Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => The Knowledge => Health & Fitness => Topic started by: Paul on 03 January, 2023, 02:45:53 pm
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Anyone fancy joining in? I'm dry so far but (as far as I'm concerned) it doesn't matter if you dive in a day or two late.
I've been keeping track of my drinking for two years now, and a dry January will do me no harm at all. I may even follow it through a little this year.
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Yep. I'm here.
Although day three could just be an ordinary week so far.
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We are in.
Mr Smith is down with that-awful-lurgy-everyone-has so it's taken the pain out of the initial few days (and replaced it with coughing).
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We are in.
Mr Smith is down with that-awful-lurgy-everyone-has so it's taken the pain out of the initial few days (and replaced it with coughing).
Same here. It's a two-edged sword thobut: I have a constant headache that I don't deserve!
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We are in as of last night.
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Pointless me doing it but good luck and strong will to all those who feel they need to or want to.
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I'm in. Mr R is as well (until his sister tempts him this weekend, I reckon...)
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We are in.
Mr Smith is down with that-awful-lurgy-everyone-has so it's taken the pain out of the initial few days (and replaced it with coughing).
Same here. It's a two-edged sword thobut: I have a constant headache that I don't deserve!
I'm in as too. Well from the 2nd as I had a nice bottle left over from NewYear's Eve. Was fine yesterday, but massive headache today.
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We are in.
Mr Smith is down with that-awful-lurgy-everyone-has so it's taken the pain out of the initial few days (and replaced it with coughing).
Same here. It's a two-edged sword thobut: I have a constant headache that I don't deserve!
I'm in as too. Well from the 2nd as I had a nice bottle left over from NewYear's Eve. Was fine yesterday, but massive headache today.
Delayed effect of the wine, or just an act of the gods?
I thought about finishing the year with a really nice bottle of something but I'm glad I didn't; my flu put me right off drinking, and I think it would have been wasted on me.
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I hadn't heard the expressions sober curious and mindful drinking (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jan/02/stop-drinking-alcohol-free-holiday-tips) until I read this article (coincidentally, received just now).
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We are in.
Mr Smith is down with that-awful-lurgy-everyone-has so it's taken the pain out of the initial few days (and replaced it with coughing).
Same here. It's a two-edged sword thobut: I have a constant headache that I don't deserve!
I'm in as too. Well from the 2nd as I had a nice bottle left over from NewYear's Eve. Was fine yesterday, but massive headache today.
Delayed effect of the wine, or just an act of the gods?
I thought about finishing the year with a really nice bottle of something but I'm glad I didn't; my flu put me right off drinking, and I think it would have been wasted on me.
I’m going with act of the gods; I only had a couple of glasses so far less than my Christmas consumption and it wasn’t a hangover headache which would have come on the next day.
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I am in by default because I hardly drink anyway.
My last alcoholic drink was on 11 December, when I dined with Edgware CTC, for their Seasonal Meal, on a VERY cold day. Ordered a mulled wine.
Waited ages.
Tepid liquid in cold glass.
A disappointment.
Only alcohol in maybe 6 months.
BIG family gathering two days ago: bottles of many types of gin on well-ordered display, all over the shop.
Big run on the TEA but ethanol was untouched.
The tea was HOT and the cups/mugs were a lovely, big size.
Everyone seemed happy.
We just aren't drinkers!
I do understand how challenging Dry January can be though.
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I work for a bottling company- we pack wines and spirits. 'Dry January' is not a phrase that's permitted in the workplace and now I have a supplier dinner next week. Wondering how I can get out of drinking- this is beyond the usual peer-pressure, it's work-boss-pressure.
Last time I just said nothing and had a glass of wine. I don't really want to, this time.
Any hints/tips/suggestions?
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Metronidazole.
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Test positive for covid.
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Metronidazole.
Ah! The go-to drug for giardiasis*. DNAHIKT. :-X
*Also known amongst the Brian Chapman participants as Dolgellau Bellau.
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Metronidazole.
Ah! The go-to drug for giardiasis*. DNAHIKT. :-X
*Also known amongst the Brian Chapman participants as Dolgellau Bellau.
just say "medication for the next 3 weeks" with a glum face.
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Metronidazole.
Ah! The go-to drug for giardiasis*. DNAHIKT. :-X
I was thinking either a sympathy-inducing dental rant, or nonspecific "women's problems", which should invoke a hasty change of subject.
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Metronidazole.
Ah! The go-to drug for giardiasis*. DNAHIKT. :-X
I was thinking either a sympathy-inducing dental rant, or nonspecific "women's problems", which should invoke a hasty change of subject.
What an excellent strategy!
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I was thinking either a sympathy-inducing dental rant, or nonspecific "women's problems", which should invoke a hasty change of subject.
The party will consist of me (54,F) m'colleague (30,M) m'boss (41,M) the MD (58,M, previously appearing on these pages for his fondness for talking-bollocks) and 3 from the supplier (40s M, all 3 of them). Any non-specific "women's problems" will have any conversation swiftly moving on :thumbsup:
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I've failed twice, already. ::-) only a tin of Coffee Guinness tho.
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Not this year. Will honour Lent with abstinence as usual, last year it seemed a bit odd to give up for a month, drink for a couple of weeks and then give up for 6 weeks more.
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I was thinking either a sympathy-inducing dental rant, or nonspecific "women's problems", which should invoke a hasty change of subject.
