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The benefits of giving up alcohol

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34 contributors in last 30 days

Mrs Jigs (Luverlylegs) Jan 2024 7:36am, 1 Jan 2024 40,143 posts	0 Mrs Jigs (Luverlylegs) 10 years is fab LindsD! Well done 👏
Big_G Jan 2024 7:47am, 1 Jan 2024 3,187 posts	0 Big_G I was at a running event yesterday for two friends who did their 100th marathon, and I went along to spectate for the final couple of hours on the lapped course. There were a decent number from my club there, either running or spectating like me, and whilst huddling under the large gazebo in a downpour (it’s a glamorous sport, isn’t it) a mate said in passing that his training for a spring marathon is going well, but he thinks his drinking is getting in the way of him making progress. He said something like ‘actually, I think it’s becoming a bit of a problem’. There were probably about 10 of us all huddled together and I felt like I should have said something, but at the same time it didn’t feel like the right environment. Shall I message him do you reckon, or just leave it? I will see him in person on Wednesday, but again not sure whether I should mention it. Maybe it was his way of asking for help/advice as I’ve never heard him say that before, and if he was asking that I wouldn’t really want to ignore it.
Derby Tup Jan 2024 7:58am, 1 Jan 2024 63,299 posts	0 Derby Tup I'd speak to him, and possibly say more people than is often thought have a problem but there's another way. Maybe say you know a group of people online too who don't drink, or who are cutting down. Also that help is available, whether medical, spiritual, with the likes of AA etc
Corrah Jan 2024 8:10am, 1 Jan 2024 8,312 posts	0 Corrah Happy new year everyone. I'm in.
NDWDave Jan 2024 8:43am, 1 Jan 2024 19,016 posts	0 NDWDave I’m in
Merry Christmas and Happy NewG(rrr) Jan 2024 8:45am, 1 Jan 2024 49,022 posts	0 Merry Christmas and Happy NewG(rrr) Happy new year everyone. I presume there will be quite a few birthdays today? Linds, many congrats on 10 years. Wonderful. How time flies. But if you had a bad night last night, today is a brilliant day to re-start. In today. G
Diogenes Jan 2024 8:51am, 1 Jan 2024 83,594 posts	0 Diogenes Congratulations, Linds, that’s an amazing milestone. Guess who is in today? It’s not a NY resolution, it’s just for today because I want to.
Homeless Kodo Jan 2024 9:00am, 1 Jan 2024 2,261 posts	0 Homeless Kodo Congrats Linds! It’s up to you Big G, you could put out the feelers to get more of a picture of what’s going on with him. If it’s a definite “yes I want help”:take it from there. If it’s a less committed, vague answer from him leave it, he’s not ready yet.
Sigh Jan 2024 9:29am, 1 Jan 2024 24,404 posts	0 Sigh Happy New Year! In! Congrats Linds, 10 years is a brilliant milestone!
GregP Jan 2024 9:32am, 1 Jan 2024 149,982 posts	0 GregP Well done Doc!

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