Quitting Alcohol

[ChrisA]

Hadn’t drank since March 7th, and I usually bring some Busch NA’s to softball games. For whatever reason last night I decided to crack open a coors light during a softball game. 1 beer and I had a slight buzz going! Standing there in left field hoping the ball doesn’t get hit to me.
Of course that wasn’t enough, I had to have another one throughout the game then 3 more in the parking lot after the game for a grand total of 5 light beers.
Im sitting here drinking my morning coffee with a minor headache, minor cotton mouth and I feel as bloated as a dead horse in a summer field. It’s hard to believe this is how I used to feel EVERY SINGLE MORNING. And I never thought twice about it I guess.
In a way I’m glad I had a few cold ones last night because it was enough to remind me that I don’t need to nor do I want to drink anymore.
From age 18-34 I put in a pretty good shift of drinking 2-6 beers every night and then getting completely obliterated Friday and Saturday night, so I guess I’m due for a break.
I do have a question for you guys tho, does anyone else feel guilty about their years spent in a booze filled cloud? Im not talking about the dumb things done while drunk because that’s an entirely different tangent. I’ve been working out hard, eating great, and more focused on hunting than I’ve ever been since I stopped drinking, but all I can think of is that I wasted the prime of my life (age 18-34) being drunk or hungover. Maybe it’s just me, makes me feel like I completely wasted half my life.


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Yes. Just be damned glad you're doing it at 34 instead of 49 like me; got 15 years on ya sonny.

 

[Norcal18]

Hadn’t drank since March 7th, and I usually bring some Busch NA’s to softball games. For whatever reason last night I decided to crack open a coors light during a softball game. 1 beer and I had a slight buzz going! Standing there in left field hoping the ball doesn’t get hit to me.
Of course that wasn’t enough, I had to have another one throughout the game then 3 more in the parking lot after the game for a grand total of 5 light beers.
Im sitting here drinking my morning coffee with a minor headache, minor cotton mouth and I feel as bloated as a dead horse in a summer field. It’s hard to believe this is how I used to feel EVERY SINGLE MORNING. And I never thought twice about it I guess.
In a way I’m glad I had a few cold ones last night because it was enough to remind me that I don’t need to nor do I want to drink anymore.
From age 18-34 I put in a pretty good shift of drinking 2-6 beers every night and then getting completely obliterated Friday and Saturday night, so I guess I’m due for a break.
I do have a question for you guys tho, does anyone else feel guilty about their years spent in a booze filled cloud? Im not talking about the dumb things done while drunk because that’s an entirely different tangent. I’ve been working out hard, eating great, and more focused on hunting than I’ve ever been since I stopped drinking, but all I can think of is that I wasted the prime of my life (age 18-34) being drunk or hungover. Maybe it’s just me, makes me feel like I completely wasted half my life.


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Yep I definitely feel that way. I’m 35 with 2 years coming in September. I look back at photos with my first son and it’s disappointing to think at I was probably buzzed or drunk. Can’t change it now, but if your able to see the problem and willing to change it your on the right course


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[DakotaBPNW]

Enjoy your Independence Day everyone!

 

[*zap*]

Just Do It

 

[survivalistd]

Another sober day in paradise

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[Stubborn_bowhunter]

Never tried the soda stream , but I was a big diet coke drinker for awhile . It was messing me up in ways I didn't realize until I quit drinking it , the Aspartame . Aches and joint pain .
Now it is just coffee and Iced Tea for me , no sugar .
Glad you are still on the wagon .

I drank a bunch of diet coke at a friend's house the other night during a game night. Felt almost hungover the next day.
I usually avoid aspartame like the plague.

Stevia Leaf is my preferred no sugar sweetener.


Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope you all have good days. And here's to going to work without hangovers tomorrow

 

[Stubborn_bowhunter]

I do have a question for you guys tho, does anyone else feel guilty about their years spent in a booze filled cloud? Im not talking about the dumb things done while drunk because that’s an entirely different tangent. I’ve been working out hard, eating great, and more focused on hunting than I’ve ever been since I stopped drinking, but all I can think of is that I wasted the prime of my life (age 18-34) being drunk or hungover. Maybe it’s just me, makes me feel like I completely wasted half my life.

I definitely have regrets for both wasted time and dumb things. Some wasted time doing dumb things too. Ha.

There is moments I look back and think "if only I started this then..."
So many "what ifs?" And "if onlys."

It seems the time happens when it happens. Some people might say when it was supposed to happen.
I don't know if I subscribe to that, but saying it can make it a little easier to let it go.

If I got sober earlier I could've changed a lot of my life earlier. Would I have lived enough in that direction less haze to realize that I needed to change permanently? Hard to say.

I had a domino effect happen for me that seemed to need to happen for me to take it seriously.

I'm grateful that I woke up when I did. It set in motion the events that led me to this moment.
I started this thread of support amongst like minded individuals on here. Actually feared the response that I'd receive.
Now I see it as one of the most positive things on this forum.

I'm not sure if it's a "everything happens for a reason thing", but when I see the life I'm living I'm glad it happened when it did.

 

[LFC911]

I started this thread of support amongst like minded individuals on here. Actually feared the response that I'd receive.
Now I see it as one of the most positive things on this forum.

I'm not sure if it's a "everything happens for a reason thing", but when I see the life I'm living I'm glad it happened when it did.

100%

 

[Charlie-NY]

I learned to drink to excess at college. Fortunately, when I left college I leveled off. I remained a social drinker most of my adult life. I certainly enjoy a good beer or a nice cocktail now and then. Over time I became a bit of a wine connoisseur. While I try to keep it in check, I'll have about 3 glasses each night since the Covid crap started. I have a life extension doctor that I really trust. When I told him how much I drank, he was shocked. He said that I was drinking triple the amount recommended by the AMA. I told him that I'm Italian and that it's a cultural thing. He said BULL SHIT! I got his point.

Now I limit myself to two glasses of wine after dinner and skip days to reduce my weekly intake. I hope I'm keeping the AMA happy. LMAO

 

[steelheadmike]

Still on the wagon, ran 4 miles this morning, knee doesn't hurt like it usually does. I'm guessing part of the pain was inflammation from drinking alcohol?!? I also drink my share of bubbly waters...just curious if anyone has tried the soda stream or other ways to "brew" your own carbonated waters?

I agree with you on the knees part. I’m still sore but it’s from lifting heavy and rucking now.

And, the soda stream is awesome. Don’t have spindrift cans or topo Chico bottles around anymore. I always have 2-3 bottles of water pre-chilled in the fridge. Instead of cracking a beer or pouring a ranch water after work, I charge up a bottle and fill up a big yeti. The soda stream is a virtually unlimited supply of sparkling water.


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[HappyHuntr]

My ol man lost 15 lbs getting off stella. Just dont get within 15 feet and ur fine. Trust me u wont die

 

[Inthebloodhunts]

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?

Hello, I haven’t had a drink in over a year. The first few months are the hardest. Mostly because everything we loved to do concerts, watching live bands, golfing, eating out typically involved drinking. For us we had to completely re-evaluate who we were hanging out with and the choices we were making. In the end it is beyond worth it. No more feeling tired, hung over, lethargic, and a lot more money in the bank. I hope you are able to find success. It will definitely improve your overall health, mindset, and overall well being which all helps you be a better hunter. Best Wishes

 

[Johnboy041586]

Any advice from the guys that struggled quitting because of being a "functional alcoholic"? I am one who definitely drinks well more than one should, but never hit that rock bottom. Seems like a dumb question with a simple answer. Hoping some one that understands that mindset could shoot me straight.

 

[DakotaBPNW]

Any advice from the guys that struggled quitting because of being a "functional alcoholic"? I am one who definitely drinks well more than one should, but never hit that rock bottom. Seems like a dumb question with a simple answer. Hoping some one that understands that mindset could shoot me straight.

