Quitting Alcohol

[BravoNovember]

Had to join the website to let everyone (except that one dude) who contributed here has given me a boost of motivation that I needed over the last week to quit alcohol. I'm on day 9 now and read a couple pages each day in the morning as my motivation. A lot of the stories told here are very relatable and helpful.

I quit dipping almost 6 years ago and the parallels in my thoughts and feelings are incredible. It really boils down to the fact that a substance has control over me and I am ready to gain control back over my own life. No more planning my life around my next drink or not going and doing something because I do not want to drive.

Looking back after reading a lot of these posts it is true that I cannot really come up with any ways that alcohol has improved my life, and almost every bad decision I made or ruined relationship has revolved around alcohol use. My doctor has been telling me for the last year that my liver enzymes are too high (actually found out when I tried to get life insurance and was denied). One year later and 4 more tests show that my liver is only getting worse. With 4 young kids to take care of I need to live longer and I sure as hell need to be a better role model.

I first became aware that my drinking was becoming in excess about 6 years ago right before I quit dip. There were about 3 occasions that year that I can remember drinking to the point of blacking out. At the time I thought it was a fluke and something that I just needed to watch and not drink quite as much. As time has gone on, the blackouts have become almost routine, with 1-2 per Week!! I have become an expert at hiding my consumption. Most of my friends always say they can barely even tell when I am drunk. My wife gets frustrated because she can never tell, or when she thinks I am drunk I am so good at pretending I am not and convincing her that I am not drunk. I brush off the blackouts and pretend that I remember most of what happened the night before and just try not to bring anything up that will give me away that I don't actually remember. Plenty of mornings I have woken up trying to remember if I had sex or not last night!! Man, what a waste. Add to that the memories that I am losing with time spent with my family on camping trips and other vacations. I am embarrassed by how much I have missed out on over the last 6 years.

Luckily I have never had a DUI, and that is 100% luck only. I am still married, but could very easily have done something to ruin that one of the 100s of times that I blacked out. My kids all still adore me, but I know they are not stupid and can see right through my attempts to act like I am not drinking. I feel like I still have time to recover the image that they have of me, but I need to act now. I have a great career, but I can also see how the last 5 years has greatly impacted my performance and my growth. Dragging my ass into work barely moving on Monday mornings and not gaining a somewhat clear head until Wednesday has not helped. Showing up to work yesterday was the first Monday morning is years that I felt refreshed and ready to go.

I look forward to this new chapter of my life. I look forward to remembering all of the great things that this life has to offer me. I look forward to not waking up with a headache or passing out on the couch during family movie night. I look forward to my health improving and my doctor to get off my ass lol. I look forward to being the man, father and husband that I was meant to be, without alcohol.

Tomorrow I go on my annual dove hunting trip and I know it will be one of the best I have had in years, because I will be free from the booze. I will be free to go on an evening hunt, or float down the river, or drive to a fishing spot, or drive to dinner. I won't be tethered to the motel because I want to be able to get drunk and not have to drive anywhere. The freedom is what will keep me going. Thank you again to the member that started this and all those who have positively contributed. I am sure that I will read through all the pages several more times. .

Wish you well on your journey! We appear to be in very similar situations. Alcohol not really causing “major issues”, but trying to get ahead of it before it does. Also thanks for the motivation to work towards my own goals!

 

[WrstMuleHntr]

Keep it up @WrstMuleHntr The booze will miss you a LOT more than you will miss it. Relish those good night sleeps, the time with your wife, kids and friends, and when it comes to not drinking when everyone else is, channel your inner contrarian and just stick to water. At the end of the night when you are the last sober one standing, it’ll make even more sense why stopping drinking is the right thing to do.

Thank you for the support! I already am feeling tremendous benefits. So far my replacement is AHA seltzer water...it has caffeine in it which makes me feel like I am at least getting something from it lol.

 

[schmalzy]

Had to join the website to let everyone (except that one dude) who contributed here has given me a boost of motivation that I needed over the last week to quit alcohol. I'm on day 9 now and read a couple pages each day in the morning as my motivation. A lot of the stories told here are very relatable and helpful.

I quit dipping almost 6 years ago and the parallels in my thoughts and feelings are incredible. It really boils down to the fact that a substance has control over me and I am ready to gain control back over my own life. No more planning my life around my next drink or not going and doing something because I do not want to drive.

