Alcohol, hints, tips, advice etc.

Zubrman said:
You are indeed alone in making the choice to give up. Others can encourage you, doctors can advise you, friends and family can insist you must, but if you don't actually want to stop, you won't. I gave up lots of times but was always thinking, "I can't see me sticking at this. I love my booze too much." Then, after a while of being a good boy, I'd reward myself with a can and after a week or so I was back to square one.

Anyhow, an update on where I am now.

When I stopped on 23rd September last year, I was being told that I was doing a really good thing and that I would see the benefits, all for the best etc etc. This I found extremely difficult to believe, as I was going through the different stages of loss at the time. I had them all and the counselling I got helped me through that difficult period. I received a lot of really helpful and supportive posts and PMs on Bluemoon too. Thanks everyone, seriously.

Now it's over 150 days and I can report the following:

1) Health - My blood pressure is back down to normal levels, my heart rate has gone down from 95 - 110 bpm to a sedate 82 - 85 bpm and the arrthymic heart rate which caused the nurse during my last medical to believe her machine was malfunctioning has returned to normal, (unless I'm watching City.)

I've lost over seven kilos in weight, two inches in belt size, beer belly gone and no man boobs or double chin now.. All this without exercise or going to the gym.

2) Wealth - I am saving so much money, (much needed as the cost of everything else is going up.) We are talking about £250 to £300 a month I am not spending. And to have £300 to spend, I have to earn £500 before tax. This equates to an extra £6,000 earnings a year. This is minimum!

3) Happiness - Now this is a difficult one to promote. I have certainly had periods of unhappiness after giving up but with the support I've had as mentioned above, I believe I've got through that and am now in a happier place.

My family is certainly overjoyed that I've done what I have and my relationships with them are much better.

I am calm and pleased with what I've achieved.

I won't lie that things are all fluffy and nice at all times. Standing in the middle of a packed pub in Norwich, surrounded by happy, pissed-up football supporters whilst I nurse a glass of Appletise, (other soft drinks are available,) isn't the most gleeful feeling in the world but I remember everything about the match, the day out, the travel, my friends etc and I got home safely without falling into a drunken sleep on the train and ending up fuck knows where after all trains have stopped.

4) Employment - My boss knows, but apart from one colleague with whom I go to watch City, no one else at work is aware of my change. My boss is delighted with me and was happy to have helped in supporting my decision to quit. Every time I walk in to book on, I know I can be tested for alcohol and be 100% certain I will not register a single blip on the scale. This is a far cry from when I would be going in, hoping to fuck that I wouldn't be tested.

With my renewed health, I like to think there will be no more scares at my annual medical and I can continue to work for as long as I want.

And there we have it. For those that are skeptical about the 'benefits' of stopping, I hope that puts a bit of flesh on the bones of the idea. (Vegan options are available. )

Keep at it, those who are just starting stopping and if anyone wants to chat in private, although there are many on here who have been abstinent much longer than me, I am more than happy to give honest advice by PM.

Cheers!
Click to expand...
Absolutely cracking achievement. It cannot be stated enough how difficult it can be for some people to give up alcohol. It really is a horrible drug.
 
Zubrman said:
You are indeed alone in making the choice to give up. Others can encourage you, doctors can advise you, friends and family can insist you must, but if you don't actually want to stop, you won't. I gave up lots of times but was always thinking, "I can't see me sticking at this. I love my booze too much." Then, after a while of being a good boy, I'd reward myself with a can and after a week or so I was back to square one.

Anyhow, an update on where I am now.

When I stopped on 23rd September last year, I was being told that I was doing a really good thing and that I would see the benefits, all for the best etc etc. This I found extremely difficult to believe, as I was going through the different stages of loss at the time. I had them all and the counselling I got helped me through that difficult period. I received a lot of really helpful and supportive posts and PMs on Bluemoon too. Thanks everyone, seriously.

Now it's over 150 days and I can report the following:

1) Health - My blood pressure is back down to normal levels, my heart rate has gone down from 95 - 110 bpm to a sedate 82 - 85 bpm and the arrthymic heart rate which caused the nurse during my last medical to believe her machine was malfunctioning has returned to normal, (unless I'm watching City.)

I've lost over seven kilos in weight, two inches in belt size, beer belly gone and no man boobs or double chin now.. All this without exercise or going to the gym.

