Haven't touched a drop in...

Sigma Force · 31-07-2020 8:49pm

anniewilkes wrote: »

Relapsed after 117 days - it was very easy to slip back into old habits. It lasted only a day so that's good. The hangover was not.

Have not touched a drop in 23 days - not feeling as motivated this time around. Very down most of the time, but getting through it. The loneliness is the worst. Only socialising in work. No sober friends at all so very difficult. Have had to let a few go as I just can't be around them anymore.

As soon as you feel up to it try joining some social groups wether it’s an exercise class, book club ..anything that will get you meeting new people. You don’t have to love it but if you can enjoy it a bit and it’ll build up the confidence to try new things and meet more people socially.

anniewilkes · 02-08-2020 3:24pm

Sigma Force wrote: »

As soon as you feel up to it try joining some social groups wether it’s an exercise class, book club ..anything that will get you meeting new people. You don’t have to love it but if you can enjoy it a bit and it’ll build up the confidence to try new things and meet more people socially.

Failed again, going forward I will need to rethink how I've been approaching things.

Chalk McHugh · 02-08-2020 3:30pm

tinpib wrote: »

Hey Chalk.

My first 3 times giving up "permanently" all lasted around 4 ½ months. The first time was horrible, really difficult, I was not "living sober" I was "not drinking". I was white-knuckling it the whole way, I was absolutely miserable at the end.

I figured, and it was the truth, that no matter how bad my drinking was it was better than being as miserable as this sober, so I started drinking again with no regrets. Then after a few years I had a catastrophic night out drinking, gave up for another 4 ½ months, maybe it was slightly easier but it didn’t feel too much like it at the time. After 4 ½ months of drinking I felt the same as the first time I just thought fupp this I’m going back drinking.

But then only about 4months after that I had another disastrous night drinking and I gave it up again, and this was maybe a little bit easier, I was still a bit bored. I took up running but those first two times sober were a good experience when you have that behind you it’s easier to give up, but I wasn't bursting with happiness 24/7 like I thought and expected.

Then after 4 ½ months sober I thought to myself well maybe this is the way I will go, I’ll just have a bad time drinking, give it up for a few months ,then go back drinking.

I’m drinking for the rest of that year, I was thinking, "God could I give it up? is it better to give it up? I can’t really" I had a holiday booked and there were a couple of nights where I did way stupider things in my mid 30s then I was at 18.

I went on holiday that year even though I had 4 ½ months sober earlier in the year I realised I didn’t achieve anything and I wasn’t making progress towards my goals. I just realised that by drinking I’m never going to achieve my goals and first I had to make them!. Where I wanted to be in one years time, so I was thinking more about the future and I just couldn’t see any benefits in drinking.

I posted here a few pages back that I had realised that drinking wasn’t fun anymore, so it all "clicked" is the best way to describe it. Other drinkers will say the same thing, so I think that the 4 ½ months you did is huge I think most of my drinking friends would find the damn near impossible to do.

Even though you went back drinking you’re on the wagon now, it will be a lot easier, at the minimum it will be a tiny bit easier this time even if you don’t realise it. The longer you are sober the more you get used to sobriety but it just takes time and right now 4 ½ years later, of being sober I’m so glad I gave up because the good times drinking are gone. I know how I feel now at 40, I’m so glad I’m not punishing my body with your standard Irish binge drinking that people do, so I say good luck to you and everyone on here.

Great post. Thanks. Makes a lot of sense.

02-08-2020 3:30pm

anniewilkes wrote: »

Failed again, going forward I will need to rethink how I've been approaching things.

Have you access to any meetings at all at the minute?..

anniewilkes · 02-08-2020 5:24pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Have you access to any meetings at all at the minute?..

There are some online that I'll check out!

Fingers Mcginty · 03-08-2020 8:53am

Im at the 4 months stage myself now. Previous attempts lasted 4 months, 3 months and an awful lot of weekly stints down through the years.
This time feels different though. I think the earlier attempts have helped me gain an understanding of my previous fails.
My attitude to drink has changed. Don't feel like I'm missing out on anything this time around...just glad to be free of it all.
Best of luck to you all.

Sigma Force · 07-08-2020 10:11pm

anniewilkes wrote: »

Failed again, going forward I will need to rethink how I've been approaching things.

