LESS Alcohol ~ June 2025 ~ One Day at A Time
Do you want to drink LESS? Completely stop or just cut back?
Cutting back can mean ONE less drink a day, week, or month. Or deciding to drink only on weekends or at special occasions.
On the flip side, maybe you could use this nudge to finally get to that completely sober point and be all in-alcohol free.
Join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) as we continue to support and learn from each other.
Replies
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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 -
- To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star or ribbon 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!
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.
- Reduction of high blood pressure
- Lower resting heart rate
- Retention of vital vitamins and minerals
- Less Acid Re-flux and improved gut health
- Significant financial savings
- Better relationships with family and friends
Life with Less Alcohol:
- It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research.
- 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 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.
- 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.
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.
- Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
- Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
3 -
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•General Information/Blog Sites:
The Sober School
•Sobriety Blog:
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
•Guided Meditations:
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
•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
•Sober Time - Track your progress in the sobriety counter. Stop drinking with built-in motivation. Look at the sobriety clock when you need it most.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
•Tired of Thinking About Drinking: Take My 100-Day Sober Challenge by Belle Robertson
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 2017~4 -
Do you need to know exactly what ONE standard drink is and looks like??
*It is not an entire bottle of wine.
*It is not a six pack of any alcoholic beverage.
*And a HUGE reminder ONE SHOT GLASS OF ANYTHING and " NEAT" is counted as one drink.
5 -
I can’t believe June first!!! I love a reset, and the first of the month is a good place to start.
For June, I am recommitting to being a good steward- of my health, finances, and my house. So that means pushing through and having the discipline to work out, do the chores I need to do, and staying on top of my budget. None of this is fun, but I’ve been blessed in my life, and want to take care of the things that are important to me.
What does this have to do with less alcohol? Probably not much, haha! But I am going to ramp up the discipline of at least starting with a NA drink (in a wine glass, naturally! before I move on to a glass of wine. As evidenced by last night, it helps me go from three glasses down to two, and two down to one. My ultimate goal is 3 AF days per week, which honestly, at the moment, sounds a little daunting! But the more I do it, the easier it becomes.
Hope you all enjoy the rest of the weekend!8 -
@itladyee big thanks for leading us into June!
My goal is to not drink this month and that will make it month 10 AF. SO WAY easier to not drink than fight the daily wine devil. The freedom is real. Plus my size 8 petite jeans are LOOSE and I have no pants to wear since I no longer drink the "fat juice". Yet I eat chocolate every single day. This is the life.
AND I have extra money to go on a mall splurge in search of Size 6. I was a size 12 6 months ago.
We went to a grad party yesterday with drinking people and drinks. Both my husband and I drank soft drinks. Just in case, we brought a cooler with ice tea and seltzers but didn't need it. The thought or temptation to drink never even took place. Our enjoyment was on meeting new people and engaging in interesting conversation. My first graduation party AF, done.
13 -
Hi all, I see in May’s thread we had a lot of new names (at least new to me). I’ll be honest, I didn’t read all the posts to know if you were true newbies or old hats coming back for encouragement/accountability. Either way, glad you’re here.
As for me, well… May was a total loss on and after the DC trip. I’ve got to pull it together. I’m spiraling. This job is seriously stressing me out, and I can’t shut off my brain. I’ve started putting my foot down with my boss that I will not work all evening and on weekends like she does, and she seems to be accepting the boundaries. I’m just hoping I can stay on top of my tasks during my regular work hours. I’m at about 50-60 hours a week right now which was not what I was planning on. I know it’ll slow down in 3-6 months, but it’s just crazy right now.
Son’s graduation was great. My baby boy is all grown up. He seems to be very happy with maintaining a training and work schedule with Dad.
Daughter’s UC doesn’t seem to be getting much better. She had another infusion. Blood work revealed her hemoglobin is still low and other levels indicate she has anemia. I have a feeling we’ll be called in for an iron infusion once the doctor sees it. She’s handling things well though which is a plus.MIL has pneumonia. And, my attitude towards her is awful. I can’t even repeat some of my thoughts right now.
Husband had a wake-up call yesterday with me and apologized after picking a fight. I don’t want to be a b*tch, but I won’t tolerate his crap either. And, he had to eat crow for it. I told him I’m not going to fight with him anymore. I’m done with it. He’s just going to have to get glad in the same pants he got mad in because I’m done. He cried. I honestly didn’t care.Anyway, let’s see if I can pull my head out of my own butt for June.😳
9 -
1 AF
6 -
Greetings LA friends:
I am back from camping at the beach for a week. Some days seemed like greeting the evening with great abandon.
