Quitting Alcohol

[SuspiciousFish]

I used to drink a lot in college then eventually stopped as I got older. I found a good way to stop drinking booze is replacing it with some other kind of relaxing drink. I really like herbal teas now, especially Lemon Balm. Two bags at the end of the day with some Ashwagandha root and a book and it puts you in a really relaxed state, much better than booze. Lemon Balm is really good for hunting to take the edge off before sleeping too.

 

[fngTony]

I used to drink a lot in college then eventually stopped as I got older. I found a good way to stop drinking booze is replacing it with some other kind of relaxing drink. I really like herbal teas now, especially Lemon Balm. Two bags at the end of the day with some Ashwagandha root and a book and it puts you in a really relaxed state, much better than booze. Lemon Balm is really good for hunting to take the edge off before sleeping too.

And if you get into the social side of tea drinking it’s a much more positive atmosphere than bars.

 

[schmalzy]

I'm at 3 weeks and a few days on my most recent, best attempt yet at quitting/major scaleback. I had 3 beers at a wedding a couple weeks ago and a few at my in-laws last weekend. The wedding at one week was really tough to not go hard.

It was a bit more of a physical grind than I anticipated initially but getting easier each day. Finally starting to say I haven't felt this good in a long time. The first few days going cold turkey were really rough. I felt like absolute dog shit for about 2 days from not sleeping, then I went through about the next 10 days of starting to sleep better and being fine in the mornings but absolutely exhausted and irritable in the afternoons. Having a really hard time concentrating on work in general which still feels present but to a lesser degree each day.

So far I'm only down about 5-10 pounds to 215ish which is within my normal annual weight fluctuation while drinking, but I have not been eating super great, probably worse with more snacking and sweets. Looking to get through November and hunting season here and then I plan to start working out and watching my diet more. Usually, the rut alone is good for 10-15 pounds which I always quickly gained back during the holidays. Would like to get somewhere around 185-200 and stay there. I've been 205-220 since my daughter was born 6 years ago and it's just a little too puffy for me.

I ended up buying and reading Alcohol Explained which was recommended somewhere along this thread and I found it really helpful to understand the why and a lot of the brain chemistry. I read the whole thing in one night I think it was sober night two because I couldn't sleep. Highly insightful book and recommended for really anyone to read, not just those looking to curb a problem. Just factual and informative and didn't feel a bit preachy or judgy.

The book really aligned with where I was and am in my journey. That I didn't feel like I have some disease or need God's intervention a la AA. Although I am a Christian believer I believe it's on me to make my life better and save his miracles for kids with cancer and the like, ya know. It was really just like a snowball for me where it started with lots of good times in college and the momentum just kept going to where I was starting to realize it wasn't even fun anymore as I'm starting to feel old. I have a few regrets, but not all that many, and it's just time to move on to bigger and better things.

Especially understanding the subconscious triggers tangibly helped me stop in the immediate present. Been crushing club soda and lime when I get a craving for a beer which as I mentioned was associated with a lot of daily activities. My other go-to sober drink is iced tea with san pelligrino limonata mixed in. Tried some of the NA beers but just felt they tasted off and made me want a real beer so I'm sticking with the club soda for now.

Way to go on three weeks. Excited for you. Fitness helped me a lot during the first few weeks on focusing at work and other things.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me, it certainly didn’t hurt letting God have a turn at the helm. Been quite a bit more enjoyable since I quit trying to tell Him how to heal me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CRJR45]

I'm glad to see this thread continue on . Sometimes it helps to know someone else is struggling with the same trouble you have .
Keep up the fight , whatever it takes .

