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

Hi all, day 1 for me. I have this horrible cough virus thing too. Just got back from a few days away and looking forward to cutting out the booze!

Day 1 for me too! Had a few drinks Last night and feel tired. Having a stressful time and need to keep a clear head. I’ve downloaded the try dry app. Not sure what to do with it yet - any tips on how to use? Is there a help section?

Joining the Dry January crew feeling hungover after New Year’s Eve celebrations yesterday. My drinking has got way out of control in recent years and I think 2024 was my worst year ever. I’ve been regularly drinking a bottle of wine a day, sometimes more. I feel sluggish, bloated, irritable, depressed, exhausted and generally just awful. I’m signing up to DJ because I want a fresh start and to reset my relationship with alcohol.

@debauchedsloth I can relate, I had 5.5 years sober and it was great, then thought I could 'moderate' after all that time, and of course I couldn't... God, it was so much EASIER being sober!

So I'm here for Day 1! I want that back again - the feeling of strength and clarity and self-belief! The short-term relaxation of alcohol really isn't worth the general unbalance it brings to life...

For those who find cooking a trigger, try having a treaty non-alc drink and some nibbles at that time - the ritual is half the battle! And make sure you're not HALT - Hungry, Angry/Anxious, Lonely, Tired. Self-care is super-important in the early days.

Happy New Year, Sober Sisters! I'm looking forward to this! 🤗

Gosh this is exactly like me.
4 years on from starting again I'm sat hungover feeling super unhealthy.
My life is good. Apart from my drinking.
Time to stop again...
Good luck everyone x

Checking in day 2 here.

I was on that other thread last year and it’s absolutely fantastic to get you through January - but - it then disappears and last year I was like “let’s keep going everyone” and they suggested I might want to join one of the long running threads here in alcohol support but I read them and didn’t feel they were right for me if that makes sense.

They were mostly long time sober people or people moderating and I wanted to find people in the same place as me. It was the “and beyond” in the title of this one that grabbed my attention because after a fantastic run over the summer holidays last year I gave up.

My goal is a year alcohol free but that feels far too huge right now so dry Jan, then 100 days then look to do the rest of the year dry… that’s the dream anyway.

It was the "and beyond" but that appealed to me too 🙂

Ooh I’ll join please! I’ve never completed DJ, always get to week 3 and cave! This year I’ve told my kids I’m doing it so I really have to stick to it.. and I want to.. I’d absolutely love to be teetotal

Im glad the thread has appealed to you. The intention of the thread isn't just for January it's for long term.
This morning I worked out what I spend on wine per month, easily £150!! I'm flabbergasted. No wonder I'm always skint!

Day 1, feel like I went out with a bang last night. Today I have been tired and hungover. Looking forward to a decent night's sleep and 31 days (at least) of sobriety.

Hi,I would like to join.
Tried DJ few times but only completed successfully last year for the first time.
Kept track of my drinking for the whole year using Dry Days app which I prefer to Try Dry(just graphics and performance calendar appeals to me more than Try Dry)
I planned to complete another couple of dry months throughout the year but only managed 27 days in September.
I am hoping to improve my "statistics" this year by not having any more than 5 drinking days in a month.
Good luck everyone!

This is my goal to but I am taking it a day at a time. The only times I have ever been sober for months is when I was pregnant with my dcs. It didn't even occur to me to drink alcohol as it's so dangerous for unborn babies but yet I poison myself regularly with it happily. I need to change my ways for my family.

Checking in for day 1. Good luck everyone, and for me too, it is not just dry January, but drier life.

Happy new year everyone :)

I wanted to do DJ but after a turbulent Christmas I haven't had a drink since Christmas day. I thought it would be harder. Tnh I've wanted wine every day but have been kept distracted by drinking loads of 0% beer.

I'm not feeling all the (any!) health benefits yet. But one perk is being about to drive at the drop.of a hat. Last night I nipped to the shops before they shut. I'm not sure when I could have done that last, and definitely not on NYE!!

I'm enjoying tracking my days on Try Dry, too.

I am aiming for DJ (at least). I'm going for a medical at the end of Jan/start of Feb to check my liver function. I'm hoping a month off will mean my results aren't horrendous. I'm trying not to overthink it as I feel panicked at the thought of the health implications.

For now, I'll enjoy allll the no alcohol drinks and tuck into the chocs to compensate for the calories I'm not having in wine!!

Happy new year everyone

My plan for this evening is a shower, pjs and tv. The wine witch will whisper in my ear around 7 so if I'm in my pjs by then I won't go to any shop to buy any (there's shops open near me).
I'm looking forward to waking up tomorrow morning feeling refreshed.

Love this

Lol wine Whisper that's totally accurate for me.

@Fundays12 it's started already, the little voice in my head telling me it'll soon be wine time.
I'm off to make a cup of tea

Make a plan to try avoid. Do you have no alcohol wine in? Can you go for a walk and leave your purse so no temptation to buy booze? Maybe scrub out a cupboard even? Boring but will keep you busy.

@Fundays12 ive made a cup of tea then im off for a shower. Once im in my pjs I'm out of the danger zone.
Hope everyone else is doing okay

I've got some tonic and elderflower cordial which I'm going to enjoy over ice once the kids are in bed.

I've also made plans for the morning!

Hi ladies

Not meant in a patronising way, but I've just spent my third dry Christmas and NYE. It was tough to start with but now I don't miss it at all. I really don't miss sleepless nights, hangovers, memories of being an arse etc

You can do it!

I'm not bothered at all today, drank too much last night, so it's an easy one for me today.
I'll be having a good whinge tomorrow😅

My sister just called me, she's also doing Dry January so that's another person to go through it with

I was on a similar thread last year and it was great to have the support - I will pop on here now and again if that's OK.

I managed 6 weeks last year and it really helped me moderate my drinking, which had crept up in the previous year. I never drank enough to be hung over, but it was still more than I was comfortable with. OP, I had also recently lost my mum at that stage, so I sympathise and wish you well.

I've no intention of giving up totally, but I think it's healthy to take a break occasionally. One thing that I found useful last time was to tick off the days - literally, on a piece of paper or a journal; for me it seems to resonate more and be more motivating than an online app.

Non-alcoholic beers and CBD drinks also got me through last year - they have improved so much. The 0% Guinness is very nice, and Unlimited beer. I've just ordered some Trip Lemon & Basil, and a mixed selection of Goodrays, so lots to look forward to :).

Also, don't forget exercise - great for mood-boosting if you feel you are at risk of caving in!

Good luck, everyone.