The party will consist of me (54,F) m'colleague (30,M) m'boss (41,M) the MD (58,M, previously appearing on these pages for his fondness for talking-bollocks) and 3 from the supplier (40s M, all 3 of them). Any non-specific "women's problems" will have any conversation swiftly moving on :thumbsup:
Well, it’s good to have a strategy but it’s rubbish that you need one. I completely understand, though. I mentioned to a friend that I was doing it and he got quite defensive. My job/working relationship wasn’t on the line though.
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January is full of birthdays, so no, not a lot…
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How are we all doing? Well done if you’re still in. We’re just over 1/4 through.
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Yup. 3 more birthdays to go...
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We're still in. Mr Smith is still ill and now I'm getting it...
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Still here. As last year, somewhat miffed that I don't feel any better in the mornings.
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I'm not explicitly doing Dry Jan but with my daughters wedding on 21st Jan I've been dry since 1 January.
Better sleep i.e. waking earlier & alert - have lost a bit weight too, should stand me in good stead for cycling. Not missing the beer at all perhaps surprisingly.
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Yup. 3 more birthdays to go...
I've got my own on 30th. But I've done the previous two dry, and it's on a Monday this year anyway, so not much of a loss.
But events are tricky. A friend wants to watch A Sunday In Hell with me (plus beers and snacks), so I've made the date in Feb, so I can give in if I decide to.
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I work for a bottling company- we pack wines and spirits. 'Dry January' is not a phrase that's permitted in the workplace and now I have a supplier dinner next week. Wondering how I can get out of drinking- this is beyond the usual peer-pressure, it's work-boss-pressure.
Last time I just said nothing and had a glass of wine. I don't really want to, this time.
Any hints/tips/suggestions?
Might be too late but my experience is that any self consciousness on my part when not drinking tends to be overblown - people who are drinking often don't notice others that aren't (not after their second drink anyway).
On occasions when I don't want attract attention I tend to have a drink that looks like it might be alcohol (my "go to" is alcohol free beer but a straight tonic water etc would also do).
Turning up a bit later to social events featuring alcohol is also helpful, my experience is that there's less pressure in a bigger group (and as above others will be on their 2nd or subsequent drink).
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I work for a bottling company- we pack wines and spirits. 'Dry January' is not a phrase that's permitted in the workplace and now I have a supplier dinner next week. Wondering how I can get out of drinking- this is beyond the usual peer-pressure, it's work-boss-pressure.
Last time I just said nothing and had a glass of wine. I don't really want to, this time.
Any hints/tips/suggestions?
I found this: https://www.succeedsocially.com/avoiddrinking
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We're still in. Mr Smith is still ill and now I'm getting it...
Which might get you out of the work do?
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I work for a bottling company- we pack wines and spirits. 'Dry January' is not a phrase that's permitted in the workplace and now I have a supplier dinner next week. Wondering how I can get out of drinking- this is beyond the usual peer-pressure, it's work-boss-pressure.
Last time I just said nothing and had a glass of wine. I don't really want to, this time.
Any hints/tips/suggestions?
Might be too late but my experience is that any self consciousness on my part when not drinking tends to be overblown - people who are drinking often don't notice others that aren't (not after their second drink anyway).
On occasions I don't want attract attention I tend to have a drink that looks like it might be alcohol (my "go to" is alcohol free beer but a straight tonic water etc would also do).
Turning up a bit later to social events featuring alcohol is also helpful, my experience is that there's less pressure in a bigger group (and a above others will be on the 2nd or subsequent drink).
We (as a company) are in the drinks business. There's always pressure to test the product. We had a glass of wine at 10am the other week to seal a deal. What's in your glass is never ignored.
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We're still in. Mr Smith is still ill and now I'm getting it...
Which might get you out of the work do?
Maybe. Depends how bad it gets.
It's a double edged sword, really. If I don't go I do miss out on work discussions where I could make a material difference, and have to live with the crappy agreements the others have arranged in my absence.
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I work for a bottling company- we pack wines and spirits. 'Dry January' is not a phrase that's permitted in the workplace and now I have a supplier dinner next week. Wondering how I can get out of drinking- this is beyond the usual peer-pressure, it's work-boss-pressure.
Last time I just said nothing and had a glass of wine. I don't really want to, this time.
Any hints/tips/suggestions?
I found this: https://www.succeedsocially.com/avoiddrinking
I've never found this to be particularly true:
Develop a tolerance for drunk people
Drunk people are boring and irritating if you're sober. But that's sort of missing the point, since they're not meant to be fun for sober people to be with. You're supposed to be buzzed right along with them. Then they're fine (more or less). If you don't want to drink, you've got to be really good-humored about having your mentally-regressed, careless, giggly friends around. Don't take their behavior personally. They're just being drunk, not purposely trying to get under your skin, although it can sure feel that way.
Alcohol is a filter remover
You soon learn
who's an arsehole and who's alright.
And a divers other things
And which of them you are...
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I'm Dry Januarying.... Mr R was supposed to be as well but he had a couple of beers at lunch with his family over the weekend.
I've got two work dos this month - both of which will be boozy. Mr R did say I could have a day pass but I'm going to stick to it. I shall just drink the most expensive mocktails the restaurant has... or take some Adnams Smidgin (https://adnams.co.uk/products/20cl-adnams-smidgin-50-v) with me. It effectively becomes alcohol free (actually 0.6%ABV when mixed as per the instructions - and I tend to add more tonic than indicated).
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I work for a bottling company- we pack wines and spirits. 'Dry January' is not a phrase that's permitted in the workplace and now I have a supplier dinner next week. Wondering how I can get out of drinking- this is beyond the usual peer-pressure, it's work-boss-pressure.