2) Wealth - I am saving so much money, (much needed as the cost of everything else is going up.) We are talking about £250 to £300 a month I am not spending. And to have £300 to spend, I have to earn £500 before tax. This equates to an extra £6,000 earnings a year. This is minimum!

3) Happiness - Now this is a difficult one to promote. I have certainly had periods of unhappiness after giving up but with the support I've had as mentioned above, I believe I've got through that and am now in a happier place.

My family is certainly overjoyed that I've done what I have and my relationships with them are much better.

I am calm and pleased with what I've achieved.

I won't lie that things are all fluffy and nice at all times. Standing in the middle of a packed pub in Norwich, surrounded by happy, pissed-up football supporters whilst I nurse a glass of Appletise, (other soft drinks are available,) isn't the most gleeful feeling in the world but I remember everything about the match, the day out, the travel, my friends etc and I got home safely without falling into a drunken sleep on the train and ending up fuck knows where after all trains have stopped.

4) Employment - My boss knows, but apart from one colleague with whom I go to watch City, no one else at work is aware of my change. My boss is delighted with me and was happy to have helped in supporting my decision to quit. Every time I walk in to book on, I know I can be tested for alcohol and be 100% certain I will not register a single blip on the scale. This is a far cry from when I would be going in, hoping to fuck that I wouldn't be tested.

With my renewed health, I like to think there will be no more scares at my annual medical and I can continue to work for as long as I want.

And there we have it. For those that are skeptical about the 'benefits' of stopping, I hope that puts a bit of flesh on the bones of the idea. (Vegan options are available. )

Keep at it, those who are just starting stopping and if anyone wants to chat in private, although there are many on here who have been abstinent much longer than me, I am more than happy to give honest advice by PM.

Cheers!
Click to expand...
Really insightful write up as well as an unbelievable achievement - brilliant effort mate............
 
Zubrman said:
You are indeed alone in making the choice to give up. Others can encourage you, doctors can advise you, friends and family can insist you must, but if you don't actually want to stop, you won't. I gave up lots of times but was always thinking, "I can't see me sticking at this. I love my booze too much." Then, after a while of being a good boy, I'd reward myself with a can and after a week or so I was back to square one.

Anyhow, an update on where I am now.

When I stopped on 23rd September last year, I was being told that I was doing a really good thing and that I would see the benefits, all for the best etc etc. This I found extremely difficult to believe, as I was going through the different stages of loss at the time. I had them all and the counselling I got helped me through that difficult period. I received a lot of really helpful and supportive posts and PMs on Bluemoon too. Thanks everyone, seriously.

Now it's over 150 days and I can report the following:

1) Health - My blood pressure is back down to normal levels, my heart rate has gone down from 95 - 110 bpm to a sedate 82 - 85 bpm and the arrthymic heart rate which caused the nurse during my last medical to believe her machine was malfunctioning has returned to normal, (unless I'm watching City.)

I've lost over seven kilos in weight, two inches in belt size, beer belly gone and no man boobs or double chin now.. All this without exercise or going to the gym.

2) Wealth - I am saving so much money, (much needed as the cost of everything else is going up.) We are talking about £250 to £300 a month I am not spending. And to have £300 to spend, I have to earn £500 before tax. This equates to an extra £6,000 earnings a year. This is minimum!

3) Happiness - Now this is a difficult one to promote. I have certainly had periods of unhappiness after giving up but with the support I've had as mentioned above, I believe I've got through that and am now in a happier place.

My family is certainly overjoyed that I've done what I have and my relationships with them are much better.

I am calm and pleased with what I've achieved.

I won't lie that things are all fluffy and nice at all times. Standing in the middle of a packed pub in Norwich, surrounded by happy, pissed-up football supporters whilst I nurse a glass of Appletise, (other soft drinks are available,) isn't the most gleeful feeling in the world but I remember everything about the match, the day out, the travel, my friends etc and I got home safely without falling into a drunken sleep on the train and ending up fuck knows where after all trains have stopped.

4) Employment - My boss knows, but apart from one colleague with whom I go to watch City, no one else at work is aware of my change. My boss is delighted with me and was happy to have helped in supporting my decision to quit.u go the stronger you'll get Every time I walk in to book on, I know I can be tested for alcohol and be 100% certain I will not register a single blip on the scale. This is a far cry from when I would be going in, hoping to fuck that I wouldn't be tested.

