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Thread: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

  1. #151
    cookey's Avatar
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote BlackCats View Post
    That would be a good idea Cookey.:smile:

    At the moment I am having to focus on social activities that do not centre around the pub. Luckily my closest friends and my husband don't drink hardly at all but I know I will have to be around very drunk people at some point socially and I am dreading it.
    Me and Emma P and a few others have got together a few times around more cultural and eatery type outings with our children, despite the fact that we live a considerable distance apart! I'd be happy to travel if someone suggests something.
    I am very lucky to be involved in a social scene which revolves around dancing rather than alcohol where a lot of people don't drink much if at all - salsa . I was very pleased when I discovered it. My dad does rock and roll and says its a simlar situation with that (he doesn't drink either).

  2. #152
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote whalespace View Post
    HOO! RA!
    Well done BlackCats, EmmaP, and Mr.Flibble.
    Thanks Whalespace.

    Thanks for posting that link Seitan.

    Cookey - I know I should get out and do more cultural things like museums etc, that is a good idea. I would travel for a non-pub meetup as long as it wasn't too far.

  3. #153
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    do you consider wolverhampton too far to travel to aphroditerrrr..blackcats?
    ahronli sed ah dunit so thid tek thuh cheyus graytuh offa mi nihbles

  4. #154
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote emmapresley View Post
    do you consider wolverhampton too far to travel to aphroditerrrr..blackcats?
    (No it isn't too far. Cookey mentioned it to me, it's just that I might be going away on holiday in November so I will have to see nearer the time *should send this in a pm*)

    I was thinking yesterday that I felt like I had to alter my life when I became vegan and now I'm teetotal I feel like I'm moving away further and further from the mainstream (that might not be a bad thing.):smile:

  5. #155
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I think some of us will be at Wolverhampton fayre if anyone wants to meet there? Have a look at the meet-ups sub forum.

  6. #156
    BlackCats
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    ^ I never got to the Wolverhampton fayre.

    I have decided I am giving up alcohol again for the summer so I'm not being teetotal for the rest of my life or anything but giving up until September at least. I always feel better for having a break from drinking for a while anyway. It's not been difficult so far but it hasn't been that long.

  7. #157
    Rentaghost Marrers's Avatar
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Good luck with that BC.
    Idleness is not doing nothing. Idleness is being free to do anything. - Floyd Dell

  8. #158
    BlackCats
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    ^ Thanks Marrers. I managed it for nearly 6 months last year so hopefully I have set a precedent.

  9. #159
    cobweb
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    i'm back off the drink again, too, it just doesn't agree with me anymore, or something like that anyway.

  10. #160

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I've been totally alcohol free for 5 weeks now

  11. #161
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Well done starlight. Have you found it a challenge?
    Idleness is not doing nothing. Idleness is being free to do anything. - Floyd Dell

  12. #162

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Thanks Marrers.

    I know it's not long but I'm really chuffed. The hard part was deciding to do it - that bit took about 20 years

    Most of the time it's been no problem, but I've learned lots about my relationship with alcohol.

    There are certain situations where I find myself suddenly "needing" a drink. For example, if I've had a particularly stressful day at work or am really tired after training I used to drink. Now I'm having to find new ways to cope - like go and lie down for an hour and close my eyes until I stop feeling so crappy. As it turns out, the new way is so much better because after that lie down I can carry on with my day, not waste my entire evening brain-dead drunk like I used to.

    Funny thing is, I used to believe I was drinking to "help me relax" and that it was a concious choice, but what I'm realising is that the drinking was actually a programmed habbit and a subconcious way to get me through without having to face up to the bad feeling. I was lying to myself.

    How many other people lie to themselves about alcohol I wonder?

    Other than that I've cancelled a boys-night-out as it was going to be no fun, but that's not such a hardship for me (I don't get out much haha).

