Dry January 2023 Thread

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just found out that a friend of mine from.college died of alcohol use disorder last year. I send a holiday card to his parents' house every year and received a letter from his mother informing me of his death. He was early 40s. I'm not actually surprised given that he had serious problems with alcohol in college but it was still so horrible to learn. That shit is toxic!

Do you mean liver failure?

This is not the only way people die of AUD.

Can you be more specific

[Anonymous]

Going to bed sober, ready for a good night’s sleep!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just found out that a friend of mine from.college died of alcohol use disorder last year. I send a holiday card to his parents' house every year and received a letter from his mother informing me of his death. He was early 40s. I'm not actually surprised given that he had serious problems with alcohol in college but it was still so horrible to learn. That shit is toxic!

Very sad. Also happened to a high school classmate of mine in his 40's. He had been a big athlete. Even so, his mom wouldn't let him or his brothers play football. This was the '80's. And my high school was one of the ones in Friday Night Lights. I always think of that. His mom tried so hard to protect him from what she perceived as a too dangerous activity and alcohol addiction took him.

Anyway, I read this yesterday and I thought it was really interesting - commentary on Dry January by a professor/author that wrote a book on the history of alcohol in society - mainly from a positive point of view:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/01/-dry-january-challenge-2023-drinking-meaning-benefits/672695/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=atlantic-daily-newsletter&utm_content=20230111&utm_term=The%20Atlantic%20Daily

[Anonymous]

We did it, folks! Brand new day! Weekends are tricky for a lot of us. I’m feeling pretty confident about tonight though, nothing planned that will increase desire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got tripped up Monday night and had a couple beers while watching college championship with friends. Normally that would have derailed me into more drinking. Happy to say no drinks since Monday. Hoping to keep it going this weekend.

I aimed to do a mostly dry January with 3 "free passes." Last weekend I went out with friends and had 3 strong drinks. I have also been really restricting my calories, so it hit me hard and I felt awful. I now feel totally repulsed by alcohol, which is going to make this month very easy.

[Anonymous]

I just tried an n/a drink with adaptogens. It was good and totally relaxed me, similar to a glass of wine. Has anyone else tried these? This is the brand: https://us.threespiritdrinks.com/

[Anonymous]

If you have COVID and are doing Dry January, I recommend the Liquid IV mocktails. Cucumber mojito is good but Smoky Mezcal almost tastes like a margarita.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have COVID and are doing Dry January, I recommend the Liquid IV mocktails. Cucumber mojito is good but Smoky Mezcal almost tastes like a margarita.

I don’t have Covid but do like liquid IV. I’ve been getting ads for those on Facebook, will have to try.

[Anonymous]

Are we halfway there yet? One more night?

I'm feeling good. The initial weight loss probably associated with bloating has plateaued. But it is being replaced by noticeable improvement in skin, energy levels, and sleep quality!

I told myself that this month I was only going to focus on no alcohol, and let diet and exercise wait until February. But I am finding that I eat less (no drunken binges) and move around more. I actually WANT to get out and take long walks, and the long-neglected Peloton bike is flirting with me....

[Anonymous]

One more night to halfway - yay! I feel so much better, not bloated, clear skin, and better sleep.
I have also given up caffeine, only water since 1/1. Also, have given up take-out/delivery for the month.

[Anonymous]

I’ve lost two and a half pounds. Prob a combo of the alcohol and no more bedtime carb seeking. Pretty happy with that unexpected benefit. I’ve been lazily trying to lose about 10 pounds since November. I’m halfway there now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just found out that a friend of mine from.college died of alcohol use disorder last year. I send a holiday card to his parents' house every year and received a letter from his mother informing me of his death. He was early 40s. I'm not actually surprised given that he had serious problems with alcohol in college but it was still so horrible to learn. That shit is toxic!

Do you mean liver failure?

This is not the only way people die of AUD.

Can you be more specific

My friend's mom did not specify how he died exactly, saying only it was due to alcoholism and that things had gotten so bad it was a mercy that he oassed. Heavy alcohol use for years damages just about every organ so there are many ways to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just tried an n/a drink with adaptogens. It was good and totally relaxed me, similar to a glass of wine. Has anyone else tried these? This is the brand: https://us.threespiritdrinks.com/

Havent tried that, but have been drinking this every night. Does what it says-- creates a strong feeling of calm. https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Vitality-Anti-Stress-Supplement-Raspberry/dp/B00BPUY3W0

[Anonymous]

No more snoring! Woohoo! I don't want to leave my husband anymore!

He also is sleeping through the night (not waking at 4am to go to the bathroom) and his face looks less bloated.

I hope I can convince him to keep this going after January.

[Anonymous]

I cheated last night. Two glasses of red wine. Didn’t sleep well. Now I’m mad at myself.