Less Alcohol - AUGUST 2019 - One Day at a Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,785 Member
Do you want to drink less?
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself! I bet thinking a day off is a sort of punishment hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking less (whatever that means for you) one day at a time as we continue to support and learn from each other.
MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME
RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST
Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
USING OUR THREAD:
Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS:
Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
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.
You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
Some days will be easier than others.
You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
Life with Less Alcohol
It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
Increased energy after as few as 2 days
Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
Increased productivity
Reduction of high blood pressure
Lower resting heart rate
Less Acid Re-flux
Significant financial savings
More creativity
More productivity
Better relationships with family
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.
The Takeaway on Avoidance:
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.
LINKS:
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/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
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/
Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
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
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS 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.
nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - 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.
Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
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
Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and Thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants for their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information.
MFPLARD 12.28.18 Version 2.0.1 (compiled by @NovusDies ; revised 28 Dec 2018 by Orphia)
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself! I bet thinking a day off is a sort of punishment hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking less (whatever that means for you) one day at a time as we continue to support and learn from each other.
MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME
RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST
Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
USING OUR THREAD:
Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS:
Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
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.
You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
Some days will be easier than others.
You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
Life with Less Alcohol
It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
Increased energy after as few as 2 days
Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
Increased productivity
Reduction of high blood pressure
Lower resting heart rate
Less Acid Re-flux
Significant financial savings
More creativity
More productivity
Better relationships with family
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.
The Takeaway on Avoidance:
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.
LINKS:
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/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
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/
Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
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
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS 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.
nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - 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.
Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
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
Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and Thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants for their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information.
MFPLARD 12.28.18 Version 2.0.1 (compiled by @NovusDies ; revised 28 Dec 2018 by Orphia)
6
Replies
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Sometimes images are easier than numbers to alert us as to how much we are taking in.
6 -
I'm in for August!4
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I'm in
January-0 drinking days
February-2 drinking days
March-0 drinking days
April-0 drinking days
May-0 drinking days
June-2 drinking days
July-7 drinking days!!!7 -
I am in for August!
Last month was actually pretty decent, I did 11 days AF. This month I would like to aim for 15 (20 would be ideal!). My goal will be to keep my drinking to weekends only for the most part.
I want to make this my month for change. Not just for cutting back on drinking but also for myself. Getting into a more active routine. Holding myself accountable for logging in daily and not getting sloppy on the weekends. To find something I enjoy, a new hobby. I want to read more as well.
Good luck this month to everyone! Feel free to add me if you want a good friend to help keep you motivated! I'm always looking for some helpful friends 😁7 -
I am in for August!
Last month was actually pretty decent, I did 11 days AF. This month I would like to aim for 15 (20 would be ideal!). My goal will be to keep my drinking to weekends only for the most part.
I want to make this my month for change. Not just for cutting back on drinking but also for myself. Getting into a more active routine. Holding myself accountable for logging in daily and not getting sloppy on the weekends. To find something I enjoy, a new hobby. I want to read more as well.
Good luck this month to everyone! Feel free to add me if you want a good friend to help keep you motivated! I'm always looking for some helpful friends 😁
Summer months are really hard for me! Too much activity going on I think,for me it's worse than the holiday season to stay off the grog,let's do better in August!8 -
I'm in for August and looking forward to a fresh start; this month trying setting daily goals and logging daily as well.7
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Hi all, I was watching the July discussion from the sidelines, but am aiming to participate this month. My goal is for at least 20 AF days in August. Looking forward to starting this month fresh.11
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MissMay, thank you for the Truly hard seltzer option. I see it's in stock at Target and will try it out today. 2 of them equals less than 1 wine serving it seems.3
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Hello August.
And welcome to everyone.
Accountability to ourselves is necessary, it keeps us in check and aware of our actions. When you throw in accountability for posting here either for yourself or for us to respond to, it heightens your commitment to your less alcohol goal.
Wishing each of us an easy journey to our own goals this month.
😎8 -
Finished off the last of my bottle of fake White Zin last night. My taste buds wondered why I was drinking sweet grape juice with dinner. An experiment gone wrong. Back to 60 calorie NA beer.
Was tempted for the last couple days to go down cellar and uncork the Chianti and couldn't figure out WHY. Been watching too much Cable Politics is my best guess. Pull the plug and curl up with Cat and a good book, instead. Less stress. Although he does tend to want to turn the pages for me....
