Has anyone given up the demon drink?

[Priv]

i mainly drink water if i go out . I try not to stay out too late these days. I've never had an issue with alcohol, but i much prefer being level headed at the moment. I probably will drink alcohol about 5-8 times during the year.

similar to me, I drink on special occasions only, birthday, Christmas, new year or if I go to a wedding etc, probably 6 times a year. Most of the time I do head out to meet friends etc I just drive so if anyone asks I’m driving. Though it helps I live nearly an hour from most of my mates.

 

[Nobby_Barnes]

.

Don't feel like an outcast for it, if people want to judge, thats on them them, I don't really give a monkey's.

Don't worry Mr Baron, you'll always be an outcast in my eyes

 

[Scrug]

I’ve been off it for about 2 months now, admittedly not a long time but I’m down a stone and have so much more energy.

 

[sherlock]

It’s human response when they feel threatened. This country has a big drink problem, and someone not drinking makes them feel threatened.

similar responses to vegans too

Absolutely this.

The people who push you to drink are those that want to normalise their own drinking habits because deep down they know they have a problem.

I gave up 3 and a half years ago because I felt I had a problem. The withdrawal symptoms I got as I gave up confirmed that.

Never going through that again.

 

[uncle_rico]

Couldn’t tell you the last time I was pïssed, it was probably over 2 year ago, but I usually have a couple of beers most nights. I tend to drink for taste rather than to get hammered these days. Just got in the habit of it really, especially over the last year or so. Hasn’t done my waistline any good, and although I keep threatening to stop during the week and start doing more exercise (more than playing golf 3 or 4 times a week anyway), I’m finding it hard to break the habit.

 

[Ingleby_Flash]

Well I’ll tell the truth, I drink wine and probably (definitely) a lot more than I should. But I’m happy with it, it doesn‘t impact on my lifestyle and I have many friends who variously drink between as much as me, or nothing at all, all good and up to the individual.
I realise there will probably be long term health issues, but I’m fit, not overweight and generally feel good about life. Walked ten miles on the fells today and may well do the same tomorrow Not keen on beer though.
All respect to those who choose a different path.

 

[Smoginexile]

I went tee total a few years ago for the sake of my health.
It took a lot of willpower but I am very proud of myself for doing it.
Although it was the worst 20 minutes of my life.

 

[BaronSmoggie]

Don't worry Mr Baron, you'll always be an outcast in my eyes

Indeed. You should probably open yours and see whats actually happening around the club before give us any more of that ITK bollox

 

[ForssAwakens]

Absolutely this.

The people who push you to drink are those that want to normalise their own drinking habits because deep down they know they have a problem.

I gave up 3 and a half years ago because I felt I had a problem. The withdrawal symptoms I got as I gave up confirmed that.

Never going through that again.

The worse part is they use coercion to tempt you into drink

‘God, your boring’ ‘what are you, a pussy?’’oh looks like we’ve got a mood hoover tonight’

 

[BaronSmoggie]

The worse part is they use coercion to tempt you into drink

‘God, your boring’ ‘what are you, a pussy?’’oh looks like we’ve got a mood hoover tonight’

Reply "So what, Mr artificial personality".

Tends to shut people up.

 

[Alexander Supertramp]

Absolutely not.
I love getting smashed, its great fun

 

[Expat Smoggie]

I’m not a drinker of sorts — I mean I can take it or leave it and the longer you leave it as many will contest to it’ll take you forever to get over it! There’s no shame in admitting you’re teetotal or prefer a good cup of tea as opposed to beer or wine.

 

[Ziggy]

Stopped drinking at least 20 years ago, It started drinking me.

 

[tonymcandrewshattrick]

The worse part is they use coercion to tempt you into drink

‘God, your boring’ ‘what are you, a pussy?’’oh looks like we’ve got a mood hoover tonight’

'just have one!'

 

[parmoboy]

I used to be a terrible binge drinker. I'd have a weekly jam session with my mate and we'd hit the pub straight after and get smashed. We would always be the last ones to leave the pub. It's something we did for years.

I've found now I can't be doing with the hangover anymore. I'll maybe only have 2 or 3 pints now and that's me happy.

 

[Wiseman_Vaughn]

Looking back to my drinking days, I think I had a problem. As I mentioned in my earlier post 1 glass to take the edge off would often turn into a bottle. I also noticed that on days off, opening times got earlier and earlier. When I was sober I wouldn't crave a drink as such, I'd just find excuses to have a glass (funny how the brain works). I'd even try to justify drinking by pretending to really enjoy a glass of "good" wine, as though it were the taste that I loved, like a living room sommelier when in fact, i just wanted that warm fuzzy feeling that I could of got from 20/20.

It felt strange typing that. I wouldn't have admitted it when I was drinking.

Since stopping, I've noticed my love of chocolate has developed....buttons especially, hahaha. one addiction to another eh?

 

[Norman_Conquest]

I give it up for Lent and the wife hates it. She reckons I get really grumpy (who , me) and can’t wait for the six weeks to be over.

I drink heavy whilst in France, but not half as much as I use to. I’ve also stopped going to the local and might pop out for a beer on a tea time every now and again.

I tend to have a few beers before and after the match, but don’t stay out until late like I use to.

I tend to drink tonic water if I go out during Lent.

 

[Wiseman_Vaughn]

i might give up buttons for lent next year...mind you, that would make me grumpy

 

[Michael_Vronsky]

The odd glass of wine for me now. Never felt better and so much fitter. Mind, I don't eat red meat or sugar so I guess that helps aswell!!

 

[dan_ashcroft]

Sorry for bringing up such a subject but...

If so, how was it? Did you feel like a social leper or not? Did people give you looks and ask awkward questions? What do you drink instead when at a social event?

I'm starting to think I am going to have to do it and go tee-total. I've reduced it quite a bit but it still plays havoc with me when I have even a few drinks. I think for the sake of my health I just need to give it up. There seems to be quite a big market for alcohol-free beer, wine and spirits these days... I will miss single malt whisky most of all.

I'd say to just go for it and tackle the social leper side of it when you get that far. People won't even notice that you're not drinking after the initial first round and if anything the thing to worry about is being able to get away from the boring, looping, drunken conversations that begin once the night progresses.

I'm sure you'll be alert, witty, and on-form for the first couple of hours that people will remember most clearly, and then you can head off home. Fresh for the next day.