Day one: help needed

Thank you so much. Will take your advice! x

*pain

Thanks pistal666, I have no 'stop' button so cutting down isn't an option for me as once I have one drink I carry on until I fill my quota! In terms of bottle size, it's 75cl, I eat properly balanced meals and enjoy cooking and planning meals. I am overweight, due to the drink, which probably helps me not to get as wasted as I might do otherwise. I never drink in the day time - don't feel the need, so I guess it's become habitual. I managed to sleep last night, on and off, but felt worse than if I had a hangover this morning! Although, I feel better now and don't have that low mood that goes with a hangover.

Thanks for your questions and support, it means more than you know. xxx

It certainly sounds like you are well on-top of things and off to a great start, and you have hit the nail right on the head, much of it is habitual. I reckon a good way to break a habit/addiction is to swap it for something else. So here is the fun bit! You get to find a new "Habit" and now you are wiser through firsthand experience the benefits of your steady vodka, wine ritual has given you over the last 5 Years, you get to pick something you find more rewarding and perhaps healthier 😉 Try lots of different things if no one thing comes to mind. It doesn't have to be exercise or anything punishing. You could get really into your cooking some more, or Video Games. It will take a while for your brain to rewire itself before you really start to get your endorphins from all the right places again. xx But it's worth it. Keep us updated and ask as many questions to as many people as you can. There is some great advice to be had on here, and some really friendly people. It's about time that you joined us. 😉

Thanks TheToad! I will monitor how it goes and see GP if my symptoms worsen. So far, just a few night sweats but no shakes or other complications and I am feeling positive about my decision. Partly due to a comment I read about how you threw your drink out of the window, which is how I approached it. Have to go shopping later today so the test will be if I come back empty handed, which is my intention so I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the support, it is greatly appreciated. x

Thanks Robin2015, I have looked at the TSM but not sure if it's for me. Have to say that your comments are judgemental even if your sentiments are in the right place. I don't work as I retired recently and before that I commuted to London so driving was never an issue and I don't condone drink/driving with a hangover. My liver is fine, had it checked for a surgery recently, which dumbfounds me but seems if I keep up with the cessation, I may have dodged a bullett! Thanks for the support. x

Unfortunately, I too was on a similar amount and was always "functioning" and able to hold down jobs, and embarrassingly, reckless with everything I did. I think that the UK's NHS (as much as I do love it) would point you in the direction of the local services the borough uses, like AA or CGL, and then the slow process starts where you are left in limbo.They want you to reduce so much before they offer a Detox, that a Detox is almost not needed. And with a high amount of spirits everyday for 5 Years is going to mean that a medical detox would be the easiest way to rid of the physical dependency (which is the easy part), but it's the tools/changes you use after that that make the difference. I personally had to go Tee-total, but I would have definitely been looking at TSM if I knew about it then. xx

You are right that i judged you and i am quite abrupt which has been a problem for me over the years. Please note that i am totally impressed with your decision to simply stop. Never easy and so tempting to think that it is under control. I had been sober for 5 or 6 months and took one drink at a birthday party thinking that i could control it? Blue cider 2 litre 2 hours later! No good. I did eventually managed to stop 7 months later. Keep beeing positive. You can do it😄 Robin

Thanks Robin, online text is problematic as messages can seem to be different to what was intended. I did know you meant well though. Anyway, day 3 and no symptoms other than bad sweats on night one. Went shopping yesterday and bypassed booze aisles. I plan to use this as my mental test! I am fortunate in a way that I don't crave alcohol, I drank because I enjoy it, but that might make it even more difficult to control longer term!

I am feeling brighter today and it's honestly refreshing not to feel so dreadful in the mornings, which is a real motivator. I know I have a long road ahead but one day at a time...

Thanks for your support xx

That was exactly me. I had a high level job and managed a large team, as well as projects, budgets etc., that goes with that kind of work. I agree about the NHS, which will only get worse! I am fortunate that if I am unsuccessful I can self fund a detox programme but will only resort to that if I relapse. Teetotal is the way forward for me and as I just mentioned to Robin, I ma feeling better already and will take it one day at a time. I ma actually enjoying the challenge at the moment so hope that continues...

Thanks again for your support x

Well done! I have a habit of counting things and set myself goals. I reached the point when I knew that it would be very disappointing to have a drink and start counting all over again! Sounds a bit strange I suppose. I must admit the temptation to have 'just one drink' is still there though, even after all this time. All the best! John.

Thanks John! Still counting... Stay strong, it's not worth detoxing again! xx