Two years alco free today

[CocoChannel]

My last beer was a Heineken in a plane a few time zones away so I’m not sure if today or tomorrow is my two-year soberversary. Whilst this is a liver forum, the number of threads here relating to excessive drinking show that drinking alcohol, or preferably not drinking alcohol, is a valid discussion point.

What I notice about many threads from drinkers is they’re not serious about quitting at all. They’re embarrassed to tell friends or want to still enjoy the odd glass despite being addicted to alcohol. It’s a major upheaval for a drinker to give up. It’s not like changing your shampoo or splashing out on new socks. It’s more like moving house or emigrating. It really does take a lifestyle change and a lot of effort.

So this is a liver forum, and I did have a fatty liver as diagnosed by an ultrasound as part of a routine medical. As soon as I quit, that cleared up within months. It really was that simple. Well actually it wasn’t because quitting alcohol is one of the hardest things I’ve done. The anxiety and temptation in the early weeks is excruciating. I’d seen my GP and took Campral for a while to reduce the cravings, but it wasn’t a happy time.

There have been a few other changes. I’m now a triathlete, an average one, but for someone who had a BMI of 32 less than three years ago, that’s not too bad. As a drinker, I belonged in an office job. It was dull and unchallenging, perfect for the hungover types. I’ve now had a massive career change which has meant equally massive workload, but I have way too much energy to sit in an office ever again.

But I’m not cured. A long-term drinker’s brain is irreversibly altered. Google “GABA receptors“ ; I’m not copying and pasting it here. If I do drink again, I’ll go back to my old ways within a few weeks and probably an office job 😀

A friend of my wife’s was recently diagnosed with alcohol-related cirrhosis. I didn’t even think he drank that much, and he’s not much older than me. There but for the grace of dog go I.

Oh and happy new year all. I’m not being too brave in predicting 2021 will be that bit better.

[Bikafella]

You're a great example to others by showing that a real change to your lifestyle is a tremendous commitment meaning hard work and dedication. Even though I haven't had any problems with alcohol I've always been able to keep it low key and moderate. Since my transplant I've really respected the life-gift from my donor's wonderful family and only have a drink occasionally out of respect and to keep myself in good shape.

I wish everyone a Happy & Healthy New Year. Keep your thoughts positive - it makes a bigger difference than you may think.

[Hidden]

Congratulations. You have turned your life around. Your post may help others to do the same...

regards

[Avux99]

Had my last drink on Oct 9th 2011 so over 9 years ago now.

It was ultimately surprisingly easy for me. Do I want to see my kids grow up & be a better example in the process passing on my wisdom? Erm, yes! Waking up at the bottom of telephone boxes after hitting it hard? Hmm...time to reassess. Not that I had good role models.

Sure, there was a bit of a thought wrestle in the early days but the longer it has been the easier it has been. I think nothing of sitting in a pub now, going into the Lion’s Den so to speak, having a soft drink or coffee with a meal, a total sea change from where I was previously for 20+ years - drinking to get obliterated on a frequent basis, Oliver Reed style!

As you say, there are other hobbies that can take the place of social drinking. I go cycling, planning different routes & take a more time planning bespoke holidays with some of the money I’m saving!

& If you really really want ‘a beer’, I’ve noticed over the last 9 years the alcohol-free market has been steadily improving too! I had an alcohol free Leffe last night, not bad at all!

Stay on that path, you won’t regret it.

Happy New Year!

[Dogbot]

Congratulations two years is a fantastic achievement to stay off the alcohol but to do all the other things is mind blowing, I have given up alcohol and my life definitely changed as you say the extra energy you have is startling I put my energy into giving my wife a better life than the purgatory I had put her through with the drinking.

We ended up looking after and taking in youngsters that social services have to stop giving foster homes to at the age of 18 it’s called Supported lodging we had a great time doing it with ( being selfish)lots of satisfaction not saying it was all Roses there was a lot of ups with a lot of downs because these young people have never been told about proper life outside foster homes where everything gets done for them, but alas all good things come to an end because of my health deteriorating and now in and out of hospital until my new liver arrives, maybe after ???

But Happy New Year to you all 🎇

Stay Safe All

Dogbot 🐶🌈

[Hidden in reply to Dogbot]

Here's hoping the New year brings a new liver soon. Wonderful to hear of the amazing work you and your wife have been doing looking after those youngsters.