Been AF for most of July, will start counting again for August...can I hear a "ONE" ??
7 -
4
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@forestdweller1 ONE!4
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Thank you @MissMay for the August thread, and for always being so encouraging and positive.
I am going to strive for the same as usual, 4-5 AF days per week. I will post daily to keep me accountable.
I was pleased with my 20 AF days for July.
August 01 - AF - I didn't want to be, but have to start the month off right. Many things planned for the weekend and there will be drinks involved. I will have to be strategic so that I don't have drinks 2 days in a row.
1AF day out of 1 day so far : - )4 -
Still AF over here with no real temptation- though I DO wish that AF wine didn’t suck, I would enjoy a glass with the taste and no effects every now and then.
Had my 12 week appointment and itty bitty is doing well with a 160 bpm heartbeat and good measurements once the ultrasound tech and I got them to reposition so she could actually get the measurements.
Mostly lurking since my updates are pretty boring (appointments being only once a month at this point), but cheering you all on!9 -
Aiming for AF Sun-Th and drinks only on Friday and Saturday. If I end up with one day during the week with a drink it'll be okay, however that is only there as a way to keep me from feeling overly guilty and upset with myself if I cave once.
And when I do have weekend drinks I want to switch it up from vodka mixed drinks to something lighter. I think I will get the Trulys hard sparkling waters. I've noticed strong drinks lead to more.
Here we go! 😁
8/1 - AF
Even though its Friday the goal is AF today!6 -
8/1 - AF
I was really tempted last night, and then decided I was just bored. Watched Stranger Things instead. Trying for tonight to also be AF since tomorrow is a renaissance festival and I would like to have a few drinks there. Loving the positivity and encouragement here so far.9 -
Good morning! I have been creeping on this thread for a little bit and finally decided this morning to chime in.
In March I started taking a medication that reacts horribly with too much alcohol, believe me I found out the hard way...anyway, for 3 months I didn't have a drop of alcohol. Then I started slowly having a few drinks and now I have occasional drinks, always with guilt afterwards. For example, I had cocktails Wednesday night, I don't have a count - it was a lot, and I felt crappy all day Thursday, ate like it too, and today saw a nice 2 lb gain on the scale
From March 2018 til March 2019 I lost 15 lbs, from March 2019 (stopped drinking) til now I have lost 30 lbs. That is why I really want to stay as close to alcohol free as I can! Alcohol is also responsible for my weight gain from 160 lbs to 240 lbs...happened in about five years I guess. Lots of white russians...
So because I am having a really hard time not enjoying some adult beverages each night with my significant other ;I am joining this thread looking for some accountability, encouragement and an overall place to vent...I promise I will try to stay as positive as I can, I just get really frustrated sometimes.
Shew! TMI? lol! Good luck to everyone and I am so thankful that you all are here.
8/1 ~ AF12 -
jmciotti13 wrote: »8/1 - AF
I was really tempted last night, and then decided I was just bored. Watched Stranger Things instead. Trying for tonight to also be AF since tomorrow is a renaissance festival and I would like to have a few drinks there. Loving the positivity and encouragement here so far.
Great idea! Not just the Stranger Things thing 😜 I'll get to that next lol. But on a serious note that is a really good idea of keeping tonight AF knowing that tomorrow will be a fun festival in which you can drink. You can do it!
Now back to the show lol, AMAZING show! Season 3 surprised me at just how incredible it was!5 -
Somethings gotta give... and I'm pretty sure it's me... gotta give up daily drinking. Did a while ago for several weeks and felt great. Slowly ramped back up over the last several months. Now am feeling pretty lousy about who I'm becoming, not remembering things, wasting a lot of time and money on getting, drinking and recovering from booze. Have a dinner date tonight so it'll be tough but I really want to skip the wine and cocktails and enjoy some ginger ale. Have a good weekend everyone
10 -
Somethings gotta give... and I'm pretty sure it's me... gotta give up daily drinking. Did a while ago for several weeks and felt great. Slowly ramped back up over the last several months. Now am feeling pretty lousy about who I'm becoming, not remembering things, wasting a lot of time and money on getting, drinking and recovering from booze. Have a dinner date tonight so it'll be tough but I really want to skip the wine and cocktails and enjoy some ginger ale. Have a good weekend everyone
@karenesg Good luck tonight! That is definitely a situation in which I would "have" to imbibe
4 -
I need to remember that booze is only a temporary fix, and leads to mindless eating! Man did I mess up last night! Re-boot! When things are stressing me out (this week has been a *kitten*!), a nice long brisk walk always helps, gives me time to think, and puts me into a better mood! Bonus, no guilt after! I need to stop with the "Quick Fix"!
