Page 14 | Dry January and beyond

BulldogMumma · 2024-12-23T07:03:45+00:00

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

Fundays12 · 03/01/2025 15:02

I worry about my liver and other organs as I have been binge drinking for 20 years. My dad died of liver and kidney failure to alcohol abuse although he drank far more than I ever have and daily (he was an alcoholic) but I don't want my kids to ever witness or go through what I did.

I can already feel the wine o'clock call tonight as it's Friday night but I will be resisting. I can't drink anyway as I am driving super early tomorrow morning.

TimeForNosecco · 03/01/2025 15:31

Sorry to hear about your dad@Fundays12 i can imagine it was pretty tough at times, one thing it’s made you protect your children for the better.
I never saw my mum or dad drunk but they were both emotionally unavailable parents there wasn’t much support I’m pretty sure they loved but only as well as they knew how.
My dad passed away in his 40s had a stroke so I guess a lot of my binging started then coping mechanisms.
my mum has been diagnosed with bipolar so it’s a lot at times!! Just got to make the best out of these situations.
I know what you mean I still have a bottle of rose in the outdoor shed but I’m currently stuffing my face with chocolate and am hoping for an early gym sesh.
we’ve got this!! It will soon be dinner time have a nice bath then take myself upstairs do some reading before we know it Saturday morning will be here and we can feel happy that we ignored the wine witch!! 😆

Original poster

BulldogMumma · 03/01/2025 15:51

@TimeForNosecco I have a daughter in her 20s and she doesn't drink at all. I'm glad to be honest.
When I was younger it just seemed to be something everyone did, I've never seen my dad drunk but saw my mum drunk a lot as a child but it was normal to me I thought everyone's mums did that.
Hopefully I'll get to the end of January and want to keep on going but for now I'm taking it day by day

OP posts:

BigButtons · 03/01/2025 16:01

I was listening to ‘ this naked mind’ and one of the things she asked us to think about was how horrible our first taste of alcohol was and to remember that time. So So I thought back .
when I was a child, maybe around age 10 my relatives used to give me whiskey- either in orange juice or lemonade. How shocking is that.
My mum admits to sometimes spiking my juice with spirits, probably whiskey,on camping holidays to get me to sleep earlier.
By the time I was in my teens I was allowed to drink regularly . Apart from 6 pregnancies, I have drunk pretty much daily. Never enough to knock me out, just to take the edge off life. It has always been that way, trying to take the edge off overwhelming feelings.
I am now 57.
she says that no one actually likes the tastes of alcohol- pure ethanol is revolting and deadly- what they come to think they like are the after effects.

Fundays12 · 03/01/2025 16:18

TimeForNosecco · 03/01/2025 15:31

Sorry to hear about your dad@Fundays12 i can imagine it was pretty tough at times, one thing it’s made you protect your children for the better.
I never saw my mum or dad drunk but they were both emotionally unavailable parents there wasn’t much support I’m pretty sure they loved but only as well as they knew how.
My dad passed away in his 40s had a stroke so I guess a lot of my binging started then coping mechanisms.
my mum has been diagnosed with bipolar so it’s a lot at times!! Just got to make the best out of these situations.
I know what you mean I still have a bottle of rose in the outdoor shed but I’m currently stuffing my face with chocolate and am hoping for an early gym sesh.
we’ve got this!! It will soon be dinner time have a nice bath then take myself upstairs do some reading before we know it Saturday morning will be here and we can feel happy that we ignored the wine witch!! 😆

My mum and dad were pretty emotionally unavailable to. My mum is still alive but not an overly interested parent or grandparent. It definitely leaves its mark. I try be the opposite of them but I don't always get it right.

Lol wine witch that is definitely accurate. I have some nice non alcohol gin and tonic, no alcohol kopperberg and no alcohol wine so will have a nice bath or something tonight after dinner. I am hill hiking first thing tomorrow morning with my friend so need a good night's sleep tonight.

Fundays12 · 03/01/2025 16:21

BigButtons · 03/01/2025 16:01

I was listening to ‘ this naked mind’ and one of the things she asked us to think about was how horrible our first taste of alcohol was and to remember that time. So So I thought back .
when I was a child, maybe around age 10 my relatives used to give me whiskey- either in orange juice or lemonade. How shocking is that.
My mum admits to sometimes spiking my juice with spirits, probably whiskey,on camping holidays to get me to sleep earlier.
By the time I was in my teens I was allowed to drink regularly . Apart from 6 pregnancies, I have drunk pretty much daily. Never enough to knock me out, just to take the edge off life. It has always been that way, trying to take the edge off overwhelming feelings.
I am now 57.
she says that no one actually likes the tastes of alcohol- pure ethanol is revolting and deadly- what they come to think they like are the after effects.

