No Alcohol November 2016 Challenge!

CindyRoseMarie

I realize we're half way through the month but ya gotta start somewhere. I drink way to much wine, about a bottle a night and everyday I wake up and say "No more" but night roles around and I settle back into my old routine. I've gone weeks without and feel great but an occasion comes up (like "Oh, isn't that a pretty moon. I should have a glass of wine and look at it!") and I convince myself that 1 glass of wine will be fine, after all, it's been weeks. That one drink leads to the same old nightly habit until I swear off it again. I never give alcohol a second thought during the day, doesn't affect my ability to get up and function the next day, it's just a REALLY bad habit! So, how are you all doing it??? I really would like to stop drinking forever but I can't picture me in that life. Cindy

rachelr1116

MonkeyMel21 wrote: »

Another night down! I had maybe a migraine today or just a really bad headache. My head was fuzzy all morning reminiscent of a hang over, so that was kind of dumb, lol. It finally went away in the late afternoon though! Hope everyone is having a great week!

I'm pretty sure that I've identified alcohol as a delayed migraine trigger. I woke up with a migraine this morning and the last time I had a migraine it was also a few days after drinking.

MonkeyMel21

CindyRoseMarie wrote: »

I realize we're half way through the month but ya gotta start somewhere. I drink way to much wine, about a bottle a night and everyday I wake up and say "No more" but night roles around and I settle back into my old routine. I've gone weeks without and feel great but an occasion comes up (like "Oh, isn't that a pretty moon. I should have a glass of wine and look at it!") and I convince myself that 1 glass of wine will be fine, after all, it's been weeks. That one drink leads to the same old nightly habit until I swear off it again. I never give alcohol a second thought during the day, doesn't affect my ability to get up and function the next day, it's just a REALLY bad habit! So, how are you all doing it??? I really would like to stop drinking forever but I can't picture me in that life. Cindy

That's what it's become for me. A habit. It's not just an occasional drink anymore, it's an occasional night OFF drinking. So I'm hoping to just re-establish the roll alcohol plays in my life. I by no means intend to cut it out completely but drinking out of habit/boredom needs to stop and there's no time like the present!!

onsickmom

tamera_g wrote: »

Ugh, I fell off the wagon a few days ago and stopped logging calories too because I was so disappointed in myself.
The kids were acting crazy and hubby didn't get home till late. By the time the kids were in bed, I just wanted to relax and do something for myself so I had a glass of wine. I have a hard time finding time for myself.

Get back on the wagon....Do not feel shame....that's a trap alcohol tries to use to keep you with it...See it loud and clear !!!!!!!! It want you......Say no.....Take control....Start as many times as it takes...YOU GOT THIS!!!!!! Hugs......

blwelch1

MonkeyMel21 wrote: »

CindyRoseMarie wrote: »

I realize we're half way through the month but ya gotta start somewhere. I drink way to much wine, about a bottle a night and everyday I wake up and say "No more" but night roles around and I settle back into my old routine. I've gone weeks without and feel great but an occasion comes up (like "Oh, isn't that a pretty moon. I should have a glass of wine and look at it!") and I convince myself that 1 glass of wine will be fine, after all, it's been weeks. That one drink leads to the same old nightly habit until I swear off it again. I never give alcohol a second thought during the day, doesn't affect my ability to get up and function the next day, it's just a REALLY bad habit! So, how are you all doing it??? I really would like to stop drinking forever but I can't picture me in that life. Cindy

That's what it's become for me. A habit. It's not just an occasional drink anymore, it's an occasional night OFF drinking. So I'm hoping to just re-establish the roll alcohol plays in my life. I by no means intend to cut it out completely but drinking out of habit/boredom needs to stop and there's no time like the present!!

blwelch1

MonkeyMel21 wrote: »

CindyRoseMarie wrote: »

I realize we're half way through the month but ya gotta start somewhere. I drink way to much wine, about a bottle a night and everyday I wake up and say "No more" but night roles around and I settle back into my old routine. I've gone weeks without and feel great but an occasion comes up (like "Oh, isn't that a pretty moon. I should have a glass of wine and look at it!") and I convince myself that 1 glass of wine will be fine, after all, it's been weeks. That one drink leads to the same old nightly habit until I swear off it again. I never give alcohol a second thought during the day, doesn't affect my ability to get up and function the next day, it's just a REALLY bad habit! So, how are you all doing it??? I really would like to stop drinking forever but I can't picture me in that life. Cindy

That's what it's become for me. A habit. It's not just an occasional drink anymore, it's an occasional night OFF drinking. So I'm hoping to just re-establish the roll alcohol plays in my life. I by no means intend to cut it out completely but drinking out of habit/boredom needs to stop and there's no time like the present!!

