An update

[SR2727]

I haven't been on for a few days, life has a been a little busy. Thankfully I am starting to feel somewhat better. My only set back was a night of drinking with my friends, I woke up with intense hangover anxiety that doesn't leave. I never used to get it that bad but I feel like now, everytime I drink I wake up with strong feelings of guilt and shame.I've been reading up on cases of people going sober for short periods to see the impact it has on their mental health and I think I want to give it a shot. The only aspect that would be difficult to work around is my social life as alot of my friends meet at bars or parties etc. I feel like I end up drinking just out of social pressure and that I'm socially anxious too.

Hoping to stick to my new plan and go sober for at least 8 weeks, wish me luck 🙏

[LadyZen]

One time I drank to take the edge off over something I was nervous about. The alcohol started to wear off in the middle of the event, and I realized it made my nerves worse. I never did that again. It seems like a good solution at first, but I think the reality is that it really isn't.

[SR2727 in reply to LadyZen]

Definitely can make things worse, I started the night so anxious about being in a social situation and I thought a couple drinks would help. All it did was leave me feeling horrible in the morning and ruining my weekend!

[Hidden]

Wishing you good luck! Virgin mojito for the win.

[ghosthat]

Hi friend, this is easier said than done, but what I found most helpful even on short spouts of sobriety is truly distancing myself from those people and places that draw you back to substances. While I enjoy having fun, partying, I struggle with saying no. It sounds like you realize that too. Try to create a space where you can go, even by yourself, that you can create that barrier. Telling others and having support from those friends is a big thing too, they can help keep you in check and might even go with you to less 'triggering' places where you don't feel pressured to drink. Doing something deliberate for self care instead is an added element that can help you focus on your mental health.

[SR2727 in reply to ghosthat]

I definitely can see that the challenge will be social situations so for sure will need to separate myself. Or at least try to get better at being firmer and saying no to things. I do find I'm a people pleaser so I think that why I'm easily influenced 😬 We'll see how this goes!

[ghosthat in reply to SR2727]

Best of luck