Haven't touched a drop in...

JupiterKid

@BK92 - that’s great to hear.

It’s not necessarily the amount you drink per se, but the relationship that one has with alcohol that is the issue. When it is starting to negatively affect your family life, your work, your well being then there is a problem that needs to be resolved.

Unfortunately I was too far gone down the rabbit hole of alcoholism to stop in time. But I did turn my life around after many, many false starts.

Feeling good myself in this lockdown situation. Taking my Antabuse every night (my OH makes sure I do) keeping busy working from home and well over a year since my last slip.

BK92

Thanks for all the encouragement - it's a big decision to take !

@JupiterKid - I think that's one of the reasons why I slipped into bad drinking habits. I'm not much of a religious person but as the old saying goes: 'The devil makes work for idle hands', picking up new interests or re-connecting with old ones has made the first few days a lot more interesting and productive, I haven't even had time to think about having a drink !

It's one of the great things about having a loving and supportive wife and children, I'm always busy. It sharpens and focuses my mind on what really matters. Even going for 'the one' in the pub gave me a subconscious nagging feeling of 'You're not supposed to be here, you've a family and better things to be doing'. In hindsight I should've paid much more attention to this but I'm wiser now

Fingers Mcginty

I've just read ;or listened rather ;to the audiobook "Alcohol explained".
It's definitely one of the better ones out there. One of the key points that struck home with me was the way the subconsious triggers fester and progress into a spiral of craving.
This is my downfall everytime.
The physical withdrawal i can handle but 3 or 4 months down the road a thought occurs to me "I'd love a nice cold beer now" and that thought just festers and nags and in the end i always succumb.
You have to counter the argumnent in your own mind and really follow it through as in the pain and destruction that one drink will lead to, waking up at 5am with every problem you have totally exacerbated by the effects the alcohol caused.
2 weeks tomorrow after being off it for 4 months previously

BK92

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

I've just read ;or listened rather ;to the audiobook "Alcohol explained".
It's definitely one of the better ones out there. One of the key points that struck home with me was the way the subconsious triggers fester and progress into a spiral of craving.
This is my downfall everytime.
The physical withdrawal i can handle but 3 or 4 months down the road a thought occurs to me "I'd love a nice cold beer now" and that thought just festers and nags and in the end i always succumb.
You have to counter the argumnent in your own mind and really follow it through as in the pain and destruction that one drink will lead to, waking up at 5am with every problem you have totally exacerbated by the effects the alcohol caused.
2 weeks tomorrow after being off it for 4 months previously

Thanks for the recommendation, just picked up the Alcohol Explained audiobook for around £4 on Amazon. Looking forward to reading Allen Carr's and Catherine Gray's books too.

Fingers Mcginty

I read Allen Carr's book on drinking and didn't really find it of any use to me personally however his book on smoking worked.
Off the cigs 15 years and I think i tried everything to give them up.
Drink is a different beast though and for me it's a tougher battle.
PS that was a good price for the audiobook....was that on audible you picked it up?

aabarnes1

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

Well done

There's a huge difference between alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction and alcoholism. That was my difficulty for years, not knowing what exactly is wrong with me.

anniewilkes

46 days

Foweva Awone

JupiterKid wrote: »

Feeling good myself in this lockdown situation. Taking my Antabuse every night (my OH makes sure I do) keeping busy working from home and well over a year since my last slip.

Have you had any trouble getting Antabuse lately? The pharmacy haven't been able to get it for me the last couple of months, luckily enough I had a couple of bottles at home but I'm nearly out now ... hoping they'll have it next month. I think I'm at a good place and am unlikely to relapse without it, I'd rather not take any chances though.

Chalk McHugh

75 days today.

MyAccount

120 days today - wasn't easy the first few weeks but now I am so glad - I am a better person and have lost 7kg and feel great

2018na

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

75 days today.

You’re well on course for one year no beer. I personally done 2018 no beer and also haven’t had any in 2020. If you got through the last couple of weeks you’ll get through a year no problem

MaceFace

116 days.

