LESS Alcohol ~ June 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

Womona · June 23

@NonnieDoiron oh honey come here and let me give you a big, giant hug! I’m so sorry to hear you have to go through the non-response, or bad response thing. Menopause years are extremely difficult, and it is heartbreaking to know that you’re being dismissed.

Definitely another doctor is in order. There are some great websites where you can connect with a doctor who specializes in peri and menopause, and could prescribe for you. I think MIDI is one, and there is another whose name I forgot. But I hear great things about them.

We just want to be seen, heard, understood and cared about, especially in this huge transition in our lives. I get it. Oh and also you still have the other major stressors in your life!

If you’re in Reddit, check out the r/Menopause subreddit. I get a lot of great info and support there.

Another big hug!

Womona · June 23

Hey all, hope you had a good weekend, and are in good mindsets for the upcoming week.

Another NA day for me! The big test was going to brunch after church, which is usually an automatic mimosa. Instead I had seltzer with cranberry , and it hit the spot. I didn’t want any wine for dinner either.

Here’s a question… does anyone use CBD gummies for stress? This is completely unscientific, but I’m noticing that if I take one, my desire to drink goes way down. I’m not sure if there is a direct effect, or if I am just less stressed and therefore don’t need a drink to calm me down. But it’s interesting to me.

nbruns83 · June 23

@itladyee, I am so sorry about your sister's diagnosis. It seems not that long ago, another sister passed away after a long chronic illness. It's good that the new grandson's birth was between these two struggles. You really do need a break from the caregiver's role. I'm sending you wishes for strength, courage, and patience.

@risottogirl, congratulations on the recent retirement and for launching into a healthier routine! Sadly I've had the opposite experience. I exercised daily when working, went straight to the gym after work. Had a healthful brown bag lunch every work day. On the weekends, I was too busy with chores, so alcohol was a controlled, social pleasure. I'd been a teacher, and was so tired of schedules, and structure, that I rejected any routines in retirement. DH and I started traveling, so exercise time and healthy meals became hit and miss. Ugh! I admire folks who know how to handle change. I think that's one reason I participate in support groups on MFP, posting and checking in with you all helps to re-establish healthful structures in my random retirement.

@LittleSurferGirl7, No pressure intended, but I'm sending supportive thoughts your way for whatever you choose tomorrow. Hugs.

My stats:

AF 15
LA 6 (only one drink)
A 1

LittleSurferGirl7 · June 23

@Womona Another NA day is awesome! The only time that I tried a CBD product was when I had knee replacement surgery. It was back in 2018 and I spent $100 for some CBD drops (under the tongue thing). It did absolutely nothing for my pain. But, surgery pain is a different type of pain. I've never heard about gummies used for stress or to reduce the desire for alcohol. But, I really don't keep up with that kind of thing. Keep us informed. If it could reduce the desire for alcohol, that would be really cool. Maybe others have more experience.

@nbruns83 Thanks! I think I've got this. I'll be going to bed within the hour and will be pouring what's left of the whiskey down the sink. Anyways, I think I'll be OK. I haven't been having any withdrawal symptoms in the morning. I'm going to try to get some things done tomorrow, but if it has to be a lazy day…well, that's OK too!

LittleSurferGirl7 · June 23

Well, I poured my whiskey down the sink last night and I wasn't feeling very well this morning. I got up around 6 am, but went back to bed. I'm going to get a pint at 9 am when the liquor store opens. But I need to leave it at that. Lately, I've been drinking more than a pint again…Not Good!

Michieb125 · June 23

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48660049#Comment_48660049

I hear your enthusiasm for starting a dry day! Keep thinking about your why’s and I hope you can find things to keep you busy and push through the cravings - We’re all rooting for you.

Michieb125 · June 23

Congrats on another N.A. day @Womona - way to go! I use the Olly Stress gummies with very low doses of natural lemon balm, GABA and L-Theanine. The CBD gummies are different but sound helpful and help reduce your stress, therefore work to reduce reaching for wine! Win!

BurnMode05 · June 23

Happy Monday all!

I stuck to my planned AF weekend—and I’m feeling proud.

My big test came yesterday after deep cleaning the house. I had a strong urge to pour a drink & relax, but I remembered someone in this group saying cravings usually fade after 15 minutes. I told myself, “If you still want it in 15 minutes, you can have it.”

Fifteen minutes later, I still kinda wanted it—but I was still cleaning. Another 15 went by, I made lunch and poured a lemonade instead. The urge passed—and I kept my weekend alcohol-free.

Also started taking Ashwagandha again to help with stress—and already feeling more focused and balanced.

Here’s to small wins and staying grounded.

@LittleSurferGirl7 sending you a massive hug!!

AF = 14

A = 8

Michieb125 · June 23

You are a resilient woman warrior @globalhiker - thanks for sharing your come back journey from pre-cancer no less.

Super good to see you here @NonnieDoiron although things sounds super tough right now. I hope you can seek out a new doctor who is more compassionate and supportive who can meet you right where you are.