Keep trying you can do it, not sure if rehabs are open yet but it might be something to consider when they do. Three months isn’t long compared to the difference it can make to the rest of your life.

anniewilkes · 07-08-2020 10:46pm

Sigma Force wrote: »

Keep trying you can do it, not sure if rehabs are open yet but it might be something to consider when they do. Three months isn’t long compared to the difference it can make to the rest of your life.

Absolutely, I mean the difference in those months was great but would like to get further!

Therapy & In person meetings will be on the cards once they open again.

Hannibal_Smith · 26-08-2020 7:17am

2 days... I can't believe where I got to that I'm proud of 2 days.

notfromhere · 26-08-2020 7:45am

Well done.

riddles · 26-08-2020 7:59am

tinpib wrote: »

I'm off it 4.5 years now, my 4th attempt to give it up permanently.

I had many, many reasons to give it up not just 1. As time passes some reasons that were not too important at the time seem the most important now, and vice versa.

One of the ones that feels very important now was one time I was drinking at a weekly event that I used to really enjoy. I was in my mid 30's and I was on my own at it, which doesn't help. But I was bashing away at the beers as one does.

Then I got onto that magical 3rd beer and the head buzz started, the head buzz that used to indicate that a great night was about to be had. And as it came over me, I felt, and said out loud "this isn't fun anymore".

What I've thought about since, and this is my just my own thoughts on it, is that what makes drinking great when we are young is that we have the energy of youth. And the booze makes us giddy. It is this giddiness that is where the fun is, not the drinking in and of itself.

It used to be both, drinking and then getting drunk and giddy and then having fun.

As the years tick by we don't have the energy of youth. We drink, get drunk, but we simply don't have the energy to get giddy and thus we only have a fraction of the fun we had when we were 20. And of course you can add possibly drinking more to get drunker to try and get that giddiness, and hangovers that are far worse along with possibly a whole bunch of other disadvantages.

Maybe it was just me, but recognising that the fun giddy times are gone and are not coming back simply because of my age helps me to hopefully never pick up a drink again.

Snap - it comes with age. The weight of responsibility. The desire to lose a few pounds. The To-do list that’s not getting done. I have arrived at that point where I feel the priorities I have are greater than the reward from getting hammered. I did ten weeks booze free before Xmas. Am going to aim for the year now and take it from there on. Good luck to all.

26-08-2020 8:12am

riddles wrote: »

The To-do list that’s not getting done.

It's really expensive catching up on the old to do lists when you come off the alcohol. I've spent a fortune in the last two weeks and I'm not done yet.

BK92 · 26-08-2020 8:32am

4 months now.

Spent a great week in South Kerry with my wife, kids and parents. The lack of self-pressure to get a pint in wherever we went was very much welcome !

One thing I've noticed is that, while I'll never go back to drinking again, there are occasions where I'd think "Wouldn't it be lovely to have a creamy pint for the day that's in it". Think of Valentina Island, looking over at the mainland, beautiful sunset, having a fantastic dinner and nearly everyone around you with a glass in their hand. To be fair, I didn't give it a second of serious consideration, I know exactly why I wasn't drinking.

It just reminded me that it's okay to be able to admit that there are times where it'd be lovely to have a pint. While I'm never going back to drinking again I think it's important for me to acknowledge that it's not just a flick of a switch. It'll still be a while before I completely rid myself of those romanticised 'creamy pint' moments.

For those of you who've reached that stage, how long is it before we stop having those 'Ah wouldn't it be lovely to have a pint now' moments ?

tdf7187 · 27-08-2020 2:39am

2 weeks.

27-08-2020 2:47am

BK92 wrote: »

4 months now.

Spent a great week in South Kerry with my wife, kids and parents. The lack of self-pressure to get a pint in wherever we went was very much welcome !

One thing I've noticed is that, while I'll never go back to drinking again, there are occasions where I'd think "Wouldn't it be lovely to have a creamy pint for the day that's in it". Think of Valentina Island, looking over at the mainland, beautiful sunset, having a fantastic dinner and nearly everyone around you with a glass in their hand. To be fair, I didn't give it a second of serious consideration, I know exactly why I wasn't drinking.

It just reminded me that it's okay to be able to admit that there are times where it'd be lovely to have a pint. While I'm never going back to drinking again I think it's important for me to acknowledge that it's not just a flick of a switch. It'll still be a while before I completely rid myself of those romanticised 'creamy pint' moments.