Last time I just said nothing and had a glass of wine. I don't really want to, this time.
Any hints/tips/suggestions?
Might be too late but my experience is that any self consciousness on my part when not drinking tends to be overblown - people who are drinking often don't notice others that aren't (not after their second drink anyway).
On occasions I don't want attract attention I tend to have a drink that looks like it might be alcohol (my "go to" is alcohol free beer but a straight tonic water etc would also do).
Turning up a bit later to social events featuring alcohol is also helpful, my experience is that there's less pressure in a bigger group (and a above others will be on the 2nd or subsequent drink).
We (as a company) are in the drinks business. There's always pressure to test the product. We had a glass of wine at 10am the other week to seal a deal. What's in your glass is never ignored.
I feel your pain
I used to work at Diageo
My in extremis move was to take a glass of whatever (typically whisky for Diageo) and just put it to my lips. If pressed Id claim I had heartburn or suchlike and didn't really fancy it.
Id somethimes drive to work events too in order to abstain.
However in the end I left. Id have been dead now otherwise, no matter their PR fluff about responsible drinking it had a massive drinking culture
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ICBA this year. We were still celebrating on Saturday (lunch for bro, sis and sis-in-law) and there's beer and wine left over. At some point I will stop eating cheese and I won't buy any booze for a bit.
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At some point I will stop eating cheese...
Steady on!
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Stopping eating cheese without going vegan is surprizingly difficult
Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
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At some point I will stop eating cheese...
Steady on!
It's all relative. Perhaps I should have added "extra cheese that arrived because of Christmas", some of which was given to me to "finish off" by My Dear Friend Penelope, whose son has just gone back to Finland after visiting his ma for 3 weeks, and leaving lots of food that she probably wouldn't eat. I was about to leave her place yesterday when she remembered that she had some mozzarella, still sealed in its packet. Given that the sell-by date was 29/12/22 and it was a bag of fluid with no discernible solids, we took the executive decision that it was too far gone.
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At some point I will stop eating cheese...
Steady on!
It's all relative. Perhaps I should have added "extra cheese that arrived because of Christmas", some of which was given to me to "finish off" by My Dear Friend Penelope, whose son has just gone back to Finland after visiting his ma for 3 weeks, and leaving lots of food that she probably wouldn't eat. I was about to leave her place yesterday when she remembered that she had some mozzarella, still sealed in its packet. Given that the sell-by date was 29/12/22 and it was a bag of fluid with no discernible solids, we took the executive decision that it was too far gone.
I've still got some stilton, but I usually do. However, I seem to have ended up with the wensleydale and cranberries that I got for my mum, which isn't my cup of tea at all.
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I'm dry.
D's astronomical society has an Annual Dinner on 30 January, which I hope to attend.
Unsure as to what I'll drink; probably nothing containing alcohol, caffeine or excess water as toilet access is awkward and I'll want to minimise visits.
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10 days done, so as near as damn 1/3 done.
I'm still recovering from suspected flu, so I'm not getting the full benefits. But it's always a surprise how much more time I seem to have in the evening when I'm not drinking. I've been cracking on with an X wing fighter model that I've had for a year, but only opened this year.
The Try Dry app tells me that I've saved £67 and 4395 calories so far. I'm not sure about the calories, but I think the £67 is an over-estimation. I suspect they have an average which takes account of places where booze is more expensive. But I might well have saved £40+ so far.
I'm not struggling as much as I thought I would, though if I'd had wine in the house on Friday I think I would have cracked. I've eliminated my susceptibilities by having nothing in the house and not going to any pubs. I've got some 0% San Miguel and Gordons alcohol free + tonic, but I've only had one of those substitute drinks since 1 January.
How's everyone else doing?
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I had a beer(s) on 1 Jan but have been dry since then and intend to see it through - well, until the 31st, which is when a colleague has arranged a team social. Might not be a full month but it'll be by far my longest period off booze for ages, assuming I make it. By then, it will probably take no more than half a shandy to get me legless.
Not really missing it so far, tbh. There are potentially a couple of social occasions coming up that I might have to swerve though.
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Not finding it difficult at all. A couple of visits to the pub have been OK.
I have to go to the pub for sourdough collection and various other things during the week, and because I'm not on FaceAche, to find out anything at all about local issues.
I've stopped drinking alcohol free guinness and gin as they were just telling me that I was 'Not Drinking', whereas without them I don't think about it.
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almost succumbed just now making a venison bourguignon. Instead I just put the whole half bottle in.
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Tomorrow is the night out.
I'm coughing today :thumbsup:
::-)
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Not finding it difficult at all. A couple of visits to the pub have been OK.
Are they supportive of your dryness?
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How are we all doing? Well done if you’re still in. We’re just over 1/4 through.
Yes, I'm in [only just noticed the thread]....and it's a rolling month scenario for me.
[slightly off topic, and a tad self-indulgent, but obviously related...]
There is a part of me, after 63 years of being a pretty hefty boozer to give up for good, and to live the last stage of life alcohol free, but by far the biggest problem I face is a large and significant decrease in often very pleasant, cordial, and relaxing social discourse after work. What with living alone and working largely alone it's important to some some social contact, and I love the bar/pub culture. As for the compulsive, addictive, defensive, avoidant tendencies that accompany my propensity to drink, and the running away from oneself emotionally etc....I can happily confront......I'm ok with a gradual unfolding of all those issues.....but becoming even more reclusive is going present it's own set of problems if I stop entirely. I be fair to myself, I don't exactly drink quite so much these days. There is much less of a need to keep running.
