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Can you go without booze for 31 days?

(204 Posts)
Grannyknot Tue 17-Dec-13 13:18:06

I'm doing Alcohol Concern's Dry January campaign, for the heck of it, and with colleagues at work.

I've been practicing this month (want to lose a bit of weight) and already I realise, that even though I'm not a daily drinker, it's actually not that easy, because when I feel like having my occasional glass of wine, I want one dammit! And in these winter months I also like a tiny tot of whisky in a medicine glass with a shot of lemon juice and honey of a night tchsmile.

Anyway, the campaign is to raise awareness of people's drinking habits, so I thought I'd give them a little plug, because that's not a bad thing.

Fairhair Sun 26-Jan-14 20:01:59

I think I was afraid to feel mental pain and grief I was going through. At least that was what I was told in re-hab. I was good at being charming and said what they wanted to hear.In the end you still have to go home and be with yourself and your fears. sad

KatyK Sun 26-Jan-14 20:07:34

Well, it's not easy. I was brought up in a violent, abusive household. I was neglected to the point where my teeth rotted. My brother committed suicide, my young nephew died of leukaemia (he died whilst I was visiting him), my sister in law (his mother) dropped dead at the age of 49. In the last few years, most of my hair has fallen out. Apologies if that's too much information but I won't beat myself up for having a few glasses of wine at night. I hope things improve for you.

Nonu Sun 26-Jan-14 20:16:03

Dear KATY , (((HUGS))) (((HUGS))) to you .

KatyK Sun 26-Jan-14 20:17:01

Thank you Nonu - not meaning to sound like a martyr - just trying to let Fairhair realise she's not on her own.

Ana Sun 26-Jan-14 20:27:49

Every time any thread about how much alcohol we/anyone drinks is posted I've noticed how many people rush in to say how little they drink, or that they've never liked the taste, or how they've been put off for life because of an alcoholic relative.

That's their experience, and that's fine. But I do feel there must be many more Gransnetters who don't post on such threads because they're not about to admit that they need such a crutch and possibly drink more than is good for them.

I admire all those who have actually come out and said as much!

Nonu Sun 26-Jan-14 20:32:43

ANA me too , girl !

baubles Sun 26-Jan-14 20:33:19

Katy flowers

Fairhair Sun 26-Jan-14 20:43:35

Ana and KatyK cupcake X

Fairhair Mon 27-Jan-14 16:50:39

I'm smile ...today....I was a little angry last night. I even threw a few dishes shock I will see if I can think of something interesting to discuss. hmm What about the most Smileys used in a post?grinJust a thought.blush

FlicketyB Mon 27-Jan-14 17:19:40

I think us minimal drinkers post because we get fed up with all the articles in the media that suggest that elderly people all drink like topers to while away the time until they totter into the grave.

There have been a number of media articles recently about the rising trend among those in their teens and early 20 to drink much less, despite many of their age group being binge drinkers.

But once it gets to older people we are presented only as persistent heavy drinkers, who will not acknowledge the fact - and I find that very irritating.

Fairhair Mon 27-Jan-14 17:27:41

I agree FlicketyB It is just wrong to group any age of people and say they all do this or they all do that.

FlicketyB Mon 27-Jan-14 17:37:22

Fairhair, absolutely, when you know all of us better, you will find it is a theme I and a number of others Gransnetters are always complaining about. Older people are more often sterotyped than almost any other group in society.

Fairhair Wed 29-Jan-14 17:45:32

I have made it this far without a drink.My cousin has convinced me to try rehab again.She has made arrangements for my admission next week.Today I found my 12 step materials and Big Book. I am already thinking of all the amends I need to do and sorrys to say.flowers

dustyangel Wed 29-Jan-14 17:54:33

Well done Fairhair and good luck next week. flowers

Nonu Wed 29-Jan-14 17:55:52

Well done you , Fairhair , one day at a time , just take baby steps !
Good karma across the miles to you
HUG

kittylester Wed 29-Jan-14 18:01:24

Good luck Fairhair. I think you are very brave. flowers

baubles Wed 29-Jan-14 18:08:14

One step at a time Fairhair , making amends can come later smile

I'm delighted for you, you are doing all the right things to get yourself on the road to recovery.

Have a brew & cupcake

NfkDumpling Wed 29-Jan-14 20:30:54

Go girl! flowers

Fairhair Wed 29-Jan-14 21:12:59

You ladies are like a instant family smile ones you care about. wink

KatyK Wed 29-Jan-14 21:21:53

Good luck Fairhair flowers

Grannyknot Wed 29-Jan-14 21:31:21

fairhair I would never in a hundred years have thought my impulsive decision to post on here about my participating in DJ would have someone like you joining in the conversation. Which is one of the main aims of the campaign, to get people talking about the role of alcohol in their lives.

You're in good company here smile

All the best to you, please keep us posted flowers #impressive

grannyactivist Wed 29-Jan-14 21:55:57

Fairhair - a brave step. flowers
A few years ago we gave a home to an alcoholic man who had lost everything because of his addiction; we took him in as an alternative to him living on the streets. As a condition of him being here he agreed he would not drink any alcohol, but wasn't able to keep his word and I found the evidence. (Hidden empty bottles.) We called his estranged wife to a meeting with him and he was mortified when we confronted him. We agreed that he would be given one more chance with us - and he did it - he turned his life around. He went from living with us into a rehab programme and became a model student there. Subsequently he is back with his wife and children, has got a good job and has even given up smoking. (That was 2010/2011.)
So take heart Fairhair, there is always hope. smile

Dragonfly1 Wed 29-Jan-14 21:57:53

Fairhair, good luck with rehab. My brother was an alcoholic, we couldn't get him into rehab. Thoughts are with you.

Aka Wed 29-Jan-14 23:09:48

Good Luck Fairhair I come from a family with a tendency to alcoholism which fortunately seems to have skipped me, though I love a drink. If you can do this it will turn your life around (((hugs))))

Nelliemoser Wed 29-Jan-14 23:24:50

Fairhair Every good wish to you. Even if you do have some set backs don't get consumed with guilt and remorse and stop trying altogether.