DRY 12

[HowBadIsThisPlease]

Old thread
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/2584735-DRY-11?

The thread for people who want to kick the booze

I read a good sentence somewhere recently about what to say when offered a drink and it was along these lines...

Thanks but I feel better when I don't drink alcohol. A sparkling water/lime and soda/whatever would be lovely though.

Say it with a big smile and it's non confrontational or judgemental, to the point and doesn't leave much room for arm-twisting.

There is always the driving/medication route aswell or the I did Dry January and felt so good that I've carried on line too.

Matron I'd swerve the self-loathing - it'll leave you with indigestion :)

Flying in, through, and out again but just wanted to say

Matron !!!!!

Awesome to have you back

Welcome new people, and hugs and to those struggling.

Thanks Fuzzy

I have such respect for all of you fabulous sober warriors.

yellowfloss I'm here waiting for you. As we all are X

howbad

Welcome carrot lots of excellent suggestions for saying no to alcohol. I have not actually had to do it yet so I am not sure what I will say but I am going to try and keep it matter of fact and not make a big thing of it (even though it is massive !!)

rose I would echo what others have said. If you can, pour the rest away and perhaps put that book to one side for now. I found listening to The Bubble Hour really helpful in the early days - perhaps try that. Be kind to yourself.

Lovely to see you back matron

Thanks vxa simple avoidance techniques are good. At one point I had so many excuses ranging from early menopause to allergy and everything else in between I completely forgot what I'd said to whom and might as well had 'problem drinker' tattooed on my forehead.

One of my business contacts thinks I'm suffering from a long term condition with alcohol avoidance medication. When they asked how I was I didn't know what on earth they were referring to.

Simple is best

Ps yesterday I played that drinking game where you put your head on a broom stick and twirl round 3 times before racing back to base. My ankle hurts.

I will not miss the drinking injuries.

Thanks for all the sympathy. I appreciate it.

I did see a GP and got referred to a service that do a phone assessment which is in a couple of weeks.

I feel like I need something for me. Not like something you can dip into like seeing the odd friend or going to the gym the odd time. I feel like I need something absorbing and rewarding. Like when I did my MA or like when I played in orchestras. the problem is that the things that are absorbing or rewarding are so time consuming. I feel like I will go mad just drudging along day after day.

What is really funny that I might be able to find on iplayer or 4OD or something? Really need a distraction right now. Maybe I will just mainline some Friends or something

Hi howbad did you have a swim?

Did you watch that series with the couple who've pregnant after 1 night stand. She is Irish and he American. Don't know what it's called but v v funny.

Howbad how about learning a language? You can dip in and out of that but it's challenging.

Hi Matron, I did thank you and it did help. I loved that show! It was called Catastrophe and it was fantastic. Sharon Horgan is a genius. Good tip. Maybe I will re-watch some of those.

howbad that's the one! Such good writing. Glad you had a swim. If you are feeling low tonight just remember that you have completed another day sober. That is not easy and you have done it.

I'm crap didn't listen drank the lot and have only just stopped crying thumping head sore eyes can't believe I've got to get up and work tomorrow!! Hey ho another day of challenges xxxx love to u all xxxx

Howbad there's a programme called Camping on Sky Atlantic. It's written by and stars Julia Davis who wrote Nighty Night....if you ever saw that. Very dark humour but sooo funny if that's you thing.
My heart goes out to you....truly

rose drink plenty of water, a vitamin drink if you have one, eat, go to bed and get as much sleep as you can. Forgive yourself and start again tomorrow. Use this as an experience to remember why you don't want to do this anymore.

for everyone struggling today, am also thinking of sanity who seems to have dropped off the thread, hope you are ok

rose don't beat yourself up - it's done now. Drink lots of water and try and get some rest. You might find it helpful to write down how you are feeling now and use it as a reminder when you have an urge to drink. I find that looking at something which I wrote brings back all the feelings I had at the time and helps me remember exactly why I can't drink.

Take care. X

Hello all, so good to find the new thread, just checking in day 21 here, and just come back from a weekend with a large group of friends, lots of wine etc flowing and I stuck to my soda and becks blue, my line was doing 90 days dry and everyone was really supportive so felt ok, but got tired at around 11pm so snuck off to bed. Late nights a real struggle still. Vxa you and all doing amazing and rose and how bad take care

cheesy your post earlier made hard reading , when you talk about your struggles with food as well as alcohol. I hope you get some peace and calm soon, you must be severe strong to keep going xxx big hugs for you

🌸🌸🌸💐

Just dropping in to say hello to everyone and hugs to those who want and/or need one xxx

Thanks, Hurricane.

Well done journeyon! yes I know what you mean when the night is wearing thin. But well done.

I'm going to try and get some sleep. I wish lovely rest tonight for you all.

Just dropping in to say, howbadisthis I know what you mean about needing something for yourself. Seriously try AA. There's nothing that they will not have heard before, it's a safe confidential and unshockable place you can simply immerse yourself in. Protecting sobriety has to be #1 priority and honestly the rest of life gets simpler with just that, so give it a go!

Best wishes everyone

Good morning rose today is a fresh day. Pick yourself up and on you go.

Day 2 and I have a business lunch at a roof top bar today. I am saturated and just not interested in drinking.

BUT I have an escape plan because I am only too aware how it creeps up on me.

Have a lovely sunny sober day x

Good idea to have an escape plan matron. I hope it goes ok.

I am feeling rubbish today. I would really really really like a drink. Today I can't bear the thought of never having a drink again. I am going to try and play the tape through to the end. I am busy tonight so there won't be an opportunity to drink thank God.