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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Original poster

The Brave Babes Battle Bus - Sweet, Summer Sobriety!

999 replies

Mouseface · 13/06/2017 19:20

Hey, I'm Mouse Smile

Welcome to the Battle Bus! We're a group of travelling drinkers of varying levels, those who are teetotal, and those who have tried so many times to stop, those are 'controlled' drinkers, but we NEVER give up and keep coming back for the support we share, and trying to get some kind of control over the Wicked Wine Bitch Witch!

It's not easy, boy, it's so not easy to stop or cut down some days. There are days when even the Bravest Babes fall into the Sidecar. And do you know what? That's okay. Smile

There is NO judgey pants worn on this Bus and you don't have to be anyone other than YOU to join us Smile

So, come and grab a seat, some Opal fruits, (it'll make sense eventually!)) and meet the rest of the Babes. Remember, you're not on your own, ever with us, you'll always have a Babe you can relate to.

Here's the last thread for you to catch up on if you like Smile

And here's where the entire journey began. Smile

Mouse xxx

OP posts:
Thread gallery
24
showsomeclass · 24/07/2017 20:43

Hi Zorra

At least I know it's related then.... any advice on how to push the negative paranoid thoughts away? I'm on the day after the day after and still feel paranoid that I've done it for good this time and reading into everything. I feel like I don't know what is real and what isn't

I truly never want to feel like this again, but at the same time, feel so guilty for thinking that because it was the DP I hurt and was really horrible to, and totally embarrassed. What right do I have to feel sorry for myself?

MintToBee · 24/07/2017 22:11

dementedma
Best random post ever!

showsomeclass
Oh yes, The Fear.
When it comes I just start singing or talking to the dogs to try and push it away. Try not to dwell on it as it can get you really anxious.

theansweris42 · 25/07/2017 15:40

Hi to the lovely babes.
Still here, still drinking some days not others. 3 to 4 AF per week.
Still drink too much when I drink.
Also have The Fear the day after...not as bad when I have drunk alone but even then...
Travelled miles from city A to city B today for a birthday lunch, had 3 glasses of cava and have left but it flicks the switch and now I want to drink when I get home Sad. Bah.
KOKO babes.
ma bet that pie was delicious Grin

LilyMcClellan · 26/07/2017 01:14

Hello babes. Just piping up to let you know I'm still on the bus. Life has been busy, but good. I'm on day 26 AF and it feels great. I have largely stopped thinking about it day-to-day.

However, OH and I have friends coming over for a dinner party on the weekend, and I've found myself wanting to drink because I know the others will be having a few. I bought nice AF drinks, but I know it will be a challenge. Any tips?

MintToBee · 26/07/2017 12:48

Whsts your tipple normally?
How about getting some AF wine for yourself? Then drink it from a wine glass. It worked for me at a wedding I went to. I also take AF Koppaberg to my friend's.

dementedma · 26/07/2017 18:55

Well done lily thats awesome.

theansweris42 · 27/07/2017 09:41

morning all
I seem to have lost it a bit, feeling down.
Drank last night, when I hadn't wanted to.
I just feel like I think about and battle this all the time. It's bloddy boring!
Sometimes I think why don't I just give in and drink every evening?
I won't do that though.
I hope everyone is okay Brew

LilyMcClellan · 27/07/2017 09:47

Hi 42, I know what you mean. The constant low-level battle is exhausting.

I've found it easier committing to a full month off than moderating week-by-week (or day-by-day). Sorry if I've missed this earlier, but have you tried that?

Thanks for the suggestions, mint. I'm going to try putting kombucha in a wineglass. It sort of tastes like fizzy wine or cider.

theansweris42 · 27/07/2017 11:16

Hi lily
I haven't done that, don't feel in that place.
Have DH who drinks, also somewhat problematically, I think it will be easier if he's on board with a period of abstinence.
I'm still in that thinking where I like a drink, I want to be able to set boundaries like flipping normal people!!

MintToBee · 27/07/2017 12:04

Morning my beautiful fellow passengers.
Im absolutely freezing! It's funny, but Monday was hot and all I wanted was to sit in the garden with a cold bottle of wine. Now it's cold, all I want is Chai Latte!