It's a difficult one. At least I've always found it to be.
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MrsC and I are doing a damp January, rather than a dry one.
We have been trying to cut down for ages, particularly when we are in of an evening.
The current scheme is Tanqueray 0.0 gin with tonic. A couple of those is very pleasant of an evening. There isn't the 'one more would be nice' feeling you get with alcohol, so we're getting to bed earlier as well.
Good luck to everyone doing this.
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Not finding it difficult at all. A couple of visits to the pub have been OK.
Are they supportive of your dryness?
"Supportive" would be too strong a word.
But they remember me doing it last year so they accept it as just something I do.
Them. "Will you make past Burns Night this time?"
Me. Hopefully (Thinks. No)
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3 line whip.
Out tonight. Drinking non-optional.
*sigh*
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I have gone down with the lurgy. medicinal alcohol will be drunk tonight. I promise not to enjoy it at all.
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almost succumbed just now making a venison bourguignon. Instead I just put the whole half bottle in.
Cooking is one of my danger areas. I would have struggled in that situation.
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How are we all doing? Well done if you’re still in. We’re just over 1/4 through.
Yes, I'm in [only just noticed the thread]....and it's a rolling month scenario for me.
[slightly off topic, and a tad self-indulgent, but obviously related...]
There is a part of me, after 63 years of being a pretty hefty boozer to give up for good, and to live the last stage of life alcohol free, but by far the biggest problem I face is a large and significant decrease in often very pleasant, cordial, and relaxing social discourse after work. What with living alone and working largely alone it's important to some some social contact, and I love the bar/pub culture. As for the compulsive, addictive, defensive, avoidant tendencies that accompany my propensity to drink, and the running away from oneself emotionally etc....I can happily confront......I'm ok with a gradual unfolding of all those issues.....but becoming even more reclusive is going present it's own set of problems if I stop entirely. I be fair to myself, I don't exactly drink quite so much these days. There is much less of a need to keep running.
It's a difficult one. At least I've always found it to be.
I'm not sure this is off topic at all. Booze is deeply ingrained in the lives of many. I completely understand why it would be a problem for you in the way you describe.
I'm thinking about being completely alcohol free. My brother stopped about 10 years ago, and he's a musician living in Spain (two things that seem to encourage drinking).
When I (finally, after many failed attempts) stopped smoking, part of what I had to do was stop identifying as a smoker. That was really hard. I think I would have the same challenge with drinking.
One thing that helped me quit smoking was my kids. I didn't want to die earlier than otherwise necessary. The same might work with drinking if I decide to go down that route.
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3 line whip.
Out tonight. Drinking non-optional.
*sigh*
That's really tough.
You can pick it back up tomorrow and stay dry until 2 Feb as far as I'm concerned.
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I have gone down with the lurgy. medicinal alcohol will be drunk tonight. I promise not to enjoy it at all.
Not medical alcohol?
GWS
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3 line whip.
Out tonight. Drinking non-optional.
*sigh*
You could try the trick the Queen used to use with formal meals. If she didn't want to eat, she would just 'play' with the food, cut it up and so on, so it looked as though she was eating.
You could hold the glass and, if offered a refill, point out that you hadn't finished. I managed it once when I gave up for Lent and had a meal at my parents.
Any which way, I hope the event isn't too bad.
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Opened a bottle of Old Speckled Hen last night.
Not that bothered. We'll see what happens.
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I'm thinking about being completely alcohol free.
Yes, I've been toying with the idea for a long time. Rather like smoking I had so many quits and relapses it was getting ridiculous. Finally, I just said to myself, 'look, either come down on one side of the fence of the other, and stop torturing yourself.....just smoke and be done with it......or stop'. Which is what I eventually did. 22 years ago. One of the best things I ever did. [There haven't been many:-)]
I must say, I never evangelize about stopping smoking, I have friends that smoke, but more and more, I just see the whole thing as utterly absurd. The lungs - the life giving force of the organism and you're putting all this shit down there. Madness.
My brother stopped about 10 years ago, and he's a musician living in Spain (two things that seem to encourage drinking).
When I (finally, after many failed attempts) stopped smoking, part of what I had to do was stop identifying as a smoker. That was really hard. I think I would have the same challenge with drinking.
One thing that helped me quit smoking was my kids. I didn't want to die earlier than otherwise necessary. The same might work with drinking if I decide to go down that route.
The dynamics are different for us all with these things. I must admit, I don't see smoking and alcohol on being on the same risk level. Somehow for me, alcohol, if consumed in moderation, just feels to be far less detrimental to health. Some would disagree, but I'd find it hard to hold a viewpoint to the contrary with an sincerity really. It's all about ones relationship to it that matters. That is the crucial thing. If the relationship gets abusive, then maybe for some there is just no option but to jettison it once and for all. I'm not far away from that state, but I'm not there yet either.
Anyway.....I'm still on the wagon!
Friday night? YACF and You Tube?....living the dream :)
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How's everyone?
How did Friday go, L CC?
chrisb - how's your lurgy?
Basil? Did you stick to one?
And Von Broad - how was the rest of your Friday night?
I went to the Holly Bush Inn (http://hollybushinnmakeney.co.uk/holly-bush-inn-makeney--home.html) with a friend who drank wine while I had 2 pints of this (https://thornbridgebrewery.co.uk/products/zero-five) which, I now see is, annoyingly, not alcohol free as I asked for, but pretty low alcohol (0.5%) - certainly too low to register on the Try Dry app (https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january/get-involved/the-dry-january-app). Oh well, I thought I was alcohol free.
