I need to cut back on alcohol

[MarieGreen]

So day 1. Managed it, despite my partner driving me crazy then getting into bed (wtaf?) with a glass of wine. Still stayed sober though so proud of myself.

[MarieGreen]

Ah I'm back again thinking exactly the same.

I think I'm working out though what the triggers are. I've been keeping a food and mood diary and it's clear that the stressors just build in the day and I suck them up. Do nothing for myself. Then end up tired, exhausted and just wanting something to pick me up.

I think there has to be some kind of habit substitution in there as just trying to white knuckle it doesn't work for me. Ideas?

[GinTonic]

I need to cut back on alcohol

Me too.

[MarieGreen]

Still in the same situation to be honest and still struggling with it.

[Orla]

Not that long ago I saw a TikTok where a woman said that she gave up drinking when she realized that she just wants a special drink, not the alcohol itself. So she regularly uses her wine glasses to drink fun fizzy drinks, mocktails, etc. and she said it makes her feel like she’s having a treat in the way that cocktails used to make her feel.

For me personally, I very rarely drink anymore.
Not that I didn’t enjoy it, but since I’m in perimenopause as well, my body simply couldn’t handle even a mild hangover. I would lose an entire day if I drank on a Friday night, my quality of sleep would be horrible, and for me it simply wasn’t worth that anymore.

To be perfectly honest I don’t miss it at all. I live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, and there are some very nice zero proof beverages for alcohol alternatives available.

[MarieGreen]

I think if marijuana were legal here I'd probably use it sometimes as an alternative (low dose).

But one thing has worked. I've quit my hugely stressful job. While I've not cut down quite as much as I want, in the past week there have been days I've just not drank because I haven't felt the need now I'm leaving at sh-- hole of a workplace.

It's not the total answer at all. But it's really interesting.

I probably need a multi pronged approach and reducing stress is a Biggie.

[MarieGreen]

So... An update. I came down with covid again and it got me for six the first time. Being so ill and losing my sense of taste for a few days I just stopped drinking.

Two weeks later, pretty much recovered, I've tried some wine and honestly, it did nothing for me.

I've also noticed how my watch picks up my sleep improved without it and even the two small glasses of wine I had last night made it worse again.

I could be done. Which feels scary and amazing in equal measures.

The biggest lightbulb though is I think alcohol was only making me feel good because it momentarily stopped the feeling of badness created by having had alcohol.

Bonkers when you think about it. I'm hoping I can make this last.

[sydney]

I don't keep it in the house. This provides enough of a barrier that the impulse to have a drink usually doesn't go anywhere, while not placing any restrictions on myself beyond that. I can still have a drink in a social context, and if I truly wanted one I could go out and get it. Just most of the time I don't bother.

But that approach only works if everyone in the house is in agreement and cooperative.

(Not trying to claim this is a solution in itself for alcoholism. But for wanting to cut back where addiction isn't a major factor, it helps. )

That would be the only way I could cut down. Personally I want to quit it altogether. Sadly it helps me sleep which is contrary to what science says. Never been a good sleeper and do not want pills.