365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
donkmeister said:
Maybe you were already dehydrated from the bike ride, but probably best get yourself checked out, just in case something has changed from the norm to cause that reaction. However, I've known plenty of people who, whilst fit young and healthy, would feel rotten after two pints. 
At the end of the day, there is no level of alcohol consumption where any small benefits outweigh the damage, so knocking it on the head is no bad thing. I think TV and movies has conditioned us all to think that people only stop drinking after some dreadful "rock bottom" moment. For some that is absolutely the case, but for many it is not. You may be one of the lucky folk who just decide they've gone off alcohol.
For goodness sake, this health anxiety is bonkers. You probably don’t need to ‘get yourself checked out’ because you felt grotty the morning after a couple of pints. Sometimes, it’s just like that and sometimes you can wake feeling grotty after no pints. At the end of the day, there is no level of alcohol consumption where any small benefits outweigh the damage, so knocking it on the head is no bad thing. I think TV and movies has conditioned us all to think that people only stop drinking after some dreadful "rock bottom" moment. For some that is absolutely the case, but for many it is not. You may be one of the lucky folk who just decide they've gone off alcohol.
donkmeister said:
sir humphrey appleby said:
I think I need to join this thread. Not necessarily due to my heavy drinking, but I cannot even deal with a couple of pints anymore, and I have noticed this getting worse lately.
Had two pints of Doom bar at the pub after a bike ride last night.
Feel dreadful today. This has been happening for a while now and time to hand in my gun and badge.
I quite like the 0% beers and the Erdinger as above is particularly my favourite so that is going to be my night out drink.
I just cannot stand hangovers and getting one after a couple of pints cannot be right.
Maybe you were already dehydrated from the bike ride, but probably best get yourself checked out, just in case something has changed from the norm to cause that reaction. However, I've known plenty of people who, whilst fit young and healthy, would feel rotten after two pints. Had two pints of Doom bar at the pub after a bike ride last night.
Feel dreadful today. This has been happening for a while now and time to hand in my gun and badge.
I quite like the 0% beers and the Erdinger as above is particularly my favourite so that is going to be my night out drink.
I just cannot stand hangovers and getting one after a couple of pints cannot be right.
At the end of the day, there is no level of alcohol consumption where any small benefits outweigh the damage, so knocking it on the head is no bad thing. I think TV and movies has conditioned us all to think that people only stop drinking after some dreadful "rock bottom" moment. For some that is absolutely the case, but for many it is not. You may be one of the lucky folk who just decide they've gone off alcohol.
After a short ride, (15-20 miles), during summer, a short pitstop at the pub in the next village is a welcome folly with only about 3 miles to go.
After a 'workout', (50+ miles), while tempting, I know it'd wreck me and be struggling to get home and also regret it the next day.
Your metabolism plays it's own tune and you really need to get into the same groove.
Digga said:
Depends how well cellar is kept. Detergent not being rinsed out of lines properly is, I suspect, the reason a couple of pints of Cobra at my local curry house used to give me a slightly sore throat and a thick head next day.
That sounds more like the effects of knock-off booze. Counterfeit drink is a big business, and I had similar whenever I bought wine at a nearby off-licence/corner shop. Same wine from the supermarket, no issues.For what it's worth, pipe cleaner solution tastes so horrible you wouldn't be able to get through a whole tainted pint without giving up and saying something. It's sodium hydroxide, it tastes like someone stirred soap into your drink.
Citation: used to clean the pipes in the bar I worked in and as part of that tested the beer after to check the solution was all gone.
Badda said:
donkmeister said:
Maybe you were already dehydrated from the bike ride, but probably best get yourself checked out, just in case something has changed from the norm to cause that reaction. However, I've known plenty of people who, whilst fit young and healthy, would feel rotten after two pints.
For goodness sake, this health anxiety is bonkers. You probably don’t need to ‘get yourself checked out’ because you felt grotty the morning after a couple of pints. Sometimes, it’s just like that and sometimes you can wake feeling grotty after no pints. Over 8 months since my last drink, doing a bit of a tour around Vietnam and Thailand at the moment and it’s lovely to be able to get up each morning with a clear head and experience the holiday 100% rather than dragging my arse from one bar to the next every night and dying in bed until midday each day like I used to on holiday . I’m never going back to drinking , this is awesome .
swanseaboydan said:
Over 8 months since my last drink, doing a bit of a tour around Vietnam and Thailand at the moment and it’s lovely to be able to get up each morning with a clear head and experience the holiday 100% rather than dragging my arse from one bar to the next every night and dying in bed until midday each day like I used to on holiday . I’m never going back to drinking , this is awesome .
