Quitting Alcohol

[grizz19]

Just found this thread. You guy are awesome. Congrats to all of you. I haven’t drank since April of 2013. So I guess that would be coming on 12 years. Haven’t missed it once. Have plenty of fun without it and have been in the best shape of my life the last several years. Saving all that money isn’t so bad either.

 

[grizz19]

You nailed it dead center. I don’t know how to do anything in moderation and I don’t understand people who can. If I’m interested enough to dabble I’m interested enough to make it an obsession that I’ll poor every ounce of energy into until I have nothing left. I have the ability to get outta hand in almost any hobby or project, oftentimes with amazing results. But the dark side of that trait can be terrible. If I like it enough to do it more than once I like it enough to want it every single day.

All things considered I’ve done really well in the social maneuvering. But You can’t reason or teach politeness to a drunk person. They’ll attack you and your character before they’ll admit alcohol might be a problem for them. I’ve seen just exactly how far they’ll go to that end.

I Watched the love of my life balling because her dad refused to come to our house for dinner, because we don’t allow booze at our house. I’ve seen them tell her she was rude to refuse to accept a college graduation gift of wine from a friend of theirs when they knew she was sober. Saw them bring booze to our home on our wedding day when everyone was told it wasn’t allowed and I calmly told them again when I saw one of them on the front porch with a beer. After which an aunt left in a huff and later told lies to my wife, that I said something shitty to her. And lastly my nieces and nephew were told that I forced my wife to quit drinking.
Was I rude when I marched in to grab the phone to call her dad when he brought her to tears? Perhaps, but you better believe I told him point blank that he was choosing a bottle of booze over his own daughter. We get along now, they held a grudge longer than I did.

I stand up for the people I love and anybody trying to get sober. Especially when people who drink can’t stand the thought of someone getting sober because it makes them contemplate the effects their drinking habit has on the people around them. Because alcohol negatively impacts a hell of a lot more people than are willing to admit it.

So for me it’s not nearly as much of “I don’t understand” as it is “I just can’t stand”. Because I think about how dangerous their rhetoric is to people who are desperately trying to get sober or stay sober. “Awe man just one beer won’t hurt” could absolutely destroy someone. I think more people should see and understand that. I did try very hard to be polite in my reply to the “just slow down bro” comment.

It’s not allowed in our house either. Crazy how so many people are reliant on alcohol and cannot function without it.

 

[longrangelead]

9 years and 3 months

I don't miss it AT ALL, EVER!

As I was, I couldn't see living as I am now.
As I am now, I don't know how I lived as I was.

The truth is, living as a drunk is not living.

Alcohol is a thief!
thief of joy,
of time,
of money,
relationships,
memories,
opportunity,
family,
love,
self respect,
your energy,
your positivity,
and most of all, your future.

9 years and 3 months

I'm 47 and feel better than I did at 37

I sleep better, I have more endurance, less constant pain from inflammation, the list goes on.

I'm at peace! when I was drinking, I was angry all the time at everything for no real reason.
it's a cycle, alcohol perpetuates depression and anger.

STOP THE LOOP!

For anyone and everyone just making the decision, realize that little voice that calls to you to "just have one" or "try one and see if you miss it"
That is raw temptation trying to pull you back in the trap!

DONT DO IT!
Don't do it for your future self, your wife, your kids, your true friends that support your decision.

Once you can see temptation for what it is, find something to do instead. go to the gym, go for a hike, do something you have to focus on entirely.

someone mentioned triggers. if you always had a drink doing ______... identify those triggers and put something else in its place.

Bottom line is it is a decision to not let it back in your life at any cost.

Sometimes it means letting people leave your life. That usually works itself out because the dysfunction was the bond to begin with.

peace brothers

 

[coloyooper]

Gonna give it another go here. There’s no denying how much better I feel and how much money I save. Unfortunately I got a bad draw with the Irish genes.