[CocoChannel in reply to Dogbot]

That’s amazing to read. Well done. I had some involvement with looked after kids recently, and it really is a different world. Hope your 2021 brings better health.

[Laura009 in reply to Dogbot]

Incredible work dogbot, difficult too l can imagine but also very rewarding? Take good care of yourselves now and here's hoping that new liver comes your way soon .... what a reward that would be .... you've earned it ! Laura x

[B3nnen2015]

Similar story to mine. I drank a 70cl bottle of rum or 3 bottles of wine every night before I went for a blood test and my numbers were high.The numbers came down with abstinence but I agree the anxiety was excruciating and i felt ill for a good 2 or 3 months *after * I quit drinking. I don't want to go back there.

I had to lose some weight before the liver fat cleared though and if I remember correctly you gave me some tips and encouragement from your experience.

👍😬

[alfredthegreat]

Well done Coco!That two years has seemed to go very quickly, although I'm sure that the first few months of it didn't for you!

I would have been in my first six months post liver transplant recovery when we first exchanged posts on here and what changes in the world there have been since then!!

You have done incredibly well to turn your life around and I'm sure that joining the BLT site has helped you along that road. Reading of the experiences of others (good and bad) can help with decisions made and act as a reminder to help keep on track.

I remember you had a steely determination from that point two years ago to get healthy by giving up alcohol and and starting a diet and exercise regime and I'm so pleased for you that you achieved your aims and you got to where you are today.

I'm sure that others on here will find your story inspirational.

Keep up the good work Coco.

Wishing you a great New Year and a very happy and healthy future.

Alf.

[CocoChannel in reply to alfredthegreat]

Thanks, Alf. That means a lot coming from you as your story is even more amazing, and your positivity will give a lot of hope. The benefit of forums like this is that people can read of the trials and tribulations of others and hopefully see there is a lot to look forward to 🙂

[sophiaS1980]

I love to read anything you post, Congrats! on being sober.

[Hidden]

Well done Coco that's a massive,massive achievement so much will power is required so I take my hat off to you 👍👍😁. Ill be the same as you end of this year and still got 5 stone to lose, to go with the 7 ive done last year. Your strength and positive outlook will do nothing but good things for others to read with similar battles, so keep on fighting the good fight your amazing. Hope this year is better for us all than the previous less said about 2020 the better. Amazing once again Coco 👏 👍👍. All the best 👍 Ashley

[Bootandall]

🎊🎊👯👯🎉🎉 HNY 2021

Wow Coco, that was so breathtakingly honest and brave. I want you to know, as l was out walking today (day 1!) l heard you in my head saying 45 minutes would be better than 10, so l kept going for 40 minutes, that's as much as l could do, but l was pleased with myself. Thanks. 🙂

[Lola50]

Well done Coco, that's amazing, life really is better without the booze. Well done on changing your career and getting fit too, be proud of yourself. I was a drinker for most of my life, except for the two times I was pregnant. Six years on and have never regretted the decision to stop, except that I wished I had done it earlier. We're brainwashed into thinking we can't enjoy ourselves without alcohol which is total rubbish. Now I love the feeling of being sober and can't stand being around people who are drinking, feel ashamed because that's how I was, thought everyone was boring who didn't drink. Anyone struggling to stop, please get help, it will be the best decision you can give yourself, it is doable with a bit of determination. Happy New Year and best wishes everyone😁

[Mondy122]

Well done i wish I could say that ahem ahem i saw the new year in with a bit too much but haven’t had a drop since and tbh im not bothered but like I’ve said before if I said i was never gonna drink again id be lieing I just don’t see the point in drinking now for the sake of it even though our house is full of beer and spirits which the wife won running up to Christmas,not so long ago I couldn’t of sat here knowing it was there now and now the only slight temptation i have is late on cos im struggling to get to sleep but that will hopefully change when I get back to work on Wednesday,big thumbs up on your achievements

[CocoChannel in reply to Mondy122]

🙂 It’s a total myth that alcohol helps you to sleep. The opposite is the truth. When I first quit (unsuccessfully as no one quits for good first time unless it’s following a health scare), I remember lying awake until 6am, getting one hours sleep and then going to work. The reason I couldn’t sleep was obviously because I had no alcohol in my addicted body. The trouble is the sleep quality after drinking is rubbish. People who don’t drink will generally sleep way better. The same applies for those who drink to calm their nerves.