Michieb125 · June 23

Such a huge accomplishment @BurnMode05 — an AF weekend! You must be so proud and should be!!

LittleSurferGirl7 · June 23

Thanks @Michieb125 and @BurnMode05!

My problem isn't cravings. I drink way more than I should and I wake up feeling really crappy. When I pour the whiskey out at night (thinking of the next day being AF), in the morning, I really regret that I threw it out and that I have to wait until 9 am (11 am on Sundays) to get more.

It would be nice if I could have a half-pint for in the morning and just stop with the half-pint (not buy any more that day). The next day I would feel fine and I could have an AF day…then another and another! But it doesn't work out that way for me. If a have a few drinks in the morning, it's enough to feel well again. But I can't seem to stop with just that…I have to get more.

BTW…Congrats on having an AF weekend BurnMode05!

Michieb125 · June 23

Fell short of 4 days off from wine last week (which was admittedly a bit aggressive) so it’s a new week and a new day to start again. The past is past and the future is ours to create.
We are all making progress each and everyday when we put forth thought and planning into our LA goals and then the harder part for me, carrying them out and not caving on an NA day.

Taking off on a 4 mile walk now and will listen to a good podcast.
Happy Monday!

itladyee · June 23

Ah Monday….I would like to remove my brain, put it on a shelf for a while and get on with life….I can't stop thinking….

I'm getting push back that the breast surgeon wont talk to anyone on the phone until she's seen the patient. Her reviews are really good so I think she's a good doctor. One of her associates told me to call her other office and explain the situation. I'm now waiting on a call back.

I'm ok with whatever I need to do to take care of my sister, but it hit me…wait..my Mom, my older sister, my younger sister……me???? I've been screened and poked and prodded but now that voice is inside my head asking did they miss something. At any rate, I've called my RN and asked to schedule an MRI for me for peace of mind.

So I've been doing my best to keep busy. Bought a ton of plants and potted them for my patio which hopefully will be ready in less than two weeks.

@globalhiker ~Thank you for sharing your experience and your courage. We have an MRI for my sister on 7/2 and a meeting with the Dr. on 7/8 (she's only in on Tuesdays). Kudos for continuing the AF lifestyle!! How is your DH doing? I'm going to guess that my risk is close to yours if not higher….(about that brain)… Glad your doctors acted quickly and you're ok now.

@risottogirl ~ Congrats on getting in your right mind and taking charge. 16 pounds in 6 weeks is amazing!!

@LittleSurferGirl7 ~ Thank you for your kind words. No worries, I get it, I never feel like I have the right words to say.

@Womona ~ I would never let my sister go alone, even if she weren't disabled. I remember how important it was to have an advocate when my Mom was going through her challenges. I already informed folks at work that my schedule will need to be flexible. You should be proud of your son! Congrats on his successful training.

@NonnieDoiron ~ my heart goes out to you! Doctors have no "bedside manner" these days… What a terrible thing to say. Sending lots of hugs your way in hopes that you can get some stress relief and tend to yourself! @LittleSurferGirl7 may be on to something re finding a female doctor. My first experience with a female doctor was horrid, but I have since had some good ones.

@nbruns83 ~ Thank you, and yes, you are correct re my older sister. That was Sept of 23.

@BurnMode05 ~ You should be proud for sticking to a planned AF weekend, not only planned, but accomplished!! Great job, you are doing well.

@Michieb125 Hope you had a great walk. I can get to 3 miles…I will have to work for 4 but it does feel good (like you accomplished something) when you're done!!

My Mini Vent:
I don't do well with chaos and uncertainty. I just want to know the plan and I can move forward. Still waiting on that phone call….

I'm going to try to get a few more AF days this month, but definitely not hitting my goal!

June Stats > 6.22

A=18
AF=4

Michieb125 · June 23

While walking and logging miles this AM, I listened to a short but powerful Monday podcast by SunnySide - a company (and app) that helps people take a mindful approach to their relationship with alcohol. The topic really hit home for me.

Here is the concept that was highlighted: logging and tracking are great tools for keeping us in check (external), but evaluating IS our choice to drink in the moment aligned with our self-concordance (core values, and intrinsic beliefs of who I am and want to be).
Example for me: having a glass of wine with a beautiful steak dinner - yes; sipping a cold Sav Blanc on a picnic with friends - yes; opening a bottle of wine because I’m bored or anxious - no; pouring a glass or two out of habit just to sit in front of the TV - no. I will be asking myself this question more often. I don’t have example 1 or 2 happening tonight so it will be an NA day.

Left me with lots to ponder!

nbruns83 · June 24

@Michieb125, thanks for sharing the knowledge from your podcast. I like the examples you gave for self-concordance. That's a great way to evaluate the situations when I want to have a glass of wine.

@LittleSurferGirl7, I hope you got through the day with less than a pint. I'm wondering if if might help to switch it up for a drink with less alcohol content. Just a thought; I don't know the particulars of your situation. I'm pulling for you.

@itladyee, your sister is so blessed to have you navigating this diagnosis with her. I'm glad you're taking the initiative for your own health and peace of mind.

