Haven't touched a drop in...

drydub · 28-02-2025 12:16PM

Back again.

7 Years alcohol free. I can't really believe it. My post from a year ago, i said i would look at the consumption of the zero percent beers. And I have. Even though it would be limited drinking of them when out (the pure volume of pints, i dont know how i drank so many!) I am happy to report i've now more or less taken to drinking a coke zero or tea when i am out. The tea is a funny one and always sure to attract a comment or two, but can't drink multiple soft drinks.

As always, if anyone is thinking about giving up for Lent or had a successful sober January and intrigued by continuing, i cant only say DO IT. For me, it's like when people say 'god i dont know how people with kids do it, all the rushing around' , i cant believe people suffer really bad hangovers and go back for more. Time is really limited on this earth and hopefully i am banking time (health wise) and using time wisely (no hangovers).

Look after yourselves and keep up the fight!

JonBon27 · 14-09-2025 04:14PM

I look at my posts and was so proud of myself. I slowly became complacent and let alcohol back into my life which culminated in a filthy hangover this morning and not remembering how I got home. I've two kids now and a business which will suffer today for my actions, as well as feeling like rubbish.

So starting again on this, Day 1.

JonBon27 · 15-09-2025 10:32AM

The feelings of anxiety and depression are heavy, I'm a shadow of myself. I'm going to get to AA this week and make it a weekly trip, too easy to get complacent.

I just wish I could go back to when I first gave up in 2012 and have had kept at it. So many mistakes.

Etc · 15-09-2025 10:41AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123817966#Comment_123817966

The great thing is you are acknowledging it and are working on it. It’s very easy to beat yourself up but would you be so hard on someone else if they told you the same story ?

You managed it in 2012, you just need to find your motivation to do it again. Meetings are a great idea, that’s another positive step. Keep a record of the positives, they add up quickly and the past is done, it’s gone, today is what matters and only the day you’re in so just keep focusing on today.

It’s always going to be a work in progress so try to remember that. Keep going my friend !

JonBon27 · 15-09-2025 11:00AM

Thanks so much, it means a lot to me. My wife says this maybe a blessing in disguise as a lot of repressed feelings have come to the surface and I'm only now really acknowledging them and trying to work through. I'm also going to see a psychologist to help me with myself as I've had traumas in the past that I've never dealt with. Thanks again 👍

SuperBowserWorld · 15-09-2025 11:05AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123817966#Comment_123817966

Don't beat yourself up.

The system, the marketing, is designed to keep us addicted to things. And some of us are more easily addicted. Social media just makes this harder.

Step back and give yourself a break. You'll get over it again. Alcohol is an absolute waste of time and money. Use your time to get physically and mentally strong, and your money to invest in your future.

innuendo141 · 15-09-2025 11:29AM

Approaching the 3 year mark. Haven't had a drink since the start of November 2022. I was a bit anxious before the first stag and wedding sober, but I don't miss it at all. I had been reducing my drinking slowly over the past number of years before I decided to give it up altogether, but I feel all the better for it and know it was 100% the right decision for me to make.

JonBon27 · 15-09-2025 11:53AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123818159#Comment_123818159

Well done that's a great achievement! Keep at it!

ekkinak · 16-09-2025 08:07AM

Two and a half years off it now.

Best decision I ever made.

Alcohol gives you oblivion. Sobriety gives you infinity.

JonBon27 · 16-09-2025 09:55AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123820696#Comment_123820696

Well done that's a great achievement! It really does give you freedom. I think with myself it brought up a lot of things under the surface that I've never dealt with so that's why this time it's been such a struggle in my own mind. Determined now to get help and get right for myself, wife and kids.

My friends are good people but when I meet it's like a trigger to go mad so going to start moving away from them in a different direction. Still be there if they need me but not sure I can keep the friendships as they all except one revolve around drinking when socialising. Feel scared and invigorated at the same time.

Hope to be writing up here in a year from now celebrating where I've landed in all of this! Thanks to everyone on this thread, it's a great support structure! I really do appreciate all the comments.

ekkinak · 17-09-2025 09:39AM

sounds like you're turning a corner, changing into a new person

the old person used alcohol and whatever else to numb whatever feelings you have

it's ok to sit with discomfort and let the feelings come

this too shall pass

JonBon27 · 17-09-2025 05:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123824106#Comment_123824106

Thanks that means a lot to me!

JonBon27 · 21-09-2025 01:03PM

7 days and not looking back!

e.r · 21-09-2025 01:13PM

keep her going jonbon27 👍👍

Ardillaun · 24-10-2025 10:09PM

These are my little mantras in rhyming form which I repeat while walking.

Smile, give thanks and say,
They will, not mine, be done.
Forgive yourself, everyone,
And lend a hand today.

Haven't touched a drop in...

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