Day 2 of self inflicted zero alcohol

[McMouse]

Does it get any better?

[woofgang]

No to denigrate the problems of alcohol but yes I do drink alone...is the quiz saying that everyone who lives alone should never have a glass of wine with dinner?

Some while ago I was involved in trying to design one common set of documentation for doing community assessments in the NHS, there was a Department of Health PC (not computer) version going around which we looked at and declined when we had finished laughing. There was a question about alcohol intake. that question was
"Have you ever been upset or annoyed by comments on how much you drink?"
How would you react if a perfect stranger who you had invited into your home to help you with problems related to your disability or illness asked you that?
I mentioned it to my boss who said "well if it was me answering I'd say " Nah I am always too persisted to care...."

[sandyRoe]

I think that question might mean; "do you drink alone to get drunk?"

[woofgang]

then that is what the question should ask......

[Dris]

I abstained for the same reason as another poster (sorry forgot name) as I had to be on call 24/7.I didnt touch any for 4ths approx -it was a dawdle for me anyhow-as i had to..I slept better was really alert-didnt feel anxious.I 'm going back on the wagon on Monday as i really need to lose weight again but I do enjoy my vino and cheese but to enjoy I have to abstain for another wee while.Good luck -you'll feel miles better for it:)

[woofgang]

Dris the poster was me...I have to say I don't feel any different drinking or not...I used to have about half a bottle of wine every day and maybe an aperitif too.
The kicker for me was the need to be able to drive at any time if my family needed me.

The only thing I find now is that one drink is enough...more than that and I feel distinctly unwell :-(

[Dris]

Sorry woofgang its the new avatar-couldnt remember.
Yeah I agree I cant drink nearly as much as I once could nor do I want to.Once i had it in my head that I couldnt have any alcohol on board at all due to family reasons as well -then I had the strength just to say no-thats why I found it easy and still do to be honest.I hope McM finds this encouraging :)

[McMouse]

anne............never have a drop until after 6.00 p.m. Then manage three bottles of wine shared with Mrs McM ratio 2:1 in my favour.

[anneasquith]

hi mc.so two bottles of wine a night after 6pm. i admire your honesty and good luck. out of interest do you feel aggitated or anxious ? again please do not feel you must answer,

[McMouse]

No agitation or anxiety, just like the buzz. As with most things the more you have, the more you need to get the buzz.

[sg]

McM, regarding anxiety and agitation; For most of this year I have been doing the same with my other half. Open the wine after six o'clock, then open hers, then nip down the corner shop for just one more. The ratio has been about the same too.

Just at the weekend I decided to just not drink and on Monday, felt physically really kind of fresh, but so agitated and anxious, my heart was going like the clappers. I'm dreaming more vividly too, and last night, I swear, I had the most terrifying nightmare I can remember. It was a real 'Monster under the bed' one.
I was describing it to a colleague today and they said "Have you given up the wine then?" I said yes, and they replied that this is what happens the first few nights you go without a drink full stop.
Tonight I have opened a bottle of wine as I can't be doing with it after last night.
Tomorrow, I won't drink.
I hope it gets better for you. Seems like people who have posted think it will too. Get through a barrier.
I need to get through it too, and seeing this post has inspired me.
I'll start trying again tomorrow.

[237SJ]

I think there should be a permanent alcohol support thread on here in the way there is a weight loss one. There are obviously quite a few people going through the same thing and support from others in the same boat is quite important.

[boxtops]

Well done McMouse, and to sq for being inspired by this post. Stick with it.

[trt]

sg,

I had heart palpitations as well and thought I was going mad and I swear I saw a 3ft green lizard crawling up the curtains when I was trying to get to sleep, it was really scary.

[sg]

Jeez, trt. Last night my dream was that my covers kept falling to the floor and whenever I reached to get them, claws would grab at my feet and arms from under the bed. Later I realised it was 'devil me' under there. I woke up a few times and I was absolutely petrified. I just don't dream like that, never have!
Why do I want to go through that again when £21 a night on wine is sure to prevent it?
I'm only a social drinker!

Ok - I only spent £21 at the more wild nights with other half. Hey it was a new relationship, and so much fun!
sg

[dotty.]

I have a drink now one saturday night a month when i don't have to pick my son up from work, I sometimes feel like a drink but as I have to be up 5 days a week at 6.30 there just isnlt the chance. I am looking forward to the halloween weekend as i an going away for a couple of days and will be able to have a drink then.

Don't waver McMouse keep strong,

[McMouse]

sg......that's amazing about the vivid dreams. I usually dream, but since stopping drinking wine they have become totally wild, though thankfully not scary. I have to confess that I woke this morning feeling as fresh as a daisy and have already been to the local shops and have enthusiasm for 'doing things' today.
Again thanks to everyone for support and encouragement.

[snags]

''I have to confess that I woke this morning feeling as fresh as a daisy''

Told you day three would be fantastic...

[McMouse]

You sure did snags.

[anneasquith]

well done mcm