has anyone stopped drinking completely?

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Dyched
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Dyched » Sun Sep 29, 2019 12:37 am

Very rarely drink nowadays. Didn’t much either tbh. Always knew my limit (well almost always). I always believe that booze brings out the true character in some people. It’s like this glaze gets washed away by it and that person is there in their raw state.

Billy Balfour
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Billy Balfour » Sun Sep 29, 2019 12:10 pm

Quickenthetempo wrote:Gaining friends who you have nothing in common with whilst sober.
This is so true. You sure find out who your real friends are.

I'm no longer a 'pub man'. I knocked the local on the head 5 years ago. I don't miss the beer socialising one bit. I still drink, but only once a week and nowadays it always involves food too - a couple of glasses of decent red wine with our Saturday evening meal.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by jrgbfc » Sun Sep 29, 2019 12:17 pm

Don't think theres a problem with enjoying a few drinks as long as you know your limits and are sensible. Think as you get older and your hangovers get worse it naturally puts you off a bit. I don't particularly enjoy the feeling of being really drunk anymore tbh, if I go out at 2 or 3 in the afternoon I'm usually ready for home by midnight, whereas when I was younger I'd have stayed out till stupid o clock and wasted the whole next day in bed.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by gandhisflipflop » Fri Oct 04, 2019 5:36 pm

Thankyou so much for the excellent replies it's really appreciated. So Friday is here again, and I'm about to nip into Tesco to see what non alcoholic beer is available.
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Bosscat
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Bosscat » Fri Oct 04, 2019 5:53 pm

Dyched wrote:Very rarely drink nowadays. Didn’t much either tbh. Always knew my limit (well almost always). I always believe that booze brings out the true character in some people. It’s like this glaze gets washed away by it and that person is there in their raw state.
Its called the Buffalo theory...

In the USA Buffalo used to roam the prairies. Wolves and Coyotes used to follow the herd picking off the weaker ones thereby making the herd stronger...

Much in the same way Alcohol destroys brain cells picking off the weaker Braincells first... giving the drinker the impression they are more intelligent than the person next to them.

Thats why some think they are super when drunk ;)

Local cricketer
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Local cricketer » Fri Oct 04, 2019 6:27 pm

Not had a drink since sunday but feel awful for it
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by SussexDon1inIreland » Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:03 pm

Tee total for last four years
Have occasional non alcoholic lager

balkita is my favourite

UTC

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Quicknick » Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:07 pm

I have always abstained in midweek and last year I had 79 days in succession clear of beer. My girlfriend said, 'Why don't you just have two?' So I did and weaved around all the way home from Jetyod Road in Chiang Rai.
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Blackrod
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Blackrod » Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:07 pm

It’s a shame if you can’t enjoy a drink imo but if you can’t control it or know when to stop then you’ve a problem. A few beers or wines are fine for most people. If you are drinking hard liquor regularly or can’t get through the day without a drink then it’s a problem.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by FactualFrank » Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:16 pm

gandhisflipflop wrote:Thankyou so much for the excellent replies it's really appreciated. So Friday is here again, and I'm about to nip into Tesco to see what non alcoholic beer is available.
Try the Becks one. It tastes very similar to the alcohol version to me. The local social club serve it and often start off on that before sometimes finishing off with a few pints.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by dougcollins » Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:24 pm

Erdinger is my choice of non-alcoholic drink whilst driving. I actually never notice it's not alcoholic.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by dougcollins » Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:26 pm

Bosscat wrote:Its called the Buffalo theory...

In the USA Buffalo used to roam the prairies. Wolves and Coyotes used to follow the herd picking off the weaker ones thereby making the herd stronger...

Much in the same way Alcohol destroys brain cells picking off the weaker Braincells first... giving the drinker the impression they are more intelligent than the person next to them.

Thats why some think they are super when drunk ;)

What the hell have you been reading? :)

Bosscat
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Bosscat » Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:32 pm

dougcollins wrote:What the hell have you been reading? :)
:D it was meant to be a joke :lol:
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by SammyBoy » Fri Oct 04, 2019 8:01 pm

Like the OP I'm nearly 30 and spent my teens to my mid-twenties getting completely wrecked as often as I could, it was particularly bad when I had to move back in with my parents after Uni and lost the independence and relationships I'd gained during that time. The last few years I've settled down with my girlfriend and made a conscious effort to tone it down, but like a lot of previous posters once I've had a drink I really struggle to call it a night at a reasonable hour. It's a gradual process and a lot of it I think is basically just slowly becoming more mature and realising that the juice isn't worth the squeeze any more. Thankfully 2019 has been the most moderate year I've had since I began drinking, although I still have the occasional 'mare they are happening less frequently.

