Less Alcohol- June 2018- One Day at a Time
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After my previous heavy post I’d like to share that tomorrow is my last day at a job I’ve had for 20 years. I’m getting up early, walking to the river, and going for a swim in the delightful 70-degree water before walking home (a mile each way) to say goodbye to one chapter and start another. I confess I plan to have champagne tomorrow but then commence a dry June with no fantasy of moderating. My struggles since January have taught me that for me, moderation is just that—a fantasy. Darn! But I’m grateful for the lesson and for the support here as I’ve learned it.
Now I’m going to shut the kitten up. (Saved you the trouble, Censor feature. You’re welcome).11 -
I'd like in! I could definitely do with drinking less beer. Boredom drinking on a Saturday when I'm off work and the wife isn't, is a problem I have. I get sat in front of my PlayStation and enjoy 8 cans or more. The same on Sunday, if the weather is rubbish or we stay home we'll watch movies and drink all day.
I don't want to stop entirely, but I want to stop drinking just because. The odd drink when we go out for a meal or something will be much more responsible.8 -
I went to the bar last night, because that is where us expats have to eat during Ramadan. Took my bottle of sparkling water and enjoyed drinking that with ice and lemon. I took a lot of *kitten* from my mates, they would not believe what I was drinking:
"What's that your drinking Ed?"
"Water"
"Oh aye, and what else?"
"Ice and lemon"
"No, there's gin in there, I can smell the gin"
My mind tried to get me to have a bottle of wine, I told it to *kitten* off and off it *kitten*.
An enjoyable night with my mates, an early night to bed and feeling awesome for my 4 am run . Result.
edit: wow it really doesn't naughty language does it ? I might break this mother *kitten* as I'm not going to *kitten* self censor.9 -
This was a good read this morning. As some of you know, The Sober school is a great resource.
https://thesoberschool.com/give-up-on-your-alcohol-free-goals/
Haha, very good.
And I loved the link to the blog post it sent me to:
https://thesoberschool.com/it-would-never-have-happened-if-id-still-been-drinking/
It's his students' many answers to the question, and perhaps others here might want to answer too:
"Is there something you’ve experienced recently that would never have happened, if you’d still been drinking?"2 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »Since then, I've drank a few times and cannot imagine why I still want to drink once in awhile. I know how great it feels to be sober , so I cannot figure out why I go back to drinking. That's the gist of my own story.
For me it is great by comparison but then as I go longer times between drinking the reality is that being sober is just normal life which at times can be dull. I certainly don't think it is as simple as having rainy days to appreciate the sunshine though. That is my goal for this month. I wish to continue what I started last month and figure out more of what is true (for me) and what is a lie about drinking and why I enjoy doing it.5 -
OK, I'm in for moderation. Goal to be AF Sunday to Thursday and go moderate Friday and Saturday. I know my "little drinks " during the week are sabotaging my weight loss goals. Good luck everyone for a move sober June7
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »Since then, I've drank a few times and cannot imagine why I still want to drink once in awhile. I know how great it feels to be sober , so I cannot figure out why I go back to drinking. That's the gist of my own story.
For me it is great by comparison but then as I go longer times between drinking the reality is that being sober is just normal life which at times can be dull. I certainly don't think it is as simple as having rainy days to appreciate the sunshine though. That is my goal for this month. I wish to continue what I started last month and figure out more of what is true (for me) and what is a lie about drinking and why I enjoy doing it.
I was reading a blog. And the blogger says that depression can kick in 5 weeks to a few months after you quit. I can see that actually. Also, the blogger said after he quit for a few months, he thought, "Where's the sober party?" Implying it can be quite boring being AF. I know that I feel that way too. I look at all my friends going out and drinking like they always have, and I wonder why can't I be like that. But then I remember how good I feel these days and I remember how *kitten* I felt those days.
Having said that, I woke up and thought that tomorrow at the staff end of the year party, I may have a drink or two. See, I equate rewards with alcohol. It's does trigger the reward system in the brain. Because that is what I've been doing for over two decades.3 -
JulieAL1969 wrote: »Having said that, I woke up and thought that tomorrow at the staff end of the year party, I may have a drink or two. See, I equate rewards with alcohol. It's does trigger the reward system in the brain. Because that is what I've been doing for over two decades.
The mind is generally a lazy, lying piece of *kitten*, that needs discipline & training as much as the body does. It would rather you had a drink, so it can put you on autopilot while it slinks off to hide.
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Welp, got my lab results back! Last year at this time I was looking at pre-diabetes and really high cholesterol. I’m happy to report that I’m no longer on the road to diabetes! It was inevitable and only a matter of time (And not even a lot of time.) had I continued on my path and not lost some weight.