 

[eamyrick]

I'm on to week 6 with no booze and I honestly don't really miss it. I listened to a little of Alcohol Explained. Probably enough to get the jist of it, but if I'm being totally truthful, I didn't really need it. This past year, my drinking really got out of hand. I can't remember how many times I'd wake up in the morning after getting the boys on the bus, feeling like ass, and just asking myself, "Why do you keep doing this?" Hangxiety was real. My head would be in the clouds. I'd go for a run at lunch, get the cobwebs clear and later that day I'd start the process all over again. It was a viscous cycle and I was in pretty deep. A good friend of mine on here pointed me to this thread and the book and said he was giving it a go. The last weekend in August I had a "guys" trip planned and I decided to go out with a bang, which probably wasn't the wisest decision, but whatever. The logic was to imprint that hangover into my consciousness for as long as possible. Not sure if it worked, but I can't think of any reason to go back to drinking. If I get a craving for a beer, I'll have a 00 or two, which scratches the itch. Otherwise, I'm in a good place.

Man thanks for sharing. I’m at 8 1/2 years but reading your first few sentences brings me right back. If you ever need someone to yell at shoot me a PM. Awesome journey. Stuff to be proud of.

 

[ChrisA]

I'm glad to see this thread continue on . Sometimes it helps to know someone else is struggling with the same trouble you have .
Keep up the fight , whatever it takes .

I'm with you on that. Been hoping this thread would pop up for a while now, glad it did today as I needed some help; day 22 almost over.

 

[CRJR45]

I'm with you on that. Been hoping this thread would pop up for a while now, glad it did today as I needed some help; day 22 almost over.

Wish I could help you , but keep with it , it gets better . Much better .

 

[schmalzy]

I'm with you on that. Been hoping this thread would pop up for a while now, glad it did today as I needed some help; day 22 almost over.

Pm sent


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WoodBow]

Wanted to bump this thread back up and share something my wife sent me today via text after having her hair cut by a friend of hers.

"Redacted told me that her husbands health is bad and his liver is failing. Basically there isn't anything they can do beside get a transplant and u have to be deathly ill to get on the list. She is praying that God heals him. She is super stressed and i don't think they have much money because she needed me to venmo her right then before we were done so he could pay something. I felt real bad. She said she was glad it was me there and not someone else"

I would guess this guy is 45. His youngest daughter is 7 and friends with my 7 year old daughter.

It was pretty easy for me to slide back into old habits briefly after returning home from my big hunt of the year. Sometimes we need a good reminder to not be a loser.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[robtattoo]

November 3rd will be my 1 year sober anniversary.
I'm an alcoholic, plain and simple. 1 drink always seemed to come in 12 glasses & i thought nothing of knocking back a half litre of bourbon, 7 nights a week.

I never had a 'rock bottom' moment, more of an "I know a better way" moment.

November 1st last year I had a follow up appointment with my podiatrist for the chronic arthritis in my ankle. The very first thing they did was take my BP. I had an initial reading of 213/110
I was checked on 3 seperate digital machines & finally an old school anemometer & all 4 confirmed. The doctor wanted to immediately admit me to the emergency room for the cardiac event or stroke he assumed I was having. He asked me if i had any causes for such high pressure and I finally admitted to someone I had a drinking problem. He never suggested quitting, but he DID tell me I needed to be on Blood Pressure meds, immediately.

My stubborn ass brain, that's never been on prescription meds in its life instantly decided "Eff that, I know a better way" I had 2 beers that night, 1 the following night & haven't touched it since. Within a week, my BP was down to 145/95 & held there for several weeks more. I spoke to my parents & my Mother told me that her entire side of the family have high blood pressure..... thanks for waiting nearly 50 years for that little tidbit Mum.

So, I ended up on meds anyway; 100mg Chlorthalidone daily. But I'm now normalized around the low 120s over the high 70s which ain't half bad for an overweight 48 year old!

I've had struggles, I'll admit. But i had a very profound realization that keeps me right. Every single day i stay sober, I'm setting a new record & the thought that I couldn't say "I've been sober for 11 months & 17 days" because of 1 little sip keeps me motivated. I've actually had the worst nightmares of my life recently, all revolving around being tricked into having a drink, or worse yet, just doing to accidentally without thinking.