 

[Cantshoot]

Gonna give it another go here. There’s no denying how much better I feel and how much money I save. Unfortunately I got a bad draw with the Irish genes.

good luck to you. I just found this thread and never thought I’d run across something like this here. I’m 14 months sober after drinking pretty hard for 20 or so years. First time in my life I’ve been free from the physical and mental obsession of alcohol.

 

[bowhuntercoop]

Gonna give it another go here. There’s no denying how much better I feel and how much money I save. Unfortunately I got a bad draw with the Irish genes.

You got this! I’m 100 percent Irish and drank enough in the Marine Corps and 15 years after to kill a small village. Take it one hour, one day, one week, one month. Before you know it you will despise it and never look back. Truly life changing.

 

[Krolly]

Can’t thank everyone enough who has posted. I’m 5 weeks alcohol free after a long time of drinking everyday. I almost cracked the other night after a stressful day at work. Instead my 16 year old son and I took a ride on the sxs and checked some cameras and looked for deer/turkey sign. By the time we got back home I didn’t want a drink anymore.
Thanks all you tough SOB’s that have made it years. You’re an inspiration.

 

[Robster]

Can’t thank everyone enough who has posted. I’m 5 weeks alcohol free after a long time of drinking everyday. I almost cracked the other night after a stressful day at work. Instead my 16 year old son and I took a ride on the sxs and checked some cameras and looked for deer/turkey sign. By the time we got back home I didn’t want a drink anymore.
Thanks all you tough SOB’s that have made it years. You’re an inspiration.

Keep up the good work. You got this and are making a great example for your son.

 

[schmalzy]

Gonna give it another go here. There’s no denying how much better I feel and how much money I save. Unfortunately I got a bad draw with the Irish genes.

It’s worth it dude. I feel you on the genes. I think everyone has their own path and coping mechanisms but one of the ones for me that worked well was laughing at the ridiculousness of it all and celebrating the new freedom that comes with it. Framing it as a positive, life giving choice vs a negative, restrictive reaction helped a ton. Friends that support and celebrate it with you makes a big difference. It may not always seem like it but there’s a ton of guys that share the same struggle but also the same desire to live an awesome life. This thread has created more than a few real friendships.


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[dirtshooter]

Can't read the whole thread buttttt

It was march 2020 at my buddy's place for his birthday and I downed like half a bottle of kraken and ate a whole thin crust pizza and later filled his bathroom sink and floor with puke. They called my pregnant wife to pick me up. I got in the car and immediately thought of myself as a complete total loser. Loser drunk with our first child on the way. Have rarely taken a drink since. If I had it was usually 2 max. In fact I can't remember the last time I drank.

Man it was easy to drink, coke zero and rum or vodka and Gatorade and it went down so smooth by time it hit it was like a freight train lol. But I look at the bottles in the cabinet and if they weren't worth so much I'd dump them.

Anyway not missing out on not drinking so to anyone who stopped, keep it up!

 

[bowhuntercoop]

Can't read the whole thread buttttt

It was march 2020 at my buddy's place for his birthday and I downed like half a bottle of kraken and ate a whole thin crust pizza and later filled his bathroom sink and floor with puke. They called my pregnant wife to pick me up. I got in the car and immediately thought of myself as a complete total loser. Loser drunk with our first child on the way. Have rarely taken a drink since. If I had it was usually 2 max. In fact I can't remember the last time I drank.

Man it was easy to drink, coke zero and rum or vodka and Gatorade and it went down so smooth by time it hit it was like a freight train lol. But I look at the bottles in the cabinet and if they weren't worth so much I'd dump them.

Anyway not missing out on not drinking so to anyone who stopped, keep it up!

No bottle is worth it. I dumped over 5k of opened bourbon and gave over 20k away. I had the entire Pappy Van Winkle collection that a I drank, sold, and gave away. Give em away or dump, I bet in a year you won’t miss them or think they have any value.

 

[ArcherAdam]

I saw this thread and gave it up on 1.1.23. Best decision i have made yet.