My high cholesterol, though, is even higher. That baffled my doctor a little because I have lost 70 pounds. I will have to make some changes to my diet and see if I can get that number down. It scares me a little because heart disease runs rampant in my family, so I would really like to improve my cholesterol. It’s not bad enough for medication, but it is a cause for concern.
Still. I went from pre-diabetic to completely normal and that’s something! I couldn’t have lost 70 pounds had I still been drinking. It was the one thing that always stopped my weight loss attempts. So, I am proud of myself even if I still have stuff to work on.10 -
crazykatlady820 wrote: »Welp, got my lab results back! Last year at this time I was looking at pre-diabetes and really high cholesterol. I’m happy to report that I’m no longer on the road to diabetes! It was inevitable and only a matter of time (And not even a lot of time.) had I continued on my path and not lost some weight.
My high cholesterol, though, is even higher. That baffled my doctor a little because I have lost 70 pounds. I will have to make some changes to my diet and see if I can get that number down. It scares me a little because heart disease runs rampant in my family, so I would really like to improve my cholesterol. It’s not bad enough for medication, but it is a cause for concern.
Still. I went from pre-diabetic to completely normal and that’s something! I couldn’t have lost 70 pounds had I still been drinking. It was the one thing that always stopped my weight loss attempts. So, I am proud of myself even if I still have stuff to work on.
Could the reason you still have high cholesterol is because you’re still on a high fat diet? Your own body fat that is full of toxins that you are burning off and getting into your system. I would be interested in seeing that once you have lost all your weight and maintain what your cholesterol would be.2 -
@crazykatlady820 Congratulations on that tremendous weight loss! That is most inspirational!1
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JulieAL1969 wrote: »I was reading a blog. And the blogger says that depression can kick in 5 weeks to a few months after you quit. I can see that actually. Also, the blogger said after he quit for a few months, he thought, "Where's the sober party?" Implying it can be quite boring being AF. I know that I feel that way too. I look at all my friends going out and drinking like they always have, and I wonder why can't I be like that. But then I remember how good I feel these days and I remember how *kitten* I felt those days.
Having said that, I woke up and thought that tomorrow at the staff end of the year party, I may have a drink or two. See, I equate rewards with alcohol. It's does trigger the reward system in the brain. Because that is what I've been doing for over two decades.
Well you are probably blessed to still get the bad hangovers which I realize is an odd thing to say. The difference for me is more about weight and the limitations it imposes and how I feel overall.
The reward thing is something I am going to have to contemplate though. Is thinking it is fun and an easy way to pass a few hours the same as a reward? I will be asking myself a lot of questions this month I think. Thanks for sharing that.
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@crazykatlady820 Good job on the 70 and reversing your pre-diabetes. I wish I knew something about cholesterol to help you but there are plenty of people who do that can I am sure.
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I am joining this as well. I've been drinking more and more during the week; at times affecting my job by calling in sick. I am constantly telling myself, "Oh its my so and so's birthday, let's have drinks!" OR "Hey, it's Friday." I am tired of it as it's making me gain weight and becoming more of a habit than before. I want to completely stop, but being 24 and having friends that drink makes it very difficult for me.7
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I am joining this as well. I've been drinking more and more during the week; at times affecting my job by calling in sick. I am constantly telling myself, "Oh its my so and so's birthday, let's have drinks!" OR "Hey, it's Friday." I am tired of it as it's making me gain weight and becoming more of a habit than before. I want to completely stop, but being 24 and having friends that drink makes it very difficult for me.
I'm impressed with you being only 24 and knowing that alcohol doesn't have to be part of a long, fulfilling life and it's drags you down. You may be your friend's inspiration in the future to cut back. Read the book Alcohol Explained if you can. It is eye opening. We are all cheering you on. Let's make June on the dry side! xo
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A few months ago, the teachers in my building all signed up for a Booze Cruise to celebrate the end of the school year. Without hesitation, I didn't sign up to go. This week, people are talking about how fun it will be, etc. And to be honest, I am so happy not to be going. Just sayin'
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So great to read everybody's new comments. @donimfp - yes, heartily agree with what you said about younger people getting a grip sooner rather than later. And congrats on your new chapter - how wonderful!
@JulieAL1969 - thanks for remembering the story about my son and girlfriend's breakup. Shocking turn around for sure. They have each had a couple of drinks since March, but are basically not drinking. Interesting side note: They recently went to a weekend work event at an island in the Caribbean that shall remain unnamed so I don't get anyone into trouble. 90% of the people at this event just got *kitten*-faced. I mean, they didn't drink a little, they did blackout, crazy drinking. My son and his GF bonded with the only people there besides themselves who weren't drinking, a CEO client of a fairly good-sized company and his wife. My son and this CEO have now done some valuable business together and it all started because they bonded over being AF. This is not to say folks don't bond over drinking, just that it's possible to form business relationships when you're not.
