Couldn’t see a thread like this but thought I’d start one for anyone who’s struggling with alcohol. I’ve been trying to quit for years now, did 3 months in lockdown and it was great real eye opener for me but since then haven’t done as well. My issue is binging and partying like I’m 21 yeah sounds fun but I’m 37 now and would take me days to feel 100% again. Friday was the last straw for me, went out at 8pm only had 5 pints but then got dragged back to a sketchy party, where me and another guy finished off a full bottle of captain morgans between us, no sleep no drugs but stayed up til 2pm the next day before getting a taxi.

I can’t sleep on drink, so when I go, I go til I have nothing left and the crash happens. This is probably the 4th time I’ve did this in last 4 months, it’s basically drinking to death imo and I could end up in hospital or worse. So now is the time for me.

Personality think alcohol should be more regulated, it is a scar on society esp here. Research shows that it does effect dopamine and serotonin levels so that has to be the reason you have no motivation for things days after and anxiety through the roof. I’ve recently joined the gym and quitting will be good for the bank balance can maybe put that into holidays and trips away. Won’t be easy but I’ve no choice at this stage before it gets out of control.

Bit of a downer thread but think it’s important if there is others out there struggling and looking to quit.

    Well done for recognising it mate. I can drink a lot - never touch spirits really, but I just don’t get hangovers - can feel tired, but that’s about it and easily cured. When I finish work in a couple of weeks, I’m cutting right back to just a couple of times a week and get right on it with the bike.

    Good luck DF

    Wow, alcohol sure does have a weird effect on you if you stayed up all night just drinking until 2pm the following day. or maybe this is more common that i think?

      Like Grant said it’s important that you’ve recognized it.

      I could never give up the booze.
      Never.

      Best of luck DF, may the force be with you.

      seanc80 Those kinds of sessions all hell breaks loose on occasions, I’m not the most sensible drunk I lose all inhibitions then black out and not remember and have complete horrors about it for days after.

      Thanks Grant and yeah even cutting back will do you good health wise.

        Yea well obviously that is not good or sustainable mate

        @Funky Good for you. Replace it with some healthy activity you enjoy and you’ll feel so much better, doesn’t sound like you’ve had a healthy relationship with alcohol. I’ve cut way back (slowly) over the last 5 years or so and there really isn’t much of a downside.

          Well done for recognising it, and having the balls to do something about it. I’ve had a mixed relationship with alcohol over the years, but feel like I’m in a decent place with it now. 100% agree that it should be more regulated. Anybody ‘inventing’ alcohol today, it’d get banned in no time.

          Anyone tried any of the alcohol ‘alternatives’ that are hitting the market? We’ve got a bottle of David Nutt’s new product, ‘Sentia’ waiting to be tried. Supposedly gives you the fun, relaxed sensation of a couple of beers, but without the disrupted sleep, hangover, arrest record etc etc…

          303abuser Weirdly never drank during the week or got dependent, I was a good drinker in 20’s but I think the brain changes older you get. Ireland North or South has serious problems with it and now harder drugs are coming in aswell. As you say and many have said very little downsides to going of it.

          I’ve a lot interests and fairly active outdoors I hated how it stole my motivation for stuff I enjoy so that should keep me on the straight and narrow. Plus relationships should be better too.

          Yeah it’s similar here, Canadians drink a lot, just part of the culture. After 40, I decided a two day hangover after a few drinks just wasn’t worth it. I’ll still do it a couple of times a year, but only for special occasions. Hope it all works out for you, it’s a good change.

          Hope it works out for you Funk, more cash to invest in shitcoins as well.

          Have a couple of mates who’ve binned booze completely, but when that sun starts shining again, I cannot resist the taste of a freshly pulled pint, so will be aiming for the moderation bandwagon

          Funky Sounds like there won’t be much of a moderate middle ground for you when it comes to alcohol. Better aim to ditch it all for good imo.

          Funky Bit of a downer thread

          It’s actually quite positive.

          As creatures of habit, changing anything is difficult, probably won’t be a breeze but if you can sort will be a positive change.

          Good luck brother ✊

          Funky it may sound a bit odd, and might not always be practical - but if you feel like drinking a pint try having a scoop of ice cream instead; it can help satiate the craving.