I started my DJ yesterday as my anxiety is through the absolute roof and I can't go on like this. I'm not a daily drinker but I got it hard at the weekends.

Melodyfair · 27/12/2024 22:32

Your thread caught my eye, good luck with it, just one thing if your serious about not drinking then just start now, have a dry New Year’s Eve, it’s the sort of obstacle you are going to keep coming up against and if you think you will fail that, you will fail all the other temptations in the future involving alcohol. If you want to stop, just do it!

GeeNoWay · 27/12/2024 22:39

I would love to join. I am 66 days sober and never completed dry Jan before!

HollyGolightly4 · 27/12/2024 22:45

I'll join please! ☺️ I did dry January last year and it set me up very well for the year. The support on the threads were invaluable- I genuinely think it made all the difference. I've done 261 sober days this year so far- 2 full sober months and lots of cutting down. (Holidays still a pitfall!) I recommend downloading the trydry app- ticking things off makes me feel better!

Original poster
BulldogMumma · 27/12/2024 23:19

Welcome all!
I've not caught up properly with all the replies and I'm going to bed now so will catch up properly in the morning.
The try dry app is a good idea, I'm going to download it

OP posts:
fuzzylegs33 · 27/12/2024 23:30

@OverthinkingOlive per week! Still double the recommended amount though.

Dingdongadonga · 28/12/2024 10:30

I’d like to join also. I’ve made it to day 26 before but last year was diabolical (7 days or something). Need to seriously change lifestyle and try to get my mojo back. Been a tough 3 years since death of parents and one things and another. The parents were a big part of our lives.

fuzzylegs33 · 28/12/2024 10:48

Could anyone recommend a good app for tracking dry days? I feel like a visual aid will help spur me on!

HollyGolightly4 · 28/12/2024 11:21

@fuzzylegs33 I like the trydry app

Grassick · 28/12/2024 20:31

Today is my day 1. Glad to have this thread to share experiences. I use Try Dry app, my best attempt so far is 28 days and I have definitely cut down my drinking in 2024. After a few days of Christmas drinking I realise I am done and am aiming for a dry Hogmannay this year.

Good luck everyone

Hedjwitch · 28/12/2024 20:40

Count me in. I've been trying to reduce my alcohol intake and have made some progress but still drink far too much.

DrunkTinkerbell81 · 28/12/2024 23:52

I will join please!!

I don't think I drink excessively. I would say a glass of wine maybe most evenings, but sometimes not. A few drinks at weekend maybe. If I go out with friends I'll drink more, but rarely an excessive amount (haven't vomited drunk in years!)

But.... I'm sick of the anxiety, the feeling of "I said something I shouldn't have", the all day hangovers, the feeling like I want to go to bed and have zero energy after a couple of glasses of wine etc

Today I went to a friends and had maybe a bottle of cava to myself and just felt dreadful after. Felt like I couldn't even sit upright I was so tired. I hate that feeling.

I also get terrible heartburn from drinking and take lansoprazole for that which has caused me to be b12 deficient so there's knock on effects that I'm bored with.

Have never done dry Jan so am starting with that :)