LilyMcClellan
It will work! Mind over matter Smile

theansweris42
It's shit isn't it.
I wish I could win the lottery and whisk you all away for a damn good holiday!

laurely · 27/07/2017 13:46

Hello I'm hoping I can join in. I'm day 4 AF. Struggling to put things into words. I'm not an alcoholic but I am struggling not to open the wine at night. Normally I open at 6pm. It started getting earlier. So I was opening it at 4pm. A full bottle drank by 6ish. Then wanting more but resisting . I've gained 4 stone in a year . I'm tired . I'm fat. I'm now off sick from work because I have back pain ( physical job) The gp thinks my back pain is weight related ( I'm BMI 39) My WW has just started now ( predictably) so that's why I'm posting

theansweris42 · 27/07/2017 14:15

Hi laurely
4 days AF is really good.
When I first boarded the bus, kind posters told me that every day AF, every drink not drunk, even a mouthful not swallowed is worth it and a success.
The wine witch is the worst.
Keep posting Smile

dementedma · 27/07/2017 18:55

Hi all and welcome laurely
I have gained a lot of weight due to booze but have managed to lose half a stone in the last couple of months as have been cutting down. Need to cut down more though....
Itching to start my new job. Met with one of my soldiers today who had attended athe meeting where my new appointment was announced. Apparently I am a "powerful ally" of the Armed Forces. Cue endless pisstaking and the suggestion I should have a cloak and a mask....I love these guys.

theansweris42 · 27/07/2017 18:57

Ha! That's cheered me up, ma, your alter ego...

dementedma · 27/07/2017 19:02

I see myself with a cape embroidered with "powerful ally" in sparkly letters.
I am also, apparently, a "friend of the Services" which sounds somewhat sleazy...

user1488575338 · 27/07/2017 23:21

New on this thread..... I'm not an alcoholic but drink far too much. How many times has that been said before Confused. My question is does anybody sleep horrendously after drinking wine, the kind of sleep where you wake up every hour with a racing heart?

obrigada · 28/07/2017 09:31

Morning babes, have been lurking but not posting. Came on this morning to say huge congrats to Ma on her new job, absolutely delighted for you Smile

Zorra · 28/07/2017 11:43

User: yep, I find that - then the next night I'm exhausted and twitchy.

Hello everyone else!

3 weeks down for me. Heading home tonight so let's see how it goes In Real Life. Last night I dreamed I drank my usual tipple and woke up really disappointed with myself. Thankfully it was just s dream though!!

Fairenuff · 28/07/2017 13:15

Zorra well done on 3 weeks but don't leave RL to chance. You need to plan your 'not drinking' as carefully as you might plan your 'drinking'. Make sure you have plenty of non alcoholic options, make sure that you don't allow yourself to get hungry and if you are going to commit to not drinking today, make sure you do everything you can to stick to it. Just for today.

I used to have those dreams when I quit smoking aeons ago. I think it's a positive sign as it means your brain is re-wiring.

theansweris42 · 28/07/2017 14:07

ma it's not friend providing services so it's OK Grin
I think you are a powerful ally and glad it is recognised.
I too get the appalling non sleep after wine. Horrid.
AF today even though child free Friday night. I am doing this.

Zorra · 28/07/2017 16:12

Hurray to AF Friday Night!

Planning for IRL is mostly ok I think. Had one night out with a friend I usually drink with and it was ok: we ran out of conversation much earlier than usual though which makes me feel a bit sad. I suspect I've got a lot of friends with whom I have little in common once drinking is out of the equation Sad

dementedma · 28/07/2017 20:00

It is I, powerful ally woman and friend of the services....
I drank wine last night and felt like utter shit. One day I might learn.
Had a G&T and am done for the night. Am very tired. It is absolutely pissing down with rain. again.

theansweris42 · 28/07/2017 21:26

I've had 2 gandt and wine. Feel total failure.
Feel weird atm. Maybe it's bcos not working, which was meant to be a restful and healthy time but is neither.
I think I need routine. Like a toddler.
Ma get sleep, well done you.

LuxuryWoman2017 · 28/07/2017 21:57

Well hello everyone,

Let's have no talk of failure 42 my darling, one day at a time eh?

Hope you are well everybody.
I'm just still happy as a happy thing and realise the drinking was totally about blotting out misery.

I find now I can have a tipple and enjoy it but I'm not trying to find oblivion from my hideous life anymore. I'm free from so much now.

I hope I am ok to stay on the bus as I'm now moderating but not alcohol free?
I owe you all so much. It's remarkable how being here has changed my life. I've gained some much strength and the future looks exciting for the first time in years.

You all Rock x

Shockers · 28/07/2017 22:19

Hello... can I join you?