LESS Alcohol ~ July 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

Each Sunday I set my weekly LA targets for the upcoming week. For accountability— Last week I accomplished 3 N.A. days and had 10 glasses of wine over 4 days. This week I plan on upping that to 4 days with a max of 7 glasses of wine over 3 days - Still on track to get my 12 AF days this month.

I’m also pretty bummed about the 7 lb. weight gain since last Fall. I thought my scale was broken this morning! Haha. Not so.
But I’m not giving up! I have only today to make new choices.

Going on a long walk now and have two reservations at the gym for this week. Thank you all for the kind and supportive conversations on this thread.
Take good care of yourself today! 

I just read 4 days worth of posts.
1) hello and welcome to all the newcomers!
2) thank you for sharing your stories. This is one resilient, brave and resourceful group of people. I find such inspiration and sense of community and support here. I hope you all do too, especially the newbies.

Super quick backstory: my parents were not really drinkers, only very occasionally had a drink. My great grandfather on Dad’s side was, quote, “a nasty drunk” so I think that put fear into my dad’s heart.

I did the normal partying in high school and college, nothing too crazy. Pretty much all that was available was beer, and I never really liked it, even though I drank my share.

Met my husband 31 years ago, and he introduced me to wine. OMG it is just delicious. So early into our marriage I was a daily drinker with him for the most part. Never really gave it much thought. I will say that I am apparently extremely lucky that I can moderate. I definitely have an off switch. But like most people, it’s an automatic activity when I transition from the end of a long day (even as a SAHM) into relaxing mode, using alcohol to numb out, or that it goes really well with dinner.

I started looking into drinking less when I had to get professional headshots taken in 2018. I was told by the photographer to not drink for 3 days before the shoot so I’d photograph better. Boy did that work. Thank God I listened to her because I didn’t realize that drinking made my skin look dry and a little haggard. However, those three days were TOUGH! That’s when I stumbled upon this group.

My goal is always 3 days AF during the week, only two each weekend night, but that’s been out the window for well over a year. A good day for me lately is only one glass of wine.

Here’s where it gets tricky… we have a boat that we stay on for a long weekend, and there is something about being on vacation every weekend that makes me have 3, sometimes 4 drinks per day which is way, way too much for me. Going away for vacation is the same problem.

I’m coming off one such weekend. I stepped on the scale today… and it was not good. I’m in the throes of perimenopause and my metabolism has slowed down considerably. The nutritionist at work said “how’s your nutrition going when you’re in the boat?” Ugh, not good between the alcohol and dinners out and salty snacks on the boat, I’m way over my calories every day, then get pissed at myself when I step on the scale on Monday.

Here’s one win. Today is the first AF say in recent memory, I met my protein macro and am under my calorie goal! Took a walk with my son this morning. I still think I’m a little hung over from Saturday so I’m going to bed soon.

Much love to everyone! Laurel

AF-18
A-3

Tried to not think of work as an obligation today. Boy, that was a true struggle, and I definitely did not succeed. How many times is too many times in a day to look at your retirement account app praying for a miracle? Asking for a friend…

@NonnieDoiron oh sister, I feel ya! I think we’ve all had “that” job. The question of “why am I doing this to myself?” Always ends with “because I have bills to pay!” Well, it’s good motivation to clean up the budget and increase savings so you can reduce your time there! Hugs.

Congratulations to everyone who is engaged in this life-changing effort. And thanks to @itladyee for taking over the management efforts.

I want to report both the good and the bad for me.

Good: I’ve done very little drinking on work nights. I even dumped out a beer last night after lazily pouring it from the main fridge. I went and got a NA beer from the drinks fridge instead, which really hit the spot. It was a good choice as I was still tired from a fun weekend away and badly needed a good sleep, which I got.

Fun, but less good: I drank 2-3 drinks on every evening of my vacation in July (10 days). I paid for it in being more tired, but I also had more time for rest. So 🤷‍♂️. I had no trouble kicking the habit when I got back home. My weight also dropped by >2lbs almost immediately after returning.

My “Everest” is a fun vacation without so much CH3CH2OH. Oh well, maybe one day!

For the Rose’ lovers - this 12 oz can really satisfies!

@Michieb125 I've never been a huge rose' fan, but that looks tasty anyway. I can't wait until the Trader Joe's opens near us (supposedly sometime this year).

@LittleSurferGirl7, I'm sending prayers your way; I hope you can make it AF tomorrow. You can build that "Resistance Muscle," one day at a time. I know you want to get back on the path to a healthier life.

@chicbuc, thanks for your encouragement, posting to this group is making me want to report those AF days.

I had my favorite Mexican beer on tap, Jalisco Estrella, with lunch today. I was planning AF, but going out to eat is definitely a trigger. It's no excuse, but at least, I didn't get a margarita.

July stats:

AF 16
LA 4
A 2

I believe you can begin where you are as hard as it “seems” @LittleSurferGirl7

You may find extra support beyond this group (as many of us have) by listening to some podcasts or YouTube videos. They can be super helpful when individuals want to cut back or cut out alcohol.
Some are listed at the beginning of this thread…..others you can google.
Or there are paid apps with coaches that many people find immensely helpful. One day at a time, one moment at a time they say. Looking forward to your update.

@LittleSurferGirl7 I hope you were successful in staying away from the liquor store yesterday and continue on in sobriety today…just for one day at a time…but if not, we're still here for you. I appreciate your struggle more than you know. I hear your frustration with yourself because you just can't seem to do it. I think we've all been there. Sending you prayers for success and comfort no matter what. I think @Michieb125 is spot on with outside resources. Order some books. Listen to podcasts…even if you're still drinking!

Have a great day, everyone!!

Hi everyone,

I have just passed my 3-day milestone (officially, even though I actually stopped on the night of July 18th. Here is my milestone badge:

Have a great day!❤️Carole