Davyalabama
FNG
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2023
- Messages
- 80
I just quit, it has more to do with my faith and walk than anything. I quit 8 years ago and never looked back.
Not relative to hunts, I didn't stop drinking to be a better hunter.
Since stopping drinking I sleep MUCH better, and a good night's sleep is much more important than the transient taste of the best booze. No, it's not easy. Especially in social situations - actually, it WASN'T easy to start, but nowadays being a non-drinker is being iconoclastic, which serves my tendency to be contrarian, so it's easy to be odd man out.
The mindset is this: you have to be a non-drinker. NOT someone who is quitting drinking or just doesn't want one when offered. Being in the middle of quitting something means you still do it, just less often.
When someone asks if you want a drink, the answer is "I don't drink" not "No." Big mental difference.
If you are married, tell your wife you are not drinking anymore. Any booze that was just yours in the house, give it away. Non-drinkers don't have their favorite booze on the shelf. If you use the excuse that it's for when people come over - ask yourself if you also stock your fridge with their favorite food in the off-chance they stop by? If you want to serve booze when they come over, buy a small bottle and send it home with them. Eventually they will just bring their own, or booze won't matter anyway.
These of course are my opinions/experience, but it works for me. Also, I have never 'saved the date' of my last drink like some people do. "it's been XXX days/weeks/years since my last drink." I never understood that. I am just a non-drinker, period.
Booze is not necessary, nor important in any case whatever.
If you can get over the hump, you probably won't miss it and will feel great .Recently came to the conclusion I want/need to stop drinking. I've seen a few guys on here say they've been sober for years.
I've been pretty strong willed when it comes to kicking habits, but this one has been a one step forward three steps back one. Haha
Those of you who have stopped did you notice many benefits on your hunts, mindset, or physical shape?
Any tips on the process?
Hit 3 years in July. Best choice I've ever made.
I considered many, many a times too. Even quit once for 11 days, once for 68 days, and then for good in May 2023. PM is good if you need any motivation or just shoot the shit about it.Good luck! I’ve considered myself.
This right here. I am coming up on 8 months and have not felt thsi good in years. My mental clarity is off the chart and my motivation is unreal.The only thing that surprised me was how many people don’t like or struggle tolerating a non drinker. People will go out of their way to make excuses for their drinking habits and project their insecurities on me when I’m in their presence as a non drinker and they’re having a few. I personally don’t care if anyone else drinks, I never say anything but my mere sober presence makes people conscientious of their own alcohol dependency and they tend to be vocal about it. Alcohol is a VERY pervasive and accepted social contagion.
As Manwitaplan also mentioned, its comical some of the conversations that happen because a sober person is present. I only drink for this reason, or that, or, or....The only thing that surprised me was how many people don’t like or struggle tolerating a non drinker. People will go out of their way to make excuses for their drinking habits and project their insecurities on me when I’m in their presence as a non drinker and they’re having a few. I personally don’t care if anyone else drinks, I never say anything but my mere sober presence makes people conscientious of their own alcohol dependency and they tend to be vocal about it. Alcohol is a VERY pervasive and accepted social contagion.