Dry January ends and Sober Spring Looms

[Jampacked]

End of dry January is scary. I loved my daily emails from try dry and knowing 1 in 5 drinkers in the UK were also trying not to drink. I want my home to be my refuge. I have told those around me I may drink again at some point but I won't be drinking in the house for me it's a booze free zone. I don't want to sit in my home drinking for no particular reason ever again. I plan to be the designated driver or drink AF when out and will keep putting off that first drink . Forever sounds a long time for me and I think those around me. I am taking one day at a time. At the cinema Friday night for safety reasons. Stay strong my friends. Living AF is as much discovery as recovery. Any tips on keep on keeping on gratefully received.

[Jimbo92]

You’ve done well, mate! Even if it’s not forever, moderation is key if you can do that. For me, I want to moderate my drinking. I don’t drink near as much as I used to. However I think that’s due to being with a new partner, change in friends and just change in general. Also think it’s because it’s winter, and it’s easier when it’s cold outside and everyone’s skint🤣 Summer will be the real challenge for me.

Cinema nights, meals out (designated driver) Another good idea if you have a partner, go to the gym together or to classes on the weekends. Pre plan stuff weeks ahead so you can’t be knocked off track by the “fancy a pint” texts. That’s the worst for me, when I’m sat in bored saturday and I’m just waiting for the invite to the pub!

[Jampacked in reply to Jimbo92]

Well done! I am so happy you are finding your people. The 'Do you want a pint? ' text is really scary. Not everyone that sends a text like that means 10 pints. It's all about the sender. I agree about being skint. Pay day is a trigger in its self.

[Jimbo92 in reply to Jampacked]

That’s it. You’ve just got to address your triggers. For me it’s payday, those dreaded texts on a boring Saturday evening when I’ve got nothing planned or holidays. As well as this I tend to try and stay away from the friends that do binge drink. Sitting in a pub and not drinking, just isn’t fun 🤣You realise how boring these people are when they’re blind drunk and you aren’t.

[DicCarlson]

I'm a year in and I rely on non-alcoholic beer, Kombucha, and NA wine. Many NA beers are especially good. The Guinness NA is remarkable, very hard to tell the difference! I would go back just as soon as someone tells me the advantage of adding booze back into my life. I think, write and talk more clearly. Good luck!

[Jampacked in reply to DicCarlson]

You are an inspiration Dic. I'm loving AF lager. I tried a Clean R dark and spicy and coke it was comforting and warming didn't really taste like booze so not triggering.