Would you guys believe I have just now started the Alcohol Experiment? I may be the last person here to check this out, but just felt like I could use a mid-year tuneup. It's super helpful. Very analytical about the biological effects of drinking. I'm learning a lot.3 -
@mgiron - welcome to a supportive, nonjudgmental group. We're all here to support each other and toss around ideas. Everyone has to figure out his own approach on this, but even if you just figure out a few ways to cut back a bit you'll be far ahead of doing nothing. Wishing you the best!2
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@crazykatlady820:
Congrats on your accomplishments! I had something similar happen after losing 25 pounds. My doctor thinks that if I continue to do what I’ve been doing the cholesterol and triglycerides will come down. My physical is in November but I may ask for an fasting blood test to be done before then to see where the levels are.2 -
I feel like I have a good grip on my consumption, and also my ability to know that I don’t have to drink on all social occasions.
A problem I have is having around my friends who get into chaotic situations. I love these people, but it is affecting my own self.
I’d rather not get into details, but twice in the past three weeks I have been put in some bad and/or embarrassing situations caused by friends who got out of control with their booze.6 -
I'm home from 4 days of Granny duty. Briefly thought about a drink or two this evening but then reconsidered. I am enjoying my sobriety and do not feel punished this time. So far, anyway
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@JenT304, good for you! I’m sure that post-vigilance crash is a tempting time.
I walked and swam today and the frigid water kept me comfy all day despite the fact that at 7 pm our heat index remained above 100. Toasted the end of an employment era with champagne this evening. Tomorrow begins AF June. No excuses. No rationalizations. I truly want this. I know what to expect of the first few weeks. I look forward to seeing what a whole darn month feels like.7 -
@erikNJ I feel for you. That's a tough situation. You'll work it out. Maybe take a little break from these people.3
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@donimfp It's the end of one chapter, and the beginning of a new one. You will make a huge difference in your new job. And it will be even better with a clear head, lots of energy, and focus. Cheers to a dry June!2
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Hi Friends,
Doing well here in the Midwest. I decided to fast today from breakfast until dinner- a mini fast of 9 hours. I just wanted to really shake up my diet. It was really a good experiment. Sometimes stretching the willpower muscle feels good. You prove to yourself that you can do hard things. I think I'll try it again in a few days and do 16 hours fast. No alcohol for 6 days. And it feels good.3 -
@Gingergal12 I do know that reducing alcohol helps cholesterol as well. Can't wait to what your test results are in November.3
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@kittybenn Great story about your son reaping many rewards due to not drinking. Wow- who knows where this will go!3
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I've read most of you want AF Sun - Thurs? Me too with moderation on the weekend. I kind of compare myself drinking like I did when I used to smoke - "after this bottle of wine (or six pack of apple cider) I won't get any more", but I will eventually. But, I have a liquor store within walking distance (not that I'm that desperate, that's just said to illustrate how easy it is for me to get).
My story: I have it rough at work - I work in an office that for the most part is like being in a high school. There's one person in there that HAS TO BE dramatic all the time and it drives me up the wall. I do my best to ignore her, but then there's the need to be a "team player" and I can't. I'm an empath and I end up absorbing her consistent negativity. That's where the alcohol comes in at the end of the day. It's just a way to "let go" at the end of the day. Usually it's a glass (maybe two at the most) of wine or a bottle of hard cider. But, it's an everyday thing.
Anyway. . . just glad for the support and I'm trying to take it one day at a time.7 -
I am going to try for "AF except for at most one social event per week" June. I am going to take this one day at a time. Unfortunately today is Friday, so my first day might be my "social" day!I'm going to keep track on a daily basis to help myself be accountable to my goals. I really want this. It has a HUGE impact on my weight loss and I have still about 90 lbs to go.5
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Thank you for this great thread. I'm doing my own personal "Dry 'till July" challenge. I have never had a problem with alcohol before, but I had two incidents, one in March and one on May 3rd, where I had too much to drink and suffered consequences. Fortunately, they were not life-threatening or long-lasting or unrecoverable, but the next day I realized that that was not the person I wanted to be.
I'll be celebrating a family member's B-day the first week in July, and I will drink, but I will not get drunk.
After that, I still won't be drinking regularly because, health benefits aside, it's not conducive to weight loss at all, and that's important to me right now.4
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