For those of you who've reached that stage, how long is it before we stop having those 'Ah wouldn't it be lovely to have a pint now' moments ?

I'm up to 2 years now and it never went away. The only time I don't want a drink is when I'm around people who are drinking and just at the 4/5 pint stage and they start irritating me. Though that happened when I did drink as well.
I've had an awful few months personally (and am back smoking) but even before that I'd love a drink. Obviously there's other issues at play but if I was financially/employment-secured and still single I'd probably go back on the booze pretty hard. That's a ways away however.

drydub · 31-08-2020 1:49pm

A couple of days ago i completed 2.5 years. It was only triggered by the fact we were at a 'street party' with neighbours, 10 of us with kids who we arranged food and games etc and then about 5 the lads took out a couple bottles of wine and that brings us up to about 10pm or so. I had a can of heineken zero and was chatting away and someone offered me whiskey and said no i dont drink...then i showed them the zero can and sure as night follows day they were all enquiry. Someone asked me how long and i said , oh 'two and a half years....yesterday!' to which they thought, 'someones counting the days'

Was happy to leave them at it at 10 and they continued on into the night , think the lads finished the whiskey bottle. (thoughts of which actually makes my stomach heave)

So here i am , fairly on auto pilot and happy out. I've started telling people its the best decision ive made as an adult. It is, hands down.

I hope you all continue to be strong and if you fall off the wagon, the tough part is to start again but all you can do is your best.

drydub · 31-08-2020 2:08pm

BK92 wrote: »

4 months now.

Spent a great week in South Kerry with my wife, kids and parents. The lack of self-pressure to get a pint in wherever we went was very much welcome !

One thing I've noticed is that, while I'll never go back to drinking again, there are occasions where I'd think "Wouldn't it be lovely to have a creamy pint for the day that's in it". Think of Valentina Island, looking over at the mainland, beautiful sunset, having a fantastic dinner and nearly everyone around you with a glass in their hand. To be fair, I didn't give it a second of serious consideration, I know exactly why I wasn't drinking.

It just reminded me that it's okay to be able to admit that there are times where it'd be lovely to have a pint. While I'm never going back to drinking again I think it's important for me to acknowledge that it's not just a flick of a switch. It'll still be a while before I completely rid myself of those romanticised 'creamy pint' moments.

For those of you who've reached that stage, how long is it before we stop having those 'Ah wouldn't it be lovely to have a pint now' moments ?

There can always be that moment. Its just how you handle it or associate it, for me. I think sure, i can have one, maybe 6, maybe 10. Then i think back to how i would get if i did. Then the hangover and it all outweighs the enjoyment i would get from drinking.

Im off the smokes 10 years and sometimes i still get a pang if i see someone smoking in a car beside me in traffic. Because i guess i used to enjoy the cig in the car on the way to and from work.

There are times and things that i associate drinking beer with, eating BBQ or chicken wings or having a pizza on a friday night, il have a can of heineken zero with it and i have to say, once that initial gulp is gone. I seldom finish a can. It's our memory tricking us into thinking we really want it but its just muscle memory and association with a previous time.

If you lasted your holiday, you have a tough resolve so give yourself credit.

drydub · 31-08-2020 2:15pm

drydub wrote: »

A couple of days ago i completed 2.5 years. It was only triggered by the fact we were at a 'street party' with neighbours, 10 of us with kids who we arranged food and games etc and then about 5 the lads took out a couple bottles of wine and that brings us up to about 10pm or so. I had a can of heineken zero and was chatting away and someone offered me whiskey and said no i dont drink...then i showed them the zero can and sure as night follows day they were all enquiry. Someone asked me how long and i said , oh 'two and a half years....yesterday!' to which they thought, 'someones counting the days'

Was happy to leave them at it at 10 and they continued on into the night , think the lads finished the whiskey bottle. (thoughts of which actually makes my stomach heave)

So here i am , fairly on auto pilot and happy out. I've started telling people its the best decision ive made as an adult. It is, hands down.

I hope you all continue to be strong and if you fall off the wagon, the tough part is to start again but all you can do is your best.