The funny thing is there's absolutely nothing wrong with having a beer with your mates, it's just learning how to do it in a sensible way, you might want to drink less but you also don't want to be the boring bloke who never shows his face at the pub. My girlfriend is Portuguese and their culture seems to strike a much better balance in this regard, in fact when I've been out with her and her mates over there they're shocked at how quickly I sink the pints as they can make three drinks last all night. British culture ingrains that go big or go home mentality in you and it's about fighting the habits you've subconsciously developed over the years.

Well done for identifying that you want to reduce your drinking, now you'll have to learn how to juggle still seeing your mates and finding other non drink related activities to fill the gap :)

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by padihamclaret » Fri Oct 04, 2019 8:14 pm

I've been through several stages of drinking as I've got older, went through a period of being borderline alcohol dependant. Used to make a complete arse out of myself when I went for it at times. Started reigning it in in my mid 20's which coincided with acquiring responsibility in life I.e. career taking off, starting driving, buying my first house.
The best advice I can give is analyse your habits and your drinking patterns. I don't really drink spirits, have found I'm good at daytime drinking (going on the turf) but starting at night ruins me the next day, make a point of eating and chugging a few pints of water at the start, don't drink when I have work the next day that sort of thing and it works for me.
Recently I've become a father and found having a good break from alcohol did make me feel better, lost some weight and skin felt better. Non alcoholic beers are a god send, they help me stop having a cheeky one or two in the house. But get people or your partner to help, it's not weakness, alcohol is hard to moderate for some people and my wife has helped me at times. Also recommend having the occasional alcohol free week but don't set yourself upto fail I.e. doing it round xmas or when Burnley have a big game on. Alcohol is there to be enjoyed, not to torture yourself with.
Other than that, appreciate the things you can do when you've stayed sober but also enjoy having a drink when you do

Paul Waine
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Paul Waine » Fri Oct 04, 2019 8:29 pm

dougcollins wrote:Erdinger is my choice of non-alcoholic drink whilst driving. I actually never notice it's not alcoholic.
So long as all the other road users notice, doug, then it's doing what it should be doing. ;)
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by dougcollins » Fri Oct 04, 2019 8:56 pm

Ah, you've seen my driving. :o

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Top Claret » Fri Oct 04, 2019 9:01 pm

Just had a run of three straight days but back on it now.

I have been drinking everyday before this week for the last month. The key is drink in moderation the maximum I drink is 5 pints, rarely drink more that 4 drinks. 4 halfs or 2 x2 wine and beer. The other key is you have to earn your drink, I do a lot of walking and do weights at the gym daily

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by tim_noone » Fri Oct 04, 2019 9:01 pm

dougcollins wrote:Erdinger is my choice of non-alcoholic drink whilst driving. I actually never notice it's not alcoholic.
I've seen it mentioned on here a few times.. Is it good?

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Pstotto » Fri Oct 04, 2019 9:06 pm

Never take a card with you to the pub and limit your spending to what you can afford and what your alcohol tolerance is.
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by tim_noone » Fri Oct 04, 2019 9:09 pm

Pstotto wrote:Never take a card with you to the pub and limit your spending to what you can afford and what your alcohol tolerance is.
Can we include the Bookies with the same advice :D
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by dougcollins » Fri Oct 04, 2019 9:18 pm

tim_noone wrote:I've seen it mentioned on here a few times.. Is it good?
Like I said, it's hard to tell the difference. Quite a strongly flavoured beer.
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by cricketfieldclarets » Fri Oct 04, 2019 11:34 pm

Dyched wrote:Very rarely drink nowadays. Didn’t much either tbh. Always knew my limit (well almost always). I always believe that booze brings out the true character in some people. It’s like this glaze gets washed away by it and that person is there in their raw state.
People say this often. But honestly dont believe it at all.

Like many. Ive done plenty i wouldnt even think up sober while in drink.