Holidays are often “drink more days” but actually you get a proper healing holiday with no booze, my first 2 weeks in the sun, sober, was probably my best holiday for feeling rejuvenated when I got home.I haven't stopped drinking, but I've gone from a bad habit in 2020-22 of drinking 80 units a week to drinking around 6-10 units a week for the last 18 months with at least 4 days a week alcohol free, that's close to 3800 units less than before and boy do I look and feel better for it.
As for those that say they are worried about waking up feeling hungover after two pints well you will do as your tolerance is zero and that's a good thing, anyway we can all feel dreadful sometimes after a bad night sleep.
Over the 7 month mark now. Overall has been good and I rarely miss drinking. It’s become an ordinary part of life now so even on holiday or being out for dinner it’s not something I particularly miss or think about.
The one thing I am slightly struggling with is friendships. I have a demanding job and meeting a mate for a pint was a good excuse to have some time with friends and shoot the breeze. I feel like that is disappearing from my life and in turn it does feel a little lonely sometimes.
The one thing I am slightly struggling with is friendships. I have a demanding job and meeting a mate for a pint was a good excuse to have some time with friends and shoot the breeze. I feel like that is disappearing from my life and in turn it does feel a little lonely sometimes.
RobBucks said:
Over the 7 month mark now. Overall has been good and I rarely miss drinking. It’s become an ordinary part of life now so even on holiday or being out for dinner it’s not something I particularly miss or think about.
The one thing I am slightly struggling with is friendships. I have a demanding job and meeting a mate for a pint was a good excuse to have some time with friends and shoot the breeze. I feel like that is disappearing from my life and in turn it does feel a little lonely sometimes.
The one thing I am slightly struggling with is friendships. I have a demanding job and meeting a mate for a pint was a good excuse to have some time with friends and shoot the breeze. I feel like that is disappearing from my life and in turn it does feel a little lonely sometimes.
swanseaboydan said:
I’m
Just over the 8 months mate so very similar to you.
This is the hardest part to deal with, I miss nights in the lash with the boys - but I’m happy to forgo them for less anxiety- better sleep etc etc .
It ain’t all rosy though - I miss those nights !
This was my experience too and I'm sure it's fairly common - there are plenty of what I considered good friends that I simply don't see much of anymore and I suppose a love of boozing was the only thing we had in common... It's sad but I think it's natural through life to change friends and I suppose a major thing like quitting drinking will accelerate this.Just over the 8 months mate so very similar to you.
This is the hardest part to deal with, I miss nights in the lash with the boys - but I’m happy to forgo them for less anxiety- better sleep etc etc .
It ain’t all rosy though - I miss those nights !
But there's nothing to stop you seeing friends and colleagues for a quick drink after work to 'decompress' - it's unlikely they'll have an issue with you drinking soda water or Guinness 0.0 or whatever
"Big" nights out - birthdays, leaving dos, Xmas may be more of a challenge - the way I handle it is to be the first to arrive and the first to leave - that way I see everyone while they're still sober. When they cross that very noticeable line from "merry" to "drunk" I just leave them to it - I don't even bother to say goodbye and they don't notice - I may get a "what happened to you last night then?" but that's about it.
I understand this is called a 'French goodnight'...
I've said before that with hindsight (I stopped in 2012) it takes about a year for the changes of going sober to really "kick in". With 7-8 months in you really should be noticing the significant health and financial benefits and more time on your hands.Maybe now is the time to consider how best to take advantage of this - take up a new hobby perhaps. I see there have been quite a few comments recently on the joys of sober holidays for example.
I think you're getting to the stage where the "magic" really starts. When I stopped drinking I learned to scuba dive. I also bought a DSLR and took myself out on days out taking photos. More recently I started volunteering in a museum and am learning to play the piano.
Totally agree - I’m 8 months in and it just gets better and better - I’m on holiday in Vietnam and Thailand for a few weeks - up at 6 every morning to walk, work out etc etc before it gets hot - I have such a long day it’s like the holiday is much better value - never hungover so no anxiety about the business I have left at home .
swanseaboydan said:
Totally agree - I’m 8 months in and it just gets better and better - I’m on holiday in Vietnam and Thailand for a few weeks - up at 6 every morning to walk, work out etc etc before it gets hot - I have such a long day it’s like the holiday is much better value - never hungover so no anxiety about the business I have left at home .