Looking back after reading a lot of these posts it is true that I cannot really come up with any ways that alcohol has improved my life, and almost every bad decision I made or ruined relationship has revolved around alcohol use. My doctor has been telling me for the last year that my liver enzymes are too high (actually found out when I tried to get life insurance and was denied). One year later and 4 more tests show that my liver is only getting worse. With 4 young kids to take care of I need to live longer and I sure as hell need to be a better role model.

I first became aware that my drinking was becoming in excess about 6 years ago right before I quit dip. There were about 3 occasions that year that I can remember drinking to the point of blacking out. At the time I thought it was a fluke and something that I just needed to watch and not drink quite as much. As time has gone on, the blackouts have become almost routine, with 1-2 per Week!! I have become an expert at hiding my consumption. Most of my friends always say they can barely even tell when I am drunk. My wife gets frustrated because she can never tell, or when she thinks I am drunk I am so good at pretending I am not and convincing her that I am not drunk. I brush off the blackouts and pretend that I remember most of what happened the night before and just try not to bring anything up that will give me away that I don't actually remember. Plenty of mornings I have woken up trying to remember if I had sex or not last night!! Man, what a waste. Add to that the memories that I am losing with time spent with my family on camping trips and other vacations. I am embarrassed by how much I have missed out on over the last 6 years.

Luckily I have never had a DUI, and that is 100% luck only. I am still married, but could very easily have done something to ruin that one of the 100s of times that I blacked out. My kids all still adore me, but I know they are not stupid and can see right through my attempts to act like I am not drinking. I feel like I still have time to recover the image that they have of me, but I need to act now. I have a great career, but I can also see how the last 5 years has greatly impacted my performance and my growth. Dragging my ass into work barely moving on Monday mornings and not gaining a somewhat clear head until Wednesday has not helped. Showing up to work yesterday was the first Monday morning is years that I felt refreshed and ready to go.

I look forward to this new chapter of my life. I look forward to remembering all of the great things that this life has to offer me. I look forward to not waking up with a headache or passing out on the couch during family movie night. I look forward to my health improving and my doctor to get off my ass lol. I look forward to being the man, father and husband that I was meant to be, without alcohol.

Tomorrow I go on my annual dove hunting trip and I know it will be one of the best I have had in years, because I will be free from the booze. I will be free to go on an evening hunt, or float down the river, or drive to a fishing spot, or drive to dinner. I won't be tethered to the motel because I want to be able to get drunk and not have to drive anywhere. The freedom is what will keep me going. Thank you again to the member that started this and all those who have positively contributed. I am sure that I will read through all the pages several more times. .

Way to go man. Best decision you will make. A whole new world and adventures to be had. You, your wife, and kids are worth it!


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[CRJR45]

It only gets better , but good job ,

Had to join the website to let everyone (except that one dude) who contributed here has given me a boost of motivation that I needed over the last week to quit alcohol. I'm on day 9 now and read a couple pages each day in the morning as my motivation. A lot of the stories told here are very relatable and helpful.

I quit dipping almost 6 years ago and the parallels in my thoughts and feelings are incredible. It really boils down to the fact that a substance has control over me and I am ready to gain control back over my own life. No more planning my life around my next drink or not going and doing something because I do not want to drive.

Looking back after reading a lot of these posts it is true that I cannot really come up with any ways that alcohol has improved my life, and almost every bad decision I made or ruined relationship has revolved around alcohol use. My doctor has been telling me for the last year that my liver enzymes are too high (actually found out when I tried to get life insurance and was denied). One year later and 4 more tests show that my liver is only getting worse. With 4 young kids to take care of I need to live longer and I sure as hell need to be a better role model.

I first became aware that my drinking was becoming in excess about 6 years ago right before I quit dip. There were about 3 occasions that year that I can remember drinking to the point of blacking out. At the time I thought it was a fluke and something that I just needed to watch and not drink quite as much. As time has gone on, the blackouts have become almost routine, with 1-2 per Week!! I have become an expert at hiding my consumption. Most of my friends always say they can barely even tell when I am drunk. My wife gets frustrated because she can never tell, or when she thinks I am drunk I am so good at pretending I am not and convincing her that I am not drunk. I brush off the blackouts and pretend that I remember most of what happened the night before and just try not to bring anything up that will give me away that I don't actually remember. Plenty of mornings I have woken up trying to remember if I had sex or not last night!! Man, what a waste. Add to that the memories that I am losing with time spent with my family on camping trips and other vacations. I am embarrassed by how much I have missed out on over the last 6 years.

