If you decide that your first drink will be after dinner or once you’re done at the gym after work, you’re less likely to drink too much. If people were to get it, what do you think is the best way for them to use it or, you know, incorporate it into their lives? I think they can do it however works for them, really.
Let others know you’re quitting
Measuring progress and staying motivated while quitting alcohol involves tracking milestones, setting clear goals, and rewarding achievements. Keeping a journal or sobriety app helps monitor changes in physical health, mood, and relationships, reinforcing positive habits. Self-reflection identifies triggers and highlights personal growth, making it easier to stay committed. Adjusting to a life without alcohol can feel like a major transition. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone, or all at once.
How can I communicate my decision to stop drinking with friends and family?
- And of course, there were this many news articles that said, it was good for me.
- And you know, it wasn’t until, I mean, there’s always a lightbulb moment isn’t there for people, whatever it is the thing that the catalysts that that you know that that sort of tips everything over the edge.
- Most of us realize that alcohol is heavily woven into modern culture, but going alcohol-free is going to increase your awareness of the direct and indirect social pressures to drink.
- Sobriety tracking apps are powerful tools for monitoring your alcohol-free journey.
She threw like 20 bucks in a jar or whatever, and she ended up buying herself a bite. And, you know, you’re allowed to say you’re, first of all, you’re allowed to feel crummy if that’s how you feel and, you know, get all those things out and acknowledge them, but also remind yourself. That, you know, you’re doing, you know, you’re doing something that is, is hard, but it’s good and it’s going to, you know, pay off later. I’m so grateful that I, I, I don’t have a lot of drinking memories here because I only drank for five months. You know, creativity oriented and then even still, you know, like I honestly like I’m, I’m not really tempted by booze anymore.
Managing Stress Without Alcohol
You may be surprised to learn that alcohol is one of the only substances with the potential for life-threatening withdrawal. And many people also don’t realize that you can experience withdrawal symptoms even if you were only drinking a couple of drinks a day, or not even every day. A phenomenon often discussed among the newly sober is the “pink cloud.” It’s described as a feeling of “euphoria and elation” that comes with stepping away from an addiction.
- But I’m a baleen MC, or I’m anorexic, even though I eat now, you’re like, Okay, well, you used to be anorexic, you know, or you used to have anorexia.
- And so, you know, even though I didn’t lose anything, the thing was, at the time, I didn’t have anything to lose, right?
- Why am I, out of all the people that I know, like, why am I this way?
- We had and maybe still do have low self-esteem.
- You can start with a couple of days, then add more a little at a time.
Measure and count your drinks
It doesn’t matter what stage they’re at. They, they really cheerlead each other’s successes. It’s one reframing holidays in early recovery of the things that I you know; I talk about a lot in the sober club is this whole idea of needing to step into this new identity of who you really are.
Setting and Achieving Goals
And these are all run by people who are actually in those communities and who actually identify as Um, as those chapters, you know, and we’re working on meetings, and so it’s really an all-encompassing community. But it’s just about, you know, being supportive and being positive and realizing that there’s a better way of living. And you know, you’re going to be supported and not judged, no matter if you choose to stay if you choose to go, if you come back and forth, you know, you’re always welcome. And so, when also… You don’t have to be, you know, “that bad” to decide that it’s not working for you, or it’s not healthy, or it’s dragging you down or keeping you stuck or sort of operating at half power.
- Obviously, you know, there weren’t alternatives when I got sober, too.
- So now, I over exercise and use it in a maladaptive way.
- Apps and online tools help individuals quit drinking by providing progress tracking, craving management, and peer support.
- An alcohol-free life doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t go out as much, but if you find yourself with extra free time on your hands, cooking is a great way to spend it.
- Now’s the time to take up a new hobby or to dive back in to something you miss.
- Keep an eye out for emotional triggers that make you want to drink, such as anger, stress, or loneliness.
This Is by Far the Best Thing I’ve Ever Done for My Health
What matters is, you ask instead of asking, am I drinking too much? Ask yourself the question, could my life be better physically and emotionally without alcohol? And a little voice somewhere what is Oxford House will probably view listen to this will say hell yes. Yes, it would, in which case, quit?
I looked at every little flaw and mistake and totally avoided all the positive attributes I have. These flaws may be low self-esteem, past trauma, current financial situations, relationships, or any other aspect of ourselves we don’t like. At some point — many points actually — someone will offer you a beer, glass of wine, or other drink. It’s helpful to have a polite and confident way to decline these offers, too. One of the best ways to decline a drink to to already have a drink in your hand. That way it’s easy to say, “I’m good, thanks.” If you don’t have that luxury, simply tell them you’re thirsty and you’re going to grab some water.
Each week, I’ll bring you tools, lessons and conversations to help you drink less and live more. The way to freedom is to change the way you think about alcohol so that you can enjoy going into any restaurant, bar, club, or party without feeling left out or deprived because you’re not drinking. Start by writing down your reasons for going alcohol-free.