Even after 12 years the “thrill” of waking up fresh and rested every morning with a clear head doesn’t get old…funinhounslow said:
swanseaboydan said:
Totally agree - I’m 8 months in and it just gets better and better - I’m on holiday in Vietnam and Thailand for a few weeks - up at 6 every morning to walk, work out etc etc before it gets hot - I have such a long day it’s like the holiday is much better value - never hungover so no anxiety about the business I have left at home .
Even after 12 years the “thrill” of waking up fresh and rested every morning with a clear head doesn’t get old…Drew106 said:
Currently listening to "Alcohol Explained" on audiobook. Very good, I'm sure most have heard of it. I've already listened to Alan Carr's, Easy Way. Twice. Wasn't that easy I guess as I'm still drinking lol.
I recently did Allen Carr's Easy Way after it being recommended on here on Audible and will give Alcohol Explained a try next. While Easy Way didn't stop me drinking full-stop, I just got back from an all-inclusive holiday and its the least I've ever drank away, so i'm taking that as a win. Maybe had 6 drinks a day, small glasses, mostly with food, and those were watered down with lemonade or soda water.
Had absolutely no desire to get drunk and found it easy to stop, which previously was my biggest issue. 12 months ago, there's not a chance I would've went upstairs at 11.30pm, while there was a self-service tap of San Miguel and red-wine on offer until 1am. I guarantee I would've been there until 2am every night, having poured myself 2 pints at 12.59am just before it closed.
One night I had a few Heineken 0.0% on the patio until 1.30am as it was a very pleasant evening and didn't fancy bed due to after dinner coffee. Anyway, looked round and seeing people frantically fill up their empty water and coke bottles with lager from the self-service machine before it shut its self-off was quite tragic. Especially as they were already several pints and shots of tequila deep.
Not judging them by the way, as I said I would've been similar just last summer (well granted I wouldn't have lowered myself to filling up a water bottle but certainly would've found a bar or off-licence nearby).
As others have said on here, was quite good waking up feeling refreshed, not hungover, wanting that next drink to take the edge of it. For the first time on a beach holiday I actually made breakfast which is sad to say, but previously I would've skipped it due to hangovers and tiredness, and would've just got up for lunch.
Was also quite good to see hotels, tourist beach bars, back street local cafes and everything in-between selling alcohol free beer and cocktails etc. Times certainly are changing.
Baby steps for me but delighted with the progress. I've got a week in Germany for the Euros, I won't stay sober, travelling with a group of guys, hostelling etc it would be unbearable to be honest, but if I can carry on what I just managed for the all-inclusive resort holiday I'll be very happy. After that, I may set myself a 90 day alcohol free challenge.
Stick in everyone.
Edited by NaePasaran on Wednesday 5th June 15:45
Hello folks,
Looking for some advice, here. First time since I was about 16, that I've been sober and haven't drunk. I have, zero intention of ever going back, ever. I stopped because I realized that alcohol was holding me back from being the best I could be to me, so I could be better for everyone else. So I stopped.
Now, my wife is very, very social. Looking back, drinking was a way to get around my social anxiety. We're at a bit of a new phase where we're being invited to social gatherings, mostly small, four/five couples where everyone, pretty much everyone, drinks.
I have no problem with people drinking, I made a decision to stop and that's my call and I would certainly not want to change evenings/events/things we do because I've decided to stop drinking.
That said, I'm looking for tips on how to navigate this. Not going isn't really an option, I'm anxious even thinking about leaving "early" and being the only one doing that. Last night I simply said no and my wife came home at 1am. I have zero interest in sitting around watching people drink more and more. Not because I want to drink, more because I'm a quiet, shy person and at the best of times, parties are not my thing.
My wife's response, is that people weren't "drinking drinking" and she only had three glasses of wine, which again, I'm cool with but I'll bet a dollar or more, the Dads weren't holding back. I know this because I was a drinking Dad until recently.
I am worried this is going to drive a wedge in our relationship - my wife is asking how we handle this together and I appreciate her support. I'm leaning towards the leaving early as being the only option on the table here.
Help please!
Looking for some advice, here. First time since I was about 16, that I've been sober and haven't drunk. I have, zero intention of ever going back, ever. I stopped because I realized that alcohol was holding me back from being the best I could be to me, so I could be better for everyone else. So I stopped.
