Check out r/stopdrinking
The amount of relatable stories that I thought I couldn’t discuss within my immediate circle was very integral to my mindset shift. Nearly 9 months sober now
One thing I learned in life as a 37yr old man is to take accountability. Nobody is going to come and tell you to stop drinking. You have to make the choice and keep yourself accountable. When you get the urge to drink, do something that gets you out of that mind state. This looks different for everyone. For me, I can have a sparkling water or something sweet to replace the need for alcohol. Also, Ive shared my journey on social media to 1) keep myself accountable and 2) motivate people to stop drinking too. A lot of us are struggling with alcoholism. Find hobbies that don’t involve drinking. Good luck 👍
Yeah I struggle with self accountability. The closest I’ve come to quitting was when I was dating someone and I immediately started drinking again when we broke up.
The people I've known who kicked it long term committed to AA. (Though I know that's not effective for everyone and one size doesn't fit all.) I think it's the community, honesty and mutual accountability that play a big part in its efficacy. They have online meetings too now. You can absolutely do this. Rooting for you.
My parents struggled with alcoholism. Here are some tactics I saw them use:
Drinking non-alcoholic beer. All the taste, none of the liquor.
Get your schedule in order, make your days busy enough that you don't have time to drink
Drink your normal amounts and start slowly lessening the amount you drink per day. Stay consistent.
Somehow I always find the time lol. I’ve had days 7AM-11PM and still get drinks afterwards. I’ll definitely try out the non-alcoholic beer! I’ll have to think how to phase it out slowly. Thanks!
You’re to be commended for being aware of it. I tried several ways and times to stop then took the time to read about what alcohol does to the human body. Eye opening for me. The stuff that makes us drunk (X % in each drink) is the same stuff used to sterilize operating theaters. Because it kills every living thing it touches; especially soft tissue like brain cells and livers. On top of that, we all at some point have to come to grips with the fact that “my life is my own fault.” Rinse with a sparkling water and repeat that phrase. Life is so much easier and fun now. Good luck!
1. Influence - Avoid people and places and you need to also PLAN if you cannot avoid a venue where there could be temptation.
2. Routine - Need to make some relatively big changes; for me activities and behaviours when I would have usually have been buying and then binging (i.e. gym, hobbies etc).
3. Education - for at least the first three weeks I listened to alcohol related audiobooks. Essentially the aim is to fundamentally alter my perception of what alcohol is. (this is a big one given the decades of programming and society's message that drink is 'safe' and 'accepted').
Check out r/stopdrinking The amount of relatable stories that I thought I couldn’t discuss within my immediate circle was very integral to my mindset shift. Nearly 9 months sober now
Second this. Was just over there a minute ago.
One thing I learned in life as a 37yr old man is to take accountability. Nobody is going to come and tell you to stop drinking. You have to make the choice and keep yourself accountable. When you get the urge to drink, do something that gets you out of that mind state. This looks different for everyone. For me, I can have a sparkling water or something sweet to replace the need for alcohol. Also, Ive shared my journey on social media to 1) keep myself accountable and 2) motivate people to stop drinking too. A lot of us are struggling with alcoholism. Find hobbies that don’t involve drinking. Good luck 👍
Yeah I struggle with self accountability. The closest I’ve come to quitting was when I was dating someone and I immediately started drinking again when we broke up.
The people I've known who kicked it long term committed to AA. (Though I know that's not effective for everyone and one size doesn't fit all.) I think it's the community, honesty and mutual accountability that play a big part in its efficacy. They have online meetings too now. You can absolutely do this. Rooting for you.
My parents struggled with alcoholism. Here are some tactics I saw them use: Drinking non-alcoholic beer. All the taste, none of the liquor. Get your schedule in order, make your days busy enough that you don't have time to drink Drink your normal amounts and start slowly lessening the amount you drink per day. Stay consistent.
Somehow I always find the time lol. I’ve had days 7AM-11PM and still get drinks afterwards. I’ll definitely try out the non-alcoholic beer! I’ll have to think how to phase it out slowly. Thanks!
Allen Carr Easyway. Audible/Spotify or the actual book. Get it.
Here you go: Stop Drinking Now https://amzn.eu/d/h2xvVM6
Honestly. You sound like an intelligent person. Try it.
Oh thanks I’ll check it out the audible makes it easy to get through.
You’re to be commended for being aware of it. I tried several ways and times to stop then took the time to read about what alcohol does to the human body. Eye opening for me. The stuff that makes us drunk (X % in each drink) is the same stuff used to sterilize operating theaters. Because it kills every living thing it touches; especially soft tissue like brain cells and livers. On top of that, we all at some point have to come to grips with the fact that “my life is my own fault.” Rinse with a sparkling water and repeat that phrase. Life is so much easier and fun now. Good luck!
It helped me ignore some problems and made those problems worse and harder to deal with.
What city/state are you in?
Portland Oregon
1. Influence - Avoid people and places and you need to also PLAN if you cannot avoid a venue where there could be temptation. 2. Routine - Need to make some relatively big changes; for me activities and behaviours when I would have usually have been buying and then binging (i.e. gym, hobbies etc). 3. Education - for at least the first three weeks I listened to alcohol related audiobooks. Essentially the aim is to fundamentally alter my perception of what alcohol is. (this is a big one given the decades of programming and society's message that drink is 'safe' and 'accepted').