I was expecting a hard time of it, but I had screwed my courage to the sticking place in advance, which helped. As did being the driver.
I found that conversation wasn't quite as easy as when I am having a drink, but I could remember more of it, and it was a good evening.
I'm sure I'll see it through, now, but less sure about staying dry after 31 Jan.
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Opened a bottle of Old Speckled Hen last night.
Not that bothered. We'll see what happens.
If you haven't drunk it yet, it will be flat.
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How did Friday go, L CC?
Ach I'm OK. I'm unbothered by drink so I can switch it off instantly.
Mr Smith is plodding on.
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How's everyone?
How did Friday go, L CC?
chrisb - how's your lurgy?
Basil? Did you stick to one?
And Von Broad - how was the rest of your Friday night?
I went to the Holly Bush Inn (http://hollybushinnmakeney.co.uk/holly-bush-inn-makeney--home.html) with a friend who drank wine while I had 2 pints of this (https://thornbridgebrewery.co.uk/products/zero-five) which, I now see is, annoyingly, not alcohol free as I asked for, but pretty low alcohol (0.5%) - certainly too low to register on the Try Dry app (https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january/get-involved/the-dry-january-app). Oh well, I thought I was alcohol free.
I was expecting a hard time of it, but I had screwed my courage to the sticking place in advance, which helped. As did being the driver.
I found that conversation wasn't quite as easy as when I am having a drink, but I could remember more of it, and it was a good evening.
I'm sure I'll see it through, now, but less sure about staying dry after 31 Jan.
You really aren't making it easy for yourself but well done on resisting the lure of the Pedigree :thumbsup:
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I had my medicinal alcohol and a second night. lurgy now gone and back to alcohol free.
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And Von Broad - how was the rest of your Friday night?
Bit boring, but fine, thank you.
I popped into the beer shop over the weekend to show my face [and to see others!] and had a couple of alcohol free somethings or others. [That was also 0.5% alcohol.......I think the majority of them are].But I do feel vulnerable in social situations without alcohol. It's a clear demonstration how how I use alcohol to shore up my defences. This I've known for years, but it's kind of interesting to 'feel' it once again. When something's been almost apart of who you are, when it gets removed it's going to make you feel slightly odd. To say the least.
I've also befriended a customer of mine, a slightly older lady, a widow and mother of three, who gave up alcohol at the age of....17!!! [She had a kind of odd and wild childhood.....as she describes it!! Shes was encouraged by her mother at the age of 12 to drink...and smoke! 1960's innit...rock on baby!! ] She stopped at 17 because alcohol just made her unbearably sad and melancholic. Quite a decision for a 17yr old though.
This is the first time I've ever reached out to a person for company who doesn't drink, and I feel a friendship developing here, which I think will be a good thing.
There is a part of me that forever wonders, how do people get through life without alcohol? What on earth do they do? Where do they go? As she commented, it just goes to show you how ingrained my drinking is with the way I'm perceiving the world.
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Wow.
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Basil? Did you stick to one?
Yes, I did.
Stayed free for the weekend, but having a beer with the boy tonight.
So that's me out I'm afraid.
Best wishes all.
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I've spent much time socialising with Edgware CTC.
Some folk drink.
Some folk drink LOTS.
Some don't seem to drink any alcohol.
All seem to have adequate social lives.
Those who go without alcohol don't see it as an issue.
Nor do those that drink.
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Basil? Did you stick to one?
Yes, I did.
Stayed free for the weekend, but having a beer with the boy tonight.
So that's me out I'm afraid.
Best wishes all.
Have you tried Whamageddon in January?
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And Von Broad - how was the rest of your Friday night?
Bit boring, but fine, thank you.
I popped into the beer shop over the weekend to show my face [and to see others!] and had a couple of alcohol free somethings or others. [That was also 0.5% alcohol.......I think the majority of them are].But I do feel vulnerable in social situations without alcohol. It's a clear demonstration how how I use alcohol to shore up my defences. This I've known for years, but it's kind of interesting to 'feel' it once again. When something's been almost apart of who you are, when it gets removed it's going to make you feel slightly odd. To say the least.
I've also befriended a customer of mine, a slightly older lady, a widow and mother of three, who gave up alcohol at the age of....17!!! [She had a kind of odd and wild childhood.....as she describes it!! Shes was encouraged by her mother at the age of 12 to drink...and smoke! 1960's innit...rock on baby!! ] She stopped at 17 because alcohol just made her unbearably sad and melancholic. Quite a decision for a 17yr old though.
This is the first time I've ever reached out to a person for company who doesn't drink, and I feel a friendship developing here, which I think will be a good thing.
There is a part of me that forever wonders, how do people get through life without alcohol? What on earth do they do? Where do they go? As she commented, it just goes to show you how ingrained my drinking is with the way I'm perceiving the world.
Some of what you say resonates with me, especially dealing with social situations. I think a lot of people would say that I am fairly extroverted, but I do find social situations quite hard work, and alcohol definitely helps with that, so going into those situations sober is a bit of a challenge. I'm better than I used to be - I think age/experience helps.
I like the sound of your dry new friend. Hope it pans out but - even if it doesn't - it demonstrates a possibility.
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Past the half way point :thumbsup:
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We have our re-scheduled large team Christmas do tomorrow lunchtime. Normally a very boozy that goes on until the early hours. I intend to remain dry.
We also have our NHS team do next week. Again I intend to remain dry.
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Good luck.
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And Von Broad - how was the rest of your Friday night?
