Haven't touched a drop in...

Chop Chop · 28-04-2013 10:14am

I'm gonna give it up today for good. I like to have the occasional bottle of wine during the week and I always have a few at the weekend. I'm sick and tired of it.

It's a habit I got into iny twenties. I have a high tolerance for alcohol, I can function perfectly the next day. Especially if I drink wine.

I work hard and play hard. I can only imagine how much better I could be without the gargle.

I had a dream that I gave it up. I think this was my body telling me to snap out of it or face the consequences of liver disease before I'm 40.

ConFurioso · 28-04-2013 11:38am

3 weeks today.

I'm beginning to wonder what I saw in alcohol in the first place....

There was one difficult night last weekend, but I've been seeing the improvement in my mental functions and health already. I don't waste my weekends anymore, either.

Also back with a rugby club, and the shocking realisation of how bad I've gotten has made me resolved to getting fit again to play in a match in about a month. That's a lot of running, squating and push-ups! But far more preferable to spending **** loads of money on the ability to not function properly the next day.

Seriously lads and ladies, I'm loving this an wish I did it earlier.

Chop Chop · 28-04-2013 12:17pm

ConFurioso wrote: »

3 weeks today.

I'm beginning to wonder what I saw in alcohol in the first place....

There was one difficult night last weekend, but I've been seeing the improvement in my mental functions and health already. I don't waste my weekends anymore, either.

Also back with a rugby club, and the shocking realisation of how bad I've gotten has made me resolved to getting fit again to play in a match in about a month. That's a lot of running, squating and push-ups! But far more preferable to spending **** loads of money on the ability to not function properly the next day.

Seriously lads and ladies, I'm loving this an wish I did it earlier.

I can't wait to feel like that.

Tom_Cruise · 28-04-2013 1:15pm

When ever i stop drinking for a prolonged period, i definitely feel better overall, but i cant help but feel that there are many negative aspects to quitting as well.

Like trying to fill the weekend nights can be a chore. Also the fact that nearly all social events revolve around alcohol - i just cant stand being around drunk people who repeat themselves every five seconds and don't even listen to you when your talking so i try to avoid pubs if im not drinking.

I am pretty busy otherwise and try to always do something, but its feels like there a void left unfilled or something. I cant really explain it properly. I dont know if this changes over time or not.

Chop Chop · 28-04-2013 1:31pm

Tom_Cruise wrote: »

I am pretty busy otherwise and try to always do something, but its feels like there a void left unfilled or something. I cant really explain it properly. I dont know if this changes over time or not.

This is the part I'm worried about. Everything I do outside work revolves around drink. People come to visit, we drink, we visit them, we drink........drink, drink, drink. I hate they way that's all anyone does in this country. The family on both sides can't do anything unless it involves getting drunk.

Everyone I know drinks, aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters, neighbours, work colleagues etc..... It's normal in this country to drink during the week and get rat arsed at the weekend.

I'm supposed to be going to a dinner party later and I know everyone will be píssed. I'm dreading it, this is day one for me and already I am having doubts.

I have to stay strong, I need to do this, I really do.

ConFurioso · 28-04-2013 1:47pm

You're just going to have to suck it up and say 'I'm not drinking because I don't want to. If you can't accept that, that's your problem'. (maybe not those exact words of course! :pac: )

Being surrounded by drunk people when your sober is the worst feeling sometimes, but you're the one making a bloody good effort to socialize against what you'd want to do, so you owe people nothing. Give your friends the chance to accept the new you, they may surprise you.

Whatever you do, stick to your plan. You will be SO much happier tomorrow morning and realize two things:

1. You have no hangover/ can function to a higher level than usual.

2. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Good luck!

Johnny Cage · 01-05-2013 12:31am

1 month today.

Posted earlier in the thread how i was never gonna drink again after one of the worst hangovers ever. Well i did end up drinking a bit but only a few nights out of 2 months and haven't drunk in 1 month. Only ever got a little tipsy never got pissed. Don't miss drinking, love feeling healthy and avoiding hangovers.