With my renewed health, I like to think there will be no more scares at my annual medical and I can continue to work for as long as I want.

And there we have it. For those that are skeptical about the 'benefits' of stopping, I hope that puts a bit of flesh on the bones of the idea. (Vegan options are available. )

Keep at it, those who are just starting stopping and if anyone wants to chat in private, although there are many on here who have been abstinent much longer than me, I am more than happy to give honest advice by PM.

Cheers!
Click to expand...
Best wishes and best of luck mate. The longer you go the stronger you'll get.
 
Zubrman said:
You are indeed alone in making the choice to give up. Others can encourage you, doctors can advise you, friends and family can insist you must, but if you don't actually want to stop, you won't. I gave up lots of times but was always thinking, "I can't see me sticking at this. I love my booze too much." Then, after a while of being a good boy, I'd reward myself with a can and after a week or so I was back to square one.

Anyhow, an update on where I am now.

When I stopped on 23rd September last year, I was being told that I was doing a really good thing and that I would see the benefits, all for the best etc etc. This I found extremely difficult to believe, as I was going through the different stages of loss at the time. I had them all and the counselling I got helped me through that difficult period. I received a lot of really helpful and supportive posts and PMs on Bluemoon too. Thanks everyone, seriously.

Now it's over 150 days and I can report the following:

1) Health - My blood pressure is back down to normal levels, my heart rate has gone down from 95 - 110 bpm to a sedate 82 - 85 bpm and the arrthymic heart rate which caused the nurse during my last medical to believe her machine was malfunctioning has returned to normal, (unless I'm watching City.)

I've lost over seven kilos in weight, two inches in belt size, beer belly gone and no man boobs or double chin now.. All this without exercise or going to the gym.

2) Wealth - I am saving so much money, (much needed as the cost of everything else is going up.) We are talking about £250 to £300 a month I am not spending. And to have £300 to spend, I have to earn £500 before tax. This equates to an extra £6,000 earnings a year. This is minimum!

3) Happiness - Now this is a difficult one to promote. I have certainly had periods of unhappiness after giving up but with the support I've had as mentioned above, I believe I've got through that and am now in a happier place.

My family is certainly overjoyed that I've done what I have and my relationships with them are much better.

I am calm and pleased with what I've achieved.

I won't lie that things are all fluffy and nice at all times. Standing in the middle of a packed pub in Norwich, surrounded by happy, pissed-up football supporters whilst I nurse a glass of Appletise, (other soft drinks are available,) isn't the most gleeful feeling in the world but I remember everything about the match, the day out, the travel, my friends etc and I got home safely without falling into a drunken sleep on the train and ending up fuck knows where after all trains have stopped.

4) Employment - My boss knows, but apart from one colleague with whom I go to watch City, no one else at work is aware of my change. My boss is delighted with me and was happy to have helped in supporting my decision to quit. Every time I walk in to book on, I know I can be tested for alcohol and be 100% certain I will not register a single blip on the scale. This is a far cry from when I would be going in, hoping to fuck that I wouldn't be tested.

With my renewed health, I like to think there will be no more scares at my annual medical and I can continue to work for as long as I want.

And there we have it. For those that are skeptical about the 'benefits' of stopping, I hope that puts a bit of flesh on the bones of the idea. (Vegan options are available. )

Keep at it, those who are just starting stopping and if anyone wants to chat in private, although there are many on here who have been abstinent much longer than me, I am more than happy to give honest advice by PM.

Cheers!
Click to expand...
That's fucking amazing, mate. Made my day.
The bit about being surrounded by drinkers...I just remind myself how I don't have to suffer the after effects. How i could never stop drinking once I'd started. I know I can leave when people start getting a bit too..pissed. I just laugh when they start crying and arguing over fuck all! I know I won't have a hang over (which always lead to more drinking) I know I can go home, put my feet up with a nice cup of tea and be content that no alcohol has passed through my body.
 
