Dry January and beyond - Thread 2

[BulldogMumma]

Hey everyone
New thread as the old one was filling up
@Flicitytricity @coastergirl @TimeForNosecco

glad to hear you’ve figured out the eating!! Makes you feel so much better doesn’t it when we don’t eat all the junk!
well done evening workouts I loose motivation after about 3pm 😂
good for you, still going to the pub and being ok without the wine 🙌🏻
Still feeling really good here not one bit interested in alcohol I think I’ve put myself off!! But I’ve been here before so I know things can change 3rd time lucky!! Hopefully.
haven’t really got any big challenges coming up no parties or social gatherings so it’s been pretty easy as I didn’t really drink at home or alone. Holiday in August will be my next challenge!! And a friends birthday in April the boozy crowd!! Will take my car so I can leave when it all gets too much!! Hope everyone else is doing well!? 👍🏻

I think the longer I stay af, the easier it gets. I coped well on holiday. I've also recently bought a few bottles of red wine to keep in for hospitality. I would never do that before as I would have talked myself into a little drink. Never say never but having successfully moderated last year after dj, and staying dry this year, dry is the easier option.

Yes I agree with you, abstaining is definitely easier than moderating I’ve also got a few bottles of wine due to my birthday shame they were presents, but this time last year they would have been welcomed I would have drunk them by now.
My daughter drinks so she can have them I’ve not been tempted but that’s massively down to the fact that I’ve got it into my head that it’s no good for my body regardless it’s poison dressed in a fancy bottle and turned pink to make it appealing why would I want that! So I just don’t crave it anymore.
Well done and let’s hope this time it sticks!!

Day 74 and feeling good, still eating too much though! Did drink 3 days on holiday last month but a lot less than normal ...drank for the sake of it if I'm honest. Haven't felt tempted at all since.

Have been thinking of my daughters hen night and wedding next year and wondering what that will be like AF.

Partner had a few beers tonight and is currently snoring loudly beside me 🫠 my sleep has been really disrupted since my 3 days of alcohol. I seem to fall asleep ok but wake up after an hour or so then stay awake for a couple of hours.

Well done to everyone moderating or abstaining 👏

Well done for managing to cut down on holiday! That’s a challenge I haven’t experienced yet but determined to achieve completely AF.
I understand how you feel about the hen/wedding I think those occasions you have to take it moment to moment start with your AF options and see how you go, alcohol will not make the occasion any better I know these occasions can be very boozy which can be tough but you’ll get to remember everything and be present and what an amazing achievement and such special memories.
Funny you mention that with sleep, as when I was dip dabbing with alcohol I found even one drink broke my sleep pattern and it took me a few weeks of no alcohol to get it back on track

Hi all! Amazing to see you all here still rocking af life!!!! I’ve been in a bit of a slump if I’m honest!! Still af but struggling to find the joy in life!!

It has been helped by the sunnier weather & trying to spend plenty of time outside!

there are some life challenges hitting me head on atm and quite frankly I just want to drink to escape them for a bit!!

I am constantly having to distract myself and remind myself it won’t make any of it better & im much better off having a bath and an early night with a book & a night time tea!

just had a look back on the thread which has been helpful!! I genuinely never thought I’d get this far back in jan!!! So I’m holding that and standing firm even on the wobbly ground!

Day 75 and I weighed in this morning and I’m down 4 pounds! Couldn’t believe it! Finally back to my starting weight!

This time last year I had to drop my DC off for a sporting event. I got up hungover. We hadn’t packed. I couldn’t drive there because I was worried about being over the limit. I was late. The last parent to drop off and I was a sweaty mess. I felt so ashamed.

This year we packed yesterday. I woke naturally before the alarm. We were ready to go on time. I drove. After I dropped them I headed out for a walk and did 10km before 11am.

I just can’t describe the difference this is making to my life. Everyday I am praising myself. Everyday I am enjoying the benefits. Everyday I am chipping away at making a better life for me and the kids.