Bit boring, but fine, thank you.
I popped into the beer shop over the weekend to show my face [and to see others!] and had a couple of alcohol free somethings or others. [That was also 0.5% alcohol.......I think the majority of them are].But I do feel vulnerable in social situations without alcohol. It's a clear demonstration how how I use alcohol to shore up my defences. This I've known for years, but it's kind of interesting to 'feel' it once again. When something's been almost apart of who you are, when it gets removed it's going to make you feel slightly odd. To say the least.
I've also befriended a customer of mine, a slightly older lady, a widow and mother of three, who gave up alcohol at the age of....17!!! [She had a kind of odd and wild childhood.....as she describes it!! Shes was encouraged by her mother at the age of 12 to drink...and smoke! 1960's innit...rock on baby!! ] She stopped at 17 because alcohol just made her unbearably sad and melancholic. Quite a decision for a 17yr old though.
This is the first time I've ever reached out to a person for company who doesn't drink, and I feel a friendship developing here, which I think will be a good thing.
There is a part of me that forever wonders, how do people get through life without alcohol? What on earth do they do? Where do they go? As she commented, it just goes to show you how ingrained my drinking is with the way I'm perceiving the world.
Some of what you say resonates with me, especially dealing with social situations. I think a lot of people would say that I am fairly extroverted, but I do find social situations quite hard work, and alcohol definitely helps with that, so going into those situations sober is a bit of a challenge. I'm better than I used to be - I think age/experience helps.
I like the sound of your dry new friend. Hope it pans out but - even if it doesn't - it demonstrates a possibility.
Socialising was one of the things that became hard for me. I worked on a trading floor in my late 20s and early 30s and it led to a pretty slippery slope as we went straight from the office to the pub. I thought when I left that firm that the behaviour would resolve itself but I just carried on After some quite hard work, I've been dry for 14 years.
I am happy with socials that involve a meal or an activity (quizzes, etc). When you have to stand around watching people get gradually more pissed it's hard work. Pissed people are not as interesting as they would like to think they are. I have either avoided Christmas dos either completely or sloped off part way through. This years was quite good as we had the kids in and office games and I quite enjoyed it. 0% beers (I won't do the 0.5% ones) have been a game changer for me.
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After some quite hard work, I've been dry for 14 years.
The thread title may only concern itself with Dry January 2023, but it's interesting to hear of people's journey through a much longer time frame, and can only be encouraging for those even if they are only looking to do January alone.
On the subject of 0.5% and 0% beers, the market is forever expanding from what I can see, so many more alcohol-free drinks are coming on stream these days. And they're getting better and better.....[meaning, actually drinkable :-)]
Pissed people are not as interesting as they would like to think they are.
Think I know somebody who resembles that description!
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After some quite hard work, I've been dry for 14 years.
The thread title may only concern itself with Dry January 2023, but it's interesting to hear of people's journey through a much longer time frame, and can only be encouraging for those even if they are only looking to do January alone.
On the subject of 0.5% and 0% beers, the market is forever expanding from what I can see, so many more alcohol-free drinks are coming on stream these days. And they're getting better and better.....[meaning, actually drinkable :-)]
Pissed people are not as interesting as they would like to think they are.
Think I know somebody who resembles that description!
I’m a fan of St Peter’s Without and Doom Bar Zero. Leffe Blonde Zero is quite good and I had Affligem Zero on a recent trip to Amsterdam.
You and I (and a few others) spent an evening drinking in Dieppe after the 2007 PBP. I gave up at the end of 2008. (The 2 things aren’t linked)
Rob
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How's everyone?
How did Friday go, L CC?
chrisb - how's your lurgy?
Basil? Did you stick to one?
And Von Broad - how was the rest of your Friday night?
I went to the Holly Bush Inn (http://hollybushinnmakeney.co.uk/holly-bush-inn-makeney--home.html) with a friend who drank wine while I had 2 pints of this (https://thornbridgebrewery.co.uk/products/zero-five) which, I now see is, annoyingly, not alcohol free as I asked for, but pretty low alcohol (0.5%) - certainly too low to register on the Try Dry app (https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january/get-involved/the-dry-january-app). Oh well, I thought I was alcohol free.
I was expecting a hard time of it, but I had screwed my courage to the sticking place in advance, which helped. As did being the driver.
I found that conversation wasn't quite as easy as when I am having a drink, but I could remember more of it, and it was a good evening.
I'm sure I'll see it through, now, but less sure about staying dry after 31 Jan.
0.5% Alcohol by volume is the same as the upper limit for soft drinks.
I drink that stuff when I don't want Fizzy juice and breach my not drinking sugar when not exercising rule.
Its partly down to UK labelling rules
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/news/what-s-the-difference-between-low-alcohol-and-alcohol-free-drinks
Saying No and occasionally Fuck Off, has never been difficult for me so becoming a non drinker was fairly easy a step, the 3/4 times I lapsed were because I made the mistake of believing I could behave and have a couple.
I think the last time I had alcohol was when a mate brought the wrong kind of Radler over from the Netherlands. Which must have been 2017ish.
One thing I worked out early like when I did drink but ocasiinaly designated drivered) was that in a nightclub no one knows what you're on and no one cares you can't take a drink on the dance floor in most any way, things like the hacienda supposedly barely taking much at the bar when the drugs pushers got in.
Anither trick early on is to make excuses, ah naw I'm driving/got to drive in the morning.
Some who wouldn't take the hint got told to fuck off permanently of course but they tended to be cunts when drunk anyway, funny how that lines up...
Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
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I'm still going strong - although to be fair, it helps that I've not really had many opportunities. There is still that bottle of gin in the cupboard begging to be opened but I don't often feel much like drinking gin anyway. Beer is what I find hardest to resist.
Tuesday is the day when the whole team is in the office, and a couple of my colleagues regularly go for a few pints after work - including the boss, who could drink for England. He tried to coax me along last Tuesday and gave me a bit of a ribbing when I mentioned Dry January but fortunately no pressure to cave in, for which I'm grateful. My colleagues are a decent bunch, fortunately, and both sensitive and supportive.
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Been tempted a couple of times. I like a nice whiskey when my wife is out and I settle down with a book or the TV. So I have done a bit more exercise. I will drink again but I see this as a small change which I can make and prove I can do.
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My colleagues are a decent bunch, fortunately, and both sensitive and supportive.
My workplace is full of unreconstructed Geordie Blokes. It's all NUFC (I had typed football but it's 95% Newcastle United) drinking and gambling. My boss annually bets on Miss World. They'd run a sweep on raindrops down a pane if they could.
When we discuss what we're up to at the weekend I've been asked more than once Clayton, do you never just go out and get fucked up?
... No, no I don't.
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My colleagues are a decent bunch, fortunately, and both sensitive and supportive.
My workplace is full of unreconstructed Geordie Blokes. It's all NUFC (I had typed football but it's 95% Newcastle United) drinking and gambling. My boss annually bets on Miss World. They'd run a sweep on raindrops down a pane if they could.
When we discuss what we're up to at the weekend I've been asked more than once Clayton, do you never just go out and get fucked up?
... No, no I don't.
LOL!!! Classic. :D
Looks like you've found you're place in the world there Lindsay Clayton.
I can think of numerous answers in response to the question you have been asked more than once. Most of them would probably involve you either being sent to Coventry or walking away with a P60. Something along the lines of, "what? and end up like you fucking idiots" springs to mind. You could always ask if they have a yearning to stand of the shoulders of giants?.......like Gazza [now there's a sobering reality of a person sauced up for years].
What is not a good idea is to paint a picture of a man who sits endlessly for hours on a turbo trainer as alternative entertainment.
It's a bit of a hard sell to be honest! :)
Anyway....you made me laugh.
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back on track.....
had some mild cravings today. working near the beer shops, finishing early around 4pm......see how the mind starts delivering those 'so what, just a couple, it doesn't matter, who cares, you only live once'....and those coupled with that feeling of a dry mouth, for which only a beer after work can only quench........ummmm........beer!
...but I came home.
after buying one of these (https://www.abillion.com/products/plant-pioneers-lemon-cake-10238710)
lovely.
And yes, I do very much believe in substitute addictions. it can be a very real thing for people.
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I had a drink - as planned - last night. Several beers at a pre wedding soiree with family and friends ahead of my daughters wedding on Saturday.
having laid off the bevvy, cut out snacks and continued my regular lunchtime gym visits since 1 Jan I was pleased and surprised to have gone from 13st 10lb in between xmas & NY to 12st 12lb yesterday.
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Interesting stories, lots of different challenges.
I'm strangely okay at the moment. I was at a friend's house on Wednesday night for tea and games (this one - it's great fun if you like words & language (https://www.twobrothersgames.co.uk/). They drank wine, I had soft drinks. The wine smelled (from several feet away!) delicious but I wasn't tempted; neither by my own desire/addiction, nor by my friends, which was nice.
I'm feeling a bit better. It's tricky to tell accurately, because I'm still experiencing symptoms of the infection I picked up at Christmas (fatigue, coughing), but I know that everything is working a bit better.
...but I came home.
after buying one of these (https://www.abillion.com/products/plant-pioneers-lemon-cake-10238710)
lovely.
And yes, I do very much believe in substitute addictions. it can be a very real thing for people.
Maybe you should start socialising in cake shops/cafes? Find a like-minded group and buy rounds of cake?
Waitaminnit - am I describing cyclists?
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Maybe you should start socialising in cake shops/cafes? Find a like-minded group and buy rounds of cake?
That's as bad for you as smoking, apparently.
It's a fair point though - finding different ways to socialise is a good approach. The problem is that spending more time sober with your friends is going to be a good way to find out that you actually hate them. ;)
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So, here we are, Feb 1st.
Did everybody make it?
Where to now?
For me, I'm doing one day at a time, but I'm very attracted to the idea of doing a year, for no other reason than a general curiosity as it how it might impact my health, and specially to sleep. The longest I've ever gone without alcohol is three months, and they were deliberate periods of abstinence, with a beginning and an end,a s is dry January. Let's face it.....look how quickly time passes, a year is nothing.
On the subject of curiosity, I've attended three AA meetings over the last couple of weeks, which has been, err....interesting, shall we say. I have to say I was very, very nervous the first time I stepped through the door. AA has it's detractors, but it's important to remember that it's more of a support network rather than a tailored treatment program, and considering the whole organization was the result of two American guys sitting down chatting to each other and offering mutual support to stop drinking alcohol, you have to see it for what it is, rather than what it isn't. There are a few aspects of it, that I have serious issue with. I'll leave those aside for the moment. But.....it costs you nothing, there are meetings all over the place, and one is surrounded by people that are simply looking to improve their lives. I'm very resistant, suspicious and skeptical to a lot of life, far more than has been good for me, and I know from experience it's never a good idea to accept everything at face value, but sometimes a bit more of a relaxed attitude might reveal the more positive aspects of something that might be on offer.