Last year I done 161 including a 2 week holiday without a drop. That run ended coming in to Christmas party season, and had a decision to make. Am I deciding to give up drink forever and be known as a teetotaller or be an rare drinker? I decided the latter as I thought the longer I went, the more pressure to not have a drink and in many ways for me it took a lot of the pressure off. I was not committing to never ever drinking which is a hard thing to think. Instead, I was thinking only have a drink when there is a very very good reason (Christmas party, wedding, etc.).

I am not an "alcoholic", but I had a terrible relationship with beer. There were situations where I had to have a beer. It included every social situation where others were drinking, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Drink for hair of the dog but it would turn into an all day home session. Every holiday whether at home or away.

Why did I change?
After drinking very regularly for over 25 years, I have long disliked my relationship with beer. Like others here, I said stupid things and done stupid things. Most of the time people wouldn't notice or remember or just put it down to that is what I am like and think no different, but I knew.
Drink also restricted me from doing other things. Like being on holiday, I couldn't go somewhere unless there was beer. It meant I didn't get to see and do some many things. If there was no beer, I would want to stay in and drink.

How did I change?
There was a point when one stupid thing too much made me tell someone I didn't know I was not happy with my relationship with beer. The funny thing was that over the next few months as I told people I knew about my decision, they mostly derided it. Some were actually hostile about it because my decision to not drink would mean they wouldn't have someone to drink with. I don't think I received any real offers of support or praise (not that I was looking). It just showed me that the decision had to be mine and I had to accept it.
I considered joining AA, just to go to meetings to listen and share and understand. I learned that that there is no black and white and only I could decide if I should go to meetings based upon whether it would help me. I never decided against it as luckily I managed to not need it.

What advice could I offer others?
Not much really as its all a personal journey. I guess I would say that if you would like to change and are struggling, speak to someone who will take it serious and listen to you. A stranger. Take tiny steps. One thing that did help was in one of the forums I browsed at the start. Lots of people would say "Not today". I know its a cliche, one day at a time, but in my case it was something I would think on the day I would usually have a drink (weekend or social occasion). I would tell myself, get through today without drinking. Occupy your time with something else. Its hard at first.

I don't call myself a teetotaller but I just don't have big enough reason to drink thank God.

Sorry for the ramblings, but this may be the most open I have been about it since last summer when I decided I was ready to change.

Chalk McHugh

2018na wrote: »

You’re well on course for one year no beer. I personally done 2018 no beer and also haven’t had any in 2020. If you got through the last couple of weeks you’ll get through a year no problem

Thanks. So far so good. The lockdown has actually helped me to stay alcohol free. I don't drink at home (bar heading to a house after an all day session in town or local) so with no pubs open i've no real urge to drink.

What i am worried about however is when the pubs reopen whenever that may be. I , ike so many others, will no doubt be feeling like celebrating our new found 'freedom' and i just know it will be very hard for me at that time. May be only a month or two away. Could be longer. We dont know yet.

I was doing well and keeping busy by walking up to 2.5 hrs every day until i heard a popping noise in the back of my leg last Sunday week and ive been struggling to walk to the shops ever since. It has got me down a bit as that release valve is now gone. My leg must have a pretty bad injury so resting up is all i can do. I thought i was doing great with the exercise but was overdoing it and suffering for it now.

Fair play to you doing 2018 alcohol free. Im not sure i can do it to be honest but good to hear others that have done it as it is not easy in this country.

Chalk McHugh

Never knew this thread was here until i saw it yesterday. Having been reading through quite a bit of it and if i had have known it was here i wouldn't have started the only thread i have on boards. I would have just posted on here.

Its amazing to read the trials and tribulations of all posters. Some are off it years and others like myself for a matter of days, weeks or months. Some of the stories are sobering (pardon the pun). Others uplifting and prove that it can be done.

Im just 76 days in today but i might have bitten off more than i can chew trying to do a full year sober. I really know i need to. My life has been pretty much destroyed through alcohol and other poisons. But the thoughts of no alcohol or socialising cripples me. I may as well flush 25 years down the toilet. I've no wife, girlfriend or kids. Live alone. The boredom is what gets me. And i know its just a matter of time before i get the uncontrollable urge to self destruct.