Downside is socially it kinda sucks, Don't really enjoy going out to bars at all sober even though i have done a few times. It's not bad but not enjoyable either. Problem is being in college drinking is the main form of socialising.

I've started saving €50 for every week i don't drink. Gonna have €2000 by the time i turn 23 so something to aim for. It's a good motivator.

Overall happy i'm off it, the pros of abstaining definitely outweigh the cons.

derry dirtfisher · 02-05-2013 9:16am

stopping is easy...staying stopped is a little harder but its not an unattainable goal. be positive folks!!

seanrose · 03-05-2013 7:02am

seanrose wrote: »

hi ladies and gentlemen

it has been a long time since I have posted on this forum.

Have had no drink in 20 days. I can go without drink for long periods of time but then overdo it when I do drink. I didnt drink paddys day or easter weekend,Its funny that them occassions I dont even think about drinking nor does it interest me.

The reason I have decided to reconnect with this forum is as I feel I have been given another oppurtunity with love. My last relationship broke down and drink had a major part in that. I am determined to not let this happen this time and if it does there is only one person to blame and that is me.

Now here is the thing. I dont feel strong enough to be able to stay away from drink but also know I havent got the ability to moderate.

I am heading over to where she is at college in 2 weeks time and I am concentrating just getting over that weekend without drink becoming an issue but also know that I cant avoid it.To be fair she knows I have a bad relationship with alcohol but I havent really done it in front of her as she is away at times. We have known each other a good while and our relationship is moving up in gears and I dont want to put this relationship in reverse gear by my drinking

Thanks for listening

Hi

just checking in as I know its important to keep in touch reading this thread and writing the odd message.

I had a few beers watching boxing a few weekends back and that's all it was.Bed at a reasonable hour but even at that I was so tired on sunday.Its amazing how the body can react to even a little bit of poisin.

As I said about the weekend away I did not intend to stay away from alcohol but to try and moderate and it went well. We went out the Saturday night and had a bite to eat and a few drinks. Now when I say a few it was a bit more than that but throughout the night I was watching my intake. I have to say it was one hell of an eye opener. I have to admit even though I chuckled at the behavior of some people its sad to see at the same time. I was happy that it wasn't me stuck being the clown. We went then for a bite to eat on sunday and a few drinks to watch the football. We left after the football and spent a relaxed evening watching tv and a takeaway.

now the reason I have gone into detail is that usually a weekend away would have meant beers,shorts (I didn't drink one all weekend) and absolutely the thought of sitting in a restaurant eating would have been a no no. The sunday would have been a write of too with the cure being the only thing in my mind but what was in mind on sunday was the thought that I didnt want to be hungover travelling and so I had an enjoyable journey home without being hungover on monday

I know that its only a very small step but at least its a step in the right direction forward, but also know how easy it is to take steps backwards

Thanks for listening

quinrea01 · 03-05-2013 8:50am

Deleted

I struggled hard to get even one year free, but when I did finally succeed I just kept on going. It seemed to get much easier to stay sober once I had achieved that first drink-free year. You have reached a very important milestone now and with the new arrival due shortly, you have the world at your feet. You will have bad days and good days....it comes with the territory, but never be diverted by ANYTHING as you put more distance between the life you have now and the days of misery. Well done, my friend.

ronan45 · 03-05-2013 11:03am

Can i ask a DUMB question... when people say "I have been Sober for X time"
I take it as, that is TOTAL abolition of alcohol or is it One or two drinks or an occasional glass of wine, but never enough to be drunk or even close to it.

hubba · 03-05-2013 11:50am

Not a dumb question, ronan45. To me sober is sober. No alcohol at all, ever. Having the odd one or two drinks is called moderating your intake. Others might have their own perspectives but I think a lot of folk would agree with my interpretation.

