The Cutting Down / Giving Up Booze Thread (Part 14)

Barny1979

17/24 AFDs today

Poor_Single_lady

23/24 please

For yesterday but today won't be.

I like the thing you wrote about not being at people's beck and call HB. I think some people in friendships expect you to be available to them all the time. I've found this recently when I have been studying. But I kind of think it's driven by modern technology and social media. Some people thrive in that world and some do not.

cathybird

Morning all, 23/21 for me please.

Paspatur

Good morning, thank you for the warm welcome and comments
Last night was not AF and boy do I feel it today
Checked the label and I had 9.9 units last night
I am keeping track and see a pattern in October, I go between 2 to 4 days AF then have a drink
This time it was 5 days AF in a row so getting longer
I think I need to stop altogether, I have got so much more stuff done in the last few days due to not feeling the effects of booze

[Deleted User]

Morning,

October was a write off, too much going on.

Back to refocus on November.

Please put me down for 10 please Shaggy

Honey_Bear

takingonedayatatime wrote: »

Been keeping myself busy with the house and children and by bedtime last night I realised that I hadn't even thought of a glass of wine... a small breakthrough for me and it feels good.

Anyhow - declaring early for today so 27/31 for me

That's a fantastic total so far this month, One Day, and a HUGE breakthrough when your new behaviour starts to deal with the habitual side of drinking. It isn't a small breakthrough at all, and you thoroughly deserve some :T:T:T for making it to the point where you forget about having a drink. Massive congratulations on a real victory.

cathybird wrote: »

Yay I've got the witch!!!! :j:j:rotfl:

*Jealous*

Paspatur wrote: »

I am keeping track and see a pattern in October, I go between 2 to 4 days AF then have a drink
This time it was 5 days AF in a row so getting longer
I think I need to stop altogether, I have got so much more stuff done in the last few days due to not feeling the effects of booze

Paspatur, I can't speak highly enough about the benefits of living an alcohol-free life and I thoroughly recommend it. In my drinking days, about seven years before I stopped, I noticed I could go two days without a drink but if I opened a bottle on the third day for one glass of wine, I'd always end up finishing it. I didn't seem able to moderate even then.

It takes a bit of adjustment for the first year around Christmas, weddings and celebrations but other than that it's a doddle in comparison with dealing with the after-effects of tying one on. Once you know how you're going to deal with those events, to be honest, it sort of all falls into place. You'd just need to be very sure you wanted that five day feeling to be how your whole life would be, and a bucket of determination.

We went to a farewell party at a local place where OH has worked repeatedly and very happily in the past (he's freelance) for someone who was leaving after 26 years. Highly respected, much loved, the chap's going on to work-related pastures new, new challenges and it's terribly exciting as he'll still be living locally but with a lengthy commute. I heard the four best speeches I've ever heard last night. There were hundreds of glasses of sparkly stuff ready poured for quaffing and it was a massive, deeply touching celebration of someone's career - people had travelled from all over Europe to be at the event, that's how much he's loved.

The ONLY soft drink available was orange juice. I loathe orange juice from concentrate because that's pretty much all that's ever available at things like that because it's cheap and lasts forever unopened. I think some people might mind that, but it's only been the last few months that I've become aware of this as a bit of an issue. If it's the only issue that I ever have to deal with, that's 100% fine by me.

I love being AF.

28/31 please, Shaggy.

Paspatur

Honeybear, thanks for the encouragement
I have absolutely no problem with an AF Christmas - booze and 6 grandchildren do not mix anyway
I do really struggle with soft drinks, sounds daft since I drink beer but I hate all sugary drinks
Have not found a replacement except water which, while good for me, gets a bit boring
Or too much coffee
My biggest struggle will be holidays but luckily my next one is visiting a relative in the Middle East and she does not drink

Willowtree222

7 AFDs for me so far for October. Thanks

Paspatur

18/20 for tonight please
Taking on board what Honeybear said and yes I DO want that 5 day feeling back again
Unusually I have no visitors tomorrow so plan, weather permitting, is to cut grass for last time both at home and at other house which is up for sale - no way that would get done with a hangover!
My mantra will now be that I am NOT giving something up I am only gaining - mentally, physically and financially
Have a nice weekend all

Barny1979

18/24 AFDs today