I just love company and the crack around town. I have a few pubs where know most people in them and whatever day or whatever time i know im going to have some fun. And i do. Too much though. Far too much. And that is the problem. Still, it was great to read through this thread and has given me hope. Will keep an eye on here for more updates.

2018na

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Never knew this thread was here until i saw it yesterday. Having been reading through quite a bit of it and if i had have known it was here i wouldn't have started the only thread i have on boards. I would have just posted on here.

Its amazing to read the trials and tribulations of all posters. Some are off it years and others like myself for a matter of days, weeks or months. Some of the stories are sobering (pardon the pun). Others uplifting and prove that it can be done.

Im just 76 days in today but i might have bitten off more than i can chew trying to do a full year sober. I really know i need to. My life has been pretty much destroyed through alcohol and other poisons. But the thoughts of no alcohol or socialising cripples me. I may as well flush 25 years down the toilet. I've no wife, girlfriend or kids. Live alone. The boredom is what gets me. And i know its just a matter of time before i get the uncontrollable urge to self destruct.

I just love company and the crack around town. I have a few pubs where know most people in them and whatever day or whatever time i know im going to have some fun. And i do. Too much though. Far too much. And that is the problem. Still, it was great to read through this thread and has given me hope. Will keep an eye on here for more updates.

I find great comfort in maybe having 3 non alcoholic beers while still going to the pub maybe after work or whatever. It takes the goo off me for wanting a drink and I honestly don’t think I would ever have been able to not drink for periods only for discovering erdinger n/a. You seem like a sociable sort of a person so maybe don’t fully give up on visiting the pub, staring at 4 walls at home in your spare time is no great life either. Anyway best of luck I think you’re going great ðŸ‘

drydub

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Never knew this thread was here until i saw it yesterday. Having been reading through quite a bit of it and if i had have known it was here i wouldn't have started the only thread i have on boards. I would have just posted on here.

Its amazing to read the trials and tribulations of all posters. Some are off it years and others like myself for a matter of days, weeks or months. Some of the stories are sobering (pardon the pun). Others uplifting and prove that it can be done.

Im just 76 days in today but i might have bitten off more than i can chew trying to do a full year sober. I really know i need to. My life has been pretty much destroyed through alcohol and other poisons. But the thoughts of no alcohol or socialising cripples me. I may as well flush 25 years down the toilet. I've no wife, girlfriend or kids. Live alone. The boredom is what gets me. And i know its just a matter of time before i get the uncontrollable urge to self destruct.

I just love company and the crack around town. I have a few pubs where know most people in them and whatever day or whatever time i know im going to have some fun. And i do. Too much though. Far too much. And that is the problem. Still, it was great to read through this thread and has given me hope. Will keep an eye on here for more updates.

Firstly, 76 days is some achievment. At day 1 you probably never thought you would get this far. So its always important to stop and acknowledge what you have done and achieved. Try not to dwell on the mountain of a year. Just focus on the small hill that is a day. Then the next day. Try get over the weekend and before you know it you will be half way up the mountain. Small steps.

I think you are in a great position right now to set yourself up for a plan that when all this covid nonsense comes to an end that you could be in the right mindset to maybe break the chain of reliance on the pub. I have found much more 'craic' outside of the pub and like you, the pub is where i thought i had all the fun. It wasn't though, it was repetitive BS and when i moved on and maybe dipped my toe in sober, it became very boring very quick and the people became boring and repetitive and defensive. When i go to a pub and have a non alcoholic beer with friends, the tolerance for wanting to stay there fades fairly quick.

You can share company with plenty of people doing plenty of things. Clubs, social gatherings , hobbies. Think about what you love to do outside of the pub and maybe put some effort in that. Sport, photography , chess, it doesnt matter. There are plenty of like minded people around who want to spend time together doing things they love outside of the drink culture.