Luckily I have never had a DUI, and that is 100% luck only. I am still married, but could very easily have done something to ruin that one of the 100s of times that I blacked out. My kids all still adore me, but I know they are not stupid and can see right through my attempts to act like I am not drinking. I feel like I still have time to recover the image that they have of me, but I need to act now. I have a great career, but I can also see how the last 5 years has greatly impacted my performance and my growth. Dragging my ass into work barely moving on Monday mornings and not gaining a somewhat clear head until Wednesday has not helped. Showing up to work yesterday was the first Monday morning is years that I felt refreshed and ready to go.

I look forward to this new chapter of my life. I look forward to remembering all of the great things that this life has to offer me. I look forward to not waking up with a headache or passing out on the couch during family movie night. I look forward to my health improving and my doctor to get off my ass lol. I look forward to being the man, father and husband that I was meant to be, without alcohol.

Tomorrow I go on my annual dove hunting trip and I know it will be one of the best I have had in years, because I will be free from the booze. I will be free to go on an evening hunt, or float down the river, or drive to a fishing spot, or drive to dinner. I won't be tethered to the motel because I want to be able to get drunk and not have to drive anywhere. The freedom is what will keep me going. Thank you again to the member that started this and all those who have positively contributed. I am sure that I will read through all the pages several more times. .

It only gets better , but way to take charge . I'm happy for you .

 

[elkyinzer]

Great job to all you that have quit and thanks for the motivation from your stories of how much better life is without. Been struggling with it quite a bit myself for the past few years. Couple times a year I'll successfully cut it back for a month or two then it gets worse again. Without fail, summer and the holidays/dark cold shittiness and busy season are always the hardest. Nothing crazy, functioning at work and as a dad, I just drink too much beer in my man cave after we get the kids to bed pretty damn near every night and I can't moderate myself very well.

When the ball starts rolling it keeps going. I'm actually too damn good at drinking that's probably the biggest part of the problem. I can drink 10, 15 beers, maybe 20 if I start early enough in the day, and get up the next morning and be mostly good to go. Hell when I was in my mid twenties and lived in the city there were a few nights we would go out to the bars almost full tilt and roll into the office the next morning on a quick nap. I've learned way too well how to function with and defeat hangovers. Jealous of people like my wife that don't like being drunk and get hungover as hell after just a few. I love the feeling and can take a pretty good punch.

Been lying to myself that it's okay for too long and starting to realize in my mid 30's I'm no longer invincible. And I've sneakily gained 20 or 30 pounds that gotta go. Tonight is day 1 of cold turkey, see how it goes. Keep telling myself I'll quit tomorrow or next week usually after some event with friends or holiday or something. Bunch of associations with shit I love too. Cooking, eating, fishing, golfing, baseball, camping, stuff I'm gonna have to learn to disassociate from the sauce. Gotta quit making excuses. Not sure how I'm going to handle that stuff but one day at a time right.

 

[ThunderJack49]

Great job to all you that have quit and thanks for the motivation from your stories of how much better life is without. Been struggling with it quite a bit myself for the past few years. Couple times a year I'll successfully cut it back for a month or two then it gets worse again. Without fail, summer and the holidays/dark cold shittiness and busy season are always the hardest. Nothing crazy, functioning at work and as a dad, I just drink too much beer in my man cave after we get the kids to bed pretty damn near every night and I can't moderate myself very well.

When the ball starts rolling it keeps going. I'm actually too damn good at drinking that's probably the biggest part of the problem. I can drink 10, 15 beers, maybe 20 if I start early enough in the day, and get up the next morning and be mostly good to go. Hell when I was in my mid twenties and lived in the city there were a few nights we would go out to the bars almost full tilt and roll into the office the next morning on a quick nap. I've learned way too well how to function with and defeat hangovers. Jealous of people like my wife that don't like being drunk and get hungover as hell after just a few. I love the feeling and can take a pretty good punch.

Been lying to myself that it's okay for too long and starting to realize in my mid 30's I'm no longer invincible. And I've sneakily gained 20 or 30 pounds that gotta go. Tonight is day 1 of cold turkey, see how it goes. Keep telling myself I'll quit tomorrow or next week usually after some event with friends or holiday or something. Bunch of associations with shit I love too. Cooking, eating, fishing, golfing, baseball, camping, stuff I'm gonna have to learn to disassociate from the sauce. Gotta quit making excuses. Not sure how I'm going to handle that stuff but one day at a time right.