Also, to anyone reading my post above. I may be off booze 2,5 years. But my journey started 6 years ago. I've just read back my old posts on here in this forum and I can tell i was struggling to link a week together and probably at times , 24 hours! Just an example of nothing is automatic and nothing is easy earned, you need to stick with it.

I might be cruising now, but i certainly wasn't back in 2014 when i started reading peoples posts on here, and thinking they were crazy for not drinking and i was busy making excuses with myself. This has been a great source of support to me over the years. I tried reddit but it was too intense. This has the right level of crazy for me : )

https://www.boards.ie/search/submit/?user=698005&sort=newest

squire1 · 31-08-2020 5:32pm

Eights months for me today.

I had stopped drinking in July 2019 (before which I had been drinking way too much due to work pressure and life stress) and did not drink again until New years Eve. A couple of beers in I realized that I didn't actually need or want it so decided there and then that I was going to stop permanently.

Occasionally I get the want for a drink, mainly associated with BBQ or after a hard days work but Ive gotten to the stage now where that is becoming less and less.

It's not great fun watching everybody else getting pi**ed and I normally check out before it gets messy.

There is now a lot less stress in my life and I associate alcohol with adding to that stress rather than helping it. I have formulated other ways to deal with stress which include exercise, healthy eating, talking to friends/family. I am more open with people.

If I was going to give someone advice on how to give up alcohol it would be to find someone who you can talk openly and frankly with and that you trust. Sharing problems really is the best way to find a solution. Nothing ever seems as bad once you have shared it with someone.

Best of luck to all.

02-09-2020 4:24pm

9 days.

tdf7187 · 05-09-2020 10:48pm

Day 24.

basillarkin · 05-09-2020 11:15pm

8 months now

petes · 06-09-2020 10:54am

13 days today, went to my first Zoom AA meeting yesterday, weird but familiar.

tinpib · 06-09-2020 11:12am

petes wrote: »

13 days today, went to my first Zoom AA meeting yesterday, weird but familiar.

Hi Petes. I remember you well, we both quit around the same time I think and I could relate to a lot of what you posted. Hope you are doing ok.

petes · 06-09-2020 11:18am

tinpib wrote: »

Hi Petes. I remember you well, we both quit around the same time I think and I could relate to a lot of what you posted. Hope you are doing ok.

Course I remember

I'm doing okay, anxious but I always have been.

Have always realised I can't do this on my own (but my other mind thought I could!), thinking I'm okay and all that lovely stuff

Hope you are keeping well!!

prishtinaboy99 · 09-09-2020 4:49pm

15 months now

tdf7187 · 12-09-2020 1:25am

Day 30.

nthclare · 12-09-2020 1:47am

17 year's, kicked the hooch and other substances etc in September 2003 one day at a time..

Still as mad as a hatter,but more content and settled in myself.

prishtinaboy99 · 13-09-2020 8:28am

tdf7187 wrote: »

Day 30.

Well done great achievement

17-09-2020 3:42pm

Fell off the wagon, back on it now. Day 8.

tdf7187 · 20-09-2020 1:08am

Deleted User wrote: »

Fell off the wagon, back on it now. Day 8.

Well done on getting back on it.

Day 39 for me.

prishtinaboy99 · 20-09-2020 12:07pm

tdf7187 wrote: »

Well done on getting back on it.

Day 39 for me.

I fell off the wagon. Thousand times but eventually we get tired of the mental and physical trauma.

Then we are done with our drinking.

ExMachina1000 · 20-09-2020 12:08pm

April 2019.

Gace it up for health reasons.

petes · 25-09-2020 9:58pm

32 days.

Been to some Zoom aa meetings, thought I was getting something from them but not sure, haven't been to one in a bit. Use an app with a forum for people in recovery, that helps a lot.

Will try and get back in to meetings to see if they do indeed help (help me as opposed to anyone else as they definitely do help people:))

tdf7187 · 27-09-2020 1:49am

Yeah I'm on the fence regarding AA Zoom. Haven't had the attention span of late and large meetings trigger my anxiety and paranoia. I have extreme levels of social anxiety and also anxiety due to my family and accomodation situation.

Tinwhistle* · 28-09-2020 11:25am

817 days for me today. I don't think about it anymore, my life is just so much easier without alcohol, I'm a lot calmer and much more content. I take better care of myself and others can see it.

