Sober September anyone?

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.

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.

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."

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)

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.

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

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.

i am on board. i love drinking but have given it up cold turkey until halloween

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!

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

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.

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.