There are occasions where it may give you that bit more confidence. But i dont believe it brings the real person out.
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ewanrob
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by ewanrob » Fri Oct 04, 2019 11:42 pm

Didnt drink from Feb till June because of my treatment, thought I'd miss it but didnt at all. I have the odd one now and again, but it just doesn't have the same pull for me.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by mdd2 » Sat Oct 05, 2019 12:02 am

Gandhisflipflop
You should try the CAGE assessment as it seems the way you describe your drinking that you are or could be becoming alcohol dependant for which the solution is abstinence as it is unlikely you could drink sensibly. Score 2 or more on the 4 questions and you are more than 50% likely to be dependant on the stuff and that means kicking it into touch for 3,6,9,12months or even longer and then start taking alcohol again and you will be back to square one pretty quickly.
Seems you have a nice lady you want to keep and that she disapproves of your drinking behaviour does suggest you need to become abstinent and if you find you can't then you need to try and get help.
The sooner you get to grips with this if indeed you are becoming addicted the better your outcome.
Good luck.
C-have you ever felt the need to cut down on your drinking?
A-have people annoyed you by criticising your drinking?
G-have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
E-have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?
Score one point for each answer of 'Yes"
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Pstotto » Sat Oct 05, 2019 10:47 am

I never take a card anywhere, Tim. I draw a set amount of money from the cash point and then look in the wallet and what to use each day. I don't do Internet banking either.
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Tribesmen » Sat Oct 05, 2019 2:10 pm

Yep you have to look at your drinking habits first up .
So how do you cut down or stop , well drinking in rounds has to be the first one to go as drink at your pace not anyones elses . You still want to go out but not drink take the car , yep that's what i said tell everyone that you are driving so take only softies now if you do drink you a a bloody fool simple as that .
Drinking at home only buy what you need say 8 cans will last me the week then so be it .
Take it slow , small steps and you will get there in the end if you REALLY WANT TO , now if you dont then you are in trouble .
As for me well i am a weekend drinker at home as live in the sticks so cant get to the pub as no local transport where i live , i tend to get hammered once a year at a football weekend somewhere in Europe .
Bottom line it's up to you if you want to or not .

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by FactualFrank » Sat Oct 05, 2019 2:15 pm

Tribesmen wrote:Yep you have to look at your drinking habits first up .
So how do you cut down or stop , well drinking in rounds has to be the first one to go as drink at your pace not anyones elses . You still want to go out but not drink take the car , yep that's what i said tell everyone that you are driving so take only softies now if you do drink you a a bloody fool simple as that .
Drinking at home only buy what you need say 8 cans will last me the week then so be it .
Take it slow , small steps and you will get there in the end if you REALLY WANT TO , now if you dont then you are in trouble .
As for me well i am a weekend drinker at home as live in the sticks so cant get to the pub as no local transport where i live , i tend to get hammered once a year at a football weekend somewhere in Europe .
Bottom line it's up to you if you want to or not .
A good point re: rounds. And if you are in rounds and the others have pints, opt for something like a bottle of Becks. You'll have to slow down to match how long it takes them to sup a pint. Done that a lot and it works.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Tribesmen » Sat Oct 05, 2019 2:19 pm

FactualFrank wrote:A good point re: rounds. And if you are in rounds and the others have pints, opt for something like a bottle of Becks. You'll have to slow down to match how long it takes them to sup a pint. Done that a lot and it works.
Very good idea FF as the pressure is on you to drink and small bottles cuts your drinking in half .

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by cockneyclaret » Sat Oct 05, 2019 2:51 pm

I've calmed down alot and like a few posters on here hit it hard from 15-30.. before an real commitments I was out Fri night, sat football then back out sun.
Sinking 10pints on a sesh was the norm, well around my circle of friends it was. It was even worse on a football day travelling up from London.! Shocking to look back and think I could drink that much and act like that out and about. But again in a group that seemed the norm.
It wasn't till I hit my early 30s that I seriously couldn't handle the lager anymore, 4 pints I was bloated and felt sick and any more I would struggle to drink.
Maybe this was my body saying calm it down? I had a few wake up calls where I just blacked out and embarrassed myself (we've all done that) but in your 30s it was embarrassing for me, I hate that feeling of waking up savage and wondering what have I done or seeing all the missed calls on your phone etc.
Now I've learned what my body will allow me, I know what makes me feel comfortable and when to say no.
Gone are those days of 10pints at a footy match and staying out all day with your mates in the pub.
I think out of that group 2 haven't changed.
The good think is I've now found a drink that works with me and I can enjoy without the black outs and embarrassing times, that is Gin.. again in moderation but if I do fancy a few more I'm in control and not waking up with a savage hangover.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by dansch » Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:15 pm

Hi all

Don't post overly often on here but have been a keen observer for many years.

Thought I would search for this topic before posting a new one and also thought might be interesting to see how others have got on the last year with the booze, especially with lockdown and all.

I was certainly drinking way too much for most of the year, especially over Christmas but have remained sober so far in Jan. I'm one of those that struggles to stop when they start.

