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Alcohol support

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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:
madmumofteens · 07/01/2025 09:28

Morning everyone my sleep is shot too hoping new pillows I'm picking up today will help going to try and get some AF drinks in as well

coastergirl · 07/01/2025 09:50

I basically haven't slept at all the past two nights, I'm shattered, my head hurts and my jaw is so tense and sore. So much else going on atm though, on top of giving up alcohol. Just going to have to try and ride it out.

Neptunium93 · 07/01/2025 10:28

Morning all - Week one (almost) in the bag!

For those struggling with sleep, based on my experience and reading, there could be a number of factors. The alcohol leaves your system after 72 hours, so it is unlikely to be detox. Things that chime with me:

  • Some people go to bed earlier when they aren't drinking. This can upset your sleep pattern and cause you to wake earlier / in the night.
  • If you're drinking more fluids and less alcohol (which has a dehydrating effect), you may need the loo more during the night.
  • If you're eating sugary snacks / chocolate, those might disturb sleep.
  • If you're stressed, and stop drinking, your body will feel the stress more. Last year I was going through a difficult time and sleeping was harder. @coastergirl , I had the same issue with headaches and jaw pain.
  • If you were drinking heavily before, then even if the substance is out of your system, you will be used to the sedative effect of the alcohol.

Supplements can definitely help, but exercise and stress management are the most important for me.

Summervibes24 · 07/01/2025 10:46

@Buntyforgirls Yes that's true and I definitely don't need to be worry about warm summer days right now! 😂

Sammy900 · 07/01/2025 11:08

coastergirl · 07/01/2025 00:08

Hi, after I caved on day 2 I had a rough few days, but I'm back on it now. Didn't drink last night or tonight. I think I was probably drinking a lot more than most. I'm throwing everything at it. A few apps including one that has lots of educational reading on it around the science behind addiction, and the steps to beat it. I've been reading that tonight. I've also downloaded a hypnotherapy session designed to cause alcohol aversion. I think I probably need to quit completely (but I don't want to because I love red wine and it's how I relax, but it's ruining my life). I'm aiming for 31 days for now but hoping to continue.

Well done for getting back on the train and joining us again keep checking in you’ve got this

OhShitImNearly40 · 07/01/2025 11:15

Day 11 here and finally got to sleep pretty easily last night. Not been craving too much, though felt it a bit Sunday night. Just sat through it and made it to Monday. Gym is helping on the evenings during the week. So far so good.

Sammy900 · 07/01/2025 11:19

TimeForNosecco · 07/01/2025 08:35

sorry to hear that no it’s not great!! Honestly it will improve just takes time but once your there it will be the best sleep you have, the only downside is once or if you go back to drinking the quality of your sleep will be rubbish as even one drink effects the rem sleep cycles so it’s a lot to think about but that’s my personal experience from taking 3 months of last year. I don’t want to preach but If you look up sleep and alcohol it explains how much havoc it causes I hope it improves for you soon

Show quote history

Yeah I consider it to be a fake sleep / cheat sleep..ok at knocking you out but then up all night going to the toilet and the body is still working to get it through the system…

it must be hard for people that have habitually relied on booze to initially go off to sleep though - my friend is like that - she’s also doing DJ will catch up with her next week

what do GPs recommend ? Anyone ever been to the G.Ps to try and stop drinking / and the difficulties..I haven’t but would be interested to know their general advice

Sammy900 · 07/01/2025 11:30

The first two weeks are rough all round ..maybe try exercising when feeling up to it and forcing a natural tired out feeling … even at a slower pace a long walk outdoors might help

In charging into Day 7 been to another class this morning and look like a beetroot! I’m sure people are looking at me to make sure I’m not about to have a coronary 😆 about to go and relax now in the spa some low level yoga later then chill at home or I might sort all my old clothes out I’ve got a few things I could sell - back to work tommo

hope everyone has a good day

TimeForNosecco · 07/01/2025 11:54

Sammy900 · 07/01/2025 11:30

The first two weeks are rough all round ..maybe try exercising when feeling up to it and forcing a natural tired out feeling … even at a slower pace a long walk outdoors might help

In charging into Day 7 been to another class this morning and look like a beetroot! I’m sure people are looking at me to make sure I’m not about to have a coronary 😆 about to go and relax now in the spa some low level yoga later then chill at home or I might sort all my old clothes out I’ve got a few things I could sell - back to work tommo

hope everyone has a good day

I agree the first two weeks will be the worst, most of the withdrawals and toxins are gone then so sleep should improve definitely a clearer head and you do start to feel good, it’s not easy I know ppl who wouldn’t ever consider a DJ so we will get a sense of achievement.
haha 😂 just about to do my first HIIT class in Almost 3 weeks it’s going to literally kill me and I will look exactly the same!!
enjoy your last day before work 👍🏻

Fordian · 07/01/2025 12:44

@Sammy900 I personally wouldn't involve my GP because I'm an HCP. With the best will in the world, a blood test request or US referral will have 'Excess ETOH' on it, and that's not something I'd want my colleagues to see. 15 units per week could cause that!

I don't believe I've ever been drunk at work in any capacity, I hasten to add! Tho, back in the 80s, the Xmas do at work involved closing down early, then out came all the snacks and alcohol, in the waiting room. Completely condoned by management- they'd even drop by for a quick one.

Different times!

fuzzylegs33 · 07/01/2025 12:57

I'm not struggling as such and I do feel better in some regards. I'm just so bored! I miss the moment of sitting down with a drink at the end of the day. The evening just feels a bit empty and flat without it. I'm trying to keep busy with other things such as reading or drawing or even scrolling Tik Tok where there's a lot of other people talking about their DJ experience.