Happy Friday Everyone!8 -
Glad to see some new and revisiting "faces" here. I'll tell you what--I want to thank those who post of their mess ups because I think it helps remind those of us having strong temptations of the consequences. And those posting of positive steps is inspiring, so what a wonderful support community! I've been AF since the end of June when I had the messedupist messup (I did post this in the July forum). Since then, I've felt really healthy and energetic, have lost weight, cleared my complexion, slept wonderfully and felt guilt-free. I have replaced wine as a sleep aid with a mild "gummy"--which is awesomely delivered to me in this great state of Maine :-). I also finally started taking the super mild anti-depressants prescribed to me 6 months ago. Whether it's the lack of wine, the actions I've taken due to lack of wine/hangover, or the pills, or some combo, the dark cloud is gone for the most part. So I encourage you to try different things to achieve results if the same things over and over aren't cutting it.
As we head into the wknd, be planful (plan your drinks) and mindful (stick to your plan) and you'll do great!9 -
Somethings gotta give... and I'm pretty sure it's me... gotta give up daily drinking. Did a while ago for several weeks and felt great. Slowly ramped back up over the last several months. Now am feeling pretty lousy about who I'm becoming, not remembering things, wasting a lot of time and money on getting, drinking and recovering from booze. Have a dinner date tonight so it'll be tough but I really want to skip the wine and cocktails and enjoy some ginger ale. Have a good weekend everyone
I've got some drinking date stories for sure. Just encourage you to plan what you're going to have ahead of time and try to stick to it. Almost all of us have been where you are feeling what you're feeling. The fact you're here is a really positive step. You have a great weekend as well!7 -
I tried hard seltzer last night for the first time (grapefruit and lime) and I am not a fan. Guess it worked because it totally turned me off to drinking last night. I'll take Diet Hansens Tangerine Lime any day. Today is my regularly scheduled AF day which includes my dessert treat. Dreaming of a Mounds candy bar.
I left July with 4 AF days per week, therefore August Goal: 5 AF days per week7 -
I tried for AF today. Didn't pan out. I relented and had 3 units.7
-
Thank you @MissMay for the August thread, and for always being so encouraging and positive.
I am going to strive for the same as usual, 4-5 AF days per week. I will post daily to keep me accountable.
I was pleased with my 20 AF days for July.
August 01 - AF - I didn't want to be, but have to start the month off right. Many things planned for the weekend and there will be drinks involved. I will have to be strategic so that I don't have drinks 2 days in a row.
August 02 - AF - Again, didn't want to be. It is a long weekend with lots going on here in British Columbia. I want to not look terrible tomorrow, so no booze for me tonight.
2AF days out of 2 days so far.6 -
globalhiker wrote: »I tried hard seltzer last night for the first time (grapefruit and lime) and I am not a fan. Guess it worked because it totally turned me off to drinking last night. I'll take Diet Hansens Tangerine Lime any day. Today is my regularly scheduled AF day which includes my dessert treat. Dreaming of a Mounds candy bar.
I left July with 4 AF days per week, therefore August Goal: 5 AF days per week
Oh no..did you buy the citrus pack? Those are so bitter.
From the reviews the berry pack is better.
1 -
BuddysSurrogateGrandpa wrote: »I tried for AF today. Didn't pan out. I relented and had 3 units.
Well you tried.....and that was a great effort. 😊3 -
Somethings gotta give... and I'm pretty sure it's me... gotta give up daily drinking. Did a while ago for several weeks and felt great. Slowly ramped back up over the last several months. Now am feeling pretty lousy about who I'm becoming, not remembering things, wasting a lot of time and money on getting, drinking and recovering from booze. Have a dinner date tonight so it'll be tough but I really want to skip the wine and cocktails and enjoy some ginger ale. Have a good weekend everyone
Follow on here and you will get support and feedback from those who struggle with you. Hugs6
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