Sober September anyone?

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Replies

  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    My god are there ever a lot of alcohol-dependent people here...
    (Not those who say they enjoy a drink here and there, and have no desire to give it up. the ones who say they can't possibly imagine giving it up for a month. That's a substance dependency, people...)
    You diagnose remotely based on one statement?
    Impressive.
    If you can't possibly survive your daily life without using alcohol, that's kind of the definition of dependence. It's not a very complicated diagnosis. People are openly admitting they are dependent on it.
    What I don't understand is why that sort of addiction is considered so acceptable.
    People here also say they can't live without cookies, pizza, and soda. Perhaps hyperbole is at play?
    If I started a "Starbucks free September" thread. People WOULD chime in and say they couldn't give it up. Some would even say they were addicted....
    Many people *are* addicted to Caffeine. It's extremely addictive. The downsides of caffeine are pretty low, which is probably why it is considered socially acceptable (even socially standard in some circles) to have a hard time making it through the day without taking a stimulant. But most people with a cup of coffee every day or more habit really are physically addicted, and tend to get headaches and other symptoms if they don't get their dose for the day. Again, the fact that it is considered acceptable to be dependent on a daily stimulant (even one with minimal side effects) is absurd.
    I kinda knew you'd hone in on the starbucks. and ignore the rest of my post.
  • Mindythegreat
    Mindythegreat Posts: 23
    Just saw this, I'm ready. :smile:
  • kairisika
    kairisika Posts: 131 Member
    My god are there ever a lot of alcohol-dependent people here...
    (Not those who say they enjoy a drink here and there, and have no desire to give it up. the ones who say they can't possibly imagine giving it up for a month. That's a substance dependency, people...)
    You diagnose remotely based on one statement?
    Impressive.
    If you can't possibly survive your daily life without using alcohol, that's kind of the definition of dependence. It's not a very complicated diagnosis. People are openly admitting they are dependent on it.
    What I don't understand is why that sort of addiction is considered so acceptable.
    People here also say they can't live without cookies, pizza, and soda. Perhaps hyperbole is at play?
    If I started a "Starbucks free September" thread. People WOULD chime in and say they couldn't give it up. Some would even say they were addicted....
    Many people *are* addicted to Caffeine. It's extremely addictive. The downsides of caffeine are pretty low, which is probably why it is considered socially acceptable (even socially standard in some circles) to have a hard time making it through the day without taking a stimulant. But most people with a cup of coffee every day or more habit really are physically addicted, and tend to get headaches and other symptoms if they don't get their dose for the day. Again, the fact that it is considered acceptable to be dependent on a daily stimulant (even one with minimal side effects) is absurd.
    If you get a headache from not getting your daily fix of caffeine, that IS being physically addicted. Your whole statement was contradictory..
    How is it contradictory to say that people who "really are physically addicted" is an example of addiction? I think you might have misread something.
  • kairisika
    kairisika Posts: 131 Member
    My god are there ever a lot of alcohol-dependent people here...
    (Not those who say they enjoy a drink here and there, and have no desire to give it up. the ones who say they can't possibly imagine giving it up for a month. That's a substance dependency, people...)
    You diagnose remotely based on one statement?
    Impressive.
    If you can't possibly survive your daily life without using alcohol, that's kind of the definition of dependence. It's not a very complicated diagnosis. People are openly admitting they are dependent on it.
    What I don't understand is why that sort of addiction is considered so acceptable.
    People here also say they can't live without cookies, pizza, and soda. Perhaps hyperbole is at play?
    If I started a "Starbucks free September" thread. People WOULD chime in and say they couldn't give it up. Some would even say they were addicted....
    Many people *are* addicted to Caffeine. It's extremely addictive. The downsides of caffeine are pretty low, which is probably why it is considered socially acceptable (even socially standard in some circles) to have a hard time making it through the day without taking a stimulant. But most people with a cup of coffee every day or more habit really are physically addicted, and tend to get headaches and other symptoms if they don't get their dose for the day. Again, the fact that it is considered acceptable to be dependent on a daily stimulant (even one with minimal side effects) is absurd.
    I kinda knew you'd hone in on the starbucks. and ignore the rest of my post.
    Makes sense that you knew the relevant part when you posted it.
    Sure, some people exaggerate some parts. I don't disagree. But I've seen a genuine sentiment of "I could not survive a month without using alcohol" on this thread and others. I commented on the relevant part.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    No, you didn't comment on the "relevant" part. You took a small part completely out of its actual, hyperbolic context, and grossly twisted it into something it's not.

