On The Wagon... then in 'ere!

Not really much to tell. I always enjoyed a drink with wine being my favourite, maybe having a glass or two a day. All was fine until I went to a bottle a day, even more at weekends.

My health and well-being started to suffer and it was obvious to see what was causing this so I decided to stop.

Just about every aspect of my life changed for the better when I stopped. As with many other things it’s not too difficult to do if you set your mind to it. :)
 
Well, last week was pretty bad for drink. I'm not going to go totally dry but drinking in the house is really starting to get out of control so I'm knocking that on the head for a bit. Not proper targets as yet but for this week at least no drinking at home. I'm out on Fri and Sat night so I'll have a few then (nothing too excessive though). I'll be aiming to do something similar next week but setting the targets one week at a time feels like a more realistic goal right now.
 
FrenchTart said:
Well, last week was pretty bad for drink. I'm not going to go totally dry but drinking in the house is really starting to get out of control so I'm knocking that on the head for a bit. Not proper targets as yet but for this week at least no drinking at home. I'm out on Fri and Sat night so I'll have a few then (nothing too excessive though). I'll be aiming to do something similar next week but setting the targets one week at a time feels like a more realistic goal right now.
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Good man :)

It's always best to set achievable targets as nothing is taken away once you hit them, rather the boost you get can spur you on to higher goals if required.

The not drinking at home is a great idea for lots of reasons. The obvious one being that people don't always realise the levels of alcohol consumed. Spirits poured straight from a bottle rather than optic, a laaaaarge glass of wine or one more can after 'last orders'.

Another advantage of stopping at home might also show itself, it certainly did for me. The creature of habit, going to cook something, open fridge and first thing reached for, a beer.

Good luck and keep us all informed of your progress :)
 
DirtyJester said:
Good man :)

It's always best to set achievable targets as nothing is taken away once you hit them, rather the boost you get can spur you on to higher goals if required.

The not drinking at home is a great idea for lots of reasons. The obvious one being that people don't always realise the levels of alcohol consumed. Spirits poured straight from a bottle rather than optic, a laaaaarge glass of wine or one more can after 'last orders'.

Another advantage of stopping at home might also show itself, it certainly did for me. The creature of habit, going to cook something, open fridge and first thing reached for, a beer.

Good luck and keep us all informed of your progress :)
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My issue is usually that it gets to about 7/8 and I've finished exercise, cooking, etc. That's when beer is really tempting. I also drink (water) like a fish so it's very easy to end up almost downing any drink I've got in my hand.

I'm tempted to start going for evening jogs after eating as an initial distraction technique. I've been meaning to become not utterly cack at running too.
 
FrenchTart said:
My issue is usually that it gets to about 7/8 and I've finished exercise, cooking, etc. That's when beer is really tempting. I also drink (water) like a fish so it's very easy to end up almost downing any drink I've got in my hand.

I'm tempted to start going for evening jogs after eating as an initial distraction technique. I've been meaning to become not utterly cack at running too.
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Hmmm, I see what you mean.

Was easier for me simply because I combined cutting the booze out with healthier eating and exercise, this was like an added double benefit. You on the other hand already do this. Running sounds great but just be careful of burning yourself out, energy and physically. You do come across as a very active bloke, nothing you could fill that time slot with? Reading, bit of gaming, tv etc?
 
DirtyJester said:
Hmmm, I see what you mean.

Was easier for me simply because I combined cutting the booze out with healthier eating and exercise, this was like an added double benefit. You on the other hand already do this. Running sounds great but just be careful of burning yourself out, energy and physically. You do come across as a very active bloke, nothing you could fill that time slot with? Reading, bit of gaming, tv etc?
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I used to game quite a lot but I find it doesn't really hold my attention these days. Reading I do enjoy but often just whilst in bed as an aid to help get to sleep. Maybe I'll try to make a serious effort to rediscover enjoying them though :)
 
Back on the wagon for me.

Gave up almost completely last year, barring a couple of birthday celebrations.

Had a bit of indulgence over Christmas, but not too bad considering. Back to moderation in January, coupled with dry weeks/fortnights quite regularly. Kind of how I'd always wanted it to be - could have a drink with friends, the odd evening beer with a film or whatever, but well under control and within safe limits.

Start of May this year, things got a bit out of control with my stress levels and found myself slipping back into regular drinking. By start of this month was back into old ways of drinking almost every night, and even having midweek hangovers a couple of times a week. It had started making me miserable, anxious, less productive at work, but I was still finding it hard to stop.