________________
That would be me as well, and how funny it is that i always thought i was the only one like that. I am trying to be more intentional about it this time around. I doubt i will quit it all together, but being responsible would be a good start.
Welcome to the group CindyRoseMarie.

EmilyCowlard2016

Eek, going to a comedy show tonight with friends. Bought tickets ages ago. I'll most likely slip up and have a beer! Been good the rest of the month

MonkeyMel21

Another night down for me. Normally I would have had a few drinks with my husband while we cooked dinner together. Next month it will be nice to get back to that. Those are the times I want to keep beer around for and not just drink it all over the weekends, lol.

cmriverside

Happy Alcohol Free Friday.

Never having to worry about how much I drink or drank? Priceless.

cmriverside

*Tap *tap *tap.

Is this thing on? Where'd everyone go?

No hangover Saturday.

MonkeyMel21

I'm here and not hung over! Woot woot!! I think this weekend will be my hardest but I'm going to tough it out. I might get some wine for Thanksgiving...there's going to be a little alcohol no matter what and with all the chaos of hosting this year I think I'll probably end up wanting it.

cmriverside

If I could have a glass or two, I'd probably feel the same way.

Well, I could have a glass or two if the house was full and I was the hostess - because I would have to.

cmriverside

Sunday mornings are pretty dead in a, "Let's try to stop drinking in one of the biggest holiday months of the year," threads.

denise007

Hello I've not posted in my fitness pal in years and haven't really been using the app I'm a healthy weight and work out but I was looking here for some inspiration to stop it cut back on my drinking - I relate to what some of you have said about it be it being a bad habit and about having the odd day off rather than the odd day drinking and when I say day I mean evening after all is done and I look at the clock and think wine o'clock so I am in if it can join at this late stage please?

blwelch1

cmriverside wrote: »

Sunday mornings are pretty dead in a, "Let's try to stop drinking in one of the biggest holiday months of the year," threads.

cmriverside wrote: »

Sunday mornings are pretty dead in a, "Let's try to stop drinking in one of the biggest holiday months of the year," threads.

CM... when did you say you stopped drinking for good?

jo_nz

Still going here. Not really feeling the desire to drink lately - I have been stressed and tired which would previously have been a perfect excuse for a drink or two, but finding it easier and easier to skip the drink and do something else

LeelooX2014

I did this in September and felt so empowered! It's helped me be more occasional drink night rather than occasional day off. I may join you for this last bit of November holiday or not! In September I even went out to a bar with friends and only had a cranberry juice. I still had fun! Will you guys also be doing December? I'll join you there as well.

rachelr1116

I ended up having one beer Saturday night. I was camping and one of my friends had bought a new beer from one of the local breweries. It's pretty expensive ($14 for a 4 pack of cans) so since he offered one I took it. It was just ok so at least now I know I don't need to buy a whole 4 pack for myself! I did pass on a can of my favorite local craft beer so I'm still considering the weekend a win

MonkeyMel21

Everyone's doing great!! I felt terrible all weekend but kept myself busy cleaning the entire house. I would have definitely been closer to giving in last night if I had felt better, so I guess there's that, lol. I am going to get some wine for Thanksgiving and some beer for DH and other guests. Other than that though I feel great mentally about this month! I think I got the stomach bug my son had last week but maybe not as bad....idk, but I have literally felt hungover for 4 days in a row now and it's really pissing me off. I didn't even go to the gym this morning and I never skip Mondays, they're my favorite. Only one more work day then a 5 day "weekend"!

MonkeyMel21

138shades wrote: »

I started a bit back in November and my plan is to not drink until Dec 2nd when I go to a CON.