    That's what we call "lack of reading comprehension."
  • Lisa1971
    Lisa1971 Posts: 3,069 Member
    Hubby's bday dinner was tonite at red lobster. I had 2 diet cokes to his 3 long island ice teas! :sad: well, at least he gets a dd out of the deal! Lol!
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    My god are there ever a lot of alcohol-dependent people here...
    (Not those who say they enjoy a drink here and there, and have no desire to give it up. the ones who say they can't possibly imagine giving it up for a month. That's a substance dependency, people...)
    You diagnose remotely based on one statement?
    Impressive.
    If you can't possibly survive your daily life without using alcohol, that's kind of the definition of dependence. It's not a very complicated diagnosis. People are openly admitting they are dependent on it.
    What I don't understand is why that sort of addiction is considered so acceptable.
    People here also say they can't live without cookies, pizza, and soda. Perhaps hyperbole is at play?
    If I started a "Starbucks free September" thread. People WOULD chime in and say they couldn't give it up. Some would even say they were addicted....
    Many people *are* addicted to Caffeine. It's extremely addictive. The downsides of caffeine are pretty low, which is probably why it is considered socially acceptable (even socially standard in some circles) to have a hard time making it through the day without taking a stimulant. But most people with a cup of coffee every day or more habit really are physically addicted, and tend to get headaches and other symptoms if they don't get their dose for the day. Again, the fact that it is considered acceptable to be dependent on a daily stimulant (even one with minimal side effects) is absurd.
    I kinda knew you'd hone in on the starbucks. and ignore the rest of my post.
    Makes sense that you knew the relevant part when you posted it.
    Sure, some people exaggerate some parts. I don't disagree. But I've seen a genuine sentiment of "I could not survive a month without using alcohol" on this thread and others. I commented on the relevant part.
    I'll let others respond, if they choose to, to your diagnosis of them. I don't feel the need to continue. I've made my point. Cheers. (probably a "bad" sign off as far as you're concerned)
  • Sheckypie
    Sheckypie Posts: 56
    i'll join but i don't count really considering the fact that i really don't drink haha... the last drink i had was in June the one before that was on my 21st birthday last year.... i literally drink once a season if that haha
  • MrDangerSass
    MrDangerSass Posts: 99
    I'm good with "sober", as in not drunk for the whole month of September, but what horrific diet idea does this come from? Good health is about moderation and balance. Giving up just about anything food or drink as part of a diet...seems more like punishment for not being willing to move more, do more, find balance in other areas...anyway...sorry for the rant but...oh heck no! Good luck.
  • moxleymama6
    moxleymama6 Posts: 532 Member
    I really need this. I gave up alcohol in Jan. and lost 10 lbs. At 45 years old, losing 10 pounds in a month is crazy for me. Slowly, and with the help of my good friends Shiraz, Pinot & Merlot ...those naughty girls...I've gained the 10 back! So, good-bye grapes!
  • mrsains
    mrsains Posts: 104 Member
    Hubby's bday dinner was tonite at red lobster. I had 2 diet cokes to his 3 long island ice teas! :sad: well, at least he gets a dd out of the deal! Lol!

    Good job!! Way to resist :smile:
  • Island_Style20
    Island_Style20 Posts: 98 Member
    I'm with Tiny Dancer....that will save me a LOT of money! :) I'm totally in. Great post!
  • Rowan813
    Rowan813 Posts: 170 Member
    A trainer friend of mine swears that the last 10 pounds for women is often wine calories. I am willing to try this until our vacation in mid October to see if I can look really good in the pictures. Honestly, once get there I will not be holding back. For now I am making plans for the first drink of my vacation and the second and third, you get the idea.
  • steph8503
    steph8503 Posts: 5
    ill do it...i only drink on occasion !!
  • Lisa1971
    Lisa1971 Posts: 3,069 Member
    BUMP! Anyone else game?????
  • stellaskies
    stellaskies Posts: 161 Member
    I have a feeling the rest of my life will be sober. My husband can't drink anymore and I find that I have no desire to have more than a glass of wine every once in awhile. I end up throwing out over half the bottle every single time!
  • Lisa1971
    Lisa1971 Posts: 3,069 Member
    I end up throwing out over half the bottle every single time!