So, we'll see how it goes.
Well done to all who made it through.
At the very least, it's a good thing to give your system a break every now and then.
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I meet up with an old colleague every now and again. The last time he asked me how I had gone about giving up as he had had some issues and it was starting to effect his home life. I walked him through a few things and now he messages me quite regularly. First time I've ever felt like I have helped someone out.
We both found ourselves at an industry conference in Amsterdam a few months ago and it was useful to have an ally to drink 0% beer with. It was there I discovered Affligem Zero over a dinner on expenses.
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So, here we are, Feb 1st.
Did everybody make it?
Where to now?
We had our team social after work last night. I was only intending to stay for a couple but missed my train so ended up staying for a couple more... Feeling surprisingly OK today though.
That was always planned as the official ending of Dry January for me, since it's been in the calendar a few weeks, but I also have to confess to a few other minor lapses along the way.
As for where to now, I intend to make not drinking the normal habit. We'll see how I get on with that. I might aim for dry weeks - that's a manageable chunk to do at a time and likely to fit in with my social calendar.
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Technically I have a day to go as I only started on the 2nd but will probably continue longer anyway
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I blew it on 29 January. I was given a bottle of wine on 21 Jan (in anticipation of my birthday) which I opened on 29th (my birthday is 30th).
I know my Achilles heel is availability (although that doesn't apply to champagne, which can sit happily for the right time), so I'm going to ask people to stop giving me wine.
I think I'm not saying categorically that I won't drink again, but I am saying that not drinking will be my norm.
... On the subject of curiosity, I've attended three AA meetings over the last couple of weeks, which has been, err....interesting, shall we say. I have to say I was very, very nervous the first time I stepped through the door. AA has it's detractors, but it's important to remember that it's more of a support network rather than a tailored treatment program, and considering the whole organization was the result of two American guys sitting down chatting to each other and offering mutual support to stop drinking alcohol, you have to see it for what it is, rather than what it isn't. There are a few aspects of it, that I have serious issue with. I'll leave those aside for the moment. But.....it costs you nothing, there are meetings all over the place, and one is surrounded by people that are simply looking to improve their lives. I'm very resistant, suspicious and skeptical to a lot of life, far more than has been good for me, and I know from experience it's never a good idea to accept everything at face value, but sometimes a bit more of a relaxed attitude might reveal the more positive aspects of something that might be on offer.
...
I have just looked this up. The 12 steps are quite religious. I didn't know that before.
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Mr Smith and I are both still at it.
I was sorely tempted to celebrate my return home with a large Baileys but resisted. We're both rattling with painkillers and apparently alcohol slows bone healing. I'm certain it would make my mobility worse and it's already a struggle to get to the loo in good time.
I'm dry till at least 22nd March, as that's when I have my post-op review.
We've had the recovering alcoholic No1SmithSon looking after us for the last week. I believe Father and Son talked about their relationships with alcohol in the evenings after I'd gone to bed.
ETA my understanding WRT 12 steps was that even if not 'religious' you had to submit to a 'Higher Power'. I would find that nigh on impossible.
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I had a taste of D's berry cider on Monday but stuck to Appletiser for myself.
Wheelchair bog at The Orchard was 'Out of Order' and sign advised using other facilities.
These were architecturally wheelchair-proof.
Used coin to open wheelchair bog's door.
I don't know what I could have done on a cold night, miles from home. Loo was OK but tap was broken.
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I managed to complete Dry January. :thumbsup:
I shall have a few sherbets before starting Dry Lent.
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For me, I'm doing one day at a time, but I'm very attracted to the idea of doing a year
I've written and deleted three long and rather rambling follow-ups to this....but I still feel compelled to put 2023 to bed, so I will, as briefly as poss.
I did a year in the end...well almost....from Jan 1st to Dec 25th - without doubt the longest ever time since I was 16.
I couldn't have done it without zero-Guinness and zero-Heineken though [and I really don't like lager]. Both proved to be life rafts.
I went along to AA during most of that time, and although I didn't need to go as such, I went basically for something to do, to be in in an environment of sobriety and as social compensation from turning my back on friendly sociable gatherings! I can't say I agree with some of what AA stands for [I'll leave that alone for now], but I must say I was left with a strong sense of admiration and empathy for people who really do find themselves in some pretty dark and despairing holes. I tend of learn towards the idea that there's often a kind of 'covering -up' with addictive behaviours [speaking for myself certainly] but some of the compulsions people grapple with are really mind-blowing and turn out to very difficult to over come. Stories of relapse are not uncommon, but the support people get from being part of a collective like that is profound and plain to see. I don't regret going at all. People are brave.
I was always going to drink again......I wanted to not stop for good, but take a big step back....but I've been somewhat surprised by my lack of enthusiasm to get back to the pumps with the same kind of passion as was in evidence before I stopped.....and I'd consider myself to be a bit of a boozer. Going a few weeks is one thing [and always a good thing for anybody wanting a break], but a year has put a tangible dent in my drinking history in a way I wasn't expecting. Things feel different somehow. A sense of detachment has forced a kind of reflection and clarity of the reasons behind all that has come to pass and how various addictive traits have all played a role [which I had a good idea of anyway]. So.....I'll see how it goes. If I can remain moderate then that's ok, but if it all starts to get a bit druggy again, in the sense of drinking with a kind of low-level regularity, resulting in a pervasive dumbing-down of mood and sensation.. ....then I'll stop again. Age speaks louder and louder these days too. I'm not going to force the issue one way or the other though.
Good luck to anybody looking to put themselves in a better place.