    Luckily I don't have too many triggers. Generally I feel so much better for stopping - losing weight, better sleep, better emotional stability, happier.

    I want to stay off alcohol for good now. That's the same part of my brain saying that as the bit that knows it's best to be vegan.

    I definately feel like a freek now though - alcohol free and vegan!

    Sorry if this has been asked before, but does anyone know of any good support material on the web for people who don't drink? (not the usual moderation-is-best line)

  13. #163
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Good luck with giving up alcohol. It's something I can relate to a lot cause I battle it myself quite a bit to be honest. I'm 28 and have beeen drinking regularly and quite heavily since the age of about 16. I was recently off alcohol for three months around the time of my final exams for my degree because quite frankly I would have failed miserably had I been drinking at the time, ended up getting a 2:1 purely because I didn't drink. Theres been a few other periods, generally for 3-4 months at a time when I've stopped in the past because I've had to get my shit together, but I have to say, alcohol is a hugely negative thing in my life, in fact probably the only negative thing. I'm doing what I want to do with my life, great girlfriend, family etc. It's hard to describe how big a part of the culture it is where I come from - Galway, Ireland. There's a few other Irish members on these boards and they'll know galways reputation! People have been mentioning straightedge and the hardcore scene in this thread, it sure isn't involved in the Irish hardcore scene! I've been playing in hardcore and metal bands my entire life and it's definitely only encouraged my drinking - I have many memories of a venue in dublin who in my experience only ever paid bands with pints! Three day sessions with no food are simply thought of as a 'good night out' by a lot of people I know! Having said all that my drinking ultimately rests on my own head and I can blame as many outside influences as i want but ultimately the buck stops with me. I'm starting a postgrad in september and I've decided to give up alcohol for the entire year, which I think will be a challenge but I'm determined to do it. If I can do it for a year then maybe I can make it a permanent part of my life - especially as I'm moving to the U.K next year so maybe I can make some friends whose lives don't revolve aroung the pub!
    Todays empires, tomorrows ashes...

  14. #164

    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Aww I really feel for you. I'm pretty much going through exactly the same thing. I have been drinking heavily since I was about 14. I suppose Glasgow is pretty similar to Galway. If anyone here tells you they don't drink it's because they used to have a problem and they can't drink, not that they just choose to be tee-total. I keep saying to myself, I'll go out tonight and I won't have anything. But then I can't think of anything interesting to say, or I get bored or tired, and alcohol seems to alleviate every one of them. I know I need to stop drinking but it's so so difficult when you're in that kind of cycle

  15. #165
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I think I probably made myself seem worse than I actually in that post. The funny thing is I think is just a routine at this stage! I have a very full happy life, I just can't seem to break the habit of getting smashed with my friends pretty much all weekend every weekend. During the week I'm all business! I just seem to lose friday, saturday and Sunday most weeks!
    I keep saying to myself, I'll go out tonight and I won't have anything.
    How many times have I said that to myself! It's ridiculous! From what I hear galway and glasgow would be fairly similar in terms of alcohol alright, people don't seem to trust you unless you have a drink in your hand! This makes you feel uncomfortable and brings up feelings which as you rightly said
    alcohol seems to alleviate
    . As I said I did three months off recently and felt pretty great about it, but what did I do the day I finished my exams? take a wild guess. I think now is a good time to give up forever, I'm lucky enough to be in perfect health despite my shenanigans through the years. I read an article during the week about a guy in his mid twenties who died from liver failure because of binge drinking. FUCK THAT! That is not going to be me! I have WAY to much to live for. Would I be corrrect in thinking jimmeh that you've been partying with pretty much the same group of friends since you started drinking?
    Todays empires, tomorrows ashes...

  16. #166

    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    The drinking at uni was pretty heavy, and I was with a crowd who preferred to go to the bar at 11am when it opened than go to lectures. But then we all graduated and moved away. I don't drink anything like as much as I did back then. I calculated that I was drinking about 70-80 units per week, and then I started getting pains in my abdomen. At 21 years old, that really shocked me into thinking I better stop. So, that was about 5 years ago and I probably drink within the recommended units now. I just think that now would be a great time to stop for good.