During my walk I was reflecting on how I felt this time last year. I don’t ever want to go back to that place.

Hope everyone has had a good weekend so far.
Attempted a walk with the family today but an Arctic wind cut it short.. its died down a bit now though.
Yesterday I had a funny/odd moment in mymums's local Sainsbury's- a big one which I'd wanted to go to for a few clothes bits for the kids. We were in the food section and I was looking for something nice for dinner. They had quite a good eat in for £12 offer including main, side, dessert and drink (the latter not now included in most similar deals ). I was very tempted by it as they had some nice steak as the main and some nice puddings.. I deliberated for ages because it seemed silly when I can't drink the alcohol! In the end my mum had the wine (and insisted on giving me £5 for it) - so the rest cost me £7. I think my mum thinks I have gone a bit mad - she is quite a big wine drinker!

@Seahorsesplendour
Sorry to hear about the life challenges and slump - hope things get better.

On the whole I do feel much better but I think I kind of expected to have more energy and to be making more progress in certain areas of my life which I want to improve (mainly changing career). But it feels like such slow progress.. there is definitely an element for me now of realising problems don't just go away or everything become easy just because I'm not drinking. The challenges are there and there is no escapism.. but at least I'm making more headway than I would if I were drinking I suppose.
I do feel a bit flat today somehow.

@AuraBora I had that flat feeling around day 60. Maybe it’s just taking some time to improve? Honestly stick with it!

I know how you feel about the meal deal. I’ve been scrutinising every food choice I make and it can feel mind boggling. I want to make a good choice but I also want the junk! It’s the same with wine. I don’t want to drink it because I know it’ll make me feel shit but actually I do still crave it. I’m just sitting with the feeling and acknowledging that yes, that first glass would be nice. I know though it would not be one glass and then the evening disappears to a fog of time loss.

Is there anything you can do as a pick me up? I little treat? I’m looking for a new jacket to spend some of my alcohol savings on! Something like that?

Hello all. I was on the original thread & did dry Jan. I’ve had a drink but have really cut down. Sometimes I feel like I’m just doing it for the sake of it. It’s been a really interesting journey for me.
ive been in a slump too so I’ve signed up to a fitness programme, making an effort to reconnect with people and doing lots of walking. My mindset at the moment is to continue to cut down the drink…I just don’t want to feel crappy. Although im still drinking every now and then I’m surprised at the impact dry Jan has had on my choices. In other news I’m 13lb down in weight since Jan which is a bonus!
well done everyone on doing so well

13lbs is an amazing achievement @hby9628! I bet the change is really noticeable.

Checking in day 80 here. I’ve also managed to keep up the diet and fitness and hoping the scales stay the same this week. One thing I have started to notice is how much of what I used to eat came from a packet. How much those around me are eating. And how much I have reduced the quantity of what I am eating. I’ll have the cheese and crackers but put a set amount on a plate and not return. Before it would have been on the sofa with the packet.

I still feel absolutely amazing! Loads more energy. More motivation. Less sitting. The washing up is done. The laundry is up to date. The house is tidy. Everyday I feel more and more like a “normal” person…… and that was my goal from the beginning.

@hby9628 yes that is fantastic, well done!
I managed to lose 6lb but think I may have put on a couple this week, need to reign in my eating (it always goes with being tired, not been sleeping well as DS has another cough and our walls are thin!)

Great to hear your update :)

@ThriveIn2025 thanks so much for the support. Actually I'm looking forward to a nice dinner out on Saturday as an early@

Sorry, early Mother's day outing with my mum and sister. A couple of months ago I'd not have looked forward to a dinner I wasn't going to be able to drink with but I feel quite differently now!