03-05-2013 11:51am

hubba wrote: »

Not a dumb question, ronan45. To me sober is sober. No alcohol at all, ever. Having the odd one or two drinks is called moderating your intake. Others might have their own perspectives but I think a lot of folk would agree with my interpretation.

Here here

I tried moderation for years, always led back to the same place.

Wattle · 03-05-2013 11:55am

ronan45 wrote: »

Can i ask a DUMB question... when people say "I have been Sober for X time"
I take it as, that is TOTAL abolition of alcohol or is it One or two drinks or an occasional glass of wine, but never enough to be drunk or even close to it.

The problem is that most people who post here have tried to moderate their drinking without success. It's all or nothing.

FloatingVoter · 03-05-2013 11:59am

ronan45 wrote: »

Can i ask a DUMB question... when people say "I have been Sober for X time"
I take it as, that is TOTAL abolition of alcohol or is it One or two drinks or an occasional glass of wine, but never enough to be drunk or even close to it.

Well, I've been completely dry since Jan. 17th but next week I've a big event that would normally involve me getting polluted for about a week before and after. I'll probably wind up having three or four pints and then go back to desert dry. Maybe I'll stick to coke or orange that night, who knows. If I stay dry until the New Year and after then I won't beat myself up over it.
The worst thing you can do is fall off the wagon and say "this will never work for me" - thats just using one lapse as an excuse to revert to old ways.

hubba · 03-05-2013 12:02pm

I think that in some cases it's not even a physical dependency but an unwillingness to take that huge social step (and it is huge) into teetotaldom. It sets you apart from most of your family, your mates and draws attention to yourself that is usually unfavourable.

I had to think about it for years before taking the final plunge but it was well worth it and though I know we shouldn't entertain regrets, I truly do wish I had done it earlier.

hubba · 03-05-2013 12:10pm

That last post sounded a bit ambiguous and gloomy so I hereby correct myself:

Yes, it's a huge plunge and sets you apart but once done, life turns into something brilliant and wondrous. Technicolour and vivid, and full of pure 'joy' at times. You learn so much about yourself too, things that you just can't seem to come to know when you are in the endless merry go round of abstinence, craving, indulgence and hangover.

You really won't know what I mean until you actually experience it for yourself but trust me, it's worth it!

Queen-Mise · 03-05-2013 12:13pm

seanrose wrote: »

Hi

Now when I say a few it was a bit more than that but throughout the night I was watching my intake. I have to say it was one hell of an eye opener. I have to admit even though I chuckled at the behavior of some people its sad to see at the same time. I was happy that it wasn't me stuck being the clown.

This is so true - there is a point when drinking is ok, tipsy stage. But when people begin to get drunk, and then legless etc; it is not fun to watch. It is funny in a dark, macabre way, and it is lovely knowing that it is not you that they are laughing at/with.

Keep with it seanrose - you will find your balance, and enjoy the benefits to your wallet, health, etc.

quinrea01 · 03-05-2013 1:57pm

ronan45 wrote: »

Can i ask a DUMB question... when people say "I have been Sober for X time"
I take it as, that is TOTAL abolition of alcohol or is it One or two drinks or an occasional glass of wine, but never enough to be drunk or even close to it.

This expression 'sober' can be easily minterpreted. To some people, it means 'not drunk', as in tipsy, slightly inebriated, buzzing, or whatever other expression they use to mean 'not falling-down' drunk. To me sobriety means not only the complete absence of alcohol in the bloodstream, but also a positive mental attitude and a clear determination NOT to drink, either in the near future, or at any given time in the distant future. It's as simple as that. Anything else is something else, but it's not sobriety.

Sunnyisland · 04-05-2013 8:33pm

quinrea01 wrote: »

This expression 'sober' can be easily minterpreted. To some people, it means 'not drunk', as in tipsy, slightly inebriated, buzzing, or whatever other expression they use to mean 'not falling-down' drunk. To me sobriety means not only the complete absence of alcohol in the bloodstream, but also a positive mental attitude and a clear determination NOT to drink, either in the near future, or at any given time in the distant future. It's as simple as that. Anything else is something else, but it's not sobriety.