Really wanted to see too if people had any good recommendations for non/low alcoholic beers. Have tried a few lagers which aren't too bad but would be interesting to see if there's any half decent ales that anyone's tried?

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Rileybobs » Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:19 pm

dansch wrote:
Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:15 pm
Hi all

Don't post overly often on here but have been a keen observer for many years.

Thought I would search for this topic before posting a new one and also thought might be interesting to see how others have got on the last year with the booze, especially with lockdown and all.

I was certainly drinking way too much for most of the year, especially over Christmas but have remained sober so far in Jan. I'm one of those that struggles to stop when they start.

Really wanted to see too if people had any good recommendations for non/low alcoholic beers. Have tried a few lagers which aren't too bad but would be interesting to see if there's any half decent ales that anyone's tried?
I was very impressed with Brewdog Punk AF. Unfortunately I was attending a BBQ and driving rather than drinking it through choice.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by dansch » Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:23 pm

Rileybobs wrote:
Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:19 pm
I was very impressed with Brewdog Punk AF. Unfortunately I was attending a BBQ and driving rather than drinking it through choice.
Thanks I'll give that a go, do like a pale ale and while not massive on brewdog I imagine it's a good starting point 🙂

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Colburn_Claret » Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:25 pm

My problem is I like going to the pub. I drink to enjoy the company and the craic. I also enjoy trying new pubs I've never been in, and real ales.
I cant be bothered to drink in the house, unless we have company.
I started collecting a few whiskies, thinking I could enjoy a glass or 2 on an evening, but even that isn't the same without someone to share it with.
I haven't been to my local for about 4 months, I've been tempted to go for a 'substantial meal, but again feel it isn't what I go to my local for.
Sad times for all of us, thank God my grandkids keep me entertained and sane.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Quickenthetempo » Wed Jan 06, 2021 12:15 am

Lockdown has been brilliant for my liver and bank account.
I had a drink on the last game against Spurs when we could attend back in March and around 4 days out at the local cricket in August/September.

Nothing since apart from one beer on Xmas day. I took 4 bottles but only fancied one. Not a big drinker with food.

I'm drinking more cups of tea than I've ever done. I might try and build an empire.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by tim_noone » Wed Jan 06, 2021 12:28 am

dansch wrote:
Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:23 pm
Thanks I'll give that a go, do like a pale ale and while not massive on brewdog I imagine it's a good starting point 🙂
Becks Blue very refreshing served chilled...

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Jakubclaret » Wed Jan 06, 2021 12:47 am

I stopped drinking properly awhile ago I drink rarely now, after seeing people consuming vodka thru their eyeballs & people injecting neat liquor into oranges & taking them into detox clinics I decided I wasn’t missing much getting even tempted on that slippery slope.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Top Claret » Wed Jan 06, 2021 8:44 am

jrgbfc wrote:
Sun Sep 29, 2019 12:17 pm
Don't think theres a problem with enjoying a few drinks as long as you know your limits and are sensible. Think as you get older and your hangovers get worse it naturally puts you off a bit. I don't particularly enjoy the feeling of being really drunk anymore tbh, if I go out at 2 or 3 in the afternoon I'm usually ready for home by midnight, whereas when I was younger I'd have stayed out till stupid o clock and wasted the whole next day in bed.
You sound a right **** pot.... If I went out at 2 or 3pm and didn't get home till midnight I would more than likely have supped at least 13 pints.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by fatboy47 » Wed Jan 06, 2021 8:51 am

Interesting thread.

My preference has always been to get outside a good gallon or so of real ale.. With good friends, in a decent sensibly priced pub.

I frankly can't be arsed with all the palava that's been involved in having a social drink over the last year...and surprisingly..looking back..Ive barely had a drink in that time...and in all honesty I'll give it all a swerve until I can stroll back into a lively boozer and relax.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by jedi_master » Wed Jan 06, 2021 8:57 am

Drank what felt like every day at Uni, but generally since about the age of 21/22 I would estimate that I go out 4 times a year on a proper session with my mates (we live all over the country now, so it's rare we can all meet up the same weekend).

We will go for it then, not with the intention of getting drunk, but it will just naturally occur due to it being an all day catch up (usually in the likes of York, Leeds, Manchester etc) where the drinks just accrue over time. I can quite honestly say though that I only got (mildly) drunk once in the entirety of 2020, and that was at a barbecue in the summer at one of my mates houses (I think it was just about legal at the time, I don't make a habit of breaking lockdown laws I hasten to add!).

