Stopping drinking for a while

[Patbutcherismyhero]

Throughout lockdown I've gradually started drinking more and more. I now usually only have one day off a week. Last night I drank way too much and was sick, slept terribly and today I just feel awful mentally and physically. I need to cut back. It's become far too much far too often.

I hate waking in the night with anxiety and having to check my phone to if I put any shit on social media. I don't usually get hangovers but I always feel tired and lacking in motivation. Alcohol has become such a big part of my life but I know it's not healthy and I really need to stop for a while. Anyone else?

Hope today has been better for you @NeedAUserNameAllTaken

So late to this chat!!..but I've really enjoyed and got so much inspiration from you Patbutcher!
I drank half a bottle of wine most nights for years now... my kids are old teenagers and my husband works long hours and away a lotty lot...
It would hit 7.00 and I'd pour myself a large glass and a packet of crisps and the weight has piled on..
On Sunday night - something clicked in me and I put the wine back and said no more... I'm now 5 days later no booze and flipping heck my head has hurt the last few mornings like a hangover!! That's ironic!!
Anyway just wanted to say thanks for starting this honest thread and so many of us are all in the same boat ..
I want to be able to get to a point where I can have a glass on a Saturday night and not reach for another..
I've lost a couple of pounds too since Sunday!!
What's the no alcoholic gin like??!!

Having given up alcohol since Feb the health benefits have been wonderful and I don’t regret it at all. Best of luck.

Hi @bizzy1234 , welcome to the thread .
I think most of us have had that hang over feeling for the first few mornings , I guess it is withdrawal symptoms .
I dont drink gin at all or wine often so I can not recommend any but if you look for me a page or two back I have listed all the AF drinks I do like.

Well done @fluckityfluckfluck , I could not even consider walking that far . But how on earth did you not know you were back to front ? I have never gone out with my jumper or T-shirt on back to front ooohhh noo not meeee

Once I have a good book on my headphones I find it easy if I walk a loop if you know what I mean @AlCalavicci - to be honest it's more about how much time I can kill than the distance :( but I always feel good after it

@bizzy1234 there's a good clean gin in a green bottle at Sainsbury's same one is on amazon. Tastes really similar

@fluckityfluckfluck ah yes , even if I am just walking to the local shops ( about a 20 min walk) I always try to take a different route going there than come back , it is boring retracing your steps !
If I do go for a walk I tend to listen to upbeat music but my spotify list is repetitive , I have Audible on my phone and have just downloaded Bill Bryson - A Walk In The Woods ( about the 3rd time I have read it now ) so maybe I will go for a walk with him tomorrow

Love a bit of Bill

I am just a social drinker. I may have a few glasses of wine one weekend and then none for three of four weeks. I read a book called The Sober Diaries which is a true account of a woman who feels the same way as some of you have mentioned. It makes really interesting reading. Have a read. It is really thought provoking but in a non preachy way.

Morning! I told my friend who's party it is that I'm not drinking tonight and that I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, her response was fab so I'm feeling a lot better. I've been putting a love heart emoji on my calendar on the phone every day I've not had a drink - I've put one on today and it may sound silly but I won't want to have to delete it so think I stand a good chance. I am being positive and trying to look forward to it.

How's everyone else doing?

So I have a bit of a hangover. Turns out not drinking all week then having a few Prosecco followed by red wine is a really, really bad idea.

Oh crap @Cherrybakewellll, I don't envy you. Water and fresh air. Hope it passes soon

@fluckityfluckfluck 💗 brilliant. I hope that you have a lovely time. 😊

I realised it had become a habit for me too - just something to do around kid's dinner/bed, and to feel like I was doing something for 'me', when actually the longer it went on, the less good there was about it.

I've switched to trying different herbal teas now (also works with intermittent fasting/low carb). Added a bit of interest too as there are so many and I'd never tried most of them!

I have a big flask and fill it up with a favourite (chamomile or Earl Grey), or if I'm bored then I reach for something new (usually have a variety pack on the go). Takes away that 'I should have a drink in my hand' feeling, much cheaper, and much healthier!

Much better day thanks Fluckity. Yay about the party, so glad it's all sorted for you! Hope you have a great time.
Ah sorry Cherry, hope it passes asap.
Welcome Bizzy :) hope the headache eases off.

I am in the same boat OP. I feel like I was doing OK and then lockdown happened and I'd happily be drinking daily but then realised I was drinking too much and then it's a constant daily thing of I need to stop and try and be this perfect parent /wife etc. I think sometimes we are too hard on ourselves to try and be better. I feel like I drink to forget stuff that's happening which are multiple things all at once as well as a bloody pandemic.

I'm back! I had a great time. Can't actually believe it, and aside from feeling like it should feel stranger I genuinely had a lovely time.

There came a point though when everyone was getting too pissed to enjoy sober so I came home took off my make up (never used to happen) and am snuggled up in bed happy out.

I'm so fecking delighted with myself!

@fluckityfluckfluck

I'm back! I had a great time. Can't actually believe it, and aside from feeling like it should feel stranger I genuinely had a lovely time.

There came a point though when everyone was getting too pissed to enjoy sober so I came home took off my make up (never used to happen) and am snuggled up in bed happy out.

I'm so fecking delighted with myself!

Wow you are a star! Well done! You can do anything now. Remember this moment and replay it next time you have any self doubt 💪🏻🤩💗

I've woken up with a headache! Seems harsh after a few clean gins and 4 Heineken zero! I wonder if it's as I was eating/drinking after 7 as I've been doing 16/8 too

Well done @fluckityfluckfluck!

Just checking how you are doing @Patbutcherismyhero ?

Hi everyone. Welcome to the newbies and a massive well done to you @fluckityfluckfluck - what a milestone, you should be really proud.

I have been a bit quiet as so many of you are doing so well with abstaining completely and I don't want to dampen the mood or motivation with my paltry 3 AF nights a week (although for me this is a big improvement!)

I went out with friends last night for a meal and drinks, it was good because we didn't overdo it and while I have a slight headache this morning and didn't sleep brilliantly, it's a lot better than some of my monster hangovers from the past! Was home at a reasonable hour and no embarrassing behaviour!

I will aim to stay AF for the beginning of the week as always. I have definitely reduced my alcohol intake but don't seem to be able to quit completely for any significant amount of time.

I have suffered a lot with anxiety which has gotten much worse in lockdown. I am trying to make healthier habits for myself. Just little things to improve my mental and physical well-being. Last week I started a new skincare regime and this week I have arranged for an assessment for some CBT to help ease my anxiety. Positive steps in the right direction. Hopefully more AF days will help too.

Sorry this was long!

Ah glad you are doing ok @Patbutcherismyhero. I completely understand what you're saying, I think you are similar to me in that AF completely isn't going to happen but reducing is the aim at the moment. It's not easy at all.

Hi @Patbutcherismyhero - thanks, it was a big deal for me. You need to give yourself a break Pat, if three nights af is what you want to achieve and cutting down when you do drink then you are doing it!

The lovely thing about this thread is that we are all in different places with different circumstances and goals, but we support each other. There is enough judgement in life.