LESS Alcohol ~ SEPTEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
Replies
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September (for me) has not been nice!
AF - 2
A - 21
After today, I plan on being AF for the rest of the month (7 days). I also plan on an AF October. I have two doctor appointments towards the end of October. I will have to do labs for one of those appts. And I really need to lose some weight. I don't want to have to buy all new winter clothes.4 -
15 A
8 AF
Small progress - AF catching up a little bit8 -
AF - 12
A - 11
Stay strong my friends.6 -
I dumped the remainder of my weekend wine out yesterday morning and did not have wine last night. One day down...
AF = 5
A = 187 -
23 AF days done and day 24 AF begins. Setting my intention now and planning my day. Self-control feels good but I know I have to hold onto it tightly.
I hope others join me in the long-ish AF stretch. The first few days or week of discomfort is just that, learning to deal with temporary discomfort.5 -
So, I’ve been reading the posts about going long stretches AF, like 30-90 days. And, I appreciate why people want to do that. I completely understand it, and I think it’s great for everyone who will or will try to do it.
It’s just not for me. I enjoy my wine. My problem has been I enjoy it just too much and too often. This group helped me put into perspective just how much, and I have been able to see when I’m doing too much. It also helped me to figure out the whys for when I pick up the wine. I always said I “needed” it. But, I don’t “need” wine. I “need” to work through whatever emotion/stressor that’s behind the “need”. To want to have a glass of wine is just a different feeling.
Anyway, like I said, all my support to you all trying to go for long stretches! I pray you’ll succeed! I know you can.7 -
I have been alcohol free for 10 days now.
A few observations.
sleeping way better. I wake up before the alarm.
Energy is way up during the day. Fatigue is gone.
Less bloating.
Cravings for empty calorie food and mindless snacking is gone.
I have dropped 5lbs.
Anxiety is gone. I feel calmer and more relaxed with myself.
I seem to have more time on my hands.
My overall senses are firing on all cylinders.
My wife said to me last night "you will drink again I don't think you can do it" normally this would have set me off but for some reason I found this to be motivating, and I accept the challenge! lol
This is my second go around to quit the habit.
I initially wanted to do a 90 day challenge but I have made the decision to make this a permanent change. The people in my life will either have to accept it. If they can't accept it, then I guess that's the end of our relationship. 13 -
@NonnieDoiron I, too, enjoy my wine, and I don't want to put it down forever. I do need to set rigid ground rules for myself, or I will drink it every day. That's just a fact. I'm battling some bouts of depression right now that I need to work through without drinking, but part of the depression is not drinking...lol. I'm a mess, but I'll get there one day at a time.7
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September:
AF=8
A=15
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@xbowhunter Congratulations on your 10 days of being alcohol free. I had the same observations during my twenty-something day AF streak last month.
I believe you originally said that you wanted to quit drinking to save money. I had said that the reason that I would like to quit is because of past medical issues. But the reason for me to quit drinking right now is that I'm scared!
Three years ago, I woke up just after midnight vomiting blood. My husband called 911. I was taken to the hospital and was in the ICU for at least three days (I don't remember a whole lot) and then transferred to other units. I was medically detoxed (I couldn't have done it on my own). I was diagnosed with esophageal varices and beginning stages of cirrhosis. Obviously, I was told not to drink.
I haven't been checked out for a while. I have an appt with a new gastroenterologist next month (I had a falling out with my old one). Another reason for me to abstain!
Right now, I feel like I'm pushing my luck. And recently, I've been feeling really scared because often there is no warning when something bad is going to happen.
I do have alcohol in the house right now. But tomorrow is a new day!
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SurferGirl1982 wrote: »@xbowhunter Congratulations on your 10 days of being alcohol free. I had the same observations during my twenty-something day AF streak last month.
I believe you originally said that you wanted to quit drinking to save money. I had said that the reason that I would like to quit is because of past medical issues. But the reason for me to quit drinking right now is that I'm scared!