Day 80! Feels like an amazing milestone. On January 1st it seemed impossible to even make it to the end of the day without a drink. This thread has been so important, like a virtual hand hold and I am so grateful and proud of you all. Congratulations to everyone 🎉💜

hey everyone, haven’t been on here much lately but really love to read everyone’s positive posts!! Well done everyone
I’m happy to say I’m happily AF and have surpassed my last sober streak!! Yay!
I feel amazing still, must be due to my dietary changes because I have so much energy atm, and I’m loving it never felt better.
Have been feeling a little isolated but I think it’s more down to the fact that I had nothing in common with my friends than drinking unfortunately. But it’s not effecting my mental health it’s more of an eye opener I just hang out with my DP and DC and it’s enough I don’t feel I’m missing out and luckily for me I do like my own company especially now that I actually like myself.
Still hitting all my fitness goals and have actually taken up running!! Only 5ks atm 😆 pretty much at my target weight now have lost 4.8 kg since January I’m pretty sure that’s down to no booze and over eating when suffering from hangovers as I’ve always been active but this is the first time I’m getting the benefits and gains!
Hope everyone is doing ok and I can’t stress how much my life has changed since I stopped binge drinking every weekend, I really don’t recognise the old me, life still has challenges but I’m a lot happier doing it sober!! I hope you all get to feel the positives 🤩

Another sober weekend here too and I feel the same as you @TimeForNosecco. I weighed in and I stayed the same, which is great because I’m happy at this weight. Been making good food choices all week and also feeling the benefits of the increased exercise. I no longer groan at the weekend when it’s time to get up. Dare I say I’m happy to get up and start my day?!

I’ve swapped those boozy dinners for a coffee, so still seeing friends but I’ve done big meals out, holidays and even a disco sober this year. Last year the very thought made me want to run a hundred miles but I’m just taking it in my stride now.

It feels great not to be fighting with myself about how much to drink, what to drink, when to stop drinking etc. I may get a craving every now and then (mostly on a Saturday when DH opens his wine) but I just remind myself that I don’t want to go back to looking like a pufferfish and that is usually enough 🐡

I’m just all in all a much happier person.

I'm still af and feeling good. I've just pledged to do sober spring in the try dry app. That's dry from 20th March to 20th June.

Happy Monday all!
Really great to read everyone's super positive updates and hear from those continuing on this AF journey.
I'm feeling great today after another dry weekend and lots of time outdoors.
I had a dinner out with my mother and sister onSaturday. First time I've been out with them since going AF. The wine was flowing all around and for a brief moment I felt quite tempted. But I had a really nice Trip cocktail (so glad to see that on the menu) and no further desire after that. The difference between my portion of the bill and theirs was incredible even with the cocktail!
Train journey home surrounded by drunk people was eye-opening. I don't want to get holier than though about it as I've spent my whole adult life drinking but I wasn't ever one of those people shouting and getting in everyone's face on the train!
@ThriveIn2025 Totally agree on the above comment re such a relief not to be fighting with the drinking thoughts day in day out!

Morning all! Hope everyone had a good weekend! Posting here for renewed accountability!! Last time I posted things weeent great and this has continued and will do for sone time!

However had a family get together yesterday which was long awaited & very lovely! I’d decided last week that it f I wanted a drink if have one . It seems that gave my alcohol demons permission to rule… I ended up drinking thurs night, sat night & yesterday! Not a lot each time but enough that I’ve woken up this morning after a shocking nights sleep with a headache & grumpy!

it really really isn’t worth it!!

im getting back to the quit lit & am going to use this positively to reinforce & build on the big changes I’ve already made this year!

i think I’ve really fallen into the trap of life will be better without alcohol then feeling like nope this is still a bit shit to be honest!!

but that’s not about the alcohol but about the circumstances! So onwards & upwards!!

i think I’ve really fallen into the trap of life will be better without alcohol then feeling like nope this is still a bit shit to be honest!!
Totally relatable @Seahorsesplendour! I hit my 90 days yesterday and it was a bit of an anticlimax. I thought I would feel wonderful but it just passed unmarked really. Unremarkable. That being said, I know alcohol for me would be a huge step in the wrong direction so I’m still plodding along ignoring the devil on my shoulder, hoping the longer term rewards will be worth it.

