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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[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

 

[TheBull]

Aug 19 will be 1 year without a beer for me. My usual was around 12-20 a day. I still get cravings after a hot day of work but its easier now.

 

[Nevwild]

I just put my oldest friend in rehab after he seized due to alcohol withdrawal and found out he’s got stage 3 cirrhosis of the liver. I hate what alcohol did to him. Makes me look at the 2 beers a night I’ve been drinking with a lot less excitement or enjoyment.

 

[OregonSteeler]

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.

The socialization piece is one of the hardest aspects for people to overcome when first quitting drinking. It feels awkward, you feel left out, and that you're no longer part of the fun. It will take some time to get used to, but it will get easier. In my opinion, quitting alcohol is a sacrifice for most, and there's a reason why most people can't stop.

I've went on countless camping trips, holidays, week-long excursions, Mexico, Las Vegas, and so many other events where alcohol is weaved into the very fabric of the event. I still feel a bit of anxiety of wanting a drink to "fit-in" or have that "fun feeling" of being tipsy. I just tell myself that the short-term positive effects of starting again don't outweigh the long-term negative effects; and there are MANY!

Keep it up, you'll find your groove at social events and be happy you stuck with it. It's 150% worth it for your family, health, and wellness.

 

[AKBC]

Interesting new poll finds only 54% of American adults report drinking alcohol, a record low.

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5450560-alcohol-drinking-rate-at-record-low-gallup/

 

[hunt1up]

Interesting new poll finds only 54% of American adults report drinking alcohol, a record low.

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5450560-alcohol-drinking-rate-at-record-low-gallup/

There's definitely a generational shift from what I can tell. My kids are 12 and 14, and when I was that age, kids were trying whatever they could to steal some booze from their parents. I think I had my first drink at 13-14. It was the cool thing to do. My kids and their friends, many who have drinking parents, seem to show little interest. Not that they'd come out and tell me of course, lol. I know my kids think it's dumb and I'm sure seeing me drink for years and then not for a few years has changed their mindset and trajectory, at least I hope so. I hope that showing then that alcohol just isn't important, and doing it at the time I did, has changed their perspective on it. Had I had a beer in my hand every day like I used to, who knows what they'd think now.

We've already been beating it into my daughters head that you NEVER get in a car with people that have been drinking. If she ends up in a situation where she or a friend was drinking, call me. I'll pick you up and you won't be in trouble. The things we got away with as kids still give me nightmares!

 

[Customweld]

Interesting new poll finds only 54% of American adults report drinking alcohol, a record low.

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5450560-alcohol-drinking-rate-at-record-low-gallup/

I think that is spot on. The breweries and wineries in my area are seeing a pretty drastic reduction in sales.

 

[Max2491]

It’ll be the best thing you’ve ever done. I got sober three years ago and my life revolves around being outdoors. If I was still drinking I wouldn’t be able to hike like I do, I wouldn’t be able to hunt like I do, and there’s a lot of other aspects.

 

[ben h]

Hit the 3 year sober mark today. Honestly when I started, I didn't even think 60 days was in the realm of possibility for me. Glad I was wrong about that. To those on the fence about quitting for whatever reason, give it a try!

 

[BravoNovember]

365 days ago I had my last drink. At the time I thought it was going to be impossible, fast forward any not drinking had become just as easy as drinking use to be.

I’m still learning how to manage some stress and anxiety that use to be managed through consuming copious amounts of alcohol, but it’s getting a lot easier and honestly I just try and remember nothing is really that serious.

Below are a few additional benefits that I have experienced:

I walk around about 25 lbs lighter than a year ago.

I am more present (not worried about the next beer) with my young daughter, and I have a lot more fun just being in the moment.

Communication with my wife is better with me not being buzzed every night, which had improved our relationship.

A lot of money saved $$$

There is obviously long term health benefits as well.

I’m so happy that I decided to make the major lifestyle change, especially given the multiple generations of alcohol issues on both sides of my family.

Anyone struggling, thinking of giving it up or on the path I sincerely wish you the best! Additionally feel free to PM me any time if you need to bend an ear.

 

[eamyrick]

Why Mitch Ammons Chose Running Over Relapse #49

Podcast Episode · Ain’t Dead Yet · 06/10/2025 · 1h 52m

podcasts.apple.com

Listened to this one on my run yesterday. Solid look into the lives of very driven people who have addictive personalties. Love all of yall. This community has been great. And a reminder “I’ll never drink again and I’ll never change my mind.”