Omg 10 years old 😱. I remember my first taste of alcohol and it was vile. Shame I did actually enjoy the taste of rose wine.

Littletinytarzanswingingfromanosehair · 03/01/2025 16:27

I have been to Holland and Barrett today to get some trip drinks (I have also ordered a large case off their website but no delivery til Monday) even if it's placebo, the drink is so refreshing. "Little rick" is supposed to be good too.

I have also got ashwaganda peach tea, lionsmane tea and cleanse tea.

This is a to keep me going until the Dr's on Monday, I am going for how bad my anxiety is at the moment. Hopefully I can get back on sertraline.

TimeForNosecco · 03/01/2025 18:19

Yes exactly that’s all we knew there was nothing else to do I would spend my weekly wage on an outfit and clubbing and that started at age 16!!
That’s great your daughter doesn’t drink I honestly thought both my adult children would be put off after seeing me drunk/hungover many a time.
I just hope they don’t take things quite to the extreme as I have I don’t think they would appreciate the preaching but as a parent it’s hard to not. Sounds like a good idea I’m sure you’ll smash DJ and hopefully longer or at least more mindful in general with consumption thanks for making this thread!! 😊

Original poster

BulldogMumma · 03/01/2025 18:21

You're welcome, I was hoping to find people just like me and I've done that ☺️
DP came home from work and saw the AF corona in the fridge, asked who's they are so I told him mine. He says oh you're actually going to do DJ, I said yes I said I would. Then he said well done I'm so proud of you, I mean I've only done 3 days but it was so nice to hear it

OP posts:

TimeForNosecco · 03/01/2025 18:26

Fundays12 · 03/01/2025 16:18

My mum and dad were pretty emotionally unavailable to. My mum is still alive but not an overly interested parent or grandparent. It definitely leaves its mark. I try be the opposite of them but I don't always get it right.

Lol wine witch that is definitely accurate. I have some nice non alcohol gin and tonic, no alcohol kopperberg and no alcohol wine so will have a nice bath or something tonight after dinner. I am hill hiking first thing tomorrow morning with my friend so need a good night's sleep tonight.

Show quote history

I hear you, yes we don’t always get it right but we try to be better that’s the main thing!!
your doing all the right things you’ll children will get to enjoy time with you that maybe would have been wasted on drinking and that’s priceless.
oh amazing good for you sounds very action packed I will definitely be getting back to the gym tomorrow I suspect it will be full of January new starters I’ll have to fight for a treadmill 😂

Frontroomroomjungle · 03/01/2025 18:37

I've had an AF cider (Thatchers - not sure I'll bother with it again) in the bath this evening. I quite like AF alternatives and will probably try some more once I've used up what I've got.

I'll probably be in bed in a couple of hours as I've exhausted all my evening entertainment options 😅

TimeForNosecco · 03/01/2025 18:38

BigButtons · 03/01/2025 16:01

I was listening to ‘ this naked mind’ and one of the things she asked us to think about was how horrible our first taste of alcohol was and to remember that time. So So I thought back .
when I was a child, maybe around age 10 my relatives used to give me whiskey- either in orange juice or lemonade. How shocking is that.
My mum admits to sometimes spiking my juice with spirits, probably whiskey,on camping holidays to get me to sleep earlier.
By the time I was in my teens I was allowed to drink regularly . Apart from 6 pregnancies, I have drunk pretty much daily. Never enough to knock me out, just to take the edge off life. It has always been that way, trying to take the edge off overwhelming feelings.
I am now 57.
she says that no one actually likes the tastes of alcohol- pure ethanol is revolting and deadly- what they come to think they like are the after effects.

I think my first drink I was about 14 at my friends house we nicked her dads vodka I don’t remember the taste but I remember the feeling of doing something I shouldn’t and the excitement and rush it gave me, oh dear 😂
I don’t remember ever having it as a child at Christmas but I’ve certainly given mine a Buck’s Fizz etc when they were younger feel terrible admitting that
good for you for even attempting DJ it’s not easy I’m a binge drinker so I don’t drink every day but when I do it’s a lot so it’s easier for me to have none than one if that makes sense!! It’s never ever one and I’ve had my fair share of blackouts etc have some embarrassing stories along the way 🙃

MsWillis · 03/01/2025 18:42

I've just cooked a giant dish of macaroni, and eaten a huge portion of it. I'm going to chill on the couch with my book for a bit, then watch Traitors in bed. That'll keep me out of the danger zone .

One day at a time, but tomorrow will be when my self talk tries to sabotage me. I've got a lot of cooking to do in the morning as I've invited family for lunch. Keep me busy.

Hope everyone is managing tonight.