  17. #167
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    That is a bit of a reality check alright, not a good sign... Like you I've definitely slowed down a fair bit over the last few years compared to when I was about 22. My reality check wasn't something that happened to me personally but to a friend of mine. A guy I've known and loved for 16 years has basically become a complete drunk, a totally serious alcohol problem, It has completely changed everything about him including his appearance - red cheeks, bulbous nose, it's horrible cause the poor guy was a really good looking man only 3-4 years ago, if alcohol is having that affect on his appearance I can only imagine what it's doing to his insides. All his friends have attempted to offer him help and advice but he just doesn't want to know about it. And quite frankly I feel like a serious hypocrite lecturing anyone about alcohol when I'm a binge-drinker myself.
    Todays empires, tomorrows ashes...

  18. #168
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Actually as a side note to the above, and to show the local attitude towards alcohol where I live - a hell of a lot of people I know (not friends, i merely know them, and DEFINITELY not his friends) consider this guy to be completely normal, and that his drinking is no big deal (he regularly drinks bottles of port by himself in the morningtime).
    Todays empires, tomorrows ashes...

  19. #169

    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I really feel it when I go to the cinema (sober) on a Saturday night and I come out about midnight and people are literally asleep on the pavement in their short skirts and a pool of vomit. It makes me really happy to have stayed in control.

    I just think, well I don't do drugs, cigarettes, meat or dairy, I run two miles a day, I am educated enough to know that this one thing could potentially kill me. And yet I still do it. Grrr!

  20. #170
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I just think, well I don't do drugs, cigarettes, meat or dairy, I run two miles a day, I am educated enough to know that this one thing could potentially kill me. And yet I still do it. Grrr!
    You just summed up what I was trying to say over the course of four very long posts in two sentences.
    Todays empires, tomorrows ashes...

  21. #171
    cobweb
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I'm back to teetotalling again now after my recent bad spell. It wasn't caused by alcohol but I do know that alcohol will definitely hamper my recovery so therefore am abstaining again.

  22. #172

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote Barry O Connor View Post
    You just summed up what I was trying to say over the course of four very long posts in two sentences.
    I hear what you are saying about culture - university culture was big on drink, as was going-out culture in Northern towns in England. And the work culture in one of my early jobs was very alcohol fuelled.

    The way I stopped was like this ...

    One day I saw a TV programme that followed a young woman who was drinking far too much. She just thought she was having fun, being young, getting dutch courage yada yada and the drinking was no big deal.

    But it was really clear from the outside that she was slowly ruining her life with the stuff. It was destroying her health, her relationships, her mental stability and killing off her chances of getting the life and career she really wanted.

    The effect was really, really obvious but she just couldn't see it herself, and neither could her "friends" who were in the same drink culture.

    So while I was watching I was thinking I was probably deluding myself in the same way. Maybe it's the drink itself that stops you realising what is going on? Anyway, I was starting to see that maybe looking at my drinking from the outside the reality was different to what I had been telling myself for years. Not that I was necessarily drinking any more than my peers, you understand, but that we were _all_ ruining our lives with the stuff.

    So after the programme I turned off the TV and said to myself "that's it, I'm never drinking again" and went to bed. And that was it.

    Once I made the decision I just had to work out how practically I would deal with situations where drink was about. I just dealt with them one at a time when they came up and to be honest that was quite easy.