I saw a tee-shirt in a surf shop that read, “I’m taking a break from adulting 101 this week so I’m going camping.” Whelp that’s exactly what happened. Started off very conservative with LA choices early in the week, then I began going overboard on wine mid week - 2-3 glasses and then 4 on the last day! That’s not a yield, that’s a stop sign right there! DH and I also walked 4 miles in the sand each morning and bike rode on two afternoons. Wow that fresh salt air is amazing. Steaks and fish on the barbecue and fresh vegetables most nights.
The good that has come from this is the ability to examine my next steps for LA now that I’m home.
I’ll be starting a personal challenge to cut back 50% this week - which gets me back under the CDC recommended guidelines/limits.
Thank goodness for coming home to where adult responsibilities await.
Here’s to a good start for June!9 -
June goal is to drink less then I did in May (A: 13); didn’t hit my goal in May, however, I’ve been drinking less each month. I’ll take it! Keeping the progress going one step at a time!
AF: 0
A: 1
6 -
@NonnieDoiron oh come here and let me give you a big, giant hug! Geez, you are really in the thick of it, and I can tell you’re beyond the end of your tether. No words of wisdom, but just know you can vent here as much as you need to. We are all in your corner.
On a happier note, congratulations to your son on his graduation! So very exciting, and a proud momma moment!6 -
a slightly less alcohol day for me yesterday. I only had one mimosa at brunch (normally would have two), and 1.5 glasses of wine at Rotary book club last night. I didn’t need that extra half glass, a little disappointed in myself. But I’m still taking the win.
Ugh this stewardship ship thing means I have to stop scrolling the internet, get off my butt and get my stuff done. Not going to lie, I would really rather continue to sit on my butt!7 -
Kicked back last night with a couple glasses of wine watching the Four Seasons. I've been pushing the exercise lever very hard so now need to lose these empty calories!
@globalhiker ~ Congrats on your first AF graduation party! Sounds like you were 100% prepared for the event. Good for you!
@NonnieDoiron ~ Glad to see you here! That's an insane amount of hours for any duration of time. Good for you for speaking up. Sounds like your son is doing well. Sorry your daughter is still struggling with the UC, but glad she's handling things well. You definitely have your hands full and I hope you get a break this month.
@LittleSurferGirl7 ~ Happy early birthday!!! Are you planning anything special to celebrate?
@Michieb125 ~ Welcome back to adulting, but adulting can be hard and we do need an occasional break! Camping at the beach with fish and fresh veggies sounds heavenly.
@BurnMode05 ~ Less each month is a WIN! Progress not Perfection!
@Womona ~ I would really rather continue to sit on my butt! love your honesty.
Have a great Monday!!!
June Stats…..
A=1
AF=05 -
Welcome June - the real beginning of summer for us in Nor Cal…..garden is growing, warm days have arrived and barbecue season is here. I ended May LA just slightly better than April (by 2 AF days). So, I have lots of room for improvement!
June goals will be a little different for the month with a focus on skipping more wine days than not, eating smaller portions, taking regular morning walks and getting to bed earlier.
Walked 4.25 miles before lunch today!
Current:A - 1
AF - 1
7 -
@itladyee Thanks for getting us started here in June.
@Womona Love your goal setting for the month - house, yikes, I got only one room spring cleaned so far in my house, LOL.
@NonnieDoiron I hope you're able to get some sanity in your life soon, you have so much going on right now. Congratulations to your son.
@Michieb125 Sounds like you had a great vacation, welcome back to adulthood.
@globalhiker Congratulations on your first AF graduation party, I'm sure you'll have plenty more in your future. Happy to see you here in month 10.
@BurnMode05 Less is less, nice job.
@LittleSurferGirl7 way to go throwing out the whiskey last night. Seems like you're making progress little by little, day by day. Good luck with your eye doctor appt. tomorrow.
6 -
June:
AF=0
A=16 -
Thank you, Ladies, for listening to my rant. I appreciate the hug and support.
I did drink last night, and I have 1 glass of wine in the bottle. I’ve already considered driving to the store for more. I think I’ll just finish off the bottle and call it a night.@Michieb125 I love to walk on the beach and have great food, but I’ll pass on the camping. As my husband says I’m too snobby for camping… I freely admit my idea of roughing it is a hotel without room service. 😉 Sorry you had to rejoin adulthood, but I’m glad you had the break.
3 -
AF tonight!
5 -
Hello, all! Setting some June goals starting now. I did drink on the 1st and 2nd. I had about 3/4 of a bottle of merlot left this morning that I dumped out before I had a chance to reconsider. I want to start an AF streak today! My goal for the month is at least 1/2 the month AF…preferably more, but we do have a nice trip planned after the middle of the month.