I've found that my attitude has helped immensely. I've never been fit, I've never be fast & all the guys i hunt with, are. But they all know that no matter how long it takes, I'll get to the same places they will because I f*#@king REFUSE to quit. Now I've turned that to refusing to let alcohol be more determined than i am. I refuse to quit quitting. AA say "one day at a time" (I think. I've never been) I say "just one more day"

I can put up with anything for a day.

 

[Terrapin]

3 years last Monday. One Day at a Time. If anyone is struggling and has tried everything, don’t be afraid to reach out. I’ve been there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WrstMuleHntr]

I’m just at 60 days today. The thought of staying off booze forever terrifies me. Hell, the thought of not drinking with my buddies this weekend terrifies me. That’s why one day at a time is the only thing I’m focused on. Promise myself no alcohol today and do my best not to worry about tomorrow.

 

[WrstMuleHntr]

I got tired of drinking a while ago. But I think I kept doing it mainly out of habit.

Had it backed down to 2 beers a night. Which is a whole lot better than 17 1/2!!

Now that work at my shop is slowing down more and more every month. The alcohol intake is going up. Not sure how else to handle it

For me I realized the only option was to cut it off completely and cold turkey. I tried for years to use in moderation. Only ever worked for at most a month. Quitting is and has been hard, but it has gotten me farther than any “slow down” ever did.

It still sucks to admit I need to stop completely, but it sucks less than being a shitty dad, husband and employee (not saying you are, just reflecting on my experience).

 

[GSPHUNTER]

Been over eight years now. I just decided to stop so I did. And yes, I was a heavy drinker.

 

[Kilboars]

Thank you all for sharing your stories.

Like smoking pot and then cigars I’m just over drinking. I find myself not really even enjoying it but just drinking because I think I should or my wife is drinking or friends are. I’m tried of even blowing the money on it.
My wife and I will drink a $25-$45 bottle of wine every night changing to bourbon one night a week or on weekends. I hate to say I’m quitting but I’m just over it. I see no good in it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[schmalzy]

For me I realized the only option was to cut it off completely and cold turkey. I tried for years to use in moderation. Only ever worked for at most a month. Quitting is and has been hard, but it has gotten me farther than any “slow down” ever did.

It still sucks to admit I need to stop completely, but it sucks less than being a shitty dad, husband and employee (not saying you are, just reflecting on my experience).

I feel you on not wanting to admit it. But damn if life isn’t exceptionally better after you do admit and start living life rather than grinding through it.

One thing I had to figure out was the perception or label of someone “having to quit” vs someone choosing to quit so that they could live life to the fullest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CRJR45]

Guy's , I know I post on this thread a lot , but I am just trying be supportive of anybody trying to quit . It's not easy and what worked for one person might not work for everyone , but find what works for you and stick with it . Don't give up , it can be done . And , if your friends can't respect you choosing to quit , they're not real friends . I know my circle got a lot smaller when I quit , but I also know I would never have made it to the ripe old age I am now .

 

[KoolBreeze]

Sad, some of you folks have no control. Life is better with a drink here and there. Enjoy a crispy beer or a glass of wine or two. It’s good for you.

I’m with you and feel very fortunate that I can have a drink, a beer, glass or 2 of wine and leave it at that. I might go 6 months without a drop, then drink a 6 or 8 while sitting around with friends. Just never had an issue with it.

 

[Kilboars]

I’m with you and feel very fortunate that I can have a drink, a beer, glass or 2 of wine and leave it at that. I might go 6 months without a drop, then drink a 6 or 8 while sitting around with friends. Just never had an issue with it.

Consider it just another natural gift you have.

Like smoking weed or doing drugs. Some can handle it but understand some can’t and don’t.

One of the good sides of Internet forums is that we can all speak our hearts anonymously and not have someone in our face judging us


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MJB]

Had to detox my ex twice I should have know the first time while I was single.......she had to abort our baby because she couldn't stop......that was the end of our marriage.