    So for example, when a mate asked me on a beer and curry night out, I just said no-thanks and did something else that evening. It was no big deal - life goes on and you adapt. But life is so much better!

    cheers

  23. #173
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Not that I was necessarily drinking any more than my peers, you understand, but that we were _all_ ruining our lives with the stuff.
    complete ditto on that, although I seem to the one of the few of my friends who's realised that there is a problem when you're still binge drinking on a friday, saturday and sunday and the age group of your friends is from about 25-35. You can get away with that stuff when you're 18-19. Like I said I've been lucky enough to have been at this crap for a long time with absolutely no adverse effects to my health(mental and physical)
    The way I stopped was like this ...
    I just had to work out how practically I would deal with situations where drink was about. I just dealt with them one at a time when they came up
    Cheers for the advice, I think I'll be following a fairly similar approach and like i said in an earlier post, I have abstained for periods before when I've needed to really apply myself to somthing in life, and I'm starting a pretty intense post-grad in september, it'll be my first full year off alcohol since I started drinking! I really feel that once I do this it will show me that i'll able to enjoy the rest of my life without having to binge drink. The fact that me and the completely supportive of everything I do missus are moving away from ireland next june will probably help as well....
    Todays empires, tomorrows ashes...

  24. #174
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Bigs thanks to starlight and jimmeh for advice shared. I'm not normally so open about this kinda stuff, and it's great to have some honest but non-judgemental talks about this. The only people who know I feel this way in the 'real world' are my girlfriend and one other friend (who basically feels the same).
    Todays empires, tomorrows ashes...

  25. #175

    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Yeah, thanks to you too! I'm going to give it a go for a couple of months, with hopefully the intention of giving up for good. Best of luck to you

  26. #176
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Good luck to all on the forum trying to moderate alcohol intake, or give it up altogether.

    I'm lucky in that I've never been keen on the taste, and at 62, I'll probably never change. Must have had about 2 units since just before Christmas 08!

    lv

  27. #177
    cobweb
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    thanks leedsveg

    i started drinking alcohol when i was 5 - that really isn't being over dramatic. I immediately loved it.

    My dad was what i call a 'high functioning alcoholic' - he held down a managerial position whilst drinking every lunchtime and evening. I remember me and my mum having to go and collect him a couple of times after he crashed his company car during work time, and having to not tell people about it, so i assume he was pissed .

    My parents always socialised a lot, there was loads of alcohol in our house. By the time i was 11 i was filling up my little Snoopy flask with vodka and drinking it in bed of an evening. I told my husband about that the other day and he was freaked out. It seemed quite normal to me. I wonder how much damage i did to myself? .

  28. #178

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I also drank a lot during my teens and 20's, I agree the culture I was in promoted it, have been teetotal now since around 2001, and feel much better for it. I have 4 teetotal friends, I mean non internet friends, actually 2 of them are neighbours of mine, one is teetotal due to being a muslim.
    Everyone else I know thinks drinking alcohol is perfectly normal. Sometimes someone I don't know well such as taxi driver, hairdresser, will ask me "are you going out tonight" or "are you going out at the weekend" and I know they mean "are you going out on the pi**", which is the norm on Tyneside. In fact Newcastle is the regional binge drinking capital.
    See my local diary ... http://herbwormwood.blogspot.com/

  29. #179
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    My parents always socialised a lot, there was loads of alcohol in our house. By the time i was 11 i was filling up my little Snoopy flask with vodka and drinking it in bed of an evening
    wow, that must have had a huge influence as to what your perception of what is "normal" in regards to alcohol intake?
    Todays empires, tomorrows ashes...

  30. #180

    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote starlight View Post
    ...I was thinking I was probably deluding myself in the same way. Maybe it's the drink itself that stops you realising what is going on? Anyway, I was starting to see that maybe looking at my drinking from the outside the reality was different to what I had been telling myself for years. Not that I was necessarily drinking any more than my peers, you understand, but that we were _all_ ruining our lives with the stuff.
    I really like what you've written there.

    I was talking about your post to my girlfriend this morning. She doesn't drink any more either. I was saying I liked the phrase "maybe it's something in the drink that stops you realising what's going on."

