Less Alcohol- July 2018- One Day at a Time
RubyRed427
Posts: 4,347 Member
Welcome to a fresh start! Join us on this thread by commenting and telling us what your moderation goals may be. Do you want to take a month off from alcohol and see how it feels? Do you want to reduce consumption and set some moderation goals? Whatever you choose, we are here for you. We're a non-judgemental, friendly, support group of people. Join us on a journey to having less Alcohol in your system, one day at a time. Xo
I will be posting a concise, helpful document if you are beginning from scratch or continuing with your health goals. This post will have our groups' favorite books, videos, resources, blogs and advice that we compiled from months of open dialogue on this thread.
There is no formal way to join, but please contribute regularly. Share with us if you are doing well, or even if you're not meeting your own personal goals.
I will be posting a concise, helpful document if you are beginning from scratch or continuing with your health goals. This post will have our groups' favorite books, videos, resources, blogs and advice that we compiled from months of open dialogue on this thread.
There is no formal way to join, but please contribute regularly. Share with us if you are doing well, or even if you're not meeting your own personal goals.
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Replies
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MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME
RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LISTAlways remember that we are here for you; we care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS:
General Tips to Get Started by @JulieAL1969:- After ten days remaining Alcohol Free you will feel a sense of accomplishment and feel more healthy!
- Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment. You can join anonymously and get a Facebook-type page for posting on your wall (exclusive to members).
- Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mocktails, activities, etc.
- For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
- Educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
- You will put in a lot of work but you can do it.
- To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance by @Orphia:- We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
- We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
- We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
- Our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
- I've learned that not drinking makes the problems often go away (e.g. drinking out of worry about drinking).
- Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
- Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You" by @Orphia- Instead of lumbering myself with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, I think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
- I worry about "me" and don't want "Tomorrow Me" to feel awful.
- Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
- Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic, I might add.)
- We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
- We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
- Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
- Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
- You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to Tomorrow You.
A Sharing Site for Women:
http://www.drinkingdiaries.com/about/
General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
http://www.hipsobriety.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
APPS:- Dry January & Beyond - The Dry January & Beyond app is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
- EasyQuitDrinking - Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
- nomo - Sobriety Clocks - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted, and connect with accountability partners.
BOOKS:- The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
- Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
- Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
- The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
- The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
- Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
VIDEOS:
https://youtu.be/T3eIiS-Rl4k
https://youtu.be/Qiueo1nVyF8
https://youtu.be/VB5WyBeFc8U
Credit and Thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants for their resourcefulness in finding and sharing this information.MFPLARD 06.24.18 Version 1.011 -
Thanks, Julie, love you guys!
Just checked my Nomo app.
Hahaha, yay, I'll have to remember it's Day 150 AF tomorrow. 🙂
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I'm back for our 7th month together. Love you guys6
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@Orphia amazing 😉! You have made many mindful decisions these last 149.5 days! I'm really happy for you ! Xo4
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Month 2 with you all! I wanted so badly to be AF for June. In total I drank 6 days out of 30. About 2 glasses of wine each of those nights. I can make it for a week or so then feel I deserve a drink and cravings get the best of me. I really need to dedicate time each day to reading, learning, meditating, etc to help me on this journey. So often I race through the day and not take the time to reflect and learn. Hoping July will be completely AF as that is my ultimate goal. Thanks for the support!10
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I’m back for month 7 family6
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I’m in!5
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I'm in too!3
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I'm in. Had quite the mediocre June and want to have a better July. Going to my summer boat home in Seattle next week and I tend to see this as a two-month long party/vacation, and that's kinda dumb. I need that Nomo app! Glad my fam is all here!5
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jjwolfie0201 wrote: »Month 2 with you all! I wanted so badly to be AF for June. In total I drank 6 days out of 30. About 2 glasses of wine each of those nights. I can make it for a week or so then feel I deserve a drink and cravings get the best of me. I really need to dedicate time each day to reading, learning, meditating, etc to help me on this journey. So often I race through the day and not take the time to reflect and learn. Hoping July will be completely AF as that is my ultimate goal. Thanks for the support!
You did well! 6 out of 30 AF is so much better than what you probably would have been if you didn't have a goal. So, I think you were a great success. Xo5 -
I'm in. Had quite the mediocre June and want to have a better July. Going to my summer boat home in Seattle next week and I tend to see this as a two-month long party/vacation, and that's kinda dumb. I need that Nomo app! Glad my fam is all here!
