Giving up alcohol

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Mate at our Christmas do had 4 pints of Guinness 0.0, how he could be bothered I'll never know. After a big feed of Turkey & Ham and dessert too, like a days work

I'm the same. I get that people would rather not have to explain why they aren't drinking but I'd rather a pint of coke or sprite or something than drink a zero.

I'm not a massive fan of the taste of beer although I can recognise when a pint is good either Guinness or lager. Having said that if I'm lying in the house and had a choice of beer or soft drink I'd pick the soft drink every time. Alcohol would be a social thing for me not something I'd be too worried about otherwise.

[marty34]

I don't get the 'I'd rather drink an AF alternate than explain to people why you're I'm not drinking'. I find that mentality very strange, from both sides.

Like if I'm out with people I'd never attempt to ask them why they're not drinking. Like, who gives a f"^k? Are you out for a night out or out to snoop and quiz people!

[Milltown Row2]

People are dicks and they will say why ya not drinking, some people won't but there's always an arse that will say something..

As for preference that are NA it's either water or a NA beer over a soft drink.

That's the culture of the place.. Europe not so much

[Tony Baloney]

People are dicks and they will say why ya not drinking, some people won't but there's always an arse that will say something..

As for preference that are NA it's either water or a NA beer over a soft drink.

That's the culture of the place.. Europe not so much

I'd take the NA option. Especially a Guinness 0.0.  It's a total mentality thing as you've still a pint in your hand so you don't feel like you're "missing out".

[Wildweasel74]

I take a few drinks during fball season, literally 1 or 2 before a game.Don't drink foreby that, so havent had a drink since Kerry put out Derry.

[ONeill]

I haven't had a Swiss Roll since October. No one talks about the real killer.

[Jell 0 Biafra]

Celibacy?

[Tony Baloney]

I take a few drinks during fball season, literally 1 or 2 before a game.Don't drink foreby that, so havent had a drink since Kerry put out Derry.

Playing or spectating?

[Would ye whist]

Hi all,

Just checking in on this, have been working hard on trying to keep on the right side of drink, I have to admit I messed up pretty badly just after Christmas at a party, it actually scared me a bit..........since then I have been keeping it pretty straight, took the family away for an Easter break to Spain an all inclusive job and actually managed to enjoy a few beers each day without getting piss*d up, the breaks with 0% beers really helped. Also managed to get through the bank holiday weekend of good weather with only having a couple..........it's not easy but by God it makes home life a lot better, suppose what I am saying anyone struggling or thinking of cutting down it really is worth it

[whitey]

Hi all,

Just checking in on this, have been working hard on trying to keep on the right side of drink, I have to admit I messed up pretty badly just after Christmas at a party, it actually scared me a bit..........since then I have been keeping it pretty straight, took the family away for an Easter break to Spain an all inclusive job and actually managed to enjoy a few beers each day without getting piss*d up, the breaks with 0% beers really helped. Also managed to get through the bank holiday weekend of good weather with only having a couple..........it's not easy but by God it makes home life a lot better, suppose what I am saying anyone struggling or thinking of cutting down it really is worth it

Haven't touched a drop in 6 years and don't miss it one bit. God willing I will never touch it again

Best YouTube channel I found was this guy -a retired cop from London.   In one video he talks about ranking yourself in terms of being alcohol dependent on a scale of 1 to 5. "Heavy/binge" drinkers and "alcohol dependent" people are usually a 3....if you go from a 3 to a 4, that's when the real problems start. (I'm not doing it Justice but find that video and watch it-it makes all the sense in the world)

https://youtu.be/PNdg6KR1hBg?si=hYIUf7cI4dFAjzTF

[Milltown Row2]

Hi all,

Just checking in on this, have been working hard on trying to keep on the right side of drink, I have to admit I messed up pretty badly just after Christmas at a party, it actually scared me a bit..........since then I have been keeping it pretty straight, took the family away for an Easter break to Spain an all inclusive job and actually managed to enjoy a few beers each day without getting piss*d up, the breaks with 0% beers really helped. Also managed to get through the bank holiday weekend of good weather with only having a couple..........it's not easy but by God it makes home life a lot better, suppose what I am saying anyone struggling or thinking of cutting down it really is worth it

Good stuff!! Are there certain trigger drinks? Certain spirits, wines or beers that take you past that point?

Been drinking the lite beers more nowadays, home from work on a Friday few lite beers while making dinner and 2 or 3 glasses of red winds down the week!

I'd two things that weekend I could've done, one was a stag in Portugal, would have been bonkers, glad I didn't, the other was Donegal, good, not as messy but well over the recommended limits, so did neither and the weekend and body was better for it..

Alcohol is dangerous though and I'd love to reduce it further, do the month a year and no drinking (unless holidays or a party) during the week, which helps..

[Would ye whist]

Cheers MR2,

Yeah the disaster at Christmas was with my old friend Brandy, much like you I usually do not touch anything over 4% beer these days

The holiday was an eye opener for me, no hangovers and such better time with the young ones


Hi all,

Just checking in on this, have been working hard on trying to keep on the right side of drink, I have to admit I messed up pretty badly just after Christmas at a party, it actually scared me a bit..........since then I have been keeping it pretty straight, took the family away for an Easter break to Spain an all inclusive job and actually managed to enjoy a few beers each day without getting piss*d up, the breaks with 0% beers really helped. Also managed to get through the bank holiday weekend of good weather with only having a couple..........it's not easy but by God it makes home life a lot better, suppose what I am saying anyone struggling or thinking of cutting down it really is worth it
[/quote]

Good stuff!! Are there certain trigger drinks? Certain spirits, wines or beers that take you past that point?