So, not a heavy drinker, probably a binge drinker if being termed as such. I cannot say I miss alcohol whatsoever when it's not on the agenda. I never drink in the house, even on weekends - always have preferred a tea or coffee.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Danieljwaterhouse » Wed Jan 06, 2021 8:59 am

I gave up drinking at 23, didn’t enjoy it, more of a social construct. That was 15 years ago and I don’t miss it one bit. My sister and I try to give up something for one month at a time. For example, it’s crisps in January. In February, coffee, and so on.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Tribesmen » Wed Jan 06, 2021 9:06 am

Jezzzz just looked at what i wrote over a year ago and still the same as i was then , only this time i have i have not been at a football weekend in Europe , but then again i dont think many of us have .............

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Swizzlestick » Wed Jan 06, 2021 9:07 am

I’m probably drinking heavier now than I ever have. By heavier, I don’t really mean quantity, as I never really ‘binge drink’ as I would have done on a night out, but I find I’m having a couple of strong spirits like whiskies or gins most nights. First lockdown in particular was incredibly stressful and it sort of just continued from that. I was looking to cut back this year, but recent events have put paid to that!

Darthlaw
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Darthlaw » Wed Jan 06, 2021 9:35 am

I used to be purely a social drinker, enjoying 6-7 pints with mates before and after a home game at the Turf. After that, I'd rarely drink at home other than sharing the occasional bottle of Red with Mrs Darth during our Sunday Roast.

Since lockdown I've gone from 4-5 beers during BFC games watching on a zoom call with mates, to one beer whilst watching any game on the TV which ended up in Oct/Nov with 4-5 strong Belgian beers 9% plus volume during games and 3-4 beers during a week night.

Safe to say December started the wakeup call and I had a relatively dry Xmas period, other than my Birthday on new years day.

I've done two months dry in the past, as part of a bet, which had an amazing effect on my health (particularly my weight), so I'm going to have a go at no bore booze until after lockdown (whenever that is).

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by vinrogue » Wed Jan 06, 2021 9:37 am

I miss the banter in the pub, I miss the friends who liked a drunken risk taker as a friend, I miss randomly singing and telling endless jokes, I never socially drank, I only ever drank to excess and it was fun. I look back and I was good at drinking it was something I could do with ease but what I couldn't do is say no just one for me tonight.
That was 20 years ago, I don't go in pubs any more, I have new friends who think I am bonkers as sober I realised I can still tell jokes. It wasn't easy giving up and the hardest part was changing stuff I enjoyed and swapping it for life and living for 20 years I may not have had.
Good luck to any one who deep down would like to change and to those who are still enjoying it I wish you good health. Life is about choices, I made one but that was my choice and I can live with it, easy? Hell no, easier with time yes. So in answer to the opening post that I have never seen before today,YES I stopped drinking completely.
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DomBFC1882
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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by DomBFC1882 » Wed Jan 06, 2021 9:38 am

Top Claret wrote:
Wed Jan 06, 2021 8:44 am
You sound a right **** pot.... If I went out at 2 or 3pm and didn't get home till midnight I would more than likely have supped at least 13 pints.
😂😂😂😂😂

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by dansch » Wed Jan 06, 2021 10:15 am

Interesting to hear people's responses, especially that a lot of people rarely drink now and accordingly to news 30% of young people don't drink at all.

I don't know if I'll give up for good but certainly enjoying a break from it and feeling healthier.

Best of luck to all those that are trying to cut back as well.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by Newcastleclaret93 » Wed Jan 06, 2021 10:23 am

If I’m being honest I think I have an alcoholic drink maybe 3-4 times a year.

Not really sure why I stopped drinking just happened naturally as I got older and busier with work.

Drinking out has got so expensive now where a decent session can cost you anywhere between £50-£120 for one day in Newcastle.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by BenWickes » Wed Jan 06, 2021 10:27 am

Don't think I could ever give up totally. It's one of very few things I enjoy. I was a very heavy drinker in my younger days.
Glad I don't these days and over Christmas I was content with a couple of 330 ml bottles of an evening, occasionally a Merlot with dinner. Feel rough as a badgers backside in the morning if I drink more than a few cans/bottles these days.
Looking back. Drinking so much was not only incredibly stupid but dangerous.

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Re: has anyone stopped drinking completely?

Post by claretonthecoast1882 » Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:25 am

I enjoy a Bourbon too much to give up but drink sensibly (even more so now the all dayers are ruled out due to no footy) but hardly ever drink beer in the house mainly red wine and spirits.

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