100%

quinrea01 · 04-05-2013 9:50pm

Well, how are we all doing out there? I have been heartened by a lot of the posts here lately and it just shows that many of us are finally copping on that there is a new and better life out there, if we just give it a chance. For too long we have been influenced by peer pressure and a powerful and unrelenting agenda by the drinks industry to make us feel we were not 'REAL' men and women unless we got ourselves sozzled at every opportunity. We have seen decades of violence, road accidents and mental illness in this country which stemmed, in the main, from drink abuse and it seems to be getting worse. The government couldn't give a monkey's about this and will do nothing to stop the huge tax intake on alcohol, except put out a few half-hearted warnings on TV from time to time. Make no mistake, folks....our health and safety issues are in our OWN hands. Keep hanging in there and keep in touch with each other on this site as often as possible. If no one is willing to help us, we can at least help each other. Ciao for now.

Manc-Red · 05-05-2013 1:51pm

Off it 7 days now & starting to feel the benefits big-time.

McChubbin · 05-05-2013 3:06pm

Been off the booze since Easter Sunday. Anti-psychotic meds and alcohol do not a good combination make. I do miss it sometimes but I keep telling myself I'm better off without it. Whenever I get a strong urge to drink, I tend to go for non-alcholic wine or carbonated water with MiWadi or Schloer.
It's been a bit of a difficult ride- people keep tempting me with cans of beer but for the sake of my mental health I don't give in.
After the massive session I had on Easter Sunday (at one point, I was drinking shots of poitchin. NEVER AGAIN.), it took 2 days for the hangover to clear and then followed a serious mixed episode of mania, insomnia and psychois that almost resulted in me landing back in the looney bin. Had to get extra medication from my doctor it was that bad.
I feel better without the booze, though. At the end of the day, my mental health will always take priority and truth be told, I don't even like the taste of beer anymore.
I tried a bottle of non-alcholic Baltika beer at the weekend and it tasted like wheat-flavoured water.
Going to stick to my resolve for the forseeable future as the last thing I want is another psychotic episode.

derry dirtfisher · 05-05-2013 9:23pm

i was on ant-psychotics too once, but then realised that i didnt really need them. i think shrinks are paid comission for prescribing them and getting people addicted to them

TO_ARTHUR! · 06-05-2013 4:28pm

...105 days now and going strong. I've nearly one third of the year done.

May the force be with you all!:pac:

quinrea01 · 06-05-2013 6:40pm

TO_ARTHUR! wrote: »

...105 days now and going strong. I've nearly one third of the year done.

May the force be with you all!:pac:

Nice one.....you're doing great. But time to change your avatar, methinks....lol.

TO_ARTHUR! · 06-05-2013 9:33pm

quinrea01 wrote: »

Nice one.....you're doing great. But time to change your avatar, methinks....lol.

Thanks, What's wrong with my avatar?:)

ConFurioso · 06-05-2013 11:26pm

I think maybe he meant your username.

ronan45 · 07-05-2013 8:06am

Manc-Red wrote: »

Off it 7 days now & starting to feel the benefits big-time.

Im off it Literally to the day as yourself from 2 /3 binge black out sessions per week to ZERO intake. Weirdly enough both mornings i felt strangely groggy and today also allmost like i had drank last night then i was like hang on I DIDNT drink its my imagination playing games. ALso i found it a bit hard to sleep. I feel kinda lighter thou and stranglely light headed. How long does it take to clear all traces of alcohol from ones system? One thing i did slip on was to stop me drinking i replaced the gargle with a load of Junk food .. in effect trying to kill the urge by filling myself with food. ill have to get that sorted!;)

quinrea01 · 07-05-2013 12:42pm

I did indeed mean username. No biggie, though. The thing is you're headed in the right direction and that's all that REALLY matters....'a rose by any other name' etc.

