Anyone have tips to stop drinking after work? I drink because I’m stressed and depressed and I’m depressed because I drink so much.

[Waterfalls10]

Graduate student developing alcohol dependence

[Hidden]

Hi, are there other things you can plan to do to help relieve your stress after work? I used to do the same but now I try to run or I have a rant to my partner or my friend to get it off my chest, or I listen to an audiobook or podcast that really takes my mind off work. Can you stop at a gym or plan something straight after work to prevent that hour or so after work of ruminating on things? Thank you for posting on here, it would be great to see some more posts and get the group going again. Good luck and let us know how you’re going

[Sunflower85]

Hi Waterfalls 10, I am struggling like you. I come home from work and start drinking to wind down. I am finding it extremely hard to break the cycle of using alcohol as a way of dealing with stress. Thank you for your post, it has given me the confidence to reach out for support. 💗

[ju-ju- Ambassador]

I really hear you... its hard. The way i took steps to address that was by buying a nice AF drink, looking forward to something I had downloaded to watch, doing yoga or mindfulness... and just staying focussed because i wanted to stop so badly. How are you doing?

[59er]

I'm a bit like you. Really look forward to that evening glass of wine because 'I've had a hell of a day' but then after a particularly enjoyable boozy Christmas and New Year I started thinking about what state my liver was in and how I thought it could probably do with a bit of a break. So from Monday to Thursday I try not to drink any alcohol. At first it was hard but I occupied myself with other stuff and after the first week you realise you're actually drinking out of habit and that you feel good. So much so that you start choosing NOT to drink. I do still drink but I'm more choosy about when. Small steps get you there in the end. Persevere with it and see how good it makes you feel.