Going sober

[HealthConcerns24]

After another weekend of excess (around 45 units in 4 hours on Saturday night) where I can’t remember whole conversations, walking home (45 min walk) , falling over etc etc I’ve decided enough is enough. I spent the whole day in bed yesterday (other than when getting up to vomit) and still feel ropy today.

In wouldn't class myself as an alcoholic as I can go weeks without a drink at a time, I don’t “need” a drink after work like I’ve read some people do, or at certain events “just because”.

I only drink to excess whenever I go out in a group of friends, binge drinking large amounts of units in a very short space of time. As I’ve gotten older I can’t seem to hold my drink as easily as I used to either, getting drunk faster and losing my memory faster of the evening faster.

Is there anything I can do to make going sober easier? Is it really as hard as I’ve read it is?

It's hard for a lot as it's a habit and it's so unusual in our society to not drink it just comes up a lot.
There is a long running series of threads on here - support thread for those trying to lead an alcohol free life - where we come from all the way along the spectrum of drinking habits - lots of advice there is you're keen on it. Or some moderation threads if you're just wanting to quit for a shorter period. Having a community is key I think.
You don't have to be an alcoholic to just realise that you're no longer having fun.

What have you read that makes it feel difficult? I gave up drinking 2.5 years ago. Its been really easy for me. When you go out with your friends you will wake up it out the hangover, thinking about all your friends falling over and being able to drive home.

It doesn’t matter whether you badge yourself as an alcoholic or not. You clearly have a significant problem with alcohol if you drink over 3 times the weekly safer drinking limits within 4 hours

I was a heavy drinker but a daily drinker than a binge one and am 4 years sober now. If you put in the work and you want it
its not that difficult and it gets easier as time passes.

I do think you have to do something as you are risking serious harm to yourself drinking at that level.

I’d suggest some quit lit, alcohol explained is good - William Porter was himself a binge drinker.

Some practical things you can try:
Change what you do when you go out, or who you go out with, so that your evening does not revolve around drinking.
Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks
Volunteer to be the nominated driver
You already know that it's the evenings out when you succumb, so plan ahead.
Also, think about the morning after. How much better you would feel if you were waking up without a hangover?
Have you ever woken up and thought 'I wish I had drunk more last night '?

Just some things to ponder on...