I think this is the fourth time I've done this - ever, I mean, first time was about seven years ago, then a month this time last year, and January. To be honest, I was prompted by one too many hangovers. Alcohol is the drug I really could misuse badly, I think (I used to, if I'm honest).
The other reason I decided not to drink this month is that DD1 started school and DP is away a lot. I really cannot face the prospect of dealing with the Inferiorettes impaired by booze - it's hard enough anyway! - and I have been trying to go swimming on Saturday and Sunday mornings (I didn't last weekend because I was knackered and I can't this weekend because he's away again) which is much harder to do if you've had any booze the previous night. And I know also that this month is so damn stressful (and it's been harder than I expected) that I really couldn't hit the bottle - it's easier just to stay off.
Hmmm, I'd like a drink. In the most surprising contexts - met a friend for Friday lunchtime pizza with dd2 last week and would have loved a glass of red. I've also found, though, that I have to think about why I'd like a drink when I'm tired or stressed.
I am definitely going to crack open a nice bottle the weekend after this, though, and should have re-set my capacities back down to a glass or at the most two on a weekday night.