Dry 15

[glad2016]

For all those sober, or would be sober, warriors. KOKO (keep on keeping on) lovely people :)

getting it welcome.

I only just started on the thread and have only been sober since Nov 1 so it's very early days for me yet.

Like you, I have underlying medical issues, but I think that the lines between what is causing what are now very blurred. The main reason I decided to quit was actually because of my weight - I have put on so much weight I am now at least two stone overweight and it has to stop.

I even stopped taking medication that might help me because I couldn't take it and drink

If it's any incentive, I have lost 3lbs in the six days since I quit. This isn't just due to alcohol calories, but when I am drinking I eat loads of crisps.chocolate etc. Do you do that?

I haven't really dieted, although I do plan to once I have the "not drinking" bedded in.

I suspect for me it's a crutch and a habit, rather than a chemical dependency, but it's certainly not doing me any good.

Just try it and see how you feel? Will DH be supportive do you think?

Thanks makesdreams

I totally get not taking meds as I can't drink on them. I would do the same if I was in that situation. I have been advised not to drink as it exsaperates one of my condidtions.

I am a massive binger once I have drank. That has caused me to pile the weight on. I was thinking of trying to diet at the same time but your right. One think at a time.
I might even take my dog out more if I feel better.

Im a bit worried that I'm addictedbut hopefully its just a bad habit thats got out of hand.

My Dh is very supportive, thankfully. I don't know how he puts up with me.

You ate doing really well by the way.

Are these the Bored Panda photos?
www.boredpanda.com/before-after-sobriety-quit-drinking-user-submissions/

finnish I’m good thanks for asking - exhausting week. DH is back after a week an sees the error of his ways. I’m half dead after looking after the kids by myself for a week. I have the utmost respect for single mothers.

gotta well done on 10 weeks

Yes misscookie that's the article and there is also another similar one (part 1 I guess). I found them inspirational personally.

Emotional turmoil- very common post going alcohol free, I believe. I have had lots of ups and downs and a bad episode of anxiety- out the other side now I think. I explained to DH (which also helped) as everything being in sharp focus, being sober, and not having the blurred edges type feeling to sink into that you get with drinking. He said he understands that I need to find other ways to relax now and was very sweet about helping me manage my anxiety. I think he respects me for going sober .

Changes I have noticed:
The first few weeks my immune system took a battering and I got every cold and bug going- very tiresome- now feel much healthier
Sleep was total crap for a few weeks- now I sleep through almost every night- a huge deal for me as I'm a terrible insomniac!
I craved sugar but lost weight even eating treats. Stomach not bloated anymore. My gastritis has disappeared
I enjoy fresh air and being out in nature more, noticing the little things that are wonderful
I seem to be more articulate and coherent socially
My performance at work has improved
My skin has lost the puffy wrinkled look and a recent selfie I took looks like I filtered it but I didn't!
Nails are stronger
Mornings are much better for obvious reasons
I feel more like myself, if that makes sense?

From what I've read (blogs etc) a lot of the above is quite common

Just adding to whats different being sober,I have been spending more time with my dc, not that I neglected them but I'm clear headed now so iv got more time rather them popping them watching a tablet whilst I feel sorry for myself also not rushing them off to bed.
Stress level are probably a bit high but I have 2 under 5 and a dp that makes 3!
But I do think I handle day to day a bit better!

Morning all! Hope everyone is feeling well and positive! Keep on keeping on! X

Morning! Day 2 here. Feeling positive. Lay in bed last night thinking of all the reasons booze needs to go. Also decided after 100 days if I wantvto drink again I will.

Strength to everyone.

Morning everyone! Gosh lots of activity recently :) anyone seen Matron?

Jojo thinking of you - tough times

I am plodding on and at day 54 now. This started for me as a 100 day challenge but I really don't think I want to go back. Not really seeing the point of drinking again to be honest. I had some new challenges this weekend and one was I spent time serving behind a bar which was very informal and something I normally do with a few wines but I stick to the soft drinks and it was fine!

Onwards and upwards! KOKO everyone xx

Morning all, hope everyone had a good weekend at the bonfires or fireworks or whatever you were doing.

Watched the movie Flight last night. Really enjoyed it although the crash scenes were a bit ropey for me being a nervous flier as it is. My stomach was churning Thought Denzel's portrayal of an alcoholic was fantastic. The bouncing from a scare to abstinence to downing vodka in the morning once something stressful happens was a little bit familiar (well swop the vodka to wine and morning to evening ). Same mindset though. I maybe filled up a little at the end.

Anyone any other recomendations for similar movies featuring alcohol/alcoholics? Haven't seen the girl on the train yet but have read the book.

Lou.... Good to hear at over half way you are feeling like that.

Popping my head in to say hi to you all. Today is the day I stop damaging my life with alcohol. I've just posted in alcohol support aswell. I'm taking my life back. I'm hungover today, but I'm feeling positive I can do this. Something has changed in my mind it doesn't seem so unachievable anymore. I won't let alcohol control my life anymore Ive realised now destructive it is and that ironically drinking to block out the shitty bits actually made things even shittier.

So I'm going to seek out as much support as I can possibly get my hands on and I'm doing this. My life is only going to change for the better and I can't wait to reap the benefits of my decision.

Good on you Hurricane!!!

Thank you user Im going to keep talking about it everyday I think it will help keep focused

Goodluck Hurricaine

Thank you

I'm on day 2 and am realky tempted to open wine. i suppose triggers are looking after the family! I've been to Tesco with the 2 youngest, I caught my teflection and my shoulders were round my ears.

Getting it wrong just don't drink for the next half hour.....small steps

It's breaking the cycle. Finding alternative ways to relax. I don't have any Alcohol in the house today. So there temptation is not there. Is there any way you can just put it out of sight? Out of mind. Just think how much better you will feel in half an hour knowing you beat the temptation. Then repeat. Easier said than done, I know but I'll be around if you need to talk

Hi Hurricaneswallows ... we have very similar names! hope you have as much success as I've had (over 10 months AF)
Just wanted to bob in and say "go Loubilou"! I'm so pleased and happy for you, I know this is the longest you've managed and listen to you.......contemplating a total AF free future! Well done girl, it's wonderful

Thank you Hurricane and well done to you! Can't wait until I can say I've been ten months AF

Awww thx Hurricane and right back at you - 10 months!!! Wow!

Swallows you'll be there before you know it [SMILE]