Less Alcohol ~ DECEMBER 2022 ~ One Day At A Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,791 Member
Do you want to drink LESS?
Then join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) as we continue to support and learn from each other.
■ LESS ALCOHOL RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST ■
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time.
•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.
•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!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over.
•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.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•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.
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:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•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.
•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":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" 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) 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:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•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:
▪▪▪▪
•Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
by Holly Whitaker
•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
~Established 2017~
Then join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) as we continue to support and learn from each other.
■ LESS ALCOHOL RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST ■
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time.
•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.
•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!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over.
•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.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•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.
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:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•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.
•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":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" 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) 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:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•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:
▪▪▪▪
•Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
by Holly Whitaker
•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
~Established 2017~
3
Replies
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Hi everyone, I’m in for December!6
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Hello all! I’m Amanda, I’m from Michigan. I am a crazy cat lady and work for a veterinarian. This will be my sixth month with this group and it has helped me cut back on my drinking so much! I am not ready to say I am 100% sober but last month I had 30 days alcohol free 😃13
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Looking forward to December and working on a plan to manage this holiday season that starts with a huge wedding (3pm-midnight black tie) this Saturday. Then I wander my way through 5 parties in 5 evenings Dec 11-15. And then this year we have all our kids (married adults ages 28-32) and their families plus my mom, my sister and DH's brother scheduled to celebrate Christmas with us. Oh and toss in a number of evenings where DH & I are babysitting our little granddaughters while their parents attend work and friend related holiday parties.
Lots of opportunities to drink. I need to decide when and where I want to indulge but I do know that most important will be sticking to my plan
Limit 1-2 glasses per day (I cannot let the parties get out of hand nor my sister derail me when she doesn't have work the last 2 weeks of the month ... she's a teacher. I tend to drink more when she is around).
Target 12-16 AF days this month8 -
Hi all. My goal is to go completely AF for December. I read through the entire introduction here and I appreciate Miss May listing it. It reminded me of a lot of resources and tips. One tip I don't think I saw and what I am doing: when I don't buy wine/go to a bar, I write the amount of money I think I would have spent, and put it in a jar. We will see how much is in there by the end of the month. Good luck to everyone.12
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Hello all! I’m Amanda, I’m from Michigan. I am a crazy cat lady and work for a veterinarian. This will be my sixth month with this group and it has helped me cut back on my drinking so much! I am not ready to say I am 100% sober but last month I had 30 days alcohol free 😃
Hold up, you’ve been here 6 months already? And you’re a crazy cat lady? And you work for a hellish vet? And your name is not Joan? Mind. Blown. Haha!
8 -
@Lilylady3k wow, I thought I had a lot to navigate this Christmas, but you have so much more. I bow down to you!!!
Let us all stick to our plans. We all know what to do, it’s just actually doing it in the face of so much social pressure of “oh come on just have one more”. Or worse, company that makes us want to numb out and escape into a drink. We got this, people!!!7 -
I'm in for December!
Shooting for at least 15 days AF + never more than 2 drinks on the rest of those days.
I have no parties this month (until I create one).....so really no excuses here
7 -
@Lilylady3k wow, I thought I had a lot to navigate this Christmas, but you have so much more. I bow down to you!!!
Let us all stick to our plans. We all know what to do, it’s just actually doing it in the face of so much social pressure of “oh come on just have one more”. Or worse, company that makes us want to numb out and escape into a drink. We got this, people!!!
~“oh come on just have one more”~
Is it wrong for me to want to head butt people that say this to me???
(Because I get real close to it at times)6 -
WELCOME TO DECEMBER 2022
So great to be here.
REMEMBER: LESS is MORE
Less A, more money in pocket
Less A, more quality sleep
Less A, more motivation
And so forth.....8 -
December to remember without alcohol because it'll be better this way. No adult Christmas parties planned, only stuff for the kids. Most difficult thing this month will be finding a way to "unwind."6
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4
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Ho Ho Ho
Ho Hum ho Hoo hehe LOL
Sorry sometimes things just keep on going and going.
So today we celebrated the official closing of DH business (well a few loose ends) It looks like we will be signing away the property next week sometime. Yeah the homeless did not drive away the buyer (btw I think the buyer and DH are now BFF, I know right???)
We did go out and a toast was in order, so I had 2 beers and DH had 2 of his preferred liquid.
So goals for this month, AF for 75% of the month. I like a percentage better for some reason it is easier than a BOLD number....head games for me.
For the other part of the positive month ahead. I know this is not really A related but for me it is. For some reason I have really immersed myself in this 12 week weight lifting program. I have always enjoyed lifting (not that heavy). So I have been tracking my progress and I will say I am moving along. I am on week 9 and have already picked out my next progression from there.