Be kind to yourself and be sure to give yourself a huge pat on the back. 76+ days is massive!

Canyon86

I'm on day 56 and I am looking to do 6 months maybe a year !

I had a health scare from the doc he advised due to my fatty liver and gallstones to take a break from a alcohol and trim the diet also

I feel much more energetic, sharper In work, lost weight and saved some extra cash

Good luck all

Chalk McHugh

Canyon86 wrote: »

I'm on day 56 and I am looking to do 6 months maybe a year !

I had a health scare from the doc he advised due to my fatty liver and gallstones to take a break from a alcohol and trim the diet also

I feel much more energetic, sharper In work, lost weight and saved some extra cash

Good luck all

Fair play. Keep it going. Its not easy but its worth it.

Tinwhistle*

Canyon86 wrote: »

I'm on day 56 and I am looking to do 6 months maybe a year !

I had a health scare from the doc he advised due to my fatty liver and gallstones to take a break from a alcohol and trim the diet also

I feel much more energetic, sharper In work, lost weight and saved some extra cash

Good luck all

That’s brilliant, especially in lockdown. Well done and keep it up, it’s soooo worth it

ancapailldorcha

14th December last year. I never had a serious drink problem, just sort of lost any interest in it. Saving a bundle and don't have to use the bathroom every few minutes. Has its perks, like.

Chalk McHugh

90 days today but last few days i've been struggling. Was close to cracking yesterday and today. Not sure if i can go on much longer. The boredom and depression is getting in on me a little.

Tinwhistle*

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

90 days today but last few days i've been struggling. Was close to cracking yesterday and today. Not sure if i can go on much longer. The boredom and depression is getting in on me a little.

Stay strong, you’ve done so well to get this far. Try to find something to do to take your mind off it, even taking a shower, a bath, a walk. I used to go to bed early and take my laptop or a book.

As mentioned in a previous comment, take one day at a time.

Chalk McHugh

Tinwhistle* wrote: »

Stay strong, you’ve done so well to get this far. Try to find something to do to take your mind off it, even taking a shower, a bath, a walk. I used to go to bed early and take my laptop or a book.

As mentioned in a previous comment, take one day at a time.

Had a bit of a mental wobble for few days. Feeling bit better today. No craving for drink. 3 months done now. I think the full year is too much. At this stage i'd be happy with 6 months. That will bring me up to Aug 11. Just when the pubs are set to open. If they do that is when i will succumb to its temptations.

Tinwhistle*

Chalk McHugh>>> , ike so many others, will no doubt be feeling like celebrating our new found 'freedom' and i just know it will be very hard for me at that time.

It’s we who have the ‘freedom’ by not drinking!

Chalk McHugh

Tinwhistle* wrote: »

Chalk McHugh>>> , ike so many others, will no doubt be feeling like celebrating our new found 'freedom' and i just know it will be very hard for me at that time.

It’s we who have the ‘freedom’ by not drinking!

How long are are you alcohol free?

Ray Donovan

Wouldn't classify myself as an alcoholic but can be a very heavy drinker. So anyways I said to myself when the pubs closed "Right, no drink until they open again."

60 days today and going strong. Easily the longest I've ever gone since I turned 18.

Won't be rushing back on August 10th I can say with some certainty.

Chalk McHugh

Ray Donovan wrote: »

Wouldn't classify myself as an alcoholic but can be a very heavy drinker. So anyways I said to myself when the pubs closed "Right, no drink until they open again."

60 days today and going strong. Easily the longest I've ever gone since I turned 18.

Won't be rushing back on August 10th I can say with some certainty.

Fair play. What age are you?

Ray Donovan

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Fair play. What age are you?

I can scarcely believe that I will turn 40 this year!!

tdf7187

I'm in rehab right now and glad to be. Day 17.

Ray Donovan

tdf7187 wrote: »

I'm in rehab right now and glad to be. Day 17.

Fair play to you buddy.

My brother went in in 1997 and his standard of living since then has gone through the roof. Golfs frequently, skis at least once a year, financially secure.

Hope it all works out for you! Respect!