The benefits of giving up alcohol

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31 contributors in last 30 days

Generation X Dec 2019 10:51am, 4 Dec 2019 22 posts	0 Generation X Well done Diogenes. I too saw your post but wasn't sure how to respond. I know that feeling of temptation and weakness only too well. I'm inspired by all those who did respond and that you held your resolve. For me a sense of complacency seems to strike after just a few days. Ironically I sometimes convince myself that I'm entitled to reward myself for not drinking by having a drink! Day 4 for me today, and facing the twin challenges of watching 'The Apprentice' without a glass of wine in my hand and cooking a bolognaise - I'll add some wine, but leave the rest of the bottle for my wife. Just for today.
Derby Tup Dec 2019 12:37pm, 4 Dec 2019 36,323 posts	0 Derby Tup Well done Gen X
Homer! The Herald Angels Sing Dec 2019 12:53pm, 4 Dec 2019 13,524 posts	0 Homer! The Herald Angels Sing Go Gen X! I've now got cooking wine in the house that comes out for the bolognese etc but is perfectly safe otherwise. We even had 'guest alcohol' in the cupboard somewhere
LindsD Dec 2019 2:50pm, 4 Dec 2019 31,438 posts	0 LindsD Thanks all. Felt a bit odd saying it out loud but know I am safe here.
Scorge Dec 2019 5:22pm, 4 Dec 2019 587 posts	0 Scorge venting is better than bagging it LD. i unloaded on the workplace chaplain last week - not religious at all TBH, but i found his words and understanding helpful in a way that i might not have if i'd done it elsewhere. xmas shopping is done and wrapped and i'm feeling slightly smug for once! strength to those in need. JFT.
LindsD Dec 2019 6:39pm, 4 Dec 2019 31,442 posts	0 LindsD Glad you found someone to listen, scorge
Auld Lang Sigh Dec 2019 7:46pm, 4 Dec 2019 5,038 posts	0 Auld Lang Sigh This time last year, I found getting through the festive season without caving in quite a challenge at times, but I managed it (thanks to the fantastic support of you lovely folks). This year, I know I can do it; I've done it before. It's worth it.
mrs shanksi Dec 2019 8:16pm, 4 Dec 2019 10,175 posts	0 mrs shanksi ((Linds)) Very jealous that you've got Xmas sorted Scorge, it's always a stress for me.
DingDocMerrily Dec 2019 8:36pm, 4 Dec 2019 31,287 posts	0 DingDocMerrily Last night was a planned drink ( I'm a cut downer rather than abstainer) it was meant as a bit of a treat but pub wine is not really very good so I think I would have enjoyed an alcohol free more. . This is a bit of a shock
Oscar the Grinch Dec 2019 8:40pm, 4 Dec 2019 1,286 posts	0 Oscar the Grinch I think this thread has certainly made me think more about not drinking and whilst I may never be an abstainer - who knows - it is certainly more of a possibility now than it has ever been.

About This Thread

Maintained by HappyG(rrr)

Looks as though this thread has become popular again, here in 2010 (it's now 2024, and it started in 2008, so I think "ever popular" might be more apt! :-)

G )

Good Luck everyone.

A recent plea for those struggling to "reach out" as they say in US of A!

"Anyone not feeling strong and confident, please shout out. Or fmail. Or any other comms that works. Don't drink alcohol when you don't want to, for lack of someone to talk to. Pick up the phone, not the bottle."

Some acronyms, in case people use them:
JFT - Just for today
ODAAT - One day at a time
KIS - Keep it simple
TBOGUA - The Benefits Of Giving Up Alcohol (the title of this thread!)

New feature: article/blog of the month (period may change randomly!) Swittle's wonderful 14,611 days blog: (see links below)

Linking Joopsy's 17 year blog too, cos it's awesome!

There is a GREAT article summarising some of the benefits, to save you having to trawl through the thread (includes links to helpful apps and other resources).

And a great list of Alternative Drinks started by the lovely LindsD:

Please add to these articles and make them as valuable as possible! Thanks! :-)

G

And one from way back when...
Dirt Monkey's brilliant blog on TBOGUA too - go try this...

Rebel has recommended a couple of good books:
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
by Catherine Gray

The Alcohol Experiment: 30 Days to Take Control, Cut Down or Give Up For Good
by Annie Grace

A great response from a health professional in Ireland responding to a question from a Guardian reader about why the warnings on alcoholic drinks that are coming in:

theguardian.com

"Alcohol is responsible for at least 1,000 cancer cases every year in Ireland, with one in eight breast cancer cases arising from alcohol use. Even one to two drinks per day increases the risk of developing cancer, and that risk is the same whether those drinks are wine, spirits or beer. Unfortunately, there is a very low level of public awareness that alcohol has been classed as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is carcinogenic to humans. That is why Ireland has passed legislation that provides for health information labels on alcohol products, including warnings about cancer, liver disease and the danger of drinking in pregnancy. It is unsurprising that the alcohol industry, which promotes its products with carefully crafted myths of good times for all, is objecting to the mandatory provision of facts (Anger brews in Italy over Ireland’s plans for alcohol health warnings, 12 January).
Dr Sheila Gilheany
CEO, Alcohol Action Ireland
"

And the all important fabulous services:
Alcoholics Anonymous
National Helpline (FREE) 0800 9177 650
help@aamail.org

Al Anon
020 7403 0888

medal

Contact TBOGUA medal

We're adding in our own Fetch offer of one to one contact too, for anyone who doesn't want to post in the thread for whatever reason. Please feel free to fmail ANY of the names listed below.

- - - -
HappyG(rrr)
( Oscar the grouch RIP )
mrs shanksi
Derby Tup
iaincr
Love Lettuce
DocM
LindsD
GeneHunt59
GregP