iusedtoknow · 07-05-2013 3:05pm

ronan45 wrote: »

Im off it Literally to the day as yourself from 2 /3 binge black out sessions per week to ZERO intake. Weirdly enough both mornings i felt strangely groggy and today also allmost like i had drank last night then i was like hang on I DIDNT drink its my imagination playing games. ALso i found it a bit hard to sleep. I feel kinda lighter thou and stranglely light headed. How long does it take to clear all traces of alcohol from ones system? One thing i did slip on was to stop me drinking i replaced the gargle with a load of Junk food .. in effect trying to kill the urge by filling myself with food. ill have to get that sorted!;)

I had the feeling of being hungover in the mornings as well - turns out it was because i was replacing alcohol with coca cola, especially at parties - replacing one form of sugar for another. Make sure you get lots of water (or tea).

To be honest, the light headedness is probably just your bodies reaction to not having alcohol in the system rather than still having it there.

TO_ARTHUR! · 07-05-2013 6:09pm

quinrea01 wrote: »

I did indeed mean username. No biggie, though. The thing is you're headed in the right direction and that's all that REALLY matters....'a rose by any other name' etc.

Thanks, No problem, I was wondering, 'this guy mustn't like seeing fish in alcohol or whatever'.

quinrea01 · 07-05-2013 8:21pm

TO_ARTHUR! wrote: »

Thanks, No problem, I was wondering, 'this guy mustn't like seeing fish in alcohol or whatever'.

Well I used to drink like a fish.....

TO_ARTHUR! · 07-05-2013 9:54pm

quinrea01 wrote: »

Well I used to drink like a fish.....

106 days YIPPEEEEEEEE!

But you're right, I probably should change my username. I'm just hoping they'll give me moderatorship over a forum some time soon:pac:

Jimmy Garlic · 13-05-2013 5:56am

Off it completely for over two months now. The only way I can describe the feeling is being born again. I know I am only recently off it completely but I look back at my drinking days and ask myself why I put myself through such sheer hell. The conclusion that I have come to is that drinking is a slow suicide. I know I can never drink moderately. Complete abstinence is the only answer.

Darren 83 · 13-05-2013 6:44am

I can't remember the last time I drank, I was never a big drinker. I could never understand going out to drink and paying for it the next day.

Each to there own

Chazz Michael Michaels · 13-05-2013 7:18pm

derry dirtfisher wrote: »

i was on ant-psychotics too once, but then realised that i didnt really need them. i think shrinks are paid comission for prescribing them and getting people addicted to them

I'm currently on them. They have hugely improved my life.

More on topic, I'm on the dry for two months I think.

JonBon27 · 17-05-2013 8:13am

440 days:)

lindtee · 17-05-2013 8:15pm

figs666 wrote: »

TO ME TRUE FREEDOM IS TO NOT DRINK AND NOT WANT TO DRINK .

^^^Says it all

Tomorrow I will be going to wedding, it will be my first since I last had a drink nearly 6 1/2 years ago. While I am looking forward to the day out and night away from the children, I am a bit apphrehensive about being around alcohol consumption for such a prolonged period of time. I am not worried that I am going to have a drink but I am wondering how comfortable I will be for the day...

I was talking to a friend during to week who told me a friend of his will not go to weddings (even those of very close family members including children) and he has been sober for over 20 years:eek:

baileatha · 17-05-2013 8:38pm

lindtee wrote: »

^^^Says it all

Tomorrow I will be going to wedding, it will be my first since I last had a drink nearly 6 1/2 years ago. While I am looking forward to the day out and night away from the children, I am a bit apphrehensive about being around alcohol consumption for such a prolonged period of time. I am not worried that I am going to have a drink but I am wondering how comfortable I will be for the day...

