enough is enough!

[Cooperpearl]

I cant deal with waking up and worrying how I got home. I drink to get drunk and it’s s as ll or nothing with me most of the time. I want to change my lifestyle but there are so many people in my life who seem to cope with it but I’m clearly not, so do I avoid them as my will power isn’t strong. I’ve got big parties coming up which I’m expected to go to but I’m also liking not drinking at all for nearly two weeks now. Nothing - but a start.

[Jampacked]

Well done with the two weeks. Just want to say You Are Doing The Right Thing! You are putting your health and wellbeing first which will benefit you and all those around you. We mourn the fact that some people can take or leave alcohol but give it another few months and the realisation will come that alcohol adds exactly nothing to your life. Its a dangerous, addictive substance and the take it or leave it drinkers are still at risk of sliding down the slippery slope. Read, read, read podcasts, audible, real quit lit books this constant drip, drip, drip of education will help. Can you be honest with those around you? You are taking a break from alcohol for health reasons.The parties are risky this early in sobriety. Do you have to go? If you do will you have support can you lean on a partner or friend for support in not drinking? If you go make a plan. Drive, Leave early? Take your alcohol free alternatives in your handbag if you cant be sure they will be available.. A glass of tonic with a bit of lemon or an AF beer will stop most people asking what your drinking. Its a bit crazy but if you can't stand all the questions this early in the sobriety journey pretend drinking works for some but be careful if this could be a trigger. Honesty, subterfuge or avoidance of the party, pick a strategy and stick to it. You can do this.

[Jimbo92]

Well done on the two weeks. I’m exactly the same! I can go weeks without a drink. I don’t drink through the week or in the house, but if I’m out or at an event, party, orc on holiday I just can’t help myself.

Events and outings are the hardest part of trying to moderate or quit the booze, unfortunately. I’ve got a city break in Dublin in March and I’m not going to kid myself, it’s literally the world capital of ale🤣

My advice would be to make alternative plans to these parties and events. Take up a hobby or a sport, classes, gym etc. Have things in place to stop you from going on that bender. So if me and my partner go out, we will have something booked for the Sunday which means we can only have a few and have to go home. In addition to that, you can always drive to these events.

Furthermore, your social circle can have a significant impact. You are who you hang around with as they say. Do your friends drink?? Does your partner? What about your family? I’m not saying Ditch your mates. But do you have friends that don’t drink? Maybe make plans with them. Alternative plans and solutions. That’s what I try to do!

Lastly, do you truly believe everyone around you is actually in control? You’d be surprised what goes on behind closed doors. There’s more people in our situation than there isn’t. You’re not on your own

[HeavyFoot in reply to Jimbo92]

A little reply about Dublin: Guinness is really pushing its Zero and it’s very good. It might see you through. Good luck.

[Jimbo92 in reply to HeavyFoot]

Mate, it’s good stuff. I had a can of it before Christmas