Gave myself a mental slap upside the head the other morning, and have had a few days off now and feeling much clearer again. Brighter, happier, more alert. No temptation right now, but I know I'm going to have to work to fight the habit/temptation over the next couple of weeks, and it should (hopefully) be smoother sailing after that.
 
Well, Mon-Thu without alcohol complete. Not too hard as I kept myself busy. It will be more of a challenge when I'm bored or the weather is too bad to get out and exercise much.

I'm out tonight and tomorrow so I'll be having a few beers. I'm not sure how I'm going to approach next week as yet. I normally do something social on Thu nights so I might allow myself an allowance of beer for that, at least in the short term. I may look to cut this out completely down the line.

The effect on my recovery from exercise has been absolutely ridiculous. I've read research before about how processing the alcohol interrupts your body's recovery but unless it is just a coincidence the difference between no alcohol and even drinking one beer a night is huge. I've cycled about 150 miles so far this week, done a bit of walking and 4 weights sessions and I feel about as fresh as I normally would do on a Tuesday or Wednesday. It's literally a night and day difference.
 
Hey how's everyone in here. Didn't know this existed or forgot about it.

I was going to do the Drytember but it's not that well known here in Belgie and some of my FB buddies already had the begging bowl out so decided to make it a personal challenge.

I'm not a big drinker but liked the beer or 4 after work on Friday at home to relax.

So I've stopped since 29th August apart from a shandy after football on Tuesday nights.

This will be weekend number 3 and I have to say I still miss it at the weekends.

Was hoping to lose a bit of belly but despite getting back to running and cutting out beer the weight is staying on grrrr

Hasn't helped or hindered my sleep either.

Perhaps it's because I wasn't a serious drinker in the first place I need to focus more on diet.

In any case good luck to those stopping/cutting back and thanks for reading.
 
Nice one jas72 - keep it up!

So, me. Meh. Brief history - always been a drinker, although my heavy drinking started about 20 years ago. For the last 20 years I would say under two of them have been booze free :o Managed to stop a few times, but would start up again :/

I posted couple years ago that it stopped, and managed to stay dry for 6 months. Went through a rough patch at home, all kinds of crap happening, and rather than stay strong, I fell off the wagon with a resounding crash. Very soon I was drinking even more than ever and was drinking 27-30 units a night. Back to being what is known as, I believe, a functioning alcoholic, still able to do the school run, house work all that stuff. Getting hammered at night but feeling a-ok the next day.

Fast forward 3 weeks ago. I was waking in the mornings and was being sick. I was starting to feel dreadful. I'd never felt like this before whilst on the booze. I realised I really needed to do something, as my body was clearly telling me something isn't right.

So, my last drink was Sunday. It's now Friday. 4 nights booze free. I feel even worse, if that's possible. Aching body, sweats. Shakes. Tired. Oh so very tired. Tearful. I keep bursting into tears for no reason. Angry, fed up with the kids.

When I drink, I stop when I pass out after stumbling into bed. Never have to worry about drifting off to sleep, just climb in and pow. Gone. Now I'm sober, this doesn't happen. In the past if just laid in bed wondering how the hell I'm meant to go to sleep.

I've been staying up late so when I do go to bed I'm tired enough that I will sleep. Well, thin, broken restless sleep, but you know what I mean. Bed at 03:30 out of bed 07:30. I feel like a zombie.

I'm trying to drink lots of water. I'm determined to stay on the wagon. I want to see my kids grow up and a good way of preventing that is to carry on with the booze. Sorry for the rant. I don't have anyone I can talk to, and the relative anonymity of my forum name means I can talk to you. I'm sorry for the self pitying horse ****, but I just want to get it out of my system/

If you could give me some words of encouragement it would mean a lot. That is all. I'll try and keep you updated,if you want. Thank you.
 
Sounds tough but you're making the right move. If you're feeling that ill it may be worth seeing a doctor about it though?

It's probably not healthy to replace one coping mechanism with another but what kind of exercise do you do? For me I found that cycling, running, gym, etc all individually really helped with my mood and my ability to cope with the inevitable crap that life throws at you. You also get to sleep way easier if you're knackered. You could look at something like the couch to 5k app for your phone as a starting point if you don't know where to begin. The Sports Arena forum on here is also very welcoming and helpful if you mention that you're a noob and want some pointers :)
 
Yes, sounds dreadful to deal with, Barry.