I was talking to a friend during to week who told me a friend of his will not go to weddings (even those of very close family members including children) and he has been sober for over 20 years:eek:

Well done on 6 and 1/2 years sobriety. If I was in your position I would go to the wedding but have a definite plan B that allows me to exit early should I feel the need. You may feel very comfortable or you may not. In the event you do not feel comfortable I would suggest leaving the bar/reception area. Protect your hard won sobriety at ALL costs. All the best and enjoy the wedding.

derry dirtfisher · 17-05-2013 11:58pm

baileatha wrote: »

Well done on 6 and 1/2 years sobriety. If I was in your position I would go to the wedding but have a definite plan B that allows me to exit early should I feel the need. You may feel very comfortable or you may not. In the event you do not feel comfortable I would suggest leaving the bar/reception area. Protect your hard won sobriety at ALL costs. All the best and enjoy the wedding.

for definite. sobriety needs to stay as your number one priority. just hang about while its comfortable....theres an old saying that says if you sit in a barbers for long enough youll eventually get a haircut

enjoy the wedding and stay safe

Sunnyisland · 19-05-2013 12:12pm

lindtee wrote: »

^^^Says it all

Tomorrow I will be going to wedding, it will be my first since I last had a drink nearly 6 1/2 years ago. While I am looking forward to the day out and night away from the children, I am a bit apphrehensive about being around alcohol consumption for such a prolonged period of time. I am not worried that I am going to have a drink but I am wondering how comfortable I will be for the day...

I was talking to a friend during to week who told me a friend of his will not go to weddings (even those of very close family members including children) and he has been sober for over 20 years:eek:

Enjoy the day and has already being said have a plan b making sure that you do have one and your partner or close friends no about it

derealbadger · 19-05-2013 11:21pm

4 years today

hubba · 20-05-2013 9:25am

Well done, derealbadger. It's great to see so many celebrating such positive anniversaries.

lindtee · 20-05-2013 11:18am

Well done therealbadger. Agree with hubba, its great to see

I survived the wedding but can't say that I felt comfortable:( I think this was because I stayed too long as everyone got progressively drunker. I went on my own with a friend and didn't really know anyone there except the bride so it was hard. Would not rule another wedding out but under different circumstances.

Sunnyisland · 20-05-2013 12:46pm

derealbadger wrote: »

4 years today

Congratulations and well done

hubba · 20-05-2013 3:19pm

lindtee wrote: »

Well done therealbadger. Agree with hubba, its great to see

I survived the wedding but can't say that I felt comfortable:( I think this was because I stayed too long as everyone got progressively drunker. I went on my own with a friend and didn't really know anyone there except the bride so it was hard. Would not rule another wedding out but under different circumstances.

I've been to two weddings and I have to say I will be giving any future ones a wide berth. I think even when you are drinking, weddings can be quite a social challenge - all that small talk and waiting around, not to mention having to get dressed up! But not drinking - well, for me, it just becomes incredibly boring and I get really restless to leave. So I guess my message is for people not to beat themselves up over finding weddings a handful and if you feel at all vulnerable, give it a miss (or leave early if you are already there). To me, sobriety gets priority.

quinrea01 · 20-05-2013 4:18pm

derealbadger wrote: »

4 years today

All downhill from here, but always be vigilant and never surrender what you have fought so hard to achieve. And keep in mind that a drink is only an arms length away. Congratulations and continue to enjoy your new life and freedom.

hubba · 26-05-2013 3:22pm

2 years this week.

Life is just so different for me off drink that I've no intention of ever going back there.

And fyi - the 'banter' is a million times better sober with family and friends, or out volunteering or exercising with like minded people! Just sayin'.

Sunnyisland · 26-05-2013 3:49pm

hubba wrote: »

2 years this week.

Life is just so different for me off drink that I've no intention of ever going back there.

And fyi - the 'banter' is a million times better sober with family and friends, or out volunteering or exercising with like minded people! Just sayin'.

Delighted for you hubba

Two years ago you found your bottom, Got off the elevator and now look at all you have accomplished,

I've been around long enough to watch you succeed. Wow...you are kicking some serious Alcohol ass! great work

Haven't touched a drop in...

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