To quit drinking 4 weeks before Christmas?

[SoCockneyItHurts]

I know I drink way too much. Not everyday but when I do it's at least a bottle of wine. Last night I drank 2 bottles!! I love Christmas but most of it is spent hungover or feeling like crap. I've managed to quit before and abstained all over the Christmas period and New Year and to be honest it was the best Christmas I've had! But this time I'm scared.....all the parties, Christmas do's etc. I'm having major FOMO (fear of missing out). Can you inspire me to do this.....help me see alcohol for the poison it is? Thank you X

You can do it! Honestly if you feel drinking is a problem it is so worthwhile to just stop rather than cut back. My drinking had become a real problem, it was affecting my sleeping, eating, general well being. In the last 6 weeks I’ve had one g&b and I feel so much better for it. I’m sleeping better, I’ve lost weight and I feel so much less anxious. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to a sober Christmas!

Great idea to give up/cut down, but I can't fathom why you would start in 4 weeks before Christmas.

That's like making a vow to stay out of the sunshine, and then booking a 3 week holiday in Australia in January (their summer!)

Start it the first week in January. I would.

I think you should go for it!
You've said you drink too much, and if you want to stop there's no time like the present. I think it's perfect because you're motivated to do it now, plus in a few weeks (when the Christmas stuff really starts!) you'll be a bit more used to going without.
Plus, if you make it through Christmas/New Year you know you can get through any other time of the year without a worry!
Well done!!

Do it now - you know you will feel so much better over Christmas if you Do. I was drinking too much and gave up completely in September. I've never had a "sober Christmas but now I'm really looking forward to it. Good luck x

What is it you feel you're going to miss out on?

I gave up drinking a few years ago. And I'd say my life is richer for it. Initially there was a lot of pressure from others to drink, but now people know I don't drink, they just accept it, and if I go to others for dinner, they usually have something in that they know I drink.

You can drink nice things without alcohol in it. At home we get in some really lovely non-alcoholic drinks. And you can even get alcohol tasting non-alcoholic drinks.

I no longer have to worry about being hung over, it's great! And I think I savour drinks & food more - previously when drinking, it was all just thrown back I think.

I'm out tonight with friends, and I'm being designated driver - no more expensive taxis.

Are your family all big drinkers?

Otherwise, they'll probably feel incredibly relieved that you're doing this.

Best time to do it, especially if it meant last year you had a good time.

Have you ever worked in a bar or a club? If you've ever been stone cold sober around a lot of really drunk people you will have noticed that quite a lot of them are having a shit time, or doing things they will regret the next day. Your fomo maui be misplaced.

I found the Allen Carr book 'The Easy Way to Control Alcohol' really interesting when I wanted to cut down my drinking. I didn't agree with or follow everything that he said, but it was definitely thought-provoking. Good on you for making the choice - that's the first step.

I'll join you OP. I drink far too much and feel like complete shit today. I don't even know why I do it anymore. I just always feel terrible and hate myself.

Day 1 today.

OP have a look at Annie Grace's book the naked mind. It helps deal with the FOMO feeling and shows alcohol for what it is - a time and money stealing thing that never delivers what the advertising promises!

I will second ' The naked mind' book.

I've not had a drink for about 10 years now. At first people used to try and persuade me, but I still went out the same and after a while it became a non issue.
It's great being able to drive home and the next morning I'm ready for the day rather than needing extra sleep or wasting a day.
I was out last night, drive friends home and I'm decorating today and then off out for dinner with another set of friends, others I was out with are currently recovering.

Thank you....lots of positivity! I'll check out the recommended books X

Do it now, because there’s always going to be a reason to start in “a few weeks”; Christmas, a night out, a birthday, easter, going on summer holiday and, before you know it, it’s next November and you’re still drinking as much as ever.

I’m going to give it a go too. December is so so busy I need to do everything with a clear head, or I’ll start making mistakes and not do everything I need to.

In my minds eye I picture myself being chatty and sparkly at parties with my soft drink firmly in hand, getting much needed sleep rather than alcohol induced scratchy sleep, and beetling happily through getting my job done when I’m at work.

If I were to drink at all the social events we are going to into December my weekly units would go through the roof.

So I’ve downloaded an app and I’m hoping to make it to New Year’s Eve alcohol free! (Starting Monday)

I'm on day 80 of AF and it is awesome, it was hard at first but I'm really looking forward to Christmas 🎄 and enjoying every minute sober without hangovers or forgetting things! Good Luck

Agree with others. Just do it. I quit before a boozy week away with friends. Makes you realise how possible it is to navigate these occasions sober

I’m (kinda) with you op I drink most nights so am going to stop drinking in the week altogether and just drink on my Xmas nights out amd try to go dry for jan

If not Christmas it would be another excuse on the calendar to use for not trying to quit so you may as well start now. There is more to life than drinking and you don't need it to enjoy a celebration. Best of luck op.

Hello Sunday Morning
www.hellosundaymorning.org/?nabe=4702475335761920%3A0%2C6325115523694592%3A0
Is an Australian site dedicated to changing the drinking culture in Australia.
I've found it quite helpful in the past.

Thanks again x Well I didn't drink yesterday but I do feel poorly with a sore throat. But I've been reading bits and bobs online and really want to do this. I think my biggest hurdle is the fact that my husband drinks, only at weekends but he'll drink about 10 cans of carling a night and he just becomes a complete idiot when drunk. I think I drink to notice it less because wow do I notice it when I'm not drinking! He was so annoying last night when he came to bed that I went and got in DS bed and slept with him! Anyone got any advice on how to cope with that? Anyway, today is Day 2, who's with me? :) X

Honestly, you can do this without him - but he can support you by not getting you alcohol as a treat and buy his own (for me i would automatically get something for myself and then drink because it was there!). My dh joined in with me after a bit.

Also helped to do something different to occupy my hands and brain abit, for me lego sets, puzzles and paint by numbers worked a treat for the first few weeks.

I also drink fevertree tonic water on its own, i tend to find cordials too sweet.

There is a 'Brave Babes' ongoing support thread on here for those looking to cut down or stop drinking.

Good on you! It's a good time to stop really, as if you are a problem drinker normally it will be even worse over the Christmas period. Like a pp said, I can guarantee that the people who love you most will be relieved. If they pressure you to drink then either (a) they don't actually love you that much (b) you've hidden a big secret and maybe this is a good time to be open and honest or (c) they have their own alcohol issues and you getting help might help you all.
And just think how much less weight you'll gain, and how many more hours of the holiday you will have feeling awake and healthy! Good luck

I’m in the same boat. I had a bottle and a half on Friday and a bottle last night. I would have had more (like last weekend) but I’m sick of the hangovers. I have gone through months of sobriety....over a year, once!

It’s the ‘fear’,of not drinking again that bothers me even though, from past experience, I feel much better.

I found Soberistas a great website for support. I’m going to log back on there myself. I found it helpful to read books too.