Reformed heavy drinkers who now drink less - talk to me

I never get hungover, so there is no incentive for me to quit! I want to drink almost nightly but can't, because I am hungry and use it for food instead. I'll answer your questions at the risk of sounding like an alcoholic.

How many drinks were your typical average before you reduced? I didn't drink nightly but when I did, I didnt drink a lot because I made them strong. Sometimes I may only have 2-4, but instead of one serving of hard liquor mixed in a coke, I'd do about half and half. I'd also polish off a bottle of wine no problem.

Did you find it difficult at first to limit yourself?
YESSS. I'm halfway thru week 3 and every night I want to drink.

Do you have just as much fun when you reduced your consumptions?
Well I mostly drink alone, so it's not about fun it's about the relaxing feeling and the buzz, but I also like the taste.

What did you do to get it back under control? Did you drink less frequently?
Right now I'm just "not" drinking. So far I've had the willpower, but I'll go out tomorrow night with a couple people and I know I'm going to want to drink - it's pricey though, and worse calorie wise.... but I'll probably workout extra to earn some extra calories then have at it.

Hey there,

I can definitely relate to your situation. Where you are at is a tough split unless you are absolutely certain of what you want. It sounds like you might want to focus on the drinking just because it is a bit of a problem, even outside of the weight loss. I used to drink like a 12 pack a night with no problem and not even have a buzz. I now don't really drink at all. When I started my weight loss journey I just decided that it wasn't worth it because I know that it was holding me back.

If I do decide to have a drink, I wait for the weekend and I try to make it something like a Skinny Girl Margarita (so delicious) and only 37 calories per 1.5 oz. Try to limit yourself to two because the calories add up quickly. Good luck in all of your adventures. Feel free to add as a friend if you would like.

I wouldnt say I'm a 'heavy' drinker, more of a 'binge' drinker. Sometimes I drink less on the night, sometimes I drink more, sometimes I dont go out at all. Just depends on my motivation really. No doubt that drinking slows my weight loss and compromises my resolve!

I think I've figured that if I eat carbs after drinking and drink tons of water, I dont get the hangover half as bad, if at all. But I always have food in my fridge for when I get in now and avoid KFC or kebabs like the plague. So basically I eat something healthy when I get home.

And yes, I skip dinner before I go out. And workout before I go out too. Its not often I go over my calories that way.

But the REAL danger is the next day when I just get a carb attack!!! This takes a lot of self control and will power. And I never feel like exercising the next day either. So that's not good either.

I've not had a drink for 5 weeks now, so I'm kinda dreading Easter which I have put aside to get wrecked!! :laugh:

Good luck, you'll find your own groove!

I tried to "control" my drinking multiple times and failed because control is an illusion.

Control is not an illusion. It's a matter of willpower, inner balance, and mental strength. Whether it's alcohol you're controlling, or food, drugs, etc, it is possible to do. Please don't tell people that having control is impossible. It may be for you - but not for everyone.

Well, I wouldn't necessarily call myself "reformed." My hubby works in the wine industry, so alcohol is part of our lifestyle. But I am working on cutting back from daily drinking. Up until a few weeks ago, I'd typically have between 2 & 4 drinks per night... maybe 6 if I was at a special event.

Then I just decided I'd go without drinking to try to get over a little plateau. I had been stuck at 160 for a couple weeks and thought that cutting out the alcohol might get me over that little hump.

The first night, when I came home from work, it was really hard not to pop open a beer or pour a drink. But once I poured myself a water and sat down to do my regular coming-home-from-work stuff, I got over it. It was really just the habit, and having the water in a fancy glass might have helped a little. It was difficult, but I made it through. And every night after that has been easier.

Since then, I've had several nights when I haven't had a drink at all, and several others where I've only had one drink. I've also had a couple of heavier nights (recent wedding trip). But I am making it a habit to have occasional nights without. And I am able to replace those empty calories with yummy food!

Overall, I'd say, yes, I have had as much fun without alcohol as with. But I didn't really use alcohol for "fun," more for relaxation.

If I know I'm going to be drinking, I just make sure to exercise and to eat sensibly earlier in the day. I try to choose light beers when possible. I'm a sucker for a gin & tonic, but maybe I'll try to switch to soda instead.

I don't typically get hangovers (I'm more of a maintenance drinker than a binge drinker), but I think that eating *while* drinking is usually the best way to avoid a hangover. Also, alternate drinks with glasses of water, and try to have only one alcoholic drink per hour.

I tried to "control" my drinking multiple times and failed because control is an illusion.

Control is not an illusion. It's a matter of willpower, inner balance, and mental strength. Whether it's alcohol you're controlling, or food, drugs, etc, it is possible to do. Please don't tell people that having control is impossible. It may be for you - but not for everyone.

Thank you for saying this - I agree. If I would have used the word "discipline" instead of control would the response have been the same?

I don't understand why some reformed alcoholics seem to resent other folk's efforts to strike a balance for moderation in drinking.

For starters, I hold no resentments towards anyone who drinks, especially those who try to change their drinking habits. Second, the 1 sentence I posted along with a link to my story was merely a way of sharing a brief glimpse into my dealings with alcohol. It was done in such a manner as not to come of as a preacher pushing my beliefs on anyone. I know that I'll never be able to convince anyone that may have a problem that they may have a problem and thus never try to do so. What I can do is put myself out there, say "this is me" and offer help or inspiration to those who want it.

There were times in my life where I would think that I needed to quit, and would quit on my own without help for a short time. Then I would bring up to myself and others all the accomplishments in my life that proved I was disciplined, mentally strong, balanced, and had great willpower. Then, sometimes a week later or months later, I would start drinking in excess because I was an addict.

Addict - to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively

Control - To exercise authoritative or dominating influence over

Now we all can ponder and argue the definitions of those definitions, but I personally don't see how a user can control his addiction while using.

(Disclaimer: My use of personal pronouns such as "I" and "my" are meant to convey that this post is my opinion and is not fact.)

The OP is trying to get help and reduce her alcohol consumption. To me, that is her controlling her issues. All Im saying is that words should be chosen wisely. Telling someone that control is impossible is negative. Its better to be positive.

Definition of control: lessen the intensity of; hold or keep within limits; the activity of managing or exerting control over something; restraint: discipline in personal and social activities
Source: wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn