Quitting Alcohol

[schmalzy]

Last week marked my first year alcohol free. I started drinking when I was 13, I'll be 42 here next month. A couple years ago I came to the realization that I hadn't gone more then a week without a drink since high school. I was starting to drink more and more on my own, hangovers were lasting days and I lost all ambition to do the things I enjoyed. What really got to me was the kids starting to say things like "Why are you always drinking beer Dad."

I started by cutting back. First it was a few less drinks during the week, then 2 weeks and then I made it 3 weeks, a month, then 3 months. I just kept trying. Now I barely think about it. I do miss the social aspect of having drinks with friends or co-workers on a Friday night. I guess really don't know how to socialize when not drinking. But everything else is better, sleep, health, work, relationships with my wife and kids, and God.

I still drink NA like alot of people here my two favorites are Blue Moon and Mango Cart.

So happy for you dude. Way to go.


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[go_deep]

I have quit for several weeks, and months here and there, not always for any reason, sometimes on accident, I just didn't drink.
I quit for about 2 months last spring intentionally, when I started again, it was not great, I was only having a few a day, but most everyday, so I decided mid June screw it, I'm done.
About 2 months in, I don't have any interest, I occasionally get asked by people I know, that know I quit, sure you just don't want a drink? I politely decline, but think to myself, you know if you keep offering, maybe you don't respect my choices and we don't need to hangout anymore.

To everyone else congratulations, keep up the good fight!

 

[CRJR45]

I have quit for several weeks, and months here and there, not always for any reason, sometimes on accident, I just didn't drink.
I quit for about 2 months last spring intentionally, when I started again, it was not great, I was only having a few a day, but most everyday, so I decided mid June screw it, I'm done.
About 2 months in, I don't have any interest, I occasionally get asked by people I know, that know I quit, sure you just don't want a drink? I politely decline, but think to myself, you know if you keep offering, maybe you don't respect my choices and we don't need to hangout anymore.

To everyone else congratulations, keep up the good fight!

I tell people I quit drinking a thousand times before I got it right . I still have that one friend that just cannot believe I'm in a bar without drinking , or wherever . I tell myself they mean well , they just don't know . Still get irksome , sometimes .

 

[Blaw]

I would like to throw a quick note.
I have never had a problem with drinking, what I noticed it is a social norm...and literally is talked about as a hobby or activity

"hey wanna do something? come over and have some drinks" when you think about that its pretty messed up, why is it not going hiking, why is it the main activitiy and not a sumplimental item. You don't say "hey wanna come over and have some water"?


Along with that, my sleep is better, I can go out for dinner more as my bills are %50 less. my shopping for road trips is way easier and faster and cheaper (in canada our booze is effing expensive)

And I started feeling proud that I was not just caving to social norms which actually makes you less effective as a human. I am 41yrs old and in better shape then 90% of men younger and older than me. Diet is everything. My gf loves it, and most of all...

When you start living that life....you will find others around you agree and want the same thing, they just didnt want to be the "weirdo" without a drink in their hand.

Health is wealth gents