    And she was saying that's the whole thing about "denial" -- not just for drink but for any addictive behaviour that you want to change. She was saying that to blame the drink itself is very close to to saying that you're powerless in the face of it. And she doesn't like the idea of being powerless.

    I wasn't so sure that her conclusion was valid, but I found it hard to put my finger on it. I'm sort of thinking that one can have addictive/ compulsive/ just-not-very-useful behaviours and one can have different levels of awareness and denial about them.

    E.g. I knew by the end of my drinking days that the game was up; there was no denial of the problem. Didn't stop me carrying on drinking for a good while longer though.

    I think perhaps why I wasn't quick to agree with my gf this morning was because the thing I really dislike about the concept of "denial" is that it's so hard (impossible?) to prove that you're not in denial if someone is accusing you of "being in denial" of a problem.


    Owen

    PS Barry -- I've never had so much fun playing live (mostly old skool punk) as since I've stopped drinking. But this is because I'm playing so much better, lol.

  31. #181
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote Barry O Connor View Post
    wow, that must have had a huge influence as to what your perception of what is "normal" in regards to alcohol intake?

    hrm, yes, it was only when i stopped that i realised that though

  32. #182
    CATWOMAN sandra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I'm one of those 'boring' people who can have a drink but don't over-do it. I know what my limit is and when to stop...........these days after 1 glass of wine I've had enough so I stop!

    I really believe it's a genetic thing though..................if you are inclined not to be able to drink responsibly then it is best avoided completely.

    I know I can have 1 or 2 drinks and then quite happily stop and drink water etc. Infact I find when I'm in company that those who continue to drink are very boring company. I really believe there is such a thing as an addictive personality.
    I like Sandra, she keeps making me giggle. Daft little lady - Frosty

  33. #183
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    I would agree, Sandy. Whilst i personally don't regard Alcoholism as a 'disease' i would say it's a symptom of mental health problems/an addictive personality.

    My doctor has 'ordered' me to abstain completely, even from just the one drink.

  34. #184
    CATWOMAN sandra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Yes, Cobweb I do think it's best to avoid it if you are having problems like that.
    Even one glass has it's effects.
    I like Sandra, she keeps making me giggle. Daft little lady - Frosty

  35. #185

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote owen View Post
    I wasn't so sure that her conclusion was valid, but I found it hard to put my finger on it. I'm sort of thinking that one can have addictive/ compulsive/ just-not-very-useful behaviours and one can have different levels of awareness and denial about them.

    E.g. I knew by the end of my drinking days that the game was up; there was no denial of the problem. Didn't stop me carrying on drinking for a good while longer though.

    I think perhaps why I wasn't quick to agree with my gf this morning was because the thing I really dislike about the concept of "denial" is that it's so hard (impossible?) to prove that you're not in denial if someone is accusing you of "being in denial" of a problem.
    my $0.02 ...

    Terms like "addiction" and "in denial" are very loaded - they can conjure up the idea of a person with some sort of psychological or mental health problem that "normal" people don't have.

    The medical model of mental health divides people into "patients" who are powerless and passive, and "care givers" (e.g. doctors) who are active and powerful. Lots of people (me included) don't like the idea of being cast in the role of a powerless and passive "patient". Maybe this is what your girlfriend was reacting to?

    I'm sure there are people who have addictive and delusional personality disorders, but there are also lots of people who don't really but still have a problem with alcohol.

    For many, I suspect it's "just" a matter of habit. The word "just" makes it sound trivial, but as we know habit's are really hard to break and lots of people make up all sorts of excuses so as to avoid trying.

    For example, there are lots of people who know they are eating the wrong types of food and never get enough exercise. They know that they should really cut down on the deserts and eat more fruit and veg and go jogging 4 times a week but they still carry on with their unhealthy lifestyles. If you talk to them about it, they might make all sorts of excuses like "i'm too busy" or "i can't afford a gym" or whatever but actually all they're doing is avoiding facing up to the issue because it's tough to change habits.

