LESS Alcohol ~ July 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

itladyee

🌟 Do You Want to Drink LESS? 🌟

Less can mean a lot of different things. Maybe you want to:

• Cut out that one glass of wine that always turns into two (or three—no judgment).
• Save the cocktails just for weekends, special occasions, or when your in-laws visit.
• Make “Dry January” (or July, or whenever) your new tradition.

Or maybe—just maybe—this is your moment to go all in and step into a fully alcohol-free lifestyle. Imagine how good it could feel to wake up clear-headed every single morning. (No more “who did I text last night?” panic!)

The beauty is, you get to define what LESS looks like for you:

• One fewer drink a day, week, or month.
• Taking mindful breaks from drinking.
• Choosing total sobriety.

Whatever your version of “less” is, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here—cheering you on, sharing stories, and learning together.

🎉 Join us in drinking LESS (however that looks in your life).

Because every step counts, and a little progress today can lead to big changes tomorrow.

Ready to start? Let’s do this—one mindful sip (or skip) at a time. 🍋✨

itladyee

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

• 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.