Hello all - I have been lurking for a while , finding the drink tracker particularly useful and without a single drink since early November, so thank you to all involved for the motivation I needed.
My shock came last year when routine blood tests showed elevated liver enzymes - no need to quit, just be VERY moderate said my helpful GP. A year later the results showed almost no improvement, because my moderation came in small instalments and after some early efforts my pattern of drinking resumed. Stop for a while and only resume below allowable units said my doc.
I regard(ed) myself as a 'happy' drinker -a bit of a wine buff and almost never drunk .
My drinking was mostly around meal times with my wife who is an excellent cook. On weekends a second bottle would be opened and I tended to finish most of it . A few beers here and there and no spirits . I'm an Irish man living in Ireland and this would be a wimpish drinking pattern for many of my compatriots.
The surprise came whem I decided to call an indefinite halt . This 'modest' drinker felt real withdrawal, and cravings on occasion that had me pacing the floor. Headaches ( almost gone but lingering a bit) , rumbling digestive system, flushing face and a newly discovered sweet tooth. I felt as though a really nasty virus had taken up residence and was decidedly Blah for a long time. This confirmed to me that I had moved almost impercepibly from social and occasional to regular,frequent, daily, then habitual drinker. Habitual is one step away from dependent and then I presume the really bad stuff kicks in.
I am only now beginning to perk up and feel the benefits most of the time. I realised that my weekends had been hangover country for a long time, because I am now so productive around the house! I am fixing things and clearing rubbish and sorting out paperwork that was obviously parked while I was in the haze.
What have I learned that I can pass on? Persevere through the first three or four days and it eases up. Drink green tea and lemon if ,like me ,you love your wines- because that kills the taste attraction straight away. Chalk up the milestones - first weekend clear, sitting through a really good meal with a glass of water as the wine passes by. The first office party on the dry - the new perspective is so interesting you won't miss the booze and you will go home in your own car , in your own time. The first time someone says -you're looking well - what are you doing ? I'm up to three of those and it feels really good - it also says a lot!
Apologies for giving advice as a newbie - and I know that the struggle is very different for each person. Thank you again to all who post here -it is really helpful.
Buinnean Bui
My shock came last year when routine blood tests showed elevated liver enzymes - no need to quit, just be VERY moderate said my helpful GP. A year later the results showed almost no improvement, because my moderation came in small instalments and after some early efforts my pattern of drinking resumed. Stop for a while and only resume below allowable units said my doc.
I regard(ed) myself as a 'happy' drinker -a bit of a wine buff and almost never drunk .
My drinking was mostly around meal times with my wife who is an excellent cook. On weekends a second bottle would be opened and I tended to finish most of it . A few beers here and there and no spirits . I'm an Irish man living in Ireland and this would be a wimpish drinking pattern for many of my compatriots.
The surprise came whem I decided to call an indefinite halt . This 'modest' drinker felt real withdrawal, and cravings on occasion that had me pacing the floor. Headaches ( almost gone but lingering a bit) , rumbling digestive system, flushing face and a newly discovered sweet tooth. I felt as though a really nasty virus had taken up residence and was decidedly Blah for a long time. This confirmed to me that I had moved almost impercepibly from social and occasional to regular,frequent, daily, then habitual drinker. Habitual is one step away from dependent and then I presume the really bad stuff kicks in.
I am only now beginning to perk up and feel the benefits most of the time. I realised that my weekends had been hangover country for a long time, because I am now so productive around the house! I am fixing things and clearing rubbish and sorting out paperwork that was obviously parked while I was in the haze.
What have I learned that I can pass on? Persevere through the first three or four days and it eases up. Drink green tea and lemon if ,like me ,you love your wines- because that kills the taste attraction straight away. Chalk up the milestones - first weekend clear, sitting through a really good meal with a glass of water as the wine passes by. The first office party on the dry - the new perspective is so interesting you won't miss the booze and you will go home in your own car , in your own time. The first time someone says -you're looking well - what are you doing ? I'm up to three of those and it feels really good - it also says a lot!
Apologies for giving advice as a newbie - and I know that the struggle is very different for each person. Thank you again to all who post here -it is really helpful.
Buinnean Bui
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