Hell yeah man. You are on the way. Definently get the beer out of the house and tell yourself and everyone at home, this shit is over.
Life is all about trade-offs, right? You already know why you want to stop and that's to make your life better. The trade isn't working out in your favor. I used to be just like you and love drinking and could get away with it, but i knew it was negatively affecting my life. So every time I looked at a beer I would just ask myself if I was willing to make a trade where I knew I was the sucker.
Also those other activites, now you can actually do them instead of doing them half ass and actually just drinking in a different setting.
I recommend some exercise for the endorphines and to kick start the weight loss.
I was able to phase booze out to where now it's not a problem for me to turn it down at anytime and socially it doesn't seem to bother me anymore. Often my wife will look at me in those situations and say something like "I love that we don't drink anymore."
Good luck!

 

[Kilboars]

Thank you for the support! I already am feeling tremendous benefits. So far my replacement is AHA seltzer water...it has caffeine in it which makes me feel like I am at least getting something from it lol.

That’s fantastic man. Thanks for sharing and just being real.

I’m really over it. I don’t enjoy it anymore to be truthful.

I’d rather be clear and sober than drunk and dumb.

More power to you.


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[IDShane]

Cutting back never worked for me I always just slowly slipped back into my normal habits. I have always been 100 mph or nothing so it is nothing for me. I had a pretty wise former co-worker say to me when he quit drinking. Alcohol is like Kryptonite you are Superman without it! Best of luck to all that are struggling to make a change. It does get easier...

 

[General RE LEE]

I just saw this thread. Through the Grace of God and AA, I took my last drink 1/22/2013. AA is not the only way, but it is the only way that has worked for me.

My sponsor has since passed but he was the most knowledgeable deer hunter I’ve ever known. Exclusively hunted old mature bucks. He was a wealth of knowledge working the 12 Steps and hunting. I sure miss him.

Best wishes on your endeavor. Just don’t drink today, you can worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

After voicing concerns about the manner in which my grandchildren were being raised everyone in my family told me I needed to stop drinking and get into a program. But I knew/know I am not an alcoholic. It was merely a power play to undermine the message I had delivered. So I looked em all in the eye for a long time and announced I would not have one drop of liquor and would consult with a family therapist to ensure unity was preserved. I switched to Earl Grey tea and felt no compulsions whatsoever. I didn't "need" nor want a drink and one year later my family was forced to admit addiction was not an issue. The therapist spoke to everyone in the family and concluded my concern about the grandkids was not only well meant but an honest depiction of a serious lack of discipline and respect. Of course, the grandkids' two moms sought to then undermine the position of the psychologist rather than face the truth and provide some actual discipline and establish firm boundaries. They continue to "negotiate" with their 6 yr olds...and the kids are winning and growing more difficult to control. Hurts me to witness this.

So you must ask yourself a simple question. Are you addicted or can you control it? If the substance controls you then get into a program and regain your control. If you are not addicted...prove it. There is no third option with a solid conclusion at the end. You don't measure the possible benefits and compare yourself to others...you need simply be honest with yourself and act. If you cannot control the substance...learn how before it destroys you. You already know exactly what you need to do...stop postponing and get on with it.

Good luck to you. Surround yourself with supportive people and cut the trash loose from your like (if you have any such people in your social circle).

 

[Kilboars]

After voicing concerns about the manner in which my grandchildren were being raised everyone in my family told me I needed to stop drinking and get into a program. But I knew/know I am not an alcoholic. It was merely a power play to undermine the message I had delivered. So I looked em all in the eye for a long time and announced I would not have one drop of liquor and would consult with a family therapist to ensure unity was preserved. I switched to Earl Grey tea and felt no compulsions whatsoever. I didn't "need" nor want a drink and one year later my family was forced to admit addiction was not an issue. The therapist spoke to everyone in the family and concluded my concern about the grandkids was not only well meant but an honest depiction of a serious lack of discipline and respect. Of course, the grandkids' two moms sought to then undermine the position of the psychologist rather than face the truth and provide some actual discipline and establish firm boundaries. They continue to "negotiate" with their 6 yr olds...and the kids are winning and growing more difficult to control. Hurts me to witness this.

So you must ask yourself a simple question. Are you addicted or can you control it? If the substance controls you then get into a program and regain your control. If you are not addicted...prove it. There is no third option with a solid conclusion at the end. You don't measure the possible benefits and compare yourself to others...you need simply be honest with yourself and act. If you cannot control the substance...learn how before it destroys you. You already know exactly what you need to do...stop postponing and get on with it.

