LESS Alcohol ~ December 2025 ~ One Day at a Time

LESS ALCOHOL RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST

USING THIS THREAD:

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Set your own goal – this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
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AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see -

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Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)

• Improved sleep after 2, 4, 7, 10, & 60 days
• Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
• Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
• Increased energy after as few as 2 days
• Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity, and their world was decreased in size.
• Reduction of high blood pressure
• Lower resting heart rate
• Retention of vital vitamins and minerals
• Less Acid Re-flux and improved gut health
• Significant financial savings
• Better relationships with family and friends

Life with Less Alcohol:

• It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research.
• There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
• You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
• You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
• Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
• Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful.
• Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
• It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
• If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
• For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.

Getting Started or Starting Over:

• Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
• If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
• There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
  For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
• You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
• Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
• You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
• If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
• Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
  Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
• It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
• Some days will be easier than others.
• You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
• Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
• Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.

Welcome to yet another great month of support in drinking LESS, and doing what works best for you!! Such fabulous successes in November!!! Congrats all! If you feel you weren't successful, think again, you were here and you were making the effort. Don't ever give up!!

I encourage any person out there struggling with alcohol at any level to either follow us or join in on the conversation.

For many of us, Holidays are approaching. Start thinking NOW about how you will handle. Share if you like..