The Giving Up/ Cutting Down alcohol support thread - number 12

maman

:wave: Slowdown

Just to add my good wishes to everyone else's. I'm a cutter-down with no intention of giving up completely. Other than a stressful job (and the feeling I deserved a treat) I had no excuses for getting into the bad habit of drinking every day. It was just a lifestyle I had fallen into.

My plan was to only drink at weekends and special occasions. I was also determined not to 'play catch-up' at weekends and consume the same quantity over three days. If I'm honest I wasn't motivated by health issues but by empty calories that were making me fat.:o

Fast forward about three years and I've achieved what I set out to do. I'm now a 'normal' social drinker. I have a low target of 10 AFDs a month and always achieve it or exceed it. Many of my planned drinking days I just have a single glass when out for lunch with friends. Other days, I often stop before I've finished a bottle because I know I've had enough.

It's not easy to start with but it gets easier with time. When I started I couldn't settle to anything. I needed a glass in my hand all evening. I worried all afternoon that I wouldn't be having a drink that evening. I looked enviously at people in wine bars on my way home.

BUT the feeling of achievement when I got through the evening and could post an AF day on here [STRIKE]was[/STRIKE] is great. One day at a time is a cliche but so true. I think your idea of finding something else to occupy yourself is a good one. I go to a dance class every Monday evening and that sets me on the right track for the week. When I get in, I head straight for the kettle and make a large cup of tea so I'm not tempted to waste an AF day by starting late. I find hot drinks help as I have to sip them rather than pour them down my neck.

When Shaggy's around, she'll add you to the list for April if you want. You could set yourself a target number for the rest of the month or go TF (target free) and just clock up whatever you can. Every day counts!!

Good Luck.:)

Imagnu_2

don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine

Barny1979

16 AFDs out of 28 for the month's challenge. 103 in total for 2013

satchmo1

18/30 AFDs, I even resisted a glass at a colleagues birthday lunch where we all contributed food or drink.

tracy_36

8AF please Shaggy

New_Day

Imagnu wrote: »

don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine don't buy wine

I must have heard your chanting Imagnu, cos somehow I have managed to stop myself from going to the shops for 'just one bottle - just for tonight'.

I am going to run a nice hot bath, then have a milky drink and an early night. Last night was the first time I slept all night through since I can't remember and it felt so good.

Hope everyone is having a good evening. x

Slowdown

Thanks for your response and support. It is good to know that getting it under control is possible and I really would like to strive for this.

I am now tucked up in bed following a cuppa and hot bath. I really didn't feel like a drink after last night and I am quite tired after a bad night's sleep but I know tomorrow will be more of a challenge.
Still its like New Day said - it's a new day and I can try again.

We have almost two weeks of the month left and I am going to try for 8 AF days.

I am scared even writing that down. I feel a slight sense of panic but don't know why. I can't imagine going to the pub on Saturday before and after the football match we are going to and only having soft drinks. I'm also at a 50th party that night too with lots of old friends. I would rather not drink, as I feel like I end up saying stupid things when I do, but its a daunting thought.

Still I will give it a go and if I trip up I will try to moderate and not beat myself up.

Thank you all for the support and advice. It is much appreciated.
Kind regards
Slowdown:)

New_Day

Slowdown wrote: »

.

I am now tucked up in bed following a cuppa and hot bath. I really didn't feel like a drink after last night and I am quite tired after a bad night's sleep but I know tomorrow will be more of a challenge.

Kind regards
Slowdown:)

That makes two of us Slowdown. I'm starting to enjoy my bedtime milky drink and although my first two AF nights were really restless, I slept well last night and actually felt quite refreshed this morning.

I know from past experience that this isn't just a short term fix and is going to need working at for a long time, but taking it in small steps is working for me so far. Hope you find a system that works for you too.

Good night everyone. x

maman

8 AFDs for me please Shaggy.

slowdown, :Ton your first AF day. That's the hardest one out of the way.

I don't want to stop you if you think an AF weekend is a good idea for you but if you're aiming for 8 AFDs for April you can plan which days you're not going to drink. As Saturday is a special occasion then why not just plan to have some drinks (try to be sensible and intersperse with water/soft options). The trick is to get straight back on the wagon. It's all about you being in control not the booze. It's too easy to just say s*d it, I've had a drink so I'll carry on.

The_Boss

18 AFDs so far in April.