    Now THAT is alcohol abuse!
  • farway
    farway Posts: 1,260 Member
    BUMP! Anyone else game?????

    Count me in.

    Before I started MFP early August a lunchtime pint or two was the norm, which Iost me pounds Sterling at £3.35 a pint, and gained me pounds avoirdupois at 160 calories per pint

    I reckon I can go until October fairly easily as nothing planned in way of celebrations or the like
  • windycitycupcake
    windycitycupcake Posts: 516 Member
    i am on board. i love drinking but have given it up cold turkey until halloween
  • ElleBee66
    ElleBee66 Posts: 128 Member
    I am in - I failed miserably at the August alcohol free challenge, but I am up for trying again:drinker:
  • rubyautumn4
    rubyautumn4 Posts: 818 Member
    I'm in! Not much of a drinker so it's no a big deal...but at least I will save myself the empty calories of a glass of wine here and there!
  • nowine4me
    nowine4me Posts: 3,985 Member
    I attempted (and nrealy succeeded) AF August. Tough. I'm willing to give it another shot, but MAN, wine tastes so good.
  • Olrielle
    Olrielle Posts: 1
    I am starting to think I have a drinking problem and really want to stop. Sober September sounds like a great idea. Giving up my nightly glass/glasses of red is going to be a killer :(
  • thistimeismytime
    thistimeismytime Posts: 711 Member
    I'm in to support others. I don't really drink and never have, so it's sort of Sober LIFE for me, but I'm all about supporting you guys, and a few of my friends are doing this too. :wink:
  • Lisa1971
    Lisa1971 Posts: 3,069 Member
    I am starting to think I have a drinking problem and really want to stop. Sober September sounds like a great idea. Giving up my nightly glass/glasses of red is going to be a killer :(

    Good for you! I know what you mean though. It's hard for me to watch football and NOT drink!
  • ktmmom189
    ktmmom189 Posts: 132 Member
    I'm in since I haven't drank since 9-18-1989. Probably doesn't really count since I had to give up alcohol long ago lol
  • kairisika
    kairisika Posts: 131 Member
    Cheers. (probably a "bad" sign off as far as you're concerned)
    As I've said multiple times, I say nothing against alcohol in moderation. there's a difference between enjoying a beer with friends and struggling to get through a week without being able to 'take the edge off' with alcohol.
    No, you didn't comment on the "relevant" part. You took a small part completely out of its actual, hyperbolic context, and grossly twisted it into something it's not.
    That's what we call "lack of reading comprehension."
    The point was that caffeine did not fit with the other parts mentioned as hyperbole. Yes, some people talk about not wanting to face a life without x tasty food, and yes, some of the people who talk about not giving up their wine are that way.
    But talking about people who say they are addicted to their caffeine is not hyperbole, as people generally *are* physically addicted to caffeine, as evidenced by physical reactions beyond just the mental trouble of functioning without it.
  • TheDreadPirateRoberts
    TheDreadPirateRoberts Posts: 225 Member
    Also in. Just come back from holiday and I drank every day there and have continued since I got back. Need to stop.

    Oh and yes, I do have a drink problem. I will find this hard to do.
  • ezavora
    ezavora Posts: 59 Member
    I didnt see the August one until a week ago. Set at only 1300 cal I know I need to get rid of the empty calories. But, I Iove me a vodka soda after work, its my mental wind down crutch. Knowing I should stop this I have not had a drink in 7 days since I saw the Aug post.

    Im not going to say I will 100% go without. But this is a step for me. I will commit to not drinking on work nights and keep any drinking may want to do to social situations and maybe one night after work this month if i really crave it. If I make it a total no-no it will just make me want it more and I will fail. Maybe I will make it the whole month. No matter what, it is huge for me, Im used to drinking 1-2 (or more) every night. Im not dead from no drinks n 7 days so here goes.
  • farway
    farway Posts: 1,260 Member
    Well since signing up yesterday my first challenge to sobriety arrived today, we went to Salisbury, with all it's lovely old pubs. The temptation to just blow it all and have a nice Sunday roast diinner with a few pints of real ale was a strong pull, but in the end settled for a cup of tea.

    Hooray, now I am back home very glad I walked on by

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