Dry January, success or failure?

[FatOldMan]

In one way I failed dry January because I've had a drink on two occasions, the first time was an evening at my sisters house and again last night. I could dwell on the negative and get all depressed about it because I really hate myself when I fail but I have decided to look on the bright side.

I only consumed quarter of a litre of vodka in total over the whole month, that is half of what I would have had in one day, every day, this time last year. The other big plus is that I have lost 13lbs this month, ok,I have been dieting as well, but there is no way I would have lost that weight without cutting out the booze.

I am also feeling positive for the future because last night as I poured my third small measure I was thinking I don't really want or need this and half of it went down the drain. Something that the old me just couldn't have done.

I would love to hear how you have all been doing in Dry January.

Thanks everyone, for your support.

[Jampacked]

Well done! We learn more and more each dry stretch. I am wobbling and stumbling all over the place mentally but at least its not physically 🙃🙂 Its all part of learning to walk sober. 131b is fabulous I put on 2lb 🍫 Keep going Slimoldman.

[Jimbo92]

Progress, that’s it. One of the reasons a lot of people fail new resolutions is because they assume it has to be all or nothing. Small improvements and achieving our goals gradually is more realistic and we tend to stick to them.

If I’m eating healthily and trying to lose a few pounds, does all my good work and progress disappear just cos I’ve had a pizza on the weekend? No. Same goes with your journey with AF. If moderation is what you’re after then you’ve done f****** well. You didn’t go off the rails. In my book you’ve completed dry Jan

[DicCarlson]

Good job! Progress is progress! Onward! The clawing, scratching, craving does get less and less with sobriety. When I quit someone gave me a bottle of whiskey for Christmas - I doled it out literally by the spoon full - it lasted a few weeks - then I was really done. It was like when I quit cigarettes - many years ago - I used skol pouches for one week to keep some nicotine in my system (before patches, gum). Now, just NA beer, wine, and kombucha - one year in.

[catsrock]

Congratulations! You have made huge progress. I made it through the month without drinking, but almost slipped up a few times. It's great that we can all support each other on this journey.

[Lillop]

U've done really fantastic from wot it had bn last yr!! Reward urself, buy a new shirt or something as u've lost weight n need 2 c that visable sign n keep going! Ur not a fat old man, change that negative label to 'strong man, keeping on going!' U shud b r proud of urself u've done brilliantly! KEEP GOING itll soon b a positive habit NOT waking up feeling like c%$p each day n b'in able 2 do things instead of lying hungover xxx Change that name n think +!!

[FatOldMan in reply to Lillop]

Thanks for your support and well intentioned comments but the user name is not negative, it's being able to laugh at ones self same as the avatar.