Three years ago, I woke up just after midnight vomiting blood. My husband called 911. I was taken to the hospital and was in the ICU for at least three days (I don't remember a whole lot) and then transferred to other units. I was medically detoxed (I couldn't have done it on my own). I was diagnosed with esophageal varices and beginning stages of cirrhosis. Obviously, I was told not to drink.
I haven't been checked out for a while. I have an appt with a new gastroenterologist next month (I had a falling out with my old one). Another reason for me to abstain!
Right now, I feel like I'm pushing my luck. And recently, I've been feeling really scared because often there is no warning when something bad is going to happen.
I do have alcohol in the house right now. But tomorrow is a new day!
Wow that is scary. All the more reason for me to move on alcohol free!6 -
xbowhunter wrote: »
Wow that is scary. All the more reason for me to move on alcohol free!
Yes, it is. Some of the alcohol-related diseases have no symptoms (until they've progressed). Or, you just don't relate the problems you're experiencing to drinking. I've had less disturbing issues from drinking. But they were usually related to vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Heavy drinkers don't absorb the nutrients and they don't eat well on top of that.
My best friend (who happens to live about 800 miles from me) called today. We hadn't talked in a while. Her husband had been a heavy beer drinker for about 20 years. He couldn't work. He was a big rig truck driver beforehand. But he started having panic attacks and could no longer work. His doctor told him that the anxiety that he was feeling was actually a symptom of alcohol withdrawals. Withdrawal symptoms can begin just hours after your last drink. Anyways, this past July, my friend had to call 911. Her husband didn't have any idea what he was doing or where he was. He was suffering from a wet brain (I can't remember the actual term). He spent a few days in the hospital and then five weeks in a nursing home. The good news is that he has majorly improved and hasn't drank since July.
Scary stuff!
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16 AF
8 A5 -
@NonnieDoiron I, too, enjoy my wine, and I don't want to put it down forever. I do need to set rigid ground rules for myself, or I will drink it every day. That's just a fact. I'm battling some bouts of depression right now that I need to work through without drinking, but part of the depression is not drinking...lol. I'm a mess, but I'll get there one day at a time.
I completely understand. And, you’re not as big a mess as you think you are. You’re here and checking in daily. You’re doing the work and making the effort. We are all here to support you!
I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, but I am not medicated because of my drinking. I know I drink to self-medicate. So, like you, I have those ground rules which cause me to analyze why I “need” a drink. After careful reflection, I realize I don’t need a drink. I need a good cry or a b*tch session or even a good laugh. I need feedback from someone who might see a different angle to my frustration, or maybe I just need to pray. My need is not alcohol. My need is to face whatever I’m feeling good, bad, or indifferent.
We are all different, and we will all find our way through this maze of either abstinence or temperence. I hope and pray everyone gets where they are going and stays there. 🙂
AF = 17
A = 68 -
@NonnieDoiron I, too, enjoy my wine, and I don't want to put it down forever. I do need to set rigid ground rules for myself, or I will drink it every day. That's just a fact. I'm battling some bouts of depression right now that I need to work through without drinking, but part of the depression is not drinking...lol. I'm a mess, but I'll get there one day at a time.
@chicbuc I was going to ask how old you where. But I looked at your profile and you are younger than me. I'm 67. Although I don't look that old. And when I'm not drinking I'm in pretty good physical shape.
You're sounding just like me...you have to set rigid ground rules. I also had rigid ground rules. My best one was to only drink on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It really is a pretty good plan. But I couldn't stick to it.
The purpose of this group is to support each other in our LA or NA goals. So I don't want to offend anyone. But I've spent the last 40 years trying to moderate.
Sometimes..."Someday Never Comes"
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@SurferGirl1982 Your someday is already here, though because you've had less to drink last month...and even this month...than you did before you started. You can't get anywhere unless you start. Keep on fighting!