Fundays12 · 03/01/2025 18:44

TimeForNosecco · 03/01/2025 18:26

I hear you, yes we don’t always get it right but we try to be better that’s the main thing!!
your doing all the right things you’ll children will get to enjoy time with you that maybe would have been wasted on drinking and that’s priceless.
oh amazing good for you sounds very action packed I will definitely be getting back to the gym tomorrow I suspect it will be full of January new starters I’ll have to fight for a treadmill 😂

Show quote history

Absolutely!!

I don't remember my parents doing much with us ever and I don't want my kids to think that's when mum was drunk again or to hangover.

Omg my gym was jammed yesterday but it was all new faces so I couldn't even get a little catch up with the ladies I normally chat to. Lol going early might be your best chance of getting a treadmill

Hohofortherobbers · 03/01/2025 18:48

First AF Friday in far too long, can't help feeling something is missing but it's the fact I feel like that shows that I think too much about wine!

SatinHeart · 03/01/2025 18:55

Hohofortherobbers · 03/01/2025 18:48

First AF Friday in far too long, can't help feeling something is missing but it's the fact I feel like that shows that I think too much about wine!

I think whats helping me is I've been on annual leave since Xmas and so I'm a bit hazy on what day of the week it is right now! I think next Friday might be a killer. Can't remember last time I didn't drink on a Friday night...

Summervibes24 · 03/01/2025 18:58

I'm feeling out of sorts tonight. Just back from hols plus got some sad news both of which would have me reaching for a bottle of wine tonight. I have resisted and I'm sitting with these feelings rather than numbing them knowing it will pass tomorrow.

Original poster

BulldogMumma · 03/01/2025 19:00

This is my first AF Friday night in years, I'm doing ok at the moment. I'm eating a massive pizza, really need to sort my eating out at some point.
I've been asked to do a shift at my second job tomorrow which means a 5.30 get up, it'll be nice to get up clear headed for work

OP posts:

Original poster

BulldogMumma · 03/01/2025 19:01

Summervibes24 · 03/01/2025 18:58

I'm feeling out of sorts tonight. Just back from hols plus got some sad news both of which would have me reaching for a bottle of wine tonight. I have resisted and I'm sitting with these feelings rather than numbing them knowing it will pass tomorrow.

I hope you're okay. If you need to talk we're all here, if not we're still all here 🤗

OP posts:

VinoEsmeralda · 03/01/2025 19:03

Day 5 here, going well so far and keen to extend aftwr DJ. I just keep thinking back about the anxious nights i was not being able to sleep properly & wtf have I said& done moments, lack of energy. Days wasted hungover

Also find keeping a diary with 4 simple questions keeping me focussed.

Amy Winehouse film tonight. Can of Trip, af martini with tonic and hopefully DH keeps his trap shut. Earlier he said, 1st Feb we will have fillet steak and break out the chateau neuf du pape... difference is he can sip& stop whilst I drink every drop!!

MedievalNun · 03/01/2025 19:08

Can i join? I'm on Day 3 and finding tonight difficult as it's Friday, which is when I normally crack open a bottle of wine as I don't have to drive in the morning. I'm determined to see it through this year as I've noticed I'm drinking more at weekends and it was becoming an occasional one in the week if I'm working from home the next day.

I have a huge bottle of water next to me as I type so wish me luck.

Summervibes24 · 03/01/2025 19:10

@BulldogMumma Thanks ☺️. I'm ok. I felt better after posting on here recognising how I was feeling and knowing alcohol won't help but a cup of tea and an early night will.

Fundays12 · 03/01/2025 19:14

DH poured me a AF strawberry and lime cider. It's not quite as nice as kopperberg but it's in a wine glass and has satisfied the craving. I am going for a bath soon as every bone in my body aches today.

TonstantWeader · 03/01/2025 19:23

evening all, checking in for Day 3 with my Gordon's 0% & tonic, and The Traitors from last night on catch up. Interesting that others are struggling with sleep as I had another rubbish night last night. Oh well, at least no alarm tomorrow! The novelty of not drinking wine tonight is keeping me going tonight, I think, and if the cravings hit I shall sack it off and go to bed.

Sorry to hear you've had bad news @Summervibes24. Sending a big virtual hug.

MedievalNun · 03/01/2025 19:27

TonstantWeader · 03/01/2025 19:23

evening all, checking in for Day 3 with my Gordon's 0% & tonic, and The Traitors from last night on catch up. Interesting that others are struggling with sleep as I had another rubbish night last night. Oh well, at least no alarm tomorrow! The novelty of not drinking wine tonight is keeping me going tonight, I think, and if the cravings hit I shall sack it off and go to bed.

Sorry to hear you've had bad news @Summervibes24. Sending a big virtual hug.

What's the AF Gordon's like? I tried an AF wine recently which was vile so I'm looking for decent dupes to keep me going.