    I think lots of people are like this with alchohol. They might have habits like drinking alcohol when they're out socialising, pouring a "stiff one" when they come home from a stressful day at work, or drinking whenever they are watching football or thinking about unhappiness in their lives.

    If they're smart or drinking lots, they might know these habits are destructive and they should really cut down. But change is hard, so instead they make up all sorts of excuses. They might say "I need a drink to loosen up so I can have fun" or "I need a drink to unwind" or whatever. If they thought about it further they would know there are other ways to unwind or whatever, but they make these excuses to themselves because it's easier than changing their habits. They may even come to believe some of these things over time, if the only way they ever experience "having fun" or "unwinding" is accompanied by a drink.

    These are the sort of delusions I was referring to. The trouble is alcohol is a powerful drug and stops you thinking rationally about the situation you're in and how to break the habbits.

    I think anyone can get into these sort of patterns of behaviour, even if they're not an addictive personality.

    </rant>

  36. #186

    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I went to the pub with friends last night. I volunteered to be the designated driver so that I could avoid alcohol. It was unpleasant, but it did the trick

  37. #187
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I would like to quit drinking...

    I don't think I have a healthy relationship with alcohol. Drinking alone probably isn't healthy and neither is drinking when I feel anxious.

    A few years ago, the doctor warned me that I had a problem with alcohol and was on the road to developing dangerous habits that could result in alcoholism (like Dad's girlfriend and possibly Dad, I dunno)...

    I have chilled it since then, but the past year have developed an unhealthy relationship again, I feel. Also, I have slipped up and smoked when drunk and acted out of order.

    I know I probably sound pathetic, or like I'm making a big deal out of things. The fact is, I am starting to become attached to booze as a method to 'cope' and I know because I grew up around alcoholic people, that I may be more prone to falling in to those cycles than others.

    Also, I am starting to experience symptoms of depression again (if it weren't for work, I probably wouldn't speak to anyone outside the house on anything other than MSN) and don't want to have it spiral to the point I end up in hospital or unemployed...

    So I was wondering if anybody has over-come a situation similar to mine.

  38. #188
    cobweb
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    ^ Puca i don't think you're making a big thing of it atall .

    I used to drink alone every single evening/night, i even ended up drink-driving once so i could go and buy more alcohol . That incident shocked me into cutting down and eventually i stopped drinking. I started again but realised i just couldn't drink in a 'healthy' way, much like you (my dad is alcohol dependant aswell so i've seen what its like).

    My GP has told me in no uncertain terms that i must not drink ANY alcohol. I really do think it's a very bad idea for anyone who's prone to regular depressions.

    I'm always hunting out nice 'soft' drinks (my favourite right now is cherry juice with fizzy water) and i enjoy them instead of alcohol. I miss it sometimes but know i'm happier without it. Drink brings down my defences against my 'dark side' .

  39. #189
    Knolishing Pob's Avatar
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I'm on the wagon for a bit at least. Trouble is that alcohol has been making me snore really badly which ruins Toni's sleep. Even a couple of pints seems to trigger the snoring, so I'm gonna be teetotal for a while.
    "Danger" could be my middle name … but it's "John"

  40. #190
    Rentaghost Marrers's Avatar
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    It's great if you can give up totally. I find alcohol-free beers like Cobra 0% very good if you miss the taste, or some of the sparkling alcohol-free wines you can get online. I used these when I gave up drinking for a while and still have them sometimes to limit the amount of alcohol I drink. (Some links in this thread.)
    Idleness is not doing nothing. Idleness is being free to do anything. - Floyd Dell

  41. #191

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I stopped drinking a few years back because I realised I didn't like the way I carried on after only a small amount of alcohol. I don't miss it at all.
    See my local diary ... http://herbwormwood.blogspot.com/

  42. #192

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote puca View Post


    I have chilled it since then, but the past year have developed an unhealthy relationship again, I feel. Also, I have slipped up and smoked when drunk .