@NonnieDoiron I hear your frustration and wanted to send along a hug and encouragement from as well…and CONGRATS to you and your son!! Woot!
@LittleSurferGirl7 Don't give up. Breathe. Stay with us and keep trying.
I did read through the rest of May and beginning of June and want to encourage those doing and well and those that are not. It's a new month. Set those goals and reach for them!
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Thank you. ❤️
5 -
A big thank you @itladyee for creating the June thread! We greatly appreciate your support to keep us going. 🙏💖
Oh gosh @NonnieDoiron I too gave up camping for glamping many years ago when we purchased our high end RV! We’ve taken it to many National Parks in the last 4 years as well. It’s really very comfortable! Congrats on your son - such a wonderful milestone!
I hear your enthusiasm for cutting way back in June @chicbuc and I am with you! We can do this!@LittleSurferGirl7 what is one small tweak that you can do today that will give you a sense of accomplishment?
8 -
AF last night and doing some early gardening now. It’s fun to see the zucchini and yellow squash growing and peeping out under the large shade leaves.
Going to a N.A. lunch with friends and then to a step and strength class at the gym at 4:00.
Staying on plan tonight.
Current:AF - 2
A - 1
Limits: 2 glasses of wine6 -
Sounds like you are happy with your new morning routine @LittleSurferGirl7! You have determination!
5 -
I realize I didn't set any goals for June. I should!
I had 11 AF days in May, going to push for 15+ (half the month) for June
Not off to a great start but it's not over the top by any means! It's finally summer (like) so I'm kind of tired of my heavy cabernets that I enjoy for the winter. Want something lighter and less alcohol is ok too.I've increased my exercise, (walked 3 miles for 4 days straight) which for me, acts as a natural deterrent for my wine. Win, Win!
@chicbuc ~ I see you, ready, set go!
@Michieb125 ~Sounds like a busy day
@LittleSurferGirl7 ~ Less is Less. Keep pushing.
June Stats > 6.2
A=2
AF=05 -
Hi all!
I've finished my cut (-22lbs in 6 months) and I’m strategizing about how to keep it off. I’ve cut way back on drinking for the period and I think it’s essential to keep it up. No, I don’t need to drink on weekdays. Actually, I don’t need to drink on weekends, either.
The challenge is to go very lightly when I do drink. It seems hard to achieve.
Best of luck to everyone!
10 -
AF again today! Wow, two in a row. I told myself that I can have a glass of wine after I have a NA drink first. Well, I poured another NA drink and never touched the wine.
I’m feeling a little under the weather, hoping it doesn’t become the full blown bad cold that’s going through my house. I have too much to do, and too many tennis matches and golf outings to be sick this next week! I feel fine but just have a sore throat and a slight fuzzy headed feeling. Or, you know, that could be how I am normally! Haha!
@michieb125 you have a boat on wheels, I have an RV that floats! Haha! Seriously it’s pretty much the same thing. I grew up camping in a cabin with no running water or electricity. I can definitely see why you upgraded to a loaded RV. It sounds amazing!8 -
Yes, I can. 3 very powerful little words. YES, I CAN. What if we told ourselves this often throughout the day?
The reason why goals are so hard is that we don't challenge erroneous cognitive thinking. The reason why we fail is we listen to the voice that says you can't today, you won't, too hard, tomorrow is better,excuses, excuses, excuses.
If each time your brain tells you something contradictory to your goal, stop and challenge it. Stop and listen to the message and ask is this logical? Is this in line with my goal? Or am I following an erroneous and corrupted thought that logically is nonsensical. Why would I damage myself? Why would I do the opposite behavior of what I wanted to do a few hours ago?
What works is talking back to your thought so often that it starts to change and doing without alcohol helps the thinking mind to heal and work correctly. It takes practice but it works.
11 -
Thanks a million @globalhiker for sharing this inspiring and wise information! It’s so true, we must challenge our habits, thinking and next steps. Or else nothing changes.
7 -
@Jthanmyfitnesspal ~ Congrats on the 22lbs! That's awesome!
@LittleSurferGirl7 ~ You sound really excited and committed! Rooting for you!! Yes YOU Can!!!💯
@Womona ~ I like your approach and it seems to be working! I hope you're not coming down with anything…
@globalhiker ~ exactly what @michieb125 said!! 🙌🏽
For me, that little "habit" is trying to creep back in. So formulating the mind for today to be AF.
June Stats > 6.3
A=3
AF=09 -
I had a super strange and somewhat stressful day around family and it would be easy to have some wine. But, I have an early morning commitment; and I just know I’ll thank my tomorrow self for the decision to keep my AF day.
Current:
AF - 2
A - 2
Limits: 2 glasses of wine11
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