Dry January and beyond

[BulldogMumma]

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

I caved last night 😥

Had an extremely stressful day and now I hate myself. Going to get back on the wagon but very disappointed in myself.

@Benny33 Try not to be too harsh on yourself and just see it as one day off.

i have to admit ive not had any particularly stressful days in Jan yet, and I know this would be one of my triggers to drink!

Onwards and upwards, hope today is better for you x

Day 16 for me today and I’m feeling great health wise and physically ..not as bloated and sluggish and uniform feeling a bit looser - I usually have a two week delay to notice weight loss so whatever I do today will see the effects in a couple of weeks so hoping this will continue as I’m being very good 😇

The only thing is I’m feeling too well behaved! Haha - the baddie must be the wine witch she’s been calling today telling me I deserve some wine tommo 👹- don’t worry I won’t cave! Gotta stay strong now

I might get a cake or something bad that way as I’ve been quite good on my diet and fitness too so no wonder I’m feeling saintly …the diet can recommence on Monday right?

@Benny33 thanks for sharing Benny - sorry you feel so rubbish but if you get back on it you’ve got loads of AF days in the bag

Ohh looks like the threads filling up do we need a new one?

No weight loss but I am.over eating on sweet snacks so that's probably why. Definitely got less of a tummy though,and face less bloated.

✨WE MADE IT HALF WAY!!✨

(for this goal anyway…!)!!

@BulldogMumma I think we need a new thread for the second half!

@MillyGoat I'll do it as soon as I've finished the school run

Haha to well behaved!! That’s the story of my life atm! Gave up booze,sugar, take aways I’m hanging on to caffeine 😂
I know exactly what you mean the baddie is the wine witch and she will try to convince us to be naughty!! especially when boredom sets in trying to stay busy at weekends.
Well done and glad you’re seeing/feeling the benefits I’m on the same page just got to figure out how to get my baddie fix 😂 but yes definitely get the cake and ignore the wine witch!! You’ve got this 🙌🏻

Dry January and beyond - Thread 2 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/5253719-dry-january-and-beyond-thread-2
New thread

I'm checking back in. Been completely dry, almost half way through the month.

Keeping myself busy, hydrated etc.

I feel like I've got this, listening to podcasts and audiobooks have really helped.

Keep going ladies!

Tonight programme - Going Sober can we ditch the Booze. ITV 8.30

Day 16 done

Day 18 and I’m jumping across to the new thread!

Day 17 for me. Far too many biscuits up until this week when I've managed to get them under control 😂

The biggest difference this year is that I haven't even missed the wine, and there's plenty in the house. And I had a good appraisal today which would normally lead me to reach for the bottle to celebrate.

I'm not bothering to weigh myself though and I won't beat myself up if do have a glass later.

Day 17. I was very tempted to buy something to drink this evening but my partner convinced me not to. He's been so supportive and reminded me of why I wanted to do DJ. I'm really struggling with flashbacks and anxiety (previous domestic violence case currently being investigated by the police) and he's just come back from the supermarket and prepared me a candlelit bath, bought antipasto and Lucky Saints. My life has changed in so many ways for the better since meeting him 2 years ago. I just wish I wasn't still carrying around trauma from the past.

Really shit night tonight.

Wasn’t tempted to drink but was at a party and I lasted about two hours before I simply ran out of social energy and had to dash for it.

Husband happily drinking away - and we’re in totally different places mentally right now.

The benefits far, far exceed this blip but it was grim.

Anyone else had an experience like this?

@IMTOOMessy , I've definitely been in social situations where I've just had to leave because it became too much, either because I wasn't drinking, or because I wasn't drinking as much as other people - it can indeed be grim! Just think of how much better you will feel in the morning than they do 😉.

There's a link to the new thread in Bulldogmumma's post (16.54 above) - see you over there 😊.

Day 21 done for me. The wine witch didn't call at all today. I actually am really glad I didn't drink the last few weekends have been far better without booze.

Sorry to read you didn’t enjoy your evening, yes I’ve experienced this a lot I actually don’t enjoy going to parties/bars sober anymore.
I hate to say it but just feel really uncomfortable as I’m quite shy without the booze!
Not only that I spend the whole evening defending myself as unfortunately people like the crazy drunk me who provided all the entertainment!
Maybe they feel I’m judging them now but that’s the truth of it! Don’t be put off that’s from my own personal experience and certain so called friends.
I will happily go out for dinner etc but anything else I’d rather be at home in bed by 10 reaping the benefits the next morning waking up fresh for a new day full of energy.
I hope you can find a balance but I just don’t enjoy social gatherings much these days.

43 too! Definitely time for me to make this change. Feel very happy about it - but in future going to have an escape plan in place.

I went out for a meal Friday night and that was actually lovely. So it’s not all things social!

The day I was dreading has been and gone. I meet with a friend once a month and we go for a meal and a nice bottle of wine then back to her flat where we open another one and sit on her balcony watching the world go by.
When I got there she said she couldn't drink as she was having an op on Monday (yipee) so we both had a mocktail and back to hers for ginger tea. Quite honestly I didn't miss it although I ate more than I normally do and know I can do this without thinking about it now.

Dry January and beyond - Thread 2 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/5253719-dry-january-and-beyond-thread-2

This thread is almost full, link to the new thread is above