Taking a break from drinking

[Mason Hatcher]

I stopped drinking in 2012, for no other reason than I just decided to stop. One of the best decisions I ever made.

[Littlebear]

Originally Posted by MKSixer

.... and ate no fast food or anything possibly bad for you. The first time I ate french fries I actually threw them up....

Our first Samoyed, Elsa, would not eat Chicken McNuggets.
(smart dog)

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Joekerr

Bunch of sad teatotalers here...

Yeah, I too wondered much the same as the OP, and I was having probably 12 -14 drinks a week or so. So I gave up drinking (like cold turkey, not a sip) for a month just out of curiosity to see whether I could, and whether it meant anything to me.

I honestly found it pretty easy to do so, I can't say I wouldn't have enjoyed a drink or two during the month when I was having a nice dinner or something, but it didn't really impact me either. The biggest struggle initially was just remembering that I wasn't drinking anymore, once I remembered, there was no internal struggle as to whether I should or shouldn't have the drink. After a week or so, I didn't really have to remember because it was just normal course that I wasn't having anything.

But I went back to having 12 or so drinks a week after that since in my view, it didn't seem to affect me one way or another, and I enjoy it. But I do need to lose some weight, so I might give it up again for a period of time, or at least significantly cut back...we'll see, not sure yet.

Similar here - although I might be north of the 12 a week. Have 2-3 different whiskeys on an average night. It is always good to be able to step back and assess whether it is a hobby or an addiction. I know quite a few people in my whiskey groups that make it a point to have a full month dry each year.

[LaVitaEBella]

Congratulations on choosing a healthier lifestyle. It won't be that hard, especially when your body got used to it.

[Bunnny]

I used to drink every day, 2-3 beers atleast, if not half a bottle or so of wine. It was all after work and in the evening with dinner of course, and I loved the taste of craft beers.
However, a medical condition forced me to quit completely 4 years ago, and it's been one of the best things I've ever done for myself.

After a year of not drinking, I also figured out also what I was spending on it.
$400 a month at the booze shop
$200 a month at bars/restaurants
---------------------
7,200 per year.
+$150- $200 every time I went out to an event or show.
It worked out to just under $10,000 at one point.
It's better to quit Cars are more fun.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by LaVitaEBella

Congratulations on choosing a healthier lifestyle. It won't be that hard, especially when your body got used to it.

Thank you. It's not been near as hard as I thought it would be. I'm really surprised to be honest.

I'm still planning on having a drink on special occasions, but not just and everyday thing.

I feel fortunate that I can do this. I know for many its not possible. It was that way for me with cigarettes. I quit 30 years ago. I know for sure if I have a cigarette, there's a high probability that I'd be right back at it. It all works differently for different people.

[oVeRdOsE.]

congrats !

I also change my habits with alcohol.

- first I never drink weekdays, since I need my head for work.
- Drink only when I'm happy
- and stop strong alcohol and strong beers. Now I'm on light beer, such as coors , molson ultra (3%). Since the taste is very neutral and low on alcohol , I take less.

my weight didn't change, but I feel more motivated next morning to do stuff. Also , pretty sure its better for my health .

Didn't mean I wont take a 12 twice a year because Im in front of a bon fire with my bros and we speaking about aliens until 4am.