1.1.24 i decided to give up most other liquids (pop, Gatorade, crystal light, etc.) All i drink now is water, black coffee, and an occasional orange juice.

I still struggle with empty carbs so that is what I need to work on. At 46 now, I am seeing too many peers dying from various reasons so I will do whatever I can to lower my chances.

Good job for all those staying the course!

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[Stubborn_bowhunter]

This thread never ceases to amaze me. It's became something I never imagined and taken on a life of its own.

I'll be 4 years sober in July.
Bought my first home last January.
Changed careers.
Getting married May 1st.

I genuinely don't believe I would have taken any of the steps in the direction of those things let alone achieved them if I kept drinking.

Appreciate everyone posting on here! It's inspiring every time I get a notification of the thread popping back up!

 

[Robster]

Couple things I've heard, OR that worked for me. May not work for everyone but to be clear on my social status. Divorced, no significant other, no family in town, kids WAY out of town. Tend to be a bit of a loner/introvert so I wasn't a regular at bars or needing to attend social/family events. So it wasn't any peer pressure that I had to overcome, just me and the bottle.

I was a Gin and Tonic and IPA drinker. I now drink virgin G&T's I drink about a bottle of Diet tonic at night sitting in my recliner. When I go out I always order tonic and lime for my beverage. It's helped me with the transition, sitting at the bar having dinner with my son I still kind of felt like I had a drink in my hand rather than just ice water.
After 6 months, as I have said in a prior post, I did something for myself. I do a LOT of riding. Horseback, I hunt morels, sheds and head to the backcountry to fish. I bought a brand new horse trailer and the monthly payments are what I used to spend on booze. Anytime I think I want to start drinking or get the urge I just walk outside and look at that beautiful new trailer that is actually mine and think there's my choice. Give it up and drink or keep it. Rather sobering decision to make, forgive the pun.
My cousin was an alcoholic. Just got his ten year sober coin I believe. He told me when going to a restaurant, always sit with your back to the bar. Something that has helped him.

For anyone thinking about sobriety, I say DO IT! it will be hard, you may fall off the wagon. DO NOT BE ASHAMED, Just climb back on the wagon start again. Life is like a bronc ride. You gotta hang on, ride it out and LET 'ER BUCK!!
Life is GOOD! and short. You only got one twist on this earth, make it the best one you can. There are no do overs.

Small note about the picture. After 5 years of paying alimony to my X, I was able to stop paying when she moved in with her fiancé. I saved myself 5 more years of financial enslavement to her. I celebrated by buying myself a brand new saddle and saddlebags. Picture represents milestones to me. Sobriety and financial freedom from the X.

https://imgur.com/a/Rlkh7xw

 

[SWOHTR]

I consider myself to have a healthy relationship with alcohol...now. I used to not, growing up in WI (where I had my first beer long before I had my first coffee), then going to school, and joining the Navy (we are the only service with references to drinking in our service song, and I do wish we still had a "rum ration" onboard the ships).

I've cut it waaay back in the last 15 months though. As in, 1 - 2 drinks per week. And in the year preceding that, I cut waaay back. Most nights I don't even want one, and I'd rather have tea with the wife.

There are some times where a beer or drink of whiskey is appropriate, though. We do homemade pizza on the kamado every saturday night and I enjoy one nice beer with it. If I have company, I (generally) find it appropriate to have a drink with them. I do find I enjoy the taste of beer and whiskey. I don't care so much for the effects of alcohol (anymore) but do legitimately think that the drink, the craft, itself tastes good, which is why I continue to partake occasionally.

Another interesting thing I've found is how many of my friends (who I used to drink with) don't drink, or drink much at all, anymore. And the best part is - there's no shame or judgment in it. It's also interesting to see how much of a drinking problem my home state has, and the effects alcohol can have on a person.

Will I ever give it up completely? Unlikely. Am I balanced and "optimized" right now? I'd have to say yes.

 

[Krolly]

Great choice treating yourself. That’s a nice looking Roan!