Things are going well so far. Instead of drinking almost everyday day I’ve been able to use alco free beers most of the time. Drunk twice since NYD. Friday night and last night because it was my birthday… I drank in the house and chose for the first time in years not to go out to the pub to celebrate it. Instead I’ll save my cash to treat myself. Although I did drink in the house, I don’t carry the same guilt as I would have drinking shots and whatever. Not saying I’ll never go a pub again but for now I’m trying get into good habits.
Also using 2 apps now to note moods ect to see the times I feel I want to drink.
Well, it seems like you are getting where you want to very wisely go. 😁👍✊
I am right in saying that you are no longer drinking daily..? If so, that's really really good. I think it takes guts and continuing effort to reduce your drinking to a "safe" level.
You are probably realising that controlling your alcohol intake is all about your will, your goals, and your never ending recognition that each of us is in charge of their own health.
Keep on having faith in your ability to do the right thing for you and your life. 🌻
Thanks so much! Yes I am now so far, able to control my drinking and not drink daily. I think once I was able to talk about my habits ‘honestly’, I was able to then look at all aspects surrounding alcohol.
I am making steps to change. I feel motivated. It’s only been a short time however, day by day step by step I can crack this.
The childrens dad has just changed jobs too so I can now have time some nights to plan activities. I was going canoeing and fell walking, gym ect but was falling into the trap of staying at home..then picking up a drink.
I’d like the next goal to be…losing the alco free drinks, but not just yet!
Hi Moonpig. Really happy for you. 🌻 It's so smart to fill the time with activities, walking, reading, tidy up jobs etc. As those all keep you occupied and active on positive things, rather that drinking more and things getting more negative.
Overcoming the habit of just letting myself fail, and giving into the weekend "party" time fuzziness of drinking took me some time.
It was step by step. It was like me getting a better and tighter grip on those bad habits. And as I saw myself changing my lifestyle, and feeling more in control of my life, I drank less and less and less.
It's a long road Moonpig, but you have made a great start. Keep on, keeping on.
I felt that too for years. My kids have really reined things in for me in lots of ways. And also studying. I’ve studied for 7 years so had that to concentrate on. I’ve felt abit lost since with not going into a career to care for kids for now.
So where are you in your journey now? Sounds like you have made some great progress 😃
Think I’ve already accepted that I’ll be losing friends along the way!
Well, I was the typical social drinker, good in the week, but prone to bingeing at weekends, but also when I had "tough times" I would self med with red wine. I can't drink a lot, a bottle is enough to get me beyond tipsy. But then weekends started on Thursdays, and then during covid all bets were off. But about a year ago, I started to realise, just like you, things were going all wrong and felt out of control. Always late, always tired, tasks all building up, getting irritable, being more withdrawn ( which is not me at all ) I knew I was drinking too much, too regularly. I think it impacted my health, as I now have a vitamin deficiencies under investigation. Suspected B12 and B1. Alcohol rips the vitamins from your system it seems. Though I pride myself on eating well. For a while I kidded myself that if I took a few days off the wine, all would be good But each Friday night, I knew I was defeating myself. Now, I don't drink. Simply as that.
I stopped in Jan 2021 for a month, but was soon I back to bad habits. I had a long time friend who was always Out-Out, and I had to tell her my party times were over. We just What's App now. I stopped for nearly all of July when we walked a chunk the SW Coastal Path. October for two weeks, then started again on my Birthday. Stopped on the 20th Dec 2022. And I am now telling folks I am doing dry January. I have loads of deflection strategies now.. But it's really dry 2023 for me. I also know now, that I am defo NOT drinking on my Birthday, to celebrate anything, if am sad it's zero % Ciders, if its a Wedding,a Partay, a Hen etc. ..I am now Sensible Susan.
My life, my health, my family, my happiness, my life.
That’s amazing that you have have that mindset now. It’s sad that relationships do/will disappear but we have to weigh up what is important to us. I was bought a bottle of spirits for my birthday …a bottle of wine for Xmas..so that on its own shows that people associate my personality with alcohol, or it’s just the easy option. Moving forward …i will be asking friends not to buy me alcohol as gifts, though once appreciated.
Wishing you well for the positive move forward 😃
that’s good that your liver seems to be improved. I asked about blood test but they won’t give me 1. After asking me questions and looking at me they said there’s no reason to suspect your liver isn’t functioning right. I did a home test which came back fine but who not how reliable they are. Sorry to hear of your traumatic past. Do you seek support for this ? I’m hoping therapy helps me deal with some things.
have you tried CPD products for pain relief? My ex used this and came away codine based pills for his fibromyalgia 😃 There are also drinks that have CPD in them. He used drops but the drinks look ok. I am thinking of trying them too!
would your mam be more worried of you seeking group support than dealing with it alone at home? I’m all for the AA if that’s what’s needed for people. It’s definitely harder when situations changes, like loss of some kind. Like I have said before, my loss has been the studying. I was also trapped in a relationship that left me quiet isolated. I’ve since got back on my feet and trying to find new areas to occupy my time.😊
CPD ? There are drops, drinks and all kinds to help. 😃
😂 I guess. It’s CBD not CPD lol
😂 yeah it’s CBD it’s cannabis oil but you don’t get high …I think lol
codine is a opioid, I’m sure you know that. That’s why the drowsiness comes in and can also become addictive. I’ve used neproxen in the the pain for severe pain …prescription not over counter. It’s basically a stronger ibuprofen. So anti inflammatory!
when I was studying, I read it takes 21 days for something to become a habit or for a habit to disappear but can’t send you the source 🙈
I’m enjoying not eating all the junk associated with alcohol.my gut feels better in the mornings. But I do seem to eat more through day which is weird!
Try to think of your health as a motivator. I have a friend who drank everyday and then had Liver failure and threw up PINTS of blood and barely pulled through. Looks slightly yellow and the veins could pop again and another bleed out, because the damage is done, its permanent. He is now a walking time bomb for total health failure. Scary stuff !
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reflection since New Year’s Day 
I'm not in control!
wow don’t miss this 
