Holiday blues.

[Jimbo92]

How’s it hanging, everyone?

Not posted on here in a while and don’t seem to see as many posts from some of the regulars. So just thought I’d catch up and also give an update on my situation.

Just got back from sunny Benidorm…the last place you want to go if you’re trying to go sober😂 Had a lovely time however, I spent an entire day in bed hungover, literally being sick all day and a banging head, the full shabang! It made me feel so guilty and ashamed. My girlfriend was out at the beach and sun lounging whilst I was dying in the hotel room.

Right now I’m on another stint to go sober. Holidays and events are my bugaboos. You feel like you’re missing out, but in reality the booze made me miss out on an entire day.

The only time I’m certain I won’t drink again is the day after, but then the next weekend hits and I’m back to it! Feel like I’m stuck in a rut recently and it’s driving me crazy

[HeavyFoot]

My sympathies, J92. Some years ago when I went sober for 6 months I went on holiday with some friends who are heavy drinkers (putting it politely). I lasted one week on colas and mineral water before I cracked. And went back very hard.

Now (nearly 3 years sober) I’ve changed strategies and keep away as much as possible from such situations. If ever in one, I stick to alcohol-free beers and sodas etc. The major inconvenience is having to listen to the crap drunks talk after 3 drinks. And I will NOT become their taxi driver ! Good luck.

[Jampacked in reply to HeavyFoot]

So true! A holiday is for you it shouldn't be a trial of endurance. I am becoming a taxi driver for everyone too. On my holiday I am planning to soak up the culture and go on hikes . My husband will drink but he is well trained so will be hiking and going to all the historical sites too! 😂My teens are getting the train to the nearest city to do teen things shopping hopefully. When my husband is drinking I plan to have an AF beer or 2 with him then mentally pixalate him ( bless) and get stuck into a book or podcast. My holiday is a few months away but I am already planning it with the hope that it will be fun and sober. last year I cracked as well and when I think of the holiday that's one of the first things that pops into mind. I drank way less but the wine witch was on my shoulder all the time. One day I plan to go away without wine witch as an uninvited guest xxx

[FatOldMan]

Hi Jimbo, guilty as charged ,on all accounts. I haven't been here very much lately but I do think that it may be because I have been getting along just fine,which I must admit is a pretty selfish attitude considering the amount of support I got when I was really struggling about a year ago. It's a long time since I had a massive hangover like the one that you describe on your Benidorm holiday but I remember them well . At least you are addressing the problem and getting back on the wagon. Well done and good luck.

I am finding that the longer I persevere the longer the periods of abstinence get and when I do drink it is a lot less. So keep trying.

I haven't conquered it by any means in fact I am probably just a much older version of you, but I left it until much later in life to do something about it and have a whole load of medical issues because of it.

I am away on a cruise for two weeks very soon so that is going to be a real trial for me.

Good luck.

[Jampacked in reply to FatOldMan]

Hi lovely to hear from you, glad it's working out. Check out what AF drinks the cruise offers hopefully they will have a good choice. I always feel better if I know what's on offer in advance. I have never been on a cruise well Jel 😀

[Jampacked]

Jimbo, how lovely to hear from you. We are not hanging anymore we are sober 😂 I decided to take the plunge and go completely sober I am 93 days. I think I might be at the pink cloud stage because everything seems fabulous people are truly accepting I don't drink l the ' when are you going to start drinking again?' comments are becoming fewer. Holidays are a trigger. I have done a few practice runs weekends away or time off at home without drinking. I think for me it's knowing what non alcoholic activities I will be doing so I can look forward to doing that. I am walking half of Hadrians wall this summer. I know its old peopley but find your thing. Planning, planning, planning, I think spontaneity comes later. Have a listen to Sober Stories or Sober Dave on Spotify hearing other people's journeys is really eye opening x

[DicCarlson]

Saw this on Medium - not sure if you can read the piece (it's a subscription website - well worth it BTW! There's usually so many free articles/month you can access - lots of sober journey articles.)

"Intoxication isn’t real joy, it’s just a brief reprieve from stress — and we convince ourselves that it’s happiness. When the alcohol wears off, so does the happiness, and the anxiety and depression return."

davetieff.medium.com/stephe...

[SoberDrunk1]

Yes, its the vicious cylce of Alcoholism. We are doing well (we think) and then boom, the mind tricks us into taking that first drink and off to the races........Hope you get help somewhere.