It is tough because your past practice at the lake house was one of alcohol/food and fun ( I imagine), Just like someone said earlier, it's a year of "firsts" - and establishing new patterns. Here's hoping the next two months bring you peace and satisfaction. Xo Safe Travels!3 -
This video is only for those who want to be alcohol FREE. It's tough love by my fav Craig Beck. It's only ten minutes long. It may be just what you need to start July. Xo
https://youtu.be/NirkJ4c537o7 -
@JulieAL1969 - so true! I have those party/vacation habits firmly implanted in my brain. It's a new year and here's to moderation! Thanks for the good wishes!2
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Yes @JulieAL1969 , I needed that video. Thank you!
I am tired of many things this week and plan old tired. The holiday is almost here and the liquor store has been calling me. Well I have won. I just drank my diet Pepsi, stocked the fridge and got 2 slices of pizza. One meal a week off my regular plan is okay. I have done well with my meal plan lately. Decided that I am tired, missing my son on a holiday and other family that have passed and need to prune back with work and commitments somehow instead of drinking. I had to stick up for myself with a client who was yelling this week and another who continually asks me to do something that I have asked not to do. Next week I have to tell a different male client that I work for to not call my gorgeous and babe. I leave soon to go to church and be around some sane people. Sticking up for myself more often has been part of how I stopped drinking and stay stopped. I have to stay in balance as well or I feel out of control and then I may as well drink. Stupid thinking yes, but I did it for quite awhile. I have to remember and talk to myself that that if I am tired, lonely, hungry, fearful or angry (even angry about not being on my exercise plan lately!!) or even being thirsty has prompted me to drink before.
I am happy that I can tell you all these things. I am grateful for this group and it helps keep me from drinking. I sure did drink excessively before. Thank you to all the sane people here.
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I’m in. Thank you Julie for keeping us organized. Another lovely day of freedom getting peaches in the Texas Hill country. However, we’re under an eye-irritating dust from the Sahara. How weird is that? I should be better in science or meteorology or whatever would explain this.3
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I'm definitely in.2
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Went AF all June (which is !!! for me), aiming for almost no alcohol this month. Will be having some drinks later this month when visiting with one of the besties, but already made some rules for myself regarding moderation Very excited to be tackling another month with all of you!7
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Went AF all June (which is !!! for me), aiming for almost no alcohol this month. Will be having some drinks later this month when visiting with one of the besties, but already made some rules for myself regarding moderation Very excited to be tackling another month with all of you!
@LC0924 Well done, you!! I'd love to hear your rules. xoo4 -
This challenge in June made me address my drinking issues. I got some good info and book recommendations, joined ClubSoda and have been AF for nearly 4 weeks. All the usual triggers such as work stress, travel, holidays and celebrating my birthday ( where I was the only one not drinking ) have been dealt with successfully. Here’s to an AF July.13
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I think my goal this month is to figure out "what now?" I was unintentionally AF for all of June because my new rule is I can drink whenever I want if I can fit it into my calories and if I can figure out an upside to doing it. Now that my mindful decisions are more mature I seem to be amassing AF days, in fact, I think I am 60 days AF sometime this week.
I have a completely new outlook on moderation and I realize that while I was cutting down earlier this year I didn't have a moderation mindset (by my own personal definition) instead I was just holding out until the next installment. I don't think a moderate drinker needs alcohol at all so that is why I ditched the scheduled allowance days.
The last time I was sort of tempted was May 20th which was the last "allowance" day. When I realized there was no upside to drinking that night I must have driven my alcohol brain off into the wilderness and abandoned it because I haven't heard a peep from it since. It would be foolish to think it was dead and gone but it seems to be lost for now.
Daily drinking, for me, was an act of immaturity. I see it now as the kid and the Halloween candy who, despite the warnings and consequences, eats too much anyway. That is what an immature kid does. He acts for the pleasure of the moment and doesn't care about anything else. I guess I have always known that maturity and immaturity are not always all inclusive but that particular epiphany was extremely distasteful to me. The lesson there for me was that mindful decisions have to be made by a mature adult. The mature adult was there because I never drank when someone needed me or it would have been completely irresponsible he just needed to care about me and my health as much as family, friends, and work.
So today is the next "one day at a time." I could drink tonight but I don't think I will because I can't think of a good reason to do it. It is a good thing I have some pictures because I can barely recognize myself lately...
Edited to change "accidentally" to unintentionally. It was no accident I was AF last month but it was not something I intended to do.
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Went AF all June (which is !!! for me), aiming for almost no alcohol this month. Will be having some drinks later this month when visiting with one of the besties, but already made some rules for myself regarding moderation Very excited to be tackling another month with all of you!
Awesome month for you!! Bravo for making the change. Xo1 -
This challenge in June made me address my drinking issues. I got some good info and book recommendations, joined ClubSoda and have been AF for nearly 4 weeks. All the usual triggers such as work stress, travel, holidays and celebrating my birthday ( where I was the only one not drinking ) have been dealt with successfully. Here’s to an AF July.