Good luck to everyone here
T*

Tinwhistle* · 28-09-2020 11:31am

BK92 wrote: »

4 months now.

For those of you who've reached that stage, how long is it before we stop having those 'Ah wouldn't it be lovely to have a pint now' moments ?

I lost that thought within a couple of days of reading 'This Naked Mind' by Annie Grace. She teaches us that alcohol does us no favours, there are no benefits to drinking. In my case, it was wine. The thought of drinking just one glass of wine turns my stomach.

drydub · 28-09-2020 1:12pm

tdf7187 wrote: »

Yeah I'm on the fence regarding AA Zoom. Haven't had the attention span of late and large meetings trigger my anxiety and paranoia. I have extreme levels of social anxiety and also anxiety due to my family and accomodation situation.

Maybe try LifeRing chat room ?

https://www.lifering.org/online-meeting-schedule

down the end there is a link to a chat room, non video / mic just type

drydub · 28-09-2020 1:15pm

I dont envy people that have given up during covid, what with the non stop talk of when the pubs will open and eveyrone and their mother pushing the 'will we ever get to have a pint again' agenda.

Its tough. Im through it but if I hadnt the time and effort put in i would probably struggle.

Keep going for all of you. Its a tough and non linear path but if it was easy everyone would be doing it!!

JupiterKid · 28-09-2020 2:04pm

Coming up on 20 months now.

Delighted with myself but keeping up my twice-weekly AA meetings (on Zoom) and my programme. I also meet my addiction counsellor for a 1 to 1 once a month.

For me, it's important to balance the great progress I have made with the realisation that I cannot get too complacent.

thenumber3 · 15-10-2020 8:53pm

116 days.

I'm tracking myself with the I am sober app that I find useful to keep an eye on my progress. All going well so far, the longest I've been off drink since I started it in the first place.

Chalk McHugh · 15-10-2020 8:56pm

JupiterKid wrote: »

Coming up on 20 months now.

Delighted with myself but keeping up my twice-weekly AA meetings (on Zoom) and my programme. I also meet my addiction counsellor for a 1 to 1 once a month.

For me, it's important to balance the great progress I have made with the realisation that I cannot get too complacent.

Good stuff mate. Well done.

Chalk McHugh · 15-10-2020 8:57pm

Tinwhistle* wrote: »

817 days for me today. I don't think about it anymore, my life is just so much easier without alcohol, I'm a lot calmer and much more content. I take better care of myself and others can see it.

Good luck to everyone here
T*

Brilliant stuff. Over two years. Impressive.

16-10-2020 1:55pm

8 days today. Complacency is slipping in again so I have to watch myself. Well done to everyone still fighting the good fight!

Tinwhistle* · 17-10-2020 8:44am

Deleted User wrote: »

8 days today. Complacency is slipping in again so I have to watch myself. Well done to everyone still fighting the good fight!

Best advice I can give is to keep busy and take one day at a time.

I did a lot of walking listening to music in the early days, I put away the money I was saving and treated myself to something small each week and put the rest into the Credit Union. When you see that adding up, it's harder to spend it on booze.

Make a list of the advantages/disadvantages of drinking. Remind yourself that alcohol contains ethanol. Keep your distance (further than 2m!) from your friends who are drinking, until you know you can spend time with them without an alcoholic drink in your hand.

Again, one day at a time. You CAN do it!

Pistachio19 · 31-10-2020 7:07pm

4 years today. Cannot believe I've lasted this long.

TherapyBoy · 31-10-2020 7:41pm

Nicely done! 4 years is definitely an achievement to be proud of

JupiterKid · 31-10-2020 9:33pm

Pistachio19 wrote: »

4 years today. Cannot believe I've lasted this long.

Fantastic achievement. 4 years sober is wonderful.

21 months myself and feeling great!

whysobecause · 01-11-2020 8:24pm

I will try to stop the beer tonight.
I done it before, but only for a day or two.
I get terrible Anxiety in the evenings, if I don't go to the Off License.

Fingers Mcginty · 06-11-2020 12:44pm

whysobecause wrote: »

I will try to stop the beer tonight.
I done it before, but only for a day or two.
I get terrible Anxiety in the evenings, if I don't go to the Off License.[/QUOTED

What about after drinking,,,,do you not get anxiety?

Haven't touched a drop in...

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