Good luck to you. Surround yourself with supportive people and cut the trash loose from your like (if you have any such people in your social circle).

Thanks for sharing.

My older brother is dealing with same thing with his wife and kids. The wife has spoiled a kid who is now 35 rotten and it’s gotten so bad nobody will even challenge the wife or the kid and when he tries to say throw his drinking in his face. And he’s a very casual drinker.


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[hunt1up]

I'm up to day 6.5 now. My sleep seems to have really gotten back to normal now. I went to bed around 9:30 and generally get up at 5:00 to exercise. Today I woke up clear headed and ready to roll at 4:00am, an hour before my alarm. So I got up and did my thing. I feel great.

I had about 25 remaining beers in my garage fridge. I haven't had any temptation to drink them and I figured I'd give them to my neighbors. But they also drink like fish so before work I dumped half of them down the drain. I'll do the rest when I get home since I ran out of time. It was almost fun, lol!

 

[Shupe88]

Anyone experience an extreme down feeling a few days after a night of drinking? Almost a depressed feeling with extreme anxiety? It’s starting to get bad for me. Gonna have to give it up. I can control my drinking but I can’t control the down feeling the few days after. Gotta call it quits. Glad to see I’m not the only one giving it up!


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[WoodBow]

Anyone experience an extreme down feeling a few days after a night of drinking? Almost a depressed feeling with extreme anxiety? It’s starting to get bad for me. Gonna have to give it up. I can control my drinking but I can’t control the down feeling the few days after. Gotta call it quits. Glad to see I’m not the only one giving it up!


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Yes absolutely. If you drink enough every day, that feeling is almost always there unless you are drinking. I thought something was wrong with me. The anxiety was unreal. Im very anti meds but i was thinking i may have to try them. It was a big light bulb moment when I learned that drinking is what was causing it. It is probably the #1 reason i quit. It was awful. The good news it gets a little better every day after you stop.

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[Shupe88]

Yes absolutely. If you drink enough every day, that feeling is almost always there unless you are drinking. I thought something was wrong with me. The anxiety was unreal. Im very anti meds but i was thinking i may have to try them. It was a big light bulb moment when I learned that drinking is what was causing it. It is probably the #1 reason i quit. It was awful. The good news it gets a little better every day after you stop.

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I’m very anti meds also. I broke down and got a subscription but chickened out and never picked them up. Then realized it had to be the alcohol. Been without any for 5 days and feeling better!


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[fap1800]

I'm on day four. The anxiety is there and it comes and goes, but it really hits me when trying to sleep. It's been a restless few nights. Mine is manifesting in my chest, which can be a little unnerving since I have CAD and stents, take thinners, BP meds and a statin. I woke up this morning, tired, felt okay, but then the chest tightness has sunk in this afternoon. Took the dog for a two mile walk, but it's still there. Last evening I went for a two-mile run and that didn't help too much. I'm gonna continue to try and fight through it and just take it easy. If it continues for the next few days then I'll reevaluate and call the doc.

 

[Kilboars]

I’m on day 5 and have been getting really down after work and no drive. But I’m pushing through.


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[CRJR45]

Stick with it guys , it gets better , a lot better .

 

[Will_m]

Anyone experience an extreme down feeling a few days after a night of drinking? Almost a depressed feeling with extreme anxiety? It’s starting to get bad for me. Gonna have to give it up. I can control my drinking but I can’t control the down feeling the few days after. Gotta call it quits. Glad to see I’m not the only one giving it up!


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Hangxiety. Starts to come on in your late 20’s

 

[WrstMuleHntr]

I'm on day four. The anxiety is there and it comes and goes, but it really hits me when trying to sleep. It's been a restless few nights. Mine is manifesting in my chest, which can be a little unnerving since I have CAD and stents, take thinners, BP meds and a statin. I woke up this morning, tired, felt okay, but then the chest tightness has sunk in this afternoon. Took the dog for a two mile walk, but it's still there. Last evening I went for a two-mile run and that didn't help too much. I'm gonna continue to try and fight through it and just take it easy. If it continues for the next few days then I'll reevaluate and call the doc.

I started listening to the book “Alcohol Explained” after someone here recommended it. It explains what is happening to you within the first 2 chapters. Basically withdrawals as your body is adjusting to no longer having alcohol. My first week was full of anxiety, sleepless nights, and shifting from cold to sweaty witching minutes. At day 12 now and feeling much better.