Sober Curious tattlers support thread (Dry January and beyond!)

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I’ve made it though another weekend!! Eleven days in total now.
Im Not feeling well these past few days though, am worrying that’s it a reaction to cutting out the wine, which would be worrying as it would mean that I wasdrinking more than I actually realised
On the plus side - no cravings - yet.
i did pull out of the upcoming night out though. I don’t fancy even one drink at this stage, I don’t fancy justifying why not, and I don’t want to be sitting there watching everyone getting shrieking drunk and waiting to drive everyone home! (Sorry for sounding like a right misery guts)
I’m not letting anyone down; the date and venue were arranged before I was invited so it would have gone ahead anyway.
Next hurdle is a weekend away next weekend. Strangely though I’m feeling more chilled about that.
 
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I know what you mean about things feeling superficial. I’ve been in that boat too. I was always the fun party girl however don’t feel that’s really me anymore. I don’t know, something just changed and I felt I wasn’t missed either, I’m sure it’s not true for you.
 
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I think I’m going to do a month without drinking again. I’m not so much concerned about my drinking, but it sends my anxiety spiralling. Here for the chat

This is why I stopped drinking a few years ago. I never drank a whole lot and it was never a problem but my anxiety was just off the charts after a few drinks.

I had one glass of champagne recently and that was fine but apart from that I never drink anymore and I feel far more stable and level headed. I also find a larger amount of caffeine daily affects my anxiety so I keep caffeinated drinks to a minimum too. It sucks not to be able to just enjoy / indulge like a normal person but avoiding alcohol/ excessive caffeine is worth it for me.
 
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Hope you're all doing well. Sounds like tricky situations all round. It's so hard when alcohol is the centre of socialising!
 
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Hiya everyone! I’m really hoping to stay sober after many failed attempts. Could anyone recommend any books/podcasts that have helped them please
 
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The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley is good.
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
You could read anything from Google about the effects of alcohol on the body.

Good luck. I can recommend sobriety.
 
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Hiya everyone! I’m really hoping to stay sober after many failed attempts. Could anyone recommend any books/podcasts that have helped them please
Alcohol free life podcast by Janey Lee Grace
The two books above as well as Mrs D is Going Without by Loretta Dann.
 
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Hiya everyone! I’m really hoping to stay sober after many failed attempts. Could anyone recommend any books/podcasts that have helped them please
I enjoy sassy sober mum on Instagram (don't be put off by the crappy name) . She has a podcast too.
 
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Hi all, I found this page during a hideous hangover on Saturday filled with self hatred. Although it’s hard to hear we’re all having a tough time it’s been reassuring to hear others in same boat. I read each post with tears in my eyes and got the audio book of Unexpected Joy of Being Sober. I can’t moderate my drinking especially in large groups and I’m going to try and do 90 days sober. Wish me luck. Hope you are all doing OK? It’s a journey isn’t it?
 
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Good luck! Try the try dry app also, I’m sure we’ve posted about it. I manage low/no alcohol beer and people barely even notice when I’m in large groups. Appreciate that’s not appropriate for everyone though. The fear is so crap isn’t it? Baby steps, if you slip up draw a line and start again - the game changer for me was realising I was trying this to make myself feel better not find another stick to beat myself with

We also kicked off this thread because we’d started monthly threads in Dec 20


Also I have revised my whole attitude to drinking. I’m sober most of the time now, and think my relationship with alcohol is much better and it is absolutely down to the support of these threads! You can do this
 
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Glad to hear things are better for you!! And how much these threads helped. Great point about doing it to make yourself feel better. When I’ve tried having a break from drinking before I’ve found I struggle to tell people I’m not drinking due to social embarrassment which lasts about 30 seconds, versus the sometimes days of physical and mental anguish I suffer with a hangover. It’s no comparison is it!

Have just got the app thank you and will read through the other threads as this one really helped me get to this point.
 
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So this year has been on and off drinking and recently the wine has started to creep back in along with the dreaded hangovers. I am doing sober November and then take it from there. I just have to remember I have done 11 months 2 weeks before last Christmas got in the way
 
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I've been having vodka sodas at home with hubby on the weekends since the summer, but the difference this time is that I have one in the evening and stop there every single time. And thats fine for me, compared to a couple of years ago where I was just getting drunk with no ability to stop myself or limit myself at all.

I think at some point I will probably go completely sober again but I'm quite comfortable with where I am at the moment
 
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I think sunny days really are such a temptation, I think we’ve all had a bit of a creep up especially after the few years we’ve had. It’s really so lovely to be more normal again. I have found im as happy with a sparkling juice or non booze as long as I have a few bar snacks though

I completely understand it’s not that simple for everyone. And I think I’m ok with the odd lapse as now I know that’s the exception and not the rule, which is was getting to be. As you say @Littleelf I’m comfy enough here.

how are you getting on @Symphonia? Thanks for reviving the thread
 
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Hey, thanks @Grizzlybear I’m feeling really hopeful about going sober. I can’t find the post but someone posted about the different levels of hangover that was very relatable and I was a tier 1 on Saturday.. vomiting and insomnia. I want to feel healthy and fresh and that’s motivating me rn.

Been texting friends I am going to see soon to let them know that I feel happier without booze so I’m not going to be drinking and getting a positive response. Just hope that it is followed up with support on the day. (All the events are booze centred of course.)

Any recommendations for wintery AF options? Not a fan off AF wine. I love a lime or elderflower soda but they feel like summer drinks? How is everyone else?
 
The best AF larger I have found is the Aldi one and I also like Martini non-alcoholic aperitivo vibrante that you can mix with lemonade or soda/tonic.
 
Just bumping this thread up in case anyone would like to hop on Dry Jan with us! I’m going for my 3rd year since we started these threads in the darkest pandemic
 
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