Anonymous wrote:Like others have said, thought it was helpful to replace with a different non-alcoholic drink, just because I was in the habit of wanting something to drink. My go-to was seltzer with a splash of cranberry, served in a wine glass.

Yep this was huge for me. Sparking water, nonalcoholic “cocktails” that you can buy in cans, anything like that in a fancy wine glass. I think the muscle memory of sipping something bubbly from a wine glass gave the same illusion of winding down and relaxing for the night. Also agree with another poster who said quitting entirely was easier than moderating.

I successfully quit drinking for 6 months. Was drinking 1-4 drinks per day out of per habit and started to feel the physical and mental impact. Nothing bad ever happened but I still felt like I didn’t like the idea of this pattern continuing for the next 50 years of my life. My best strategies are:

1. Replace alcohol with a ritual that you look forward to. For me, it’s taking a bath and doing a skin care routine. For a while, I took the dog on a walk and listened to a podcast. I do this from 7:30-8:30, which is normally when I would drink.

2. Treat yourself - I decided that I was saving approximately $10/day average by not drinking. So after 30 days, I bought myself a $300 pair of shoes. Another 60 days and I treated a close friend to a spa visit and lunch. This made me feel the value in my choice.

3. Lean into nurturing your body. I find that cutting out alcohol is a snowball effect for me. I eat better, exercise more, sleep better and drink more water. I take better care of my skin because I am not falling asleep on the couch with my make up on.

4. Journal! I started taking notes of things I noticed - mostly good but also had to face some negative feelings that I was masking with wine. Re-reading my journals makes me recognize how much more whole of a person I am.

Right after 6 months, I went to a friends birthday at a winery and tasted the wines. It was super fun and I enjoyed it but I had zero interest in drinking a full glass. I still had a great time and it was my “aha!” Moment when I realized that I had broken that habit pretty well! Now I have one drink probably every 1-2 months, always in a social setting and always something really delicious and interesting. My days of just mindlessly sipping red wine by myself are over.

OP I have two thoughts I want to share, one about weight and one about emotions.

I would avoid hoping for weight loss, just because if weight loss is your motivator and you don't see weight loss, you might start up again. Quitting is worth even if you see the scale go up.

Not that I don't think you'll lose weight. I wasn't worried about my weight but hospital records show I went from a BMI of 24 to 22 without trying.

About emotions: yes your emotions are going to take some time to even out. First of all alcohol messes with all parts of your brain including parts that help with emotional regulation. Those neurons can atrophy and it'll just take a bit of time for them to rebuild. Second you may have been using alcohol to hide some feelings and if you no longer numb them, you're going to start feeling them. This is painful but good.

Hi there! This week will mark 30 days AF. I became a binge drinker during pandemic. Could easily go several days without drinking—and then would go out for drinks (largely for work) and would wind up having 4-5 glasses (which is a lot for a person with a smaller frame). I had tried Dry January (and made it) but was bitter the entire time and felt like I was being “left out” because I “couldn’t” drink.

After a really bad hangover in September, I realized that I really needed to re-examine what I was doing and took a break from drinking. I’ll be honest—this feels different. I am actually enjoying the break. It’s been interesting to see peoples reactions (some people have joined me—others have “teased” me for not being fun). I am not sure what im going to do from here—I have a trip planned and my birthday is coming up…all which typically would entail me having way too much and regretting it later. Trying to understand if I could actually be a normal person and stick with 1-2 drinks for each occasion…..but feels good that regardless of what I do, it won’t simply be out of habit. It will be an intentional decision.

I’ve used the Sunnyside app- which tracks drinks and tells you how much money and calories you are saving (very motivating for me). They also Coach you in real time via text if you are having a craving or tough moment. The naked mind has also been invaluable.

As I read this post, really can’t believe I’ve gotten myself in this situation. Im 46, married, with kids and fairly disciplined In Other areas of my life. But the drinking really caught up to me in a way that surprised me….

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op checking in. On day 5. Weirdly felt sobby on and off yesterday. Scale hasn’t changed but I’ve worked out 4/5 days and eaten healthier than I have in years.

Congrats on sticking with it!

I don't know if you're reading any "quit lit" or listening to any podcasts, but alcohol increases anxiety and has an effect on your normal functioning of neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, so your emotions being out of whack while you withdraw the substance your brain has been getting in excess over a period of time will have effects like this.

My understanding is that it takes your body about two weeks to fully withdraw/detox.

I'm on day 20 and I am just feeling so good about the whole thing. Here's to an alcohol free weekend!

I have so many quit lit books, listened to a number of Annie Grace podcasts (although never completed TAE), and even downloaded reframe. I have all the knowledge at the tips of my fingers.

But I have to want it, and that's been my challenge. I feel like I want it this time. Relearning new reward systems is one thing that really resonates with me - a hard workout if I'm feeling anxious. A long hot bath if I'm feeling tired and stressed. These are things I need to focus on.

PP here - the bolded really stands out to me. My experience is/was very similar - I have tried to quit many times. I started Reframe in April and had alcohol free/minimum drinking stints and then in September I had a pretty bad binge/bender and things just...changed. I had the thought, "What if I am afraid of success and not failure." and that was sort of it. I contacted one of the coaches and have a weekly meeting with her. When I told her the above she said you can get to a saturation point and turn a corner. This time does feel different and I hope it sticks.

Anonymous wrote:And were previously a binge and/or daily drinker, can you post what you did to stop?

I am trying to quit. Currently in therapy. Want to stop, but drinking is very much a habitual thing for me. Daily wine. Sometimes just two glasses. Sometimes more.

When I was in my early 20s, I drank a ton, 3-4 times a week with 6-15 drinks each of those nights. I got older and it started hurting my head the next day too much. I’m married and have kids and parents to care for. Drinking isn’t worth any of my time. If it’s habitual, get new habits. If your friends are going out drinking all the time, don’t go out with them; instead, get together with them without drinks involved. If they can’t or won’t do that, get new friends

Anonymous wrote:And were previously a binge and/or daily drinker, can you post what you did to stop?

I am trying to quit. Currently in therapy. Want to stop, but drinking is very much a habitual thing for me. Daily wine. Sometimes just two glasses. Sometimes more.

Talk to your doctor/primary care physician. There are temporary meds that can help with withdrawals. Also, consider going to the emergency room, you can get help there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op checking in. On day 5. Weirdly felt sobby on and off yesterday. Scale hasn’t changed but I’ve worked out 4/5 days and eaten healthier than I have in years.

Congrats on sticking with it!

I don't know if you're reading any "quit lit" or listening to any podcasts, but alcohol increases anxiety and has an effect on your normal functioning of neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, so your emotions being out of whack while you withdraw the substance your brain has been getting in excess over a period of time will have effects like this.

My understanding is that it takes your body about two weeks to fully withdraw/detox.

I'm on day 20 and I am just feeling so good about the whole thing. Here's to an alcohol free weekend!

Congratulations to you both!! One day at a time!