I don't have a real desire to drink like normal, however, water and/or with lemonade packets are growing tiresome as my beverage lol. I don't like anything else.

Let's keep it up.......however, I think I eat more without alcohol.

I mainly drink water. At meal times though it is nice to change it up so I've been drinking sparkling water or iced tea (unsweet) instead of beer/alcohol this month!

EmilyCowlard2016

I slipped up over the weekend and had a couple glasses of wine at my sister-in law's at dinner. I still feel that it was a moderate amount, so I'm not too upset about it. I'll be good for the rest of the month

This challenge has definitely helped me think differently about alcohol and made me realize that I really don't need it as much as I thought I did and I definitely don't need to binge drink to have fun. My old habit was to not drink during the week, but on the weekend I'd make up for it by binge drinking if I went out for dinner or if I had guests over and by hitting up happy hours if I was bored or out and about. I miss that lifestyle a little, but I see now that it's not sustainable and I feel more empowered to make better choices for my health. And I love not being hung over on the weekend so that is definitely a bonus.

I drink a whole bunch of soda now and there are some good ones that are flavoured with 0 calories. Also, decaf coffee and tea, hot cocoa and loads of water.

Good luck everyone! Keep up the good work!

MonkeyMel21

I went to our fav bar last night with the husband and just had tea (and a burger and sweet potato fries)! Woot!

tamera_g

I went out to eat with friends and just had sparkling water. Yay me!

onsickmom

I don't see my post from last night...Oh well...Made it thru the night just fine...I'm feeling thankful for all my blessings big or small...So happy to see the sisterly love in here!!!!! Nov 22.....Went by real fast...Happy sober Thanksgiving to all....Can make that the new tradition...No alcohol holiday instead of its a holiday..Must drink

cmriverside

Still alcohol free. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I don't do moderation well. Tried and failed many times. Sure, I can have one or two. Sometimes.

It's those other times when I just want to be buzzed and happy and keep the party going. I agree with Emily - it's not sustainable and the thing with alcohol dependence is that it just happens and then getting out is extremely difficult. Lots of people don't get out until it kills them. I've seen it too often, and it starts innocently.

blwelch1

Hello All.. today will probably be my last day on here until after Thanksgiving. I hope everyone that celebrates takes time to enjoy their families and the many blessings that they have.

onsickmom

I had awful anxiety last night.... TRIGGER!!!!!! I know if I slam down a few it would calm me down ...Instead I paced the floors....And watch little house on the prairie....Nice calming show...Before long it passed....My first real thought of drinking....I know the outcome....So no way!!!!!!!!! Have a great holiday all.....Day 23 November SOBER!!!!!!! YES

cmriverside

Well done @onsickmom

Emotional distress - that's what we medicated with alcohol, right? Keep on keeping on with your sobriety.

LHOTP = ha, I haven't seen that show in years. I watch "Friends" when I need to escape into a happy show.

The holidays may be difficult. There are AA meetings around the clock right now, through the weekend. Hang on.

SideshowTam

I had a couple of sips of my boyfriends beer last night, but i'm not counting it, literally two sips.

...Which means in 6 days I will have been alcohol free (with the above exception) for two months! And thats coming from drinking quite heavily 2-3 nights a week. I'm definitely feeling soooo much healthier, and even in this gorgeous Summer weather I'm not feeling the urge to go buy some beers and sit in the garden.

Ideally this will last until Christmas (at which point all bets are off - I'm going to my in-laws and its tradition to play golf and get drunk) but if I *can* make it to Christmas, that will be 12 weeks sober!


Good luck to all the American folk participating with the Thanksgiving holidays upon you! I won't hold it against you if you need a stiff drink to deal with your racist uncle (I hear that's also tradition???) hahah I jest... but seriously Stay strong and enjoy spending time with your families

jo_nz

I had a glass of bubbles at my daughter's birthday dinner the night before last. It was quite nice but I really didn't want more - yay!
Tomorrow night will likely be a bigger test for me. I'm off to a dinner party with friends and they are not light drinkers. I am going to try and stay focussed on my weight loss goals to help my motivation - I know I will go over calories with the yummy food and can't really justify spending more calories on food as well.