Your idea of functional is probably very different than what those around you see.

 

[lak2004]

Any advice from the guys that struggled quitting because of being a "functional alcoholic"? I am one who definitely drinks well more than one should, but never hit that rock bottom. Seems like a dumb question with a simple answer. Hoping some one that understands that mindset could shoot me straight.

I think that depends on what you consider functional. I used to drink at least 2 beers a day and more on weekends and weeknights with friends. I was entirely functional in regards to having a good job and keeping life moving but since I haven't had a drink in over 2 months I feel 10x better and able to actually do more activities, complete more tasks and less body aches.

 

[brianrossman1]

Any advice from the guys that struggled quitting because of being a "functional alcoholic"? I am one who definitely drinks well more than one should, but never hit that rock bottom. Seems like a dumb question with a simple answer. Hoping some one that understands that mindset could shoot me straight.

Yes, I have advice. I’m an executive at a very successful tech company, a company that is a name everyone knows. I used to be extremely athletic and active but got sucked into alcohol during COVID. I’m on the other side now but still see where my shortcomings hurt and impeded me, personally and professionally. Give me a message and I’ll call you personally and privately tomorrow and as often as you need it bud.


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[BravoNovember]

Any advice from the guys that struggled quitting because of being a "functional alcoholic"? I am one who definitely drinks well more than one should, but never hit that rock bottom. Seems like a dumb question with a simple answer. Hoping some one that understands that mindset could shoot me straight.

In the same boat. Never have missed work, gotten in any trouble (fights, DUI, etc.), never causes any issues at home, but I know any of those should be prefaced with "YET".

At this point I'm more concerned on the long term heath effects, and the fact that addiction, specifically alcohol, is rampant for multiple generations on both sides of my family. I want to get ahead of the fact that I check the alcoholic boxes in multiple ways.

 

[ChrisA]

I think that depends on what you consider functional. I used to drink at least 2 beers a day and more on weekends and weeknights with friends. I was entirely functional in regards to having a good job and keeping life moving but since I haven't had a drink in over 2 months I feel 10x better and able to actually do more activities, complete more tasks and less body aches.

Same here but I'll see your 2 and raise you 6, 8, 10... Was very easy to start popping tops and blow off the things that needed done, and having one hand tied up with a cold one really limits productivity. I'm in it for the health aspects but now see how much hunting, fishing, anything truly meaningful, and time with family was literally wasted away.

 

[Customweld]

Any advice from the guys that struggled quitting because of being a "functional alcoholic"? I am one who definitely drinks well more than one should, but never hit that rock bottom. Seems like a dumb question with a simple answer. Hoping some one that understands that mindset could shoot me straight.

If I had any advice to give, it would be to listen to the Huberman podcast on Alcohol and its effect on the body. I was most definitely in your shoes, never hit bottom, but I could tell that something needed to change. Mentally, I knew it wasn't good, but I was keeping things together, so it must not be "that bad" right? Well, the mental aspect is only a portion of it. The toll it takes on your body is what got me motivated. I have always been health conscious and as I'm getting close to that half century mark, I wasn't hitting fitness goals like I should have been. If you aren't a fan of podcasts, or even Andrew Huberman, this podcast is worth a listen.

 

[ndfb35]

If I had any advice to give, it would be to listen to the Huberman podcast on Alcohol and its effect on the body. I was most definitely in your shoes, never hit bottom, but I could tell that something needed to change. Mentally, I knew it wasn't good, but I was keeping things together, so it must not be "that bad" right? Well, the mental aspect is only a portion of it. The toll it takes on your body is what got me motivated. I have always been health conscious and as I'm getting close to that half century mark, I wasn't hitting fitness goals like I should have been. If you aren't a fan of podcasts, or even Andrew Huberman, this podcast is worth a listen.

The Huber pod on alcohol was good. I never was a huge drinker but now I will only drink and rare occasion. I get no benefit from it.