The give yourself a break from alcohol thread!

W!llow · #1 24th May 2009, 19:14

Anyone interested in trying to have a break from alcohol? A few of us are going to give it a go. We can use this thread to give each other a bit of encouragement to keep at it.

Alcohol can be a bit of a crutch for some Sa-ers and people who are depressed so I thought it was appropriate to post it here, but if any one has a better idea of where to put it, it can be moved.

I thought we could start from tomorrow but obviously you do what suits you. I have thought for a while it would be good to give myself a total break from alcohol and possibly just go back to having a drink at the weekend in the future but not throughout the week as well or at least breaking free from such a regular habit. I drink moderately but it is still too much I think. Sometimes I had drank a bit over the amount I usually drank because I got used to it and then I would wake up in the night aware it wasn't doing me any good though I didn't feel terribly ill but feeling all was not well that 'I've got to do something about this'. I for one am not going to find this easy but I have been meaning to do it for a while.

If you are worried about failing don't!

That is don't worry not don't fail! If you are at all concerned about your drinking give it a go, the more the better.

-Simon- · #2 24th May 2009, 19:22

I'm in, provided we can start tomorrow.

W!llow · #3 24th May 2009, 19:24

well I am starting from tomorrow

but for some it may be hard being a holiday if they have plans, so join when you can all you worried drinkers!

oh I get it! you like me are finishing off the alcohol tonight..

-Simon- · #4 24th May 2009, 19:27

yes, i'm debating whether or not to go and get some more to finish off but think I won't.

W!llow · #5 24th May 2009, 19:28

that's the spirit! (oops!)

-Simon- · #6 24th May 2009, 19:30

cheers

SebastianPoe · #7 24th May 2009, 20:01

I'll do it, not sure how long I would last, I'm constantly worried about my job, but hey, if Homer Simpson could do stop alcohol for a month, I'm sure I can!

monty_rp · #8 24th May 2009, 20:01

psssss... glug glug.... damn misread the title

-Simon- · #9 24th May 2009, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by SebastianPoe

I'll do it, not sure how long I would last, I'm constantly worried about my job, but hey, if Homer Simpson could do stop alcohol for a month, I'm sure I can!

A month!!!? hang on there now, I was thinking maybe until next weekend, at which point I'll reward myself with a nice bottle or two of red.

SebastianPoe · #10 24th May 2009, 20:39

lol

let's change it to no red or white wine until just next weekend

and just no beer for a month instead!

W!llow · #11 24th May 2009, 21:08

great stuff! any more takers.. come on you know you want to. o.k! 'want' maybe isn't the right word.

IRIS · #12 24th May 2009, 21:30

wine iz gud drink all you can - thread sabotage - do not not drink!!!

W!llow · #13 24th May 2009, 21:33

come on Iris you know you can do it!

Sea · #14 24th May 2009, 22:34

Yep, I will definitely sign up!
I have no alcohol in the house now and won't buy anymore until the weekend. Errm, well thats the plan anyway. I would like to (a) reduce my drinking so that it only happens at the weekend, and (b) reduce the amount consumed on any evening :rolleyes: And while I am at it, I want to ditch the occasional cigarette that I smoke whenever I have a crappy day (i.e. every day

).

Hackpen · #15 24th May 2009, 22:39

Nice idea willow, count me in too! This would have been day 7 for me but i sabotaged my efforts on thursday going out for a carvery. So, Im back down to day 3 again now. Got the in-laws staying for a few days a week on monday, so thatll scupper the no boozing temporarily. I havent been past 7 days on the trot since i cut back on the booze, so if i can make it to then without a drink Il be happy with that for now. Best of luck

simon1989 · #16 24th May 2009, 22:59

Im in, Im fed up of being dehydrated by the end of the night

W!llow · #17 24th May 2009, 23:12

Great! Welcome aboard all.

Nadia it sounds like you've got it under control all ready. Good for you!

But if those weekend drinks make you feel lousy the day after it might be good to have a break like you mention.

Thanks for the encouragement ^-^ and well done for taking control.

Sandyjw · #18 24th May 2009, 23:38

I think this is a good idea Naomi as although I haven't drunk every day in a long time but considering i went to a school reunion last night which was in a night club and got completely smashed and have been very ill today. My next going out event will be 6th June in a fortnight. So think I will join you in giving alcohol a break starting from tomorrow.

Mr Spud · #19 25th May 2009, 00:23

I'm in. This will be a big challenge for me as I've drank practically every day for the past 25 years or so, not to the point of complete intoxication, but at least a couple of cans of strong lager. I've become very aware lately of the effects this is having on my health, both physical and mental. Not only that, but also the time lost when I could be doing more constructive things. Just finishing off my last can now....

W!llow · #20 25th May 2009, 08:25

Thanks Sandy. Great to see more people.

Mr. Spud

Well I'm working today and then probably off to my parents but I will be back this evening/tonight.

W!llow · #21 25th May 2009, 20:55

Day 1. How is everyone doing?
I am on the tea. Been to work and then spent the afternoon with my mum had a bike ride. Just got home.. Feel a little sick so not having too much of an urge for a glass of wine.

Mr Spud · #22 25th May 2009, 22:06

Had a strong craving earlier today but have resisted the urge to go out and buy beer. Early days yet though.

W!llow · #23 25th May 2009, 22:19

well done Mr.Spud.
I didn't realise feeling sick could have benefits..

Sea · #24 25th May 2009, 22:23

Day 1. Resisted the temptation to go and buy wine, and realised what a boring evening it is without it :/ Could be a long week, lol. I'm tempted to go to bed now, just to kill time. Makes me very aware of what a ridiculous alcohol-dependent routine I have developed. On the positive side, no hangover this morning and got more thesis written today than I did in the entire last week. Here's to another day of productivity tomorrow.

Well done W!llow and Mr Spud

-Simon- · #25 25th May 2009, 22:23

No problem here, I would have had a drink if there was one in the house. I could have done with going to the shop as my daughter's coming early in the morning but I knew I'd buy wine if I went.

Arfed · #26 25th May 2009, 22:29

Not participating as I don't drink, but just an idea

If you give in and buy drink, pour it all down the sink before you give yourself a chance to drink it; it requires far less energy/motivation to force yourself to do that, than it does to force yourself to not drink 24/7.

Remove the drink and you remove the need to battle temptation

W!llow · #27 25th May 2009, 22:38

Thanks SeaW. Sorry your evening felt dull but good you were in a better state to tackle your thesis.
arbutnot well done for resisting the temptation to buy some.

T · #28 25th May 2009, 22:50

Good Idea W!llow

i'll do this when i return from glasto festival coz i'll be drinking alot of cider down there like i do each year.... so when i get back i'll start.

W!llow · #29 25th May 2009, 22:59

Thanks T. When is Glasto? If its not for a while you could join us and just accept that you will want to be able to have a drink then. I think most of us just want to break such a regular habit. It doesn't mean no alcohol ever again, unless someone feels that is best for them of course. Anyway no pressure.

SebastianPoe · #30 25th May 2009, 23:35

Whisky anyone? :p oh that right, i forgot! My memory is terrible! :p I didn't have a drink all day, and thats good considering the circumstances! I mean I worked from 7.30 til 4.30!

but I had no alcohol! Had plenty of coca cola though, oh jim morrison would be proud of us all! Lol