Zubrman said:
Day 229 of being sober. Not in itself a significant milestone, but today is the day I have been on this planet one day longer than my father managed. He was an alcoholic too. RIP Dad.
Click to expand...
Week done stick to it ,lost my brother last month, nearly 3 years dry on day decided to drink 1/2 a bottle of Vodka dead within 3 months liver and body started to shut down , wouldn't wish this on any one ,he had wife son daughter grandkids and brothers and sisters,hope you and the OP are doing well.
 
crublue1 said:
I'm a functioning alcoholic. I drink everyday. I still manage work because I'm good at what I do. If you've got on a plane with a trent ten strapped to the wing then there's parts in that engine I've signed off.
I gave up last year for six months. That was weird, nobody noticed.
Anyone else a useless alcoholic like me?
Click to expand...
Don't put yourself down fella. I'll give you a story see if it helps. My uncle was an alcoholic everyday straight to the pub after work and stay in the pub for the night along with every weekend from morning until night constantly drinking but like you always turned up at work would never miss a day because he was a hard worker and brilliant at his job.

One night my mam got a phone call from the hospital, My uncle was found in an alleyway right outside his local. We all went up thinking he was dead, He came around and didn’t know who a single one of us was, It took him weeks for him to get to know us all again. My mam wanted him to come with us and the doctor strongly advised "not to" as he would just continue to drink. His advice was let him learn the hard way and he ended up in the homeless aid, All of us were devastated having to do this to him but it proceeded. The doctor told him of he continued to drink he would be dead in a short space of time and us as a family had to tell him we are all finished with him if he drank again.

That was 10 years ago he hasn't touched a drop of alcohol. He's on medication because he is still very forgetful now and again but he has his own place now comes to visit us and we visit him he's incredible to my kids and the rest of our family, He done us all proud an incredible achievement. I can assure you if he do it anybody can do it. Not sure if you have family or not so I'm just presuming just think of the people it's effecting around you. It's horrible what it does to people and families it ruins lives. You are really lucky you still have an opportunity to turn this around whilst alot of people don't get that chance.

I wish you all the best.

Really sorry just edited this posy because I only realised what date the topic was posted.
 
Something else which I'm not sure if many of you know but it's a good bit of advice. When my uncle was and brought to the hospital we were having a meeting with the doctors a couple of days later, My uncles liver was actually PERFECT absolutely nothing wrong with it after 40 years of drinking every single day.

My uncle suffered from "blackouts" which many of us may know waking up the next morning thinking "What did I do last night?" "How did I get home?" ect

Anyway, If you suffer from blackouts that means the alcohol is always going to your head and not your liver which will more than likely cause wet brain further down the line for heavy drinkers..

So if you do suffer from blackouts that's the reason behind it.
 
SWPISHOME said:
Don't put yourself down fella. I'll give you a story see if it helps. My uncle was an alcoholic everyday straight to the pub after work and stay in the pub for the night along with every weekend from morning until night constantly drinking but like you always turned up at work would never miss a day because he was a hard worker and brilliant at his job.

One night my mam got a phone call from the hospital, My uncle was found in an alleyway right outside his local. We all went up thinking he was dead, He came around and didn’t know who a single one of us was, It took him weeks for him to get to know us all again. My mam wanted him to come with us and the doctor strongly advised "not to" as he would just continue to drink. His advice was let him learn the hard way and he ended up in the homeless aid, All of us were devastated having to do this to him but it proceeded. The doctor told him of he continued to drink he would be dead in a short space of time and us as a family had to tell him we are all finished with him if he drank again.

That was 10 years ago he hasn't touched a drop of alcohol. He's on medication because he is still very forgetful now and again but he has his own place now comes to visit us and we visit him he's incredible to my kids and the rest of our family, He done us all proud an incredible achievement. I can assure you if he do it anybody can do it. Not sure if you have family or not so I'm just presuming just think of the people it's effecting around you. It's horrible what it does to people and families it ruins lives. You are really lucky you still have an opportunity to turn this around whilst alot of people don't get that chance.

I wish you all the best.

Really sorry just edited this posy because I only realised what date the topic was posted.
Click to expand...
Great story and the memory loss bit triggered a memory.
Patrick Thistle had a manager called John Lambie. He managed them on four separate occasions over the years. He was a real character and famous for his patter and being a headcase.

One game one of his players got clattered and was out for the count. Thistle had used their subs and needed him to continue. The physio had a look at him and went to speak to Lambie.



