What replaces the alcohol

[Juley]

I can't believe I have to ask this but because wine consumed my life so much esp at weekends, what can I replace it with. I'm not so worried about work days as I would go to the gym anyway and now rather than come home and open a bottle of wine, I'll just have water. However, at the weekend I don't have the gym option in the evenings. I don't mind chilling and watching tv, movies but what would I drink that's not alcohol to relax.

[dancelot]

What replaces the alcohol

Hi, Juley -

I keep a supply of flavored sparkling water, various non-caffeine teas, cut up oranges or fresh mint to make the water "special", as I also find that down time or watching TV or being on the computer was where I used to drink excessively. That part of it was definitely habit. If you can't get to the gym on weekends, try to work in a walk or get an exercise video. I find if I don't I tend to get antsy, and am more aware of the fact I would definitely be hitting the wine if it was 2 months ago.

Good luck, and have a good AF weekend. Much love!

[PhoenixRising]

What replaces the alcohol

I know its not a good idea to replace one thing with another, but I find that the herb kava kava takes the edge off my anxiety and relaxes me nicely plus I drink a helluva lotta decaf tea.

For me that hardest part is just what you are describing, what to replace with chasing the high.

Yoga breathing techniques also are good at taking the edge off, as is an actual yoga practice.


I try to take my mind off things by talking on the phone or making bread or learning to crochet or mending socks or reading a good book or going to a movie or having my girlfriends over for game night or cleaning my closet or getting a new game for the computer (playing mah-johngg till your eyes cross). Digging up my family tree on geneology.com. Joining Facebook and looking up everyone from high school. Painting my toenails a bright color i'd never paint my fingernails. Taking a bubblebath, getting a massage with all that money Isaved from not drinking.

[Juley]

What replaces the alcohol

Thanks guys. This evening I went to the gym, then went to the supermarket and just took my time wandering around. Normally I'd be going straight for the wine and home to open it and watch tv or get on the PC. However, now I look back I never concentrated on those things.
I bought a nice bottle of apple juice and have just taken my xanax so bed soon. It's the evenings when I have hours to spare I worry about but I'm proud it's Friday night and it's AF. That's the first in a very very long time.

I keep focusing on all I'm missing in life. I've no relationship, no children and no home of my own. These are the things I'd love but have put drink before them so stopped taking care of my appearance even. Here's to getting all of those things now in the future hopefully.

[dancelot]

What replaces the alcohol

Juley -

Good for you! Enjoy the apple juice. Life will be better, and you are taking a huge step forward. Be sure to visit us tomorrow.

Love to you :h

[IAD]

What replaces the alcohol

Juley..........CANDY ! Ha! just watch out for your weight....IAD ( You'll find a craving for sweets after booze.)

[tippgirl67]

What replaces the alcohol

This is awesome Juley. Just chatted on live chat. Lets do it day my day.