@NonnieDoiron I've recently regained my faith and started praying again and it has helped immensely. I know it sounds weird to someone who doesn't believe, but it helps just to put that burden on God and to know it's not just mine.
AF last night and I didn't really crave any either, so that's good. I do go to bed earlier on AF nights, and I can tell that frustrates the SO a little, but it sure is nice to wake up early AND refreshed.
AF = 6
A = 189 -
15 A
9 AF
Added two AF days this week. Let it roll! Once I get two days in a row, it is better for me to keep it going.9 -
Happy hump day.
AF - 13
A - 117 -
September:
AF=9
A=15
Two AF days in a row - WOOHOO
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24 days AF and on to day 25. Taking it one day at a time.
Still in that honeymoon phase of my life is so good without drinking - except I lost only 1-2 lbs this time because I intentionally substituted chocolate for alcohol and that works very well for me. I've switched to 10 calorie 100% cocoa powder to mix in with whatever to try to better manage the chocolate addiction.
I love some wines (both the flavor and the warming feeling it gives me) and do look forward to the day sometime in the future where I will have a good wine without guilt or waking up the addiction. But I know I shouldn't have them much more than a few times a year because my health is the most important thing I can control in my life. The quality of my life matters very much. Didn't realize how much the wines were affecting my self-esteem and controlling my thinking.
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Thanks @chicbuc I guess I am doing better than before I started. I just wish this month could have been more like last month. I'll try to do better in October 🙂
The funny thing about the silly rules that I would set for myself...they looked so good on paper. But sticking to them just never happened. When you think about the plan to only drink on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; it sounds perfect! Never drinking two days in a row and only drinking 3 days out of 7.
One time I made a plan to be AF on Sundays and Mondays only. Sounds easy, right? I figured down the line that I could add in a AF Wed. But for me, when Sunday would come around, I would cave. I guess this is a classic example of "Do what I say, not what I do!"
I'm happy that you had an AF night last night 🙂5 -
@SparkSpringtime69 Congrats on the 2 day AF streak 😀 It really is an accomplishment!5
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17 AF
8 A6 -
AF = 18
A = 6
I think I forgot my b12… better go do it before I forget again.🙄6 -
Today I'm going to our ski cabin for the "Autumn Market" in the village. I have packed some Red Wine but I haven't decided if I want to drink yet. I'm mostly thinking that is is unnecessary calories because I want to lose weight and stay in a calorie deficit. At the same time I think it is so cozy to be there and have some burning candles and a great book and some wine. Let's see how it goes...
AF: 24
A: 24 -
AF - 14
A - 11
11 days alcohol free now. I feel 100% better both mentally and physically. No going back now... 10 -
I was in another city for work for the last 3 days and went out for dinner with friends last night. Cocktail before dinner, one glass of red with, and a cocktail at another bar a bit later, but that was it. It still messed with my sleep, but I enjoyed the drinks.
Considered coming home to a glass of wine when I got in, but the other drinker in the house had been hitting it pretty hard and that put me right off again. A good thing, I guess.
We're going into a long weekend, and there will be drinks, but I'm hoping my newfound moderation sticks...6 -
Great job @xbowhunter !!5
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SurferGirl1982 wrote: »@SparkSpringtime69 Congrats on the 2 day AF streak 😀 It really is an accomplishment!
Thanks @surfergirl1982, Unfortunately I didn't get a third day into that streak
I seem to have very little problem with days 1 and 2, it's getting past those first couple into a longer streak that I have difficulty with. I need to figure out what's causing that - I blame it on stress, but I think there has to be something more to it, and I don't think it's a physical thing. Anyway, today should be a new day 1.
@xbowhunter nice job on the 11 day streak - keep up the great work! And to everyone else who has those wonderful, long streaks going, congratulations; it's inspiring and I'm looking forward to the day I can count myself as one of you!!
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September:
AF=9
A=164
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