I will carry on and I'm sure I'll make it through the week but I just feel very meh today.

Sammy900 · 07/01/2025 13:57

Fordian · 07/01/2025 12:44

@Sammy900 I personally wouldn't involve my GP because I'm an HCP. With the best will in the world, a blood test request or US referral will have 'Excess ETOH' on it, and that's not something I'd want my colleagues to see. 15 units per week could cause that!

I don't believe I've ever been drunk at work in any capacity, I hasten to add! Tho, back in the 80s, the Xmas do at work involved closing down early, then out came all the snacks and alcohol, in the waiting room. Completely condoned by management- they'd even drop by for a quick one.

Different times!

Snap! Totally agree dont want excess ETOH on my record! I think my job and kids is what stopped me before drinking on a school night - I’d be spotted immediately if I tried to turn up to work with a hangover too! Busted!

It’s the days off sat drinking at home on my days off that’s my main issue! Hopefully the outcome of this will be It jolts the habit out of me and maybe then later I can enjoy a booze evening but only if there’s an event or holiday, etc no more pointless binge drinking at home

WaterWall22 · 07/01/2025 14:39

TimeForNosecco · 07/01/2025 11:54

I agree the first two weeks will be the worst, most of the withdrawals and toxins are gone then so sleep should improve definitely a clearer head and you do start to feel good, it’s not easy I know ppl who wouldn’t ever consider a DJ so we will get a sense of achievement.
haha 😂 just about to do my first HIIT class in Almost 3 weeks it’s going to literally kill me and I will look exactly the same!!
enjoy your last day before work 👍🏻

Show quote history

In conrast I worry as I think the first weeks are quite easy, but after that the boredom sets in.. I still haven't figured out how to change my mindset on that..

WorriedMutha · 07/01/2025 15:03

Fighting off a lurgy here. The thought of drinking alcohol is repugnant. A mixed blessing.

Sammy900 · 07/01/2025 15:11

I know what you mean about boredom after cravings have worn off. I'm tackling it by filling my free time and calendar up with other non-drinking related activities

Sammy900 · 07/01/2025 15:17

I associate listening to music and dancing with having a drink and I don't want to miss out on those things I enjoy just because it might make me want to have a drink. I wouldn't fancy tackling a night out right now but will be getting my music fix with upbeat tunes in my headphones at the gym, still have music on in the evenings if I fancy it..maybe dance-fit/ zumba class or something similar. I'll scope out what is around

TimeForNosecco · 07/01/2025 15:23

WaterWall22 · 07/01/2025 14:39

In conrast I worry as I think the first weeks are quite easy, but after that the boredom sets in.. I still haven't figured out how to change my mindset on that..

Show quote history

Yes I also agree with you there I’m bored out of my mind already 😂 what I mean is regards to sleeping and breaking initial habits if your a daily drinker.
Ive done sober stints and it’s the boredom that always brings me back to drinking even though I’m genuinely happy calm no anxiety no depression complete all my fitness goals etc my life will be pretty much perfect to the point I go back to drinking/partying.
I really want to get to 100 days this time but need to work on mindset and tell myself if all I have to worry about is being bored then than pretty good living!! Who knows but imagine breaking those ingrained habits that lead us to believe a life with alcohol is more fun

Neptunium93 · 07/01/2025 15:26

I tend to associate wine with watching TV. I find it helps to watch completely different programmes, such as documentaries, or at the other end of the spectrum, something really exciting, and which demands concentration to keep up with the plot so I am completely drawn into it. The Night Agent was perfect, and S2 is coming up on 23rd January 😊.

Original poster
BulldogMumma · 07/01/2025 15:36

Hey everyone 👋
Day 7 here. My sleeps been fine but last night I found it hard to get to sleep, I slept right through until 6.30 this morning. I've had a headache all day but I've been busy at work and not had much water so not sure if it's that.
DD's school opened late today due to the weather so I had to go to work late. Roll on summer I say

OP posts:
Miloarmadillo2 · 07/01/2025 15:58

Checking in - day 7 for me. Sleep has definitely improved which is a blessing. I read a thread on another group today about someone that had slid into drinking every day and now was worried they were dependent - recognising at this stage it wasn’t good for them but not actually wanting to stop because they enjoyed a drink. I really need to address what happens beyond DJ. My DH is a bad influence as it’s pretty much always him that cracks open the bottle - and I have no chance of saying no when presented with a nice glass of Malbec! He’s on board with DJ but I don’t think he’ll abstain longer term.

madmumofteens · 07/01/2025 17:34

Picked up some new pillows as recommended on MN to see if they will help me stay asleep and bought the Trip drinks to try 4 for £6 in Asda! I find watching TV seeing them have a drink makes me want to join them lol have stored away wine left over so out of sight for now good luck all Halo

Littletinytarzanswingingfromanosehair · 07/01/2025 18:46

@MillyGoat yes, the Dr thinks it anxiety re; hives.
I was in London on the 30th Dec and I forgot my phenergran that helps me sleep, had a meltdown and full rash appeared!

First Prozac down then hatch! I just hope it doesn't keep me awake.

Hedjwitch · 07/01/2025 19:46

Went to a yoga class which has helped pass the evening a bit. First week done and dusted. Having a zero Guinness to celebrate.

Hohofortherobbers · 07/01/2025 19:57

I have such a bad cold, I feel horrific . Even if it was all you can drink free rioja day I would not drink. I am so ill 🤒

Destiny33 · 07/01/2025 19:59

I was scared to post incase I couldn’t do this but I got to day 7 so I think I can.

Started drinking at 15 and apart from when pregnant don’t think I have been af for more than 2/3 days. The last 5 years has escalated and I am ashamed to say it’s been a bottle a day.