Interesting thread - and I admit I’ve not read it all. Will contribute that I did dryanuary, as I had the last couple years, and this time I just kept going. No alcohol in ‘23 so far. I anticipate that this is not forever, but perhaps a pivot to much greater moderation. I do like good craft beers and can hang with the wine snobs when required.
We’ll see…
Rooster, I was a HUGE craft beer, whiskey, and wine nerd. I have drank bottles of beer and whiskey worth hundreds, to thousands of dollars, and several hundred dollars bottles of wine. I could identify whiskey by blind tasting it, and I am talking down to the producer, proof, grains used, and barrels it was aged in. I met A LOT of my best friends because of craft beer. But I decided to give it all up 4 years ago. It seemed like the hardest decision ever at the time, especially being a sales rep for a craft beer distribution company. But I did it anyways. Originally said I was taking a year off, after a few months I knew Id never get drunk again
I will still drink an oz or two of beer if a friends open something really good or interesting. But never enough to catch a buzz. That is what made me realize I wasn't an alcoholic, I just actually loved the beverages themselves. I have a friend staying with me, amd my fridge is full of beer, but I don't even get an urge to drink one when opening it. Long story long, I think if you can control yourself, a little booze isnt too terrible. But letting anything run your life is.
Chris, keep it up man!! If you need any encouragement, or advice feel free to message me. The first few weeks were the hardest for me! But it only gets easier as you go. Don't beat yourself up if you have cravings or thoughts about drinking. Just know that your sleep will improve greatly, and so will your overall health.