A birthday without alcohol - now that's a great gift to yourself. i may try that this year. Happy the four weeks were great to you!2 -
salleewins wrote: »Yes @JulieAL1969 , I needed that video. Thank you!
I am tired of many things this week and plan old tired. The holiday is almost here and the liquor store has been calling me. Well I have won. I just drank my diet Pepsi, stocked the fridge and got 2 slices of pizza. One meal a week off my regular plan is okay. I have done well with my meal plan lately. Decided that I am tired, missing my son on a holiday and other family that have passed and need to prune back with work and commitments somehow instead of drinking. I had to stick up for myself with a client who was yelling this week and another who continually asks me to do something that I have asked not to do. Next week I have to tell a different male client that I work for to not call my gorgeous and babe. I leave soon to go to church and be around some sane people. Sticking up for myself more often has been part of how I stopped drinking and stay stopped. I have to stay in balance as well or I feel out of control and then I may as well drink. Stupid thinking yes, but I did it for quite awhile. I have to remember and talk to myself that that if I am tired, lonely, hungry, fearful or angry (even angry about not being on my exercise plan lately!!) or even being thirsty has prompted me to drink before.
I am happy that I can tell you all these things. I am grateful for this group and it helps keep me from drinking. I sure did drink excessively before. Thank you to all the sane people here.
Some time things all pile on us and we feel awful emotionally. I hear you and I am sending a big hug. I hope you can find time to go into nature or some place you find quiet and peace and just sit. You are making great strides despite all the weight on your shoulders. Remember someone on the thread used to say we are exercising our will power muscles. Well, your will power muscle is strong and fit!!
Have you ever tried journaling. Just write like crazy , get everything down on paper and then burn it! And of course, let us help you on this thread. I love your honesty and continue to lean on us for a safe place to express. Xo3 -
I'm here for July! I've been AF since the first week of January.
I've been using the DryJanuary app on my phone, but am going to stop tracking the days now. Early on, it really helped me to count the days and provided a visual cue of my effort to stop drinking. I don't drink anymore so I no longer feel I need to count the days.
Good luck with your goals, everyone!11 -
@kcn2bluesky I love to hear these inspiring stories. I am so happy for your success.2
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I'm here for dry July.....and noods7
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Thank you so much, @JenT304! I appreciate the kind words!
I definitely had to white-knuckle more than a few days in those early weeks LOL
What I found really helped was to keep a private blog here on MFP and explore why I drank, how I felt to not drink anymore, and (eventually) to come to terms with how drinking had impacted my life, my health, and my relationships. I also read through the Annie Grace book that first week, and read this group's posts every day. Both the book and this group helped tremendously and gave me insight into my own use of alcohol.
Karen6 -
I am still here, as well, reading all of your posts. I continue to find everyone's insights so helpful. Karen, I deleted the Dry January app a few weeks ago, too; it did help a lot at first but I no longer feel I need it. Since Jan 1st I have had two beers, one on March 15 and one on June 17. The summer season has felt more difficult in some ways- a bunch of firsts without alcohol, as others have said- but I do feel that I will continue to be 99% AF moving forward. I feel better without it, and although weight was not a reason that I quit, my fitness has continued to improve with me being AF, too. All the best to everyone this month, whatever your goals!5
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I am still here, as well, reading all of your posts. I continue to find everyone's insights so helpful. Karen, I deleted the Dry January app a few weeks ago, too; it did help a lot at first but I no longer feel I need it. Since Jan 1st I have had two beers, one on March 15 and one on June 17. The summer season has felt more difficult in some ways- a bunch of firsts without alcohol, as others have said- but I do feel that I will continue to be 99% AF moving forward. I feel better without it, and although weight was not a reason that I quit, my fitness has continued to improve with me being AF, too. All the best to everyone this month, whatever your goals!
I really like your post @wigi41! I'm glad to hear that deleting the Dry January app hasn't derailed you. I'm going to do that today, and also I have realized I'm at the point where I can gift the bottles of wine I have to a friend. I won't be needing them and she enjoys wine, so it's a win-win
There was a discussion awhile back (maybe in the May thread??) about the cravings for sweet foods increasing dramatically after quitting alcohol. I have definitely found that to be the case for me, and I thought it would decrease back to normal levels after a few months. Improved sleep took a few months and I thought craving sweets would decrease over time too but that hasn't been the case for me. I'm at maintenance for my weight, so have just traded the calories I used to expend on alcohol to expending on desserts. I'm curious what others have experienced with regard to craving sweet foods and how you manage that?3
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