How to get off the drink?

TeddyTedson

I sometimes wonder how it got this bad in that I can't just have a few pints.
I done some really stupid things over the years drinking. Arrested, got in fights, drink driving, fallen out with people, embarrassed myself in front of friends and family, waking up beside some stranger, ended up drinking on my own, going on binges for days and not contacting anyone, woken up passed out with an ambulance beside me in town, just about everything you can do.

Im all or nothing. I often find myself saying to people when they ask me to the pub at 10 on a Thursday, "what's the point, we'll only have a few", or at least something along those lines.

I'm going to drink this weekend now because there's a party I"m going to, but i'll try my best to limit myself and drink slowly.
I just don't think I could enjoy myself socialising in that environment without alcohol, see as everyone else will be well on there way. I know that's a cope out, but that's part of the battle.

As sort of a blessing in disguise I have to go into hospital for a problem I've been having where I'll most likely be told I can't drink for quite a while. I hope to regain some things I've lost through alcohol.
I'm definitely not the same person I was a few years ago. Without getting in to the specifics. I've definitely lost confidence or something. That's the simplest way I could put it. I used to jokingly get the piss taken out of me because I never stop smiling, and often got uncontrollable giggles.
I think alcohol has actually killed a lot of my personality. I've become quite bland.

Once again I find myself typing way too many personal things about my life on to the internet but there you go, maybe it's go for me. Like a sort of therapy or something. It's certainly a cheaper option anyway.

Sunnyisland

Teddy if your serious about wanting to stop drinking or even cutting down,Things as they now stand in your life have to change,Only you can change them and it will involved some hard and tough decisions on your part,If you keep going on the same way eventually your problem will just keep getting worse,The problem a lot of us post about here is a very progressive disease/problem/abuse/addiction,Only you can make the decisions to change for the better. Nothing changes if Nothing changes.

2lazytogetup

I have found cutting it down to one or two drinks a massive difference. I dont talk rubbish and feel a lot better the next day.

Some tips that I use:

1. Have a chocolate bar and a can of coke just before going into the pub. You wont be thirsty or dont need a quick energy boost starting your first pint, you wont drink it so fast. Alternativly ask for a glass of water/cordial in addition to your first pint.

2. Order half pints. I know its unbelievably extra-ordinary and people think you are a muppet. But the likes of Nelson Mandela and Jesus went against the grain. Plus its acceptable here in London. its not a false economy. (ie 3.00 v 5.00euro) you are saving 2 euro and not wasting 50c.

3. Dont get into rounds. Even if you are generous and get the first round in and dont ask to be gotten back, people will put them in front of you.

4. buy a drink you dont like. sweet, bland largers like Desperados or Bud are too easy to drink. Something like Guinness and Smithicks can be harder for some. so will be drank slower.

4.b - treat the alcohol with respect. its a poison to be sipped slowly. not to be chugged like a lucozade sport after completing a 26mile run.

5. Choose a pub where you can sit and dont have to shout over the music. If its really hot you will drink more. if you are standing you wont be fully relaxed and will drink more to try and relax. if its loud you will give up trying to talk so will drink to kill the boredom.

6. When standing It can be heavy holding a pint. you will drink to reduce the weight. you are conscious of its presence... so you pay more attention to it... so you drink more.

7. If there is a band playing or a game on the tv you will be less conscious of your drink.

8. Relax and keep the conversation flowing. Act energetic and in good form. Laugh loudly. Prepare stories in advance. People will say non-drinkers are dry not because you dont drink but because you are quiet/boring. dont pretend to be drunk though.

9. If your mates are getting drunk, leave after 3 or 4 hours. By 11pm the group conversation is getting stupid and even for the drinkers, the best part of the night is over. All you will miss is the puking and the crying

Pubs are better than cafes for relaxing and for not feeling rushed.

in the words of Liam Neeson : 'Good luck'.:)

xim2

u need to have smthg to substitute your drinking + circle of friends for something new a new group and new friends