    Also, I am starting to experience symptoms of depression again (if it weren't for work, I probably wouldn't speak to anyone outside the house on anything other than MSN) and don't want to have it spiral to the point I end up in hospital or unemployed...
    I was teetotal for about 4.5 years before I recently started drinking again after the birth of my son about 3 years ago. I've decide to go teetotal again because when I was teetotal I was incontrol and it was one of the happiest and healthiest times of my life. I'm now in counselling and attend a feelings group at a stabilization centre near me. I'm also going to try acupuncture and reiki which they offer to people at the centre,

    Last edited by Sunkist; Oct 24th, 2009 at 06:41 PM.

  43. #193

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote Sunkist View Post
    I've decide to go teetotal again because when I was teetotal I was incontrol and it was one of the happiest and healthiest times of my life.
    Well done Sunkist - I honestly think the hardest part is getting to the point where you can decide to do it with sincerity and strength of mind.

    Quote Sunkist View Post
    I'm now in counselling and attend a feelings group at a stabilization centre near me. I'm also going to try acupuncture and reiki which they offer to people at the centre,

    Hope it all works out for ya.

  44. #194

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I'm 6 months alcohol-free this weekend

  45. #195

    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    I stopped drinking about 18 months back; I'd been teetotal for several years when I met Mrs vegcurry, but she led me astray on our first meal together when she brought a bottle of wine ... mind you I also led her astray

    I'm glad I'm no longer drinking, having a father that is an alcoholic has always been a deterrent to me; it's too easy to slip into the route of polite drinker > social drinker > stress relief drinker, and then realise it's got you under control.

    Good luck to all those who are taking back control of their lives.

  46. #196

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote starlight View Post
    I'm 6 months alcohol-free this weekend
    Thats good - did you have much support?

    Quote vegcurry View Post

    Good luck to all those who are taking back control of their lives.
    You're so right,- you think you can have one drink but then you can become a problem drinker and it can affect you're whole life and the people around you I just want to get back to my old self because I knew how happy I was (and how much I liked myself) - and I can still socialize- I'm able to go to a club/party and have a good time - I used to before - I had a great time,- Thanks

  47. #197
    CATWOMAN sandra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Well done to everyone taking control of things! I don't have an addictive personality so can't really identify with alcohol addiction but I really admire anyone who realises they have a problem and does something about it!
    I like Sandra, she keeps making me giggle. Daft little lady - Frosty

  48. #198
    leedsveg
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote sandra View Post
    Well done to everyone taking control of things! I don't have an addictive personality so can't really identify with alcohol addiction but I really admire anyone who realises they have a problem and does something about it!
    +1

    lv

  49. #199
    cobweb
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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote vegcurry View Post
    I stopped drinking about 18 months back; I'd been teetotal for several years when I met Mrs vegcurry, but she led me astray on our first meal together when she brought a bottle of wine ... mind you I also led her astray

    I'm glad I'm no longer drinking, having a father that is an alcoholic has always been a deterrent to me; it's too easy to slip into the route of polite drinker > social drinker > stress relief drinker, and then realise it's got you under control.

    Good luck to all those who are taking back control of their lives.

    i identify with this, my dad used to drink at lunchtime, come home from work, have his tea, off to the pub for a couple of pints and then, regular as clockwork, a half bottle of whiskey every night before bed . Those were just normal weekdays, weekends and special occasions and he'd step it right up.
    i can't count the amount of times that me and my brother had to help my mum get him home from parties when we were kids because he was too drunk to walk in a straight line . Bit pathetic really.

  50. #200

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    Default Re: Teetotal, no alcohol - support

    Quote Sunkist View Post
    Thats good - did you have much support?
    My wife and I stopped together so we support each other.

    Quote cobweb View Post
    i identify with this
    +1

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