I always found it easier to quit when I could focus on something else that booze would hamper. Last year it was getting back into the weights and back into shape.

But I've also found just being mindful and focusing on the pleasure of not being fuzzy, tipsy, weary, etc... all the feelings I get when I drink too much. It's nice to feel bright and alert in the morning. It's nice to read books in the evening instead of feeling too tipsy. It's nice to have an early night and feel cozy in bed with a hot chocolate and something on TV. It's nice to watch a film and be able to concentrate clearly all the way through.

It's hard because when you've been drinking you can find you don't know what to do with yourself when you stop. Finding little pleasures that are facilitated by being sober and alert is a good help.

Your current withdrawal symptoms will pass soon enough and then it's possible just to focus on how nice it is to be clear-headed.

And also you can feel proud of yourself for beating a demon, doing things in the evening like a "normal" person instead of numbing yourself with booze and removing so many options. That sense of pride can be a source of pleasure too.

You've done well to come this far already. Maybe give yourself permission to acknowledge that and feel good about yourself for it and focus on those positive feelings.
 
Welcome along folks, new and old :)

Stumpus, you pretty much nailed it for where I was except for the fact I didn't see it until I made the decision to stop. Bad habits show up quickly and it doesn't take long for you to notice the creature of habit we all can become. Good luck again mate, and I just have to highlight the fact that's a couple of excellent posts you've made. Please don't be a stranger to this thread.

FT, I'm delighted you are reaping the benefits. I concur, alcohol and exercise don't make great company. I've lost count the number of times I've tried to explain to people about taking a few drinks to help them sleep. Yes, you will fall asleep but no, your body will not feel rested. While sleeping it's working overtime processing the alcohol and missing out on quality rest. Keep at it mate :)

Jas, good work and keep at it :) If you want to lose a bit of weight, then cutting out the booze will help, though you will get better results combined with decent food intake and some exercise. That's what I did and it spurred me on even more.

Barry, I can only say the same as the other guys, that's really tough mate but take comfort in the fact you are doing the right thing. Not just for you but also your family, hold that thought at all times. Support is here though if you do feel that bad at times, maybe go have a chat with your doc. Help is out there, seek it if you need it. Support as mentioned is in here aplenty, even if sometimes it's just a kick up the arse for some :)

Keep at it, each day is progress and the same applies to everyone. Jump in here anytime, vent, rant and rave if it helps too :)
 
Cheers, DJ! :)

Yep, definitely agree on the habits thing. I know I'm liable to sink into a less than ideal rut on occasion. Feeling good at the moment though.

Now, about the time I'm finishing up work, would usually be when I'd be thinking about opening my first beer of the day, or nipping out to the offie to grab some cans. No desire to do that today, though. Am going to try to fit a workout into the evening around the kids' Friday evening activities, but don't see booze on the agenda for tonight happily :)

At times like this I'm reminded of the quote from Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers: "Petersen, who'd got drunk every night of his life since he was twelve, was so thrilled with the benefits of being sober, he'd gone teetotal overnight."
 
Indeed strumpus, this sounds exactly the way I was. Maybe the odd beer after work (shift worker so this only applied to dayshifts, never nights) and once I'd finished my working week it was time to chill out with as many beers as I wanted. Sensible head on I would always ease off again before returning to work, rinse and repeat.

Not too sure about the Red Dwarf bit :D but the rest sounds extremely positive :)

Keep at it mate and good luck :)
 
Whilst i havent stopped drinking all together. Ive cut down an awful lot. One night only now, sometimes a friday night, sometimes a saturday night. Just beer now, never touch whisky or vodka, or brandy which im very partial too. I feel much better during the week, go to bed earlier now as im working further from home. Not interested in going to the pub during the week.
 
Stayed in tonight and feel so much better for it, I'm always usually out Friday/Saturday getting in a bit of a state and during the week sometimes, my body is thanking me for it. So difficult though :(
 
Normally i went to the bar on monday night, wednesday, thursday then all day friday from half four after work. Mainly to watch football, which i can watch in the house tbh. Was just a bs excuse. I actually look forward now to my one night out with my friends. And it's not a blitzing session, few beer, bit of pool for a few quid, bit of music and a good laugh. As opposed to staggering out of the bar at closing time. As for being at home now, i was very partial to drinking in thr house after coming home from the pub. Now im more apt to grab a pint of milk. But it has to be full fat blue top. I dont do semi skimmed yet.:D
 
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