Less Alcohol- July 2018- One Day at a Time

Hi all! Thanks for the nod @NovusDies - I do think my ability to be successful in my mindful moderation approach is due largely to the fact that I’ve had great long term success with a similar mindset around food, nutrition, weight loss and now maintaining a healthy weight. And to that point...

I also think those who are focusing on health and weight loss in addition to efforts to limit drinking should read @Orphia great post above and take a look at the linked most helpful threads. I’ve been an active member of this community for 5 years now, sticking with it even after meeting my weight loss goal about a year or so into the process. There are so many helpful members in this community and there’s a tremendous amount of woo and pseudoscience out there so wading through that BS to figure out what is really important can be challenging - but the thing is, weight loss really is simple, it just isn’t easy. I think many of you have had similar epiphanies about going AF or carefully moderating. It certainly isn’t easy, but if you can wrap your head around it and figure out what YOU need to do to stay motivated and on track with your goals then it can be so simple it’s hard to figure out why you just didn’t do it sooner!

@WinoGelato thank you for posting re moderation. Not all on this thread are looking to be AF, and though arguments could be made that we're all following a one day at a time approach, I look at total abstinence and 'planned drinking' a little differently. My goal is not abstinence, it's moderation in all things, food, alcohol, and exercise-- balance in everything.

Hello all!

It's been awhile since I've posted. I recently got back from being out of town in San Francisco for a work conference, and then fun. Definitely have been drinking more than I'd like.

I've also decided that I am just going to do my best to not drink for awhile, period.

Hope you all are doing well.

I don't think there's ever been an issue with those of us that aren't abstaining. I've been here since January and found nothing but support. My goal has been to limit my daily beers to 6. Yes I drink that much, and yes its a cutback. A year ago I was drinking 9-10 beers. Everyone here has been supportive and non-judgemental. That has a lot to do with my overall success. We are a team, cheering each other on, and I want nothing more for you than your success.

There are definitely times I think this thread is going only for the alcohol free folks. But then I think of the incredible support I have received from these amazing folks in my steps to drinking less. Like @snoo61 and @WinoGelato , I drink way less than the person I was 7 months ago (and eat better). It’s to the point where it isn’t forced and planned out. It’s become routine to go to the gym all week. To eat healthy. To make decisions to drink less or not at all. Being able to share highs and lows here has been a big part of my growth.

Thanks all! Again just to be clear, Ive never felt like anyone here was suggesting or implying that a moderation approach wasn’t welcome or helpful in these threads. It was really my own concerns from reading about some folks continued challenges with their abstinence goal, and some of the literature posted which suggests alcohol as a poison, that no amount is healthy etc - that made me wonder if me posting about successfully moderating would be counterproductive to the mindset that some of you find helpful for reaching your goals and controlling your intake.

The members in this unofficial group are so supportive and so positive it’s definitely clear that all are welcome here no matter what their individual goals.

Carry on all!

Interesting that the topic of moderation vs abstinence continues to be mentioned.

JulieAL1969 wrote: »

It is a beautiful journey we are all on. For each of us it is unique. We all support and care for each other and never judge. Let's continue to post what works for our individual goals. I'm positive there are many people out there who don't post but read each of our posts, and it helps them in some way. I take nuggets from each person's ideas and try to be a better person. Whether you are moderators or abstainers, continue to express your views. I will also continue to share my success and struggles without reservation.

Being free to express what you feel, is such a rare thing. I feel more freely to express myself on this thread than in most of my personal relationships. Because it's a safe place without judgement.

That is what makes this thread work. Like the saying goes, "It takes a village." I am so happy to be on this journey with each and every one of you. Xo

There is a Craig Beck video worth watching entitled, "Why Doesn't Everyone Get Addicted to Alcohol." There is a fine line between moderation and addiction, but he stresses that "many" people can drink moderately, so like Julie so eloquently stated above, none of us need to justify our moderation or abstinence, we are here using this space solely to support each other to be better people.