I cooked yesterday, and planned a glass of red wine to go with my pasta dish. But later, friends stopped by while out walking their dog. They split a beer, so I split one with DH. Not a full-size second drink, but still unplanned. So I've got to stay with AF for the rest of today.

My stats:

AF 15
LA 6 (only one drink)
A 2

globalhiker · June 25

@BurnMode05 congrats on your weekend accomplishments - both an AF weekend plus cleaning your house - I forgot to clean mine :)!

I used to have fear of the weekend because I always found getting in AF day on the weekend was so mentally hard. I thought people were supposed to drink on weekends, that's what everyone does and a weekend without wine was just not a weekend at all.

Interesting the tricks our brains play on us to block our progress!

@NonnieDoiron it's crazy how women's healthcare has a big void when it comes to women's healthcare in our 50s and 60s. This is why so many of us self-medicated with wine. And the problem is way more than hot flashes and weight gain. Imbalanced estrogen to progesterone ratio can lead to disease and surgery. The newer generation of young doctors and NPs tend to be more up to speed with most recent knowledge out there and I hope you find someone good.

tmbg1 · June 25

14 AF

1 LA

9 A

Michieb125 · June 25

I don’t think I mentioned that I poured out half a bottle of wine that was leftover from last week…..it wasn’t great and I wanted a fresh start on Monday. And I was buying too many bottles to have on hand which I saw was defeating my purpose for less!

This week I picked up some small Prosecco bottles for my planned A days. This puts less focus on a big bottle of opened wine which is helping me keep an LA mindset.

Last night: Two small Prosecco piccolos while watering my vegetable and flower gardens and making Cobb salads for dinner.

Tonight we have plans to see family and it will be a NA day with an early morning Body balance class tomorrow.

Take good care of your LA selves.

tmbg1 · June 25

15 AF

1 LA

9 A

itladyee · June 26

We had book club last night. I had a couple glasses of wine with dinner. Dinner was supposed to be this great lasagna that everyone has been raving about. Of course, the minute I decide to try it…gone, there's out. I ended up with shrimp tacos, they were pretty good as well.

Nothing on the agenda today, so might make it a nice quite AF evening reading my neighbors book that he published :). Nothing schedule for Friday either.

We have a yard party on Saturday, so I expect a few drinks there and then hopefully finish out the month AF. At least it's a plan!

Sister Update: I did get a call back from the nurse but she has to talk to the dr and then get back to me…yikes. At any rate, she is scheduled for an MRI on 7/2, I will just tell her that they want to do more test for now, then she's scheduled to meet with the breast surgeon on 7/8. I got my MRI scheduled for 7/9 so my brain is ready to see 7/15 and put all this uncertainty behinds and move forward with what needs to be done!! 😐️

@Michieb125 ~ I like the idea of the smaller bottles. You're less likely to open another and also eliminated the need to finish the bottle!

@tmbg1 ~ you had a nice little run there for a while and I see you hopping back on it! Good for you!

June Stats > 6.25

A=21
AF=4

tmbg1 · June 26

16 AF

1 LA

9 A

SparkSpringtime69 · June 26

June:

AF=9
A=16

LittleSurferGirl7 · June 27

Good going @SparkSpringtime69 You're over 50% AF 👍

I don't think I want to report my stats at this time 🤔 I'm looking forward to July. Although, I still hope to have a couple of AF days this month.

Have a nice night everyone!

itladyee · June 27

July is up and ready for success:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10941850/less-alcohol-july-2025-one-day-at-a-time

globalhiker · June 28

Last weekend of the month is here. I remember intentionally saving up drinking days for month end. Well, still AF but I occasionally still have wine dreams.

Speaking of the mini-bottles, I drank those daily when I was in my cutting down mode. I never bought more than 2 or 3 because they were always located in front of self-check out where it was very busy with people and everyone saw what you bought.

Don't ask me about my chocolate habit, it has gotten worse. July I will behave, yes I will.

LittleSurferGirl7 · June 28

@globalhiker Yes YOU will!

tmbg1 · June 28

17 AF

1 LA

9 A

Survived a baseball game with no alcohol lolol!

SparkSpringtime69 · June 28

June:

AF=10
A=17

Michieb125 · June 28

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48665846#Comment_48665846

Your cutting down mode has paid off well!!!

It’s well known that many people crave sweets or chocolate when cutting out alcohol. I have recently read people can also gain weight. According to Huberman, sugar itself isn’t as harmful to the brain as alcohol. Here’s to dark chocolate!!

Michieb125 · June 28

Current:

AF - 6

A- 11

LA - 11

Let’s just say I’ve been in my summertime mode this month. Keeping my N.A. days have taken a back seat thanks to lazy sunsets, cool evenings, birthdays, gardening, and cook outs (intentional decisions).
Admittedly, I’ve gotten back to liking mini Prosecco’s and an occasional lime flavored High Noon again. Will head out to stock up on some flavorful mocktails this afternoon.

LESS Alcohol ~ June 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

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