Lambie. How is he?
Physio. He’s fucked boss. He doesn’t know who he is.
Lambie: Tell the **** he’s Pele and stick him back on.
 
Magicpole said:
Great story and the memory loss bit triggered a memory.
Patrick Thistle had a manager called John Lambie. He managed them on four separate occasions over the years. He was a real character and famous for his patter and being a headcase.

One game one of his players got clattered and was out for the count. Thistle had used their subs and needed him to continue. The physio had a look at him and went to speak to Lambie.



Lambie. How is he?
Physio. He’s fucked boss. He doesn’t know who he is.
Lambie: Tell the **** he’s Pele and stick him back on.
Click to expand...
Haha brilliant!
 
SWPISHOME said:
Don't put yourself down fella. I'll give you a story see if it helps. My uncle was an alcoholic everyday straight to the pub after work and stay in the pub for the night along with every weekend from morning until night constantly drinking but like you always turned up at work would never miss a day because he was a hard worker and brilliant at his job.

One night my mam got a phone call from the hospital, My uncle was found in an alleyway right outside his local. We all went up thinking he was dead, He came around and didn’t know who a single one of us was, It took him weeks for him to get to know us all again. My mam wanted him to come with us and the doctor strongly advised "not to" as he would just continue to drink. His advice was let him learn the hard way and he ended up in the homeless aid, All of us were devastated having to do this to him but it proceeded. The doctor told him of he continued to drink he would be dead in a short space of time and us as a family had to tell him we are all finished with him if he drank again.

That was 10 years ago he hasn't touched a drop of alcohol. He's on medication because he is still very forgetful now and again but he has his own place now comes to visit us and we visit him he's incredible to my kids and the rest of our family, He done us all proud an incredible achievement. I can assure you if he do it anybody can do it. Not sure if you have family or not so I'm just presuming just think of the people it's effecting around you. It's horrible what it does to people and families it ruins lives. You are really lucky you still have an opportunity to turn this around whilst alot of people don't get that chance.

I wish you all the best.

Really sorry just edited this posy because I only realised what date the topic was posted.
Click to expand...
No worries mate, thanks for sharing that, and taking the time to post.
It's very much appreciated.
 
Zubrman said:
Day 229 of being sober. Not in itself a significant milestone, but today is the day I have been on this planet one day longer than my father managed. He was an alcoholic too. RIP Dad.
Click to expand...
Absolutely outstanding that mate - really inspiring stuff and a great demonstration to us all of what is achievable...........
 
One year, no alcohol.

I'm not bragging. Just thanking everyone who helped.

Can't say I don't miss it but I am sure glad I don't suffer from its hold over me any more.

I have noticed my family and friends have reduced their intake too. Maybe just when around me, I don't know.

What I do know is that I am definitely in a better place relationship-wise, health-wise, job-wise and finance-wise.

I truly hope all those who are struggling with any addictions get the support they need to overcome them. (My PM door is always open.)
 
Zubrman said:
One year, no alcohol.

I'm not bragging. Just thanking everyone who helped.

Can't say I don't miss it but I am sure glad I don't suffer from its hold over me any more.

I have noticed my family and friends have reduced their intake too. Maybe just when around me, I don't know.

What I do know is that I am definitely in a better place relationship-wise, health-wise, job-wise and finance-wise.

I truly hope all those who are struggling with any addictions get the support they need to overcome them. (My PM door is always open.)
Click to expand...
Great post, that's some achievement mate, hat's off.
Nice touch with your bracketed last sentence.
 
Zubrman said:
One year, no alcohol.

I'm not bragging. Just thanking everyone who helped.

Can't say I don't miss it but I am sure glad I don't suffer from its hold over me any more.

I have noticed my family and friends have reduced their intake too. Maybe just when around me, I don't know.

What I do know is that I am definitely in a better place relationship-wise, health-wise, job-wise and finance-wise.

I truly hope all those who are struggling with any addictions get the support they need to overcome them. (My PM door is always open.)
Click to expand...
Well done. Cracking achievement that.

Alcohol is such a nasty addiction with all its associated health issues. I know more people than I should who have died as a direct result of that horrible disease.

Alcohol can be enjoyed sensibly, but it all too easy to get into bad habits which can tip over into addiction without people realising.
 
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