Checking in on day 95. 100 feels such an achievable goal which on 1st January seemed impossible.

Went to my first sober girls night last night. So lucky one friend doesn’t drink and we left early. I would normally have a few wines but had one Nozecco. It was funny to watch but gets a bit boring having to laugh at the same old jokes when sober. I think I might try and arrange more coffee meetings.

Now to lose some weight as I have replaced wine with chocolate and crisps 🙈

Hope everyone is doing ok 🌷

Afternoon all
hope you’re all doing well, 95 days sober here!! 🤩 don’t know how I’ve managed it fuck!! 😂
still loving life and full of energy thanks to a better mindset, have a few challenges coming up decided to go to friends 40th in Tenerife at the end of April feeling a lot stronger in my sobriety so why shouldn’t I take advantage of some sunshine and a beach bar!! Yes I may get some snide comments or looks but I need to realise that everyone will have opinions on me or who ever but who cares!! And who cares what’s in my glass it’s a them problem and I will have to face these occasions, just to add these are a very boozy group of DP friends who have seen me at my worst which they seem to find entertaining hence why they will expect me to drink
enjoying the lovely sunshine today and going to support DP tmw when he does the half marathon! He has had to cut down on the booze for training which has been nice but he will no doubt want a few beers after tmw, which is fine I’ll have a soda & lime and look forward to my dinner 😆 saying that I am very happy with my AF choice of lifestyle
The best decision I made in 2025 was to improve my health and I’m definitely seeing and feeling the benefits, have a health check booked in this month also so will be interesting to see what my blood test shows up but I’d be very surprised as I’ve never felt healthier.
All the best and well done to everyone who is still on the AF ride 🤩

Day 97 here and I also went out Friday night @Destiny33. I left as they were polishing off the third bottle of wine and that was at 11pm. I’m not quite sober smug yet, I still had that urge as I saw them getting through the bottles… glad I resisted though and looking forward to my 100 days. That feels like quite a milestone.

Well done @TimeForNosecco, you sound so strong. I can’t remember how much you were drinking before but I’m really enjoying your updates. They give me hope that one day this will feel like second nature for me.

I am all over the place with my diet, which is annoying. This last week I’ve been eating like a horse so I also need to reign that back in. I think it was end of term stress! Easter holidays have started now so I might try and get a bit more exercise in whilst I’m off work with the kids. Wish me luck!

Bit the bullet and got on the scales. 2lb back on which isn’t bad considering how much I ate last week 🫣 reckon I can shift that this week if I focus back on better choices. Will report back on that goal next weekend!

Thank you, well done to you also, I like your posts always keeping it real!!
I was your classic binge drinker so not every day but definitely most weekends and maybe the odd mid week drinks etc could easily do 4 days on if I had lots going on.
How are you feeling you must be 100 days?? Which is amazing 🤩 I’m so happy to be approaching this milestone also can’t quite believe it and I do feel proud to be here but on Sunday I started having the wine witch jump on my shoulder as I was sipping my mocktail in a rooftop bar which I was enjoying!! The narrative was ohh your 100 days next week… you’ve hit your goal… you have a party to go to next week everyone will be drinking maybe one would be ok!! Like WTF it’s soo sneaky the way it tries to tempt us I don’t think I’ll ever be safe!! And I feel so good since I’ve been AF why would I want to go backwards!! Just wondered if you had any of this going on? And I’m pretty sure this has everything to do with it being my biggest milestone and my original goal. I will be driving to this party on Saturday for sure 😆 I think if I can get through this weekend and not drink I will be able to trust myself more so I’m back listening to quit lit again as that’s what has got me this far!! But I have been straying more to fitness podcasts of late so I will revert until I feel some sense of safety. Weird how it creeps up from nowhere anyone else relate?