So I have a fitness goal I want to achieve this month. I have never been able to do (well not as an adult over 40, err 30, err maybe 20) push ups and pull ups without modification. this month it is my goal to complete 10 reps of each. Mind you I won't try my hand at it until Sunday, for a base then test again at the end of the month. Another reason to watch my A days.
Yikes how nerdy does that sound????
Hugs to the holidays....and everyone here9 -
I never talk about this stuff.
I've really cut back over the last three months. It's not easy. Not gonna go into why unless you really want to hear it. I went completely dry for a while a few years ago; that was big. When I was 16, the way I was introduced to alcohol was sitting around a table with a bottle of Absolut and drinking until I no longer functioned. That set the tone for the next 25 years of my life. After getting sober, I eventually made an active choice to allow myself to enjoy drinking in a more controlled manner, and did so more or less successfully. A big part of it was wanting to be able to teach my son to drink responsibly, to be able to enjoy A BEER at the end of a hard day's work, or to sip on A GLASS of good whiskey, or to have A GLASS of wine with a holiday meal, etc. I'm really proud of him, he has never drank the way I used to.
I digress.
The biggest thing that got me wanting to stop, or at least slow down, was the calories and the impact that alcohol has on the body's ability to metabolize fats. I don't want to be fat and unhealthy any longer. I hate to admit it, but if it wasn't keeping me from losing weight and being healthier, I probably wouldn't stop.
Mostly, now, Sunday night is my night to have a drink or three, I shut myself in the studio and put on Darkwave on Sirius XM for three hours, it's kind of my me time for the week and it just feels weird doing it without some sort of drink, whether it's a few glasses of wine or a couple of high gravity beers or whatever.
It feels weird talking about this stuff.
-m14 -
Hello all! I’m Amanda, I’m from Michigan. I am a crazy cat lady and work for a veterinarian. This will be my sixth month with this group and it has helped me cut back on my drinking so much! I am not ready to say I am 100% sober but last month I had 30 days alcohol free 😃
12/1: AF
Yesterday was my last day at work before I leave for about 10 days. It was like preparing to leave for 8 months. I caught myself saying “if things go well, maybe I can do A, B and C before I come back.” And then I said “No actually, I need the time off to heal, it will have to wait.” Boundaries. Geez.7 -
@Womona Yes I am a real human! Nickname in college was “Amanda Jones.”
@lmlmrn That is 100% NOT nerdy. I had a bunch of goals before my diagnosis and I was hitting them. I just figured this was an A thread and no one wanted to hear about my fat! Congrats on the lifting goals! Also so excited for you and the sale of DH business!3 -
I am throwing a Christmas Eve open house. Lots of family, like 30 people. I am not worrying about drinking as there are a few non drinkers as well as pregnant nieces who are not drinking and it will not be an issue. I'll make a big pitcher of something AF and festive with cranberries floating in it or whatever as well as AF egg nog. Yes, I will serve beer and wine as well but that will not be the focus. For me, the focus will be on good food and conversations I can remember the next day, with no chance of embarrassing myself or worse, waking up feeling dreadful on Christmas morning. I will have overnight company and need to feel my best.9
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@SunnyDays930 That sounds really fun! Let us know when we should stop in to try that AF eggnog!
@lmlmrn Congrats on closing the sale! Onward to the next adventure!
@mfowler883 Thanks for sharing. I love that you are setting that example for your son.
I had a great time at the fundraiser last night. They had a lemonade bar (rose, hyacinth, and lavender flavored versions) which made it easy to stick to the one planned glass of wine. I even won in the raffle!
Goal: 15 AF days, no more than 2 drinks, only drink at events (and there are lots of events)
AF: 0
A: 12/1
7 -
Happy Friday! I'm back in my "ritual" of checking MFP first thing in the morning, setting my intention for today, and going to hop on my bike and ride for an hour to get my "dose" of necessary anti-depression/anti-anxiety exercise.
The more I exercise, the stronger my will-power gets.7 -
@MissMay Thank you for the welcome back! I've just been busy, ready to be back and make changes.
I walked three miles last night, thinking I'll try exercise each night. Drizzly today, so I'm thinking stationary bike in the garage tonight. Day #1 of December was alcohol free, small success!4 -
@mfowler883 thank you for sharing your story. It may feel weird to talk about it at first, but I find that talking exorcises the scary monsters surrounds why and when we drink. You’re setting a great example. Oh, and now I have to check out Darkwave on Sirius XM!
@SunnyDays930 that open house sounds lovely!!! Enjoy!
@lmlmrn YAY!!!!!! So happy the business sold. We will all collectively breathe a sigh of relief when the sale of the building goes through! Definitely keep us posted, we’re all rooting for you and your DH. Oh, and how incredible that 10 unassisted push ups and pull ups are within reach!