Now, my wife is very, very social. Looking back, drinking was a way to get around my social anxiety. We're at a bit of a new phase where we're being invited to social gatherings, mostly small, four/five couples where everyone, pretty much everyone, drinks.
I have no problem with people drinking, I made a decision to stop and that's my call and I would certainly not want to change evenings/events/things we do because I've decided to stop drinking.
That said, I'm looking for tips on how to navigate this. Not going isn't really an option, I'm anxious even thinking about leaving "early" and being the only one doing that. Last night I simply said no and my wife came home at 1am. I have zero interest in sitting around watching people drink more and more. Not because I want to drink, more because I'm a quiet, shy person and at the best of times, parties are not my thing.
My wife's response, is that people weren't "drinking drinking" and she only had three glasses of wine, which again, I'm cool with but I'll bet a dollar or more, the Dads weren't holding back. I know this because I was a drinking Dad until recently.
I am worried this is going to drive a wedge in our relationship - my wife is asking how we handle this together and I appreciate her support. I'm leaning towards the leaving early as being the only option on the table here.
Help please!
Boozy said:
I am worried this is going to drive a wedge in our relationship - my wife is asking how we handle this together and I appreciate her support. I'm leaning towards the leaving early as being the only option on the table here.
Help please!
I think you have three options with these nights out:Help please!
1 Don’t go.
2 Go but leave early.
3 Stay to the end but be bored for half the night.
I think it depends on the individual night’s circumstances which option you go for.
A good friend’s birthday for example, I think you really should make the effort and “stick it out” to the end. Get extra brownie points for offering people a lift home at the end of the night.
If it’s just a casual meet up then either don’t go or agree you can leave early.
I don’t think there’s any right or wrong answer and I do sympathise- it’s not much fun being the only sober one when everyone else is half cut.
As noted earlier my choice would always be show my face and leave when the drink starts kicking in. Realistically this won’t always be practical, but if your wife and the hosts are happy with this it is the best solution all round imo…
funinhounslow said:
"Big" nights out - birthdays, leaving dos, Xmas may be more of a challenge - the way I handle it is to be the first to arrive and the first to leave - that way I see everyone while they're still sober. When they cross that very noticeable line from "merry" to "drunk" I just leave them to it - I don't even bother to say goodbye and they don't notice - I may get a "what happened to you last night then?" but that's about it
.
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Edited by funinhounslow on Saturday 8th June 20:42
I sympathise with you Boozy and I think may of us who have given up drinking can relate to your problem. I suspect more people than we realise drink to hide social anxiety.
I'm lucky in that a lot of the social gatherings I attend are close friends or family and we've now gotten into the habit of playing board games. It makes the time pass quickly for me and you're so busy concentrating on the game, others don't have time to drink lots either. The latest favourite is Dobble and we all get really competitive so everyone drinks less.
Is it worth compromising with your wife and holding an event at yours where you can make it something other than sitting around drinking. It also would mean you could then disappear into the kitchen to tidy up if things start getting boring.
The other option would be to go along for a few hours with your wife, duck out when everyone gets past the coherent stage but go back to pick her up when she's ready to go home. That way you've been sociable but not had to stay past your comfort zone and there's brownie points for providing the taxi.
Disclaimer - I live on my own and know I don't think like other people (suspect I may be on the spectrum but never looked into it). I strongly advise getting other people's thoughts on this and if they think what I've suggested is not a good idea, listen to them!
I'm lucky in that a lot of the social gatherings I attend are close friends or family and we've now gotten into the habit of playing board games. It makes the time pass quickly for me and you're so busy concentrating on the game, others don't have time to drink lots either. The latest favourite is Dobble and we all get really competitive so everyone drinks less.
Is it worth compromising with your wife and holding an event at yours where you can make it something other than sitting around drinking. It also would mean you could then disappear into the kitchen to tidy up if things start getting boring.
The other option would be to go along for a few hours with your wife, duck out when everyone gets past the coherent stage but go back to pick her up when she's ready to go home. That way you've been sociable but not had to stay past your comfort zone and there's brownie points for providing the taxi.
Disclaimer - I live on my own and know I don't think like other people (suspect I may be on the spectrum but never looked into it). I strongly advise getting other people's thoughts on this and if they think what I've suggested is not a good idea, listen to them!
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