Been drinking the lite beers more nowadays, home from work on a Friday few lite beers while making dinner and 2 or 3 glasses of red winds down the week!

I'd two things that weekend I could've done, one was a stag in Portugal, would have been bonkers, glad I didn't, the other was Donegal, good, not as messy but well over the recommended limits, so did neither and the weekend and body was better for it..

Alcohol is dangerous though and I'd love to reduce it further, do the month a year and no drinking (unless holidays or a party) during the week, which helps..
[/quote]

[Tony Baloney]

Work is very stressful at the minute and I look forward to unwinding with a few on a Friday and Saturday but have definitely found that 2 or 3 ciders on a Friday and a couple of glasses of wine on a Saturday has turned into 4 on a Friday and maybe a bottle of wine on a Saturday. I can see how it can become a slippery slope.

[Puckoon]

Hi all,

Just checking in on this, have been working hard on trying to keep on the right side of drink, I have to admit I messed up pretty badly just after Christmas at a party, it actually scared me a bit..........since then I have been keeping it pretty straight, took the family away for an Easter break to Spain an all inclusive job and actually managed to enjoy a few beers each day without getting piss*d up, the breaks with 0% beers really helped. Also managed to get through the bank holiday weekend of good weather with only having a couple..........it's not easy but by God it makes home life a lot better, suppose what I am saying anyone struggling or thinking of cutting down it really is worth it

Anyone having an honest conversation with themselves is on the right track, IMO. As long as you're not ignoring your drinking habits I think you are making progress with what will ultimately serve you better as you age. It is alarming how quickly it can grab a hold and become part of your routine/day and your identity. Took me longer than I cared to address that I was, and had become known as - a drinker. Not that my behaviour or drinking personality was much of an issue, it just dawned on me that it was a larger part of my personality than I liked. I would lead the charge in any social situation and 5pm rarely came and went without a well deserved bevvy. I would prioritize it over my hobbies and passions and it became my hobby and a passion.

Much happier removed from it, the odd smoke in the evenings and a glass of Robinson's diluting juice with sparkling water and early to bed.

I would urge minimal judgement on your friends who choose to neck N/As of an evening out - whatever makes them put the real bottle down if in fact that is their goal should be applauded, not questioned or even "I don't know how you can be arsed or do that" type statements. Just shut the f**k up and support them. Had a social function a few weeks ago and got through a 6 pack of Heiniken NA over the course of the day. My hand had a bottle in it at all times, which is a physical comfort for me in social settings. Standin there with my hands in my pockets would be an anxious existence for me and I am sure I would not be alone in that regard. We don't judge the people having an actual pint, why would we judge the folks chosing an N/A option?

[Milltown Row2]

Hi all,

Just checking in on this, have been working hard on trying to keep on the right side of drink, I have to admit I messed up pretty badly just after Christmas at a party, it actually scared me a bit..........since then I have been keeping it pretty straight, took the family away for an Easter break to Spain an all inclusive job and actually managed to enjoy a few beers each day without getting piss*d up, the breaks with 0% beers really helped. Also managed to get through the bank holiday weekend of good weather with only having a couple..........it's not easy but by God it makes home life a lot better, suppose what I am saying anyone struggling or thinking of cutting down it really is worth it

Anyone having an honest conversation with themselves is on the right track, IMO. As long as you're not ignoring your drinking habits I think you are making progress with what will ultimately serve you better as you age. It is alarming how quickly it can grab a hold and become part of your routine/day and your identity. Took me longer than I cared to address that I was, and had become known as - a drinker. Not that my behaviour or drinking personality was much of an issue, it just dawned on me that it was a larger part of my personality than I liked. I would lead the charge in any social situation and 5pm rarely came and went without a well deserved bevvy. I would prioritize it over my hobbies and passions and it became my hobby and a passion.

Much happier removed from it, the odd smoke in the evenings and a glass of Robinson's diluting juice with sparkling water and early to bed.

I would urge minimal judgement on your friends who choose to neck N/As of an evening out - whatever makes them put the real bottle down if in fact that is their goal should be applauded, not questioned or even "I don't know how you can be arsed or do that" type statements. Just shut the f**k up and support them. Had a social function a few weeks ago and got through a 6 pack of Heiniken NA over the course of the day. My hand had a bottle in it at all times, which is a physical comfort for me in social settings. Standin there with my hands in my pockets would be an anxious existence for me and I am sure I would not be alone in that regard. We don't judge the people having an actual pint, why would we judge the folks chosing an N/A option?

I think the NA's are fantastic and I've no issues with and it actually gives me a 'hit' as such, if ya know what I mean, takes away what you said 'hands in pockets' in fairness for anyone saying something they get a serious short reply tbf..

We have friends that struggle with reducing their own rate of drinking, also they'd frown on the wife having a few NA's before settling into the evening with a few wines, rather than the gins and then the wines..

I have mentioned a few times but think the wife needs to just nail it, rather than avoiding it..

But by in large they don't drink during the week but hell for leather at the weekends lol..

Sometimes its the company that makes people feel uncomfortable and 'force' the more drinks..

Moderation in everything!!

Is that medical smokes Puckoon