@joans1976 I personally am fine with talking about our fat! It does all tie into how much alcohol we drink.
One glass of wine at wine night, didn’t have any more when I got home even though my favorite brand of red was open. I’ve still been sleeping poorly, so if I drink tonight, I am just doing one glass. Tennis match today, wish me luck!6 -
Hello!
My name is Amberly. I'm 28 and I am a college student in Michigan. I myself am trying to cut back on drinking, and I accidentally(gladly) happened upon this thread. For a bit of background of my relationship with alcohol; I was in the military and developed a drinking problem because I became overly dependent on using it as a coping mechanism. Two years ago from tomorrow will actually be the anniversary of when I got out of a rehabilitation facility. I was sober for about 9 months after rehab and have steadily been consuming more, and more frequently. I got out of the military in March of this year(Yay!) so I have a lot less stress needing to be dealt with. I'm definitely not as bad off as I was, but I still have a problem using self discipline (Just because I can drink doesn't mean I should).
Anyway, where I have been at is drinking every single day for the last few months up until very recently. Currently I have been consuming alcohol about 4 nights a week the last 3 weeks, and I'm hoping to cut it down to 3 and maintain that for a month or two, kinda playing it as I go. Ultimately I would like to start cutting it out even more, but I'm starting off a bit slower. If I'm being honest I am proud of myself for keeping 3 days a week sober because going from 0/7 to 3/7 isn't a bad jump.
So yeah. That's my plan.
Why it's important to me to cut down on drinking:
- Since the start of my drinking habit I had gained 130 lbs (Drinking every day for 2 years will do that to you) and I'm trying to lose weight.
- I don't want alcohol consumption to cut my life short and lower my quality of life long term.
- I want to have more control and develop better self discipline skills which would help me in many aspects of life from weight loss, my studies, and whatever career I end up with.
- Alcohol is expensive and I want to be more fiscally responsible.
That was a longer introduction and background build than I expected (Sorry!) but know that I'm happy to be here, and I have a lot of experience if you want to talk or have questions, and I am here to support you in all your health endeavors whether it's cutting back on alcohol consumption, weight loss, or whatever else. If you made it this far, thanks for reading and anyone is free to add me as a friend.
Thanks and Best Wishes!
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SunnyDays930 wrote: »One tip I don't think I saw and what I am doing: when I don't buy wine/go to a bar, I write the amount of money I think I would have spent, and put it in a jar. We will see how much is in there by the end of the month. Good luck to everyone.
@SunnyDays930 That is one I've never heard and I am absolutely going to start doing that! Thanks for sharing.
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Towards the end of summer I started a 75 day fitness challenge. One of the rules was no alcohol. I ended up getting Covid again half way through. It was very mild, more like a mild flu. I didn't make it through the challenge because of the Covid, but I guess I realized I don't need alcohol in my life. I have only had one drink since then in September, a margarita at a Mexican restaurant, and I just didn't care for it. Other than my early 20's, I have never been a big drinker. I honestly think I may go the rest of my life without alcohol.9
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@DSpence1973 Good for you. I'm envious of the ease to abstain from alcohol you portray. It doesn't sound like you're in much need of support. Good luck with your goals whatever they may be.4
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@Womona Good luck!3
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This group really helps me hold myself accountable, plus everyone is absolutely great. My primary goal this month is 16 - 19 AF days targeting no more than 3A days a week and no more than 2 drinks in a day. I post in the mornings about the previous day.
12/1: Drinks (2) - Date night out to favorite brewery for music bingo and a delicious meal. I had 2 hazy IPAs which were probably 500+ calories. We're going out again tonight because DH is going on a business trip for a few days. My goal is no more than 2 drinks.5 -
@AmberlyMarlene - Welcome! I think you'll love being part of this group. I also want to cut back for weight, health and the other reasons you mentioned.3
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@RockinRobyn672 Thank you! I agree with you. It seems an open and easy place to discuss trial and error as well as keep accountability. I think it'll be a useful tool to keep my goals a priority being around like minded individuals such as yourself. I hope you enjoyed your date night, I love music bingo and a good IPA. Best of luck holding true to your goal! Have fun spending quality time tonight before the business trip.2
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I am Dawn, I live in SE BC Canada
My primary motivation for drinking less is weight loss.
I throw up if I have more than 3 drinks, so moderation on drink days is rarely an issue for me lol.
My recurring goal is 16-20 AF days per month. I squeaked to 16 last month.
I like to do this diary style to keep track.
Thursday December 01 - AF - Planning on drinks Friday and or Saturday, and maybe one day during the week.
Rolling total - 1AF day out of 1 day5
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