1 Year Off The Sauce

[Desert Whaler]

Called it quits a year ago today . . . just felt it was time.
I had my tour, and I'm at that age now (54) where shit's starting to fall apart.
Gotta say, it was the best move I've made in a long time . . . just way better quality of life overall.
I was on a regular beer program, with some whiskey as a night-cap, & woud ramp it up on the weekends or at events / parties.

I've never liked drinking while boating/ fishing . . . it's hard enough to stay standing in a small boat, let alone buzzed. LOL
But I did have a couple eye-opening 'close calls' on beer runs to the liquor store less than a 1/4 mile from my house. 1/2 of that in my tract.
Almost pulled out in front of some kids / adults on E-Bikes blowing through a 4-way stop sign in the dark with no lights on.
Thought to myself, "Even if one of these Yo-Yo's T-Bones Me, while I'm buzzed, I'm cooked" . . . .ain't worth it.

So no preaching from Me . . .everyone has there own program / discipline . . . mine was just on borrowed time.
Have a great weekend everyone.

 

[coolchange]

Called it quits a year ago today . . . just felt it was time.
I had my tour, and I'm at that age now (54) where shit's starting to fall apart.
Gotta say, it was the best move I've made in a long time . . . just way better quality of life overall.
I was on a regular beer program, with some whiskey as a night-cap, & woud ramp it up on the weekends or at events / parties.

I've never liked drinking while boating/ fishing . . . it's hard enough to stay standing in a small boat, let alone buzzed. LOL
But I did have a couple eye-opening 'close calls' on beer runs to the liquor store less than a 1/4 mile from my house. 1/2 of that in my tract.
Almost pulled out in front of some kids / adults on E-Bikes blowing through a 4-way stop sign in the dark with no lights on.
Thought to myself, "Even if one of these Yo-Yo's T-Bones Me, while I'm buzzed, I'm cooked" . . . .ain't worth it.

So no preaching from Me . . .everyone has there own program / discipline . . . mine was just on borrowed time.
Have a great weekend everyone.

Good for you.
Coming into the Thanksgiving weekend. Let’s be careful out there, don’t break the primary rule.

Don’t get deaded.

 

[Xring01]

Congrats,
I’m 52ish, and have slowed way way way down.

For me, if I drink a bit to much, it slows me down the next day.. I just have way to much shit to get done, to be slow..

I still enjoy wine with dinner on weekly basis. But its a glass or two….

I still enjoy bourbon say once / month, but not nightly and not 1/2 a bottle.

But I really and truly do not drink and drive.. nope… not worth the risk. Have I had literally a glass of wine at dinner and drive home. Yes. But not 2.. and I am big some bitch. I doubt 1 drink with dinner would be .03 on someone my size. But there is still the risk of someone hitting you, the nightmare that could ensue, yeah just not worth It

So 99% of my drinking it literally inside my own house.

 

[sangerflattbottom]

Congratulations on the accomplishment! 81 days today for me. Like you, it was just time....

 

[FCT]

Awesome, good for you.

My FIL quit drinking about a year ago and he has been a beer drinker and vodka nightcap kind of guy his whole life. He literally quit cold turkey after a health scare. I just told him the other day how proud my wife and I are of him because I know how hard it was for him. It has completely changed him as a person. He was always a drunk asshole with anxiety and I could not stand being around him. Now when he’s at my house I asked him why he’s going home already after a week it’s crazy how much alcohol changes you as a person.

 

[Bullet28]

Congratulations, I quit in March 08 and prior to that 97 -03. I’m 67 and both times quit cold turkey to never go back again. No judgement from me in regards to anyone else that drinks. It simply ran it course with me.

 

[Bugginout]

11 years without drinking and probably best decision for me. Right before youngest was born.

 

[rivermobster]

Congratulations

My program was different than most. I started going to the river at 16. Between 16 and 21, I did more drugs and alcohol than most people do in a lifetime. It was BAD.

At 21 I just said fuck it. I'm done. It's time to grow the fuck up!

Other than a few drinks here and there, I haven't been drunk in decades.

Congrats to you for doing what you felt was best.

 

[Bugginout]

Congratulations on the accomplishment! 81 days today for me. Like you, it was just time....

Congratulations 81 days is a big deal.

 

[Bugginout]

Congratulations on 1 year bro.

 

[poncho]

Congrats,
I’m 52ish, and have slowed way way way down.

For me, if I drink a bit to much, it slows me down the next day.. I just have way to much shit to get done, to be slow..

I still enjoy wine with dinner on weekly basis. But its a glass or two….

I still enjoy bourbon say once / month, but not nightly and not 1/2 a bottle.

But I really and truly do not drink and drive.. nope… not worth the risk. Have I had literally a glass of wine at dinner and drive home. Yes. But not 2.. and I am big some bitch. I doubt 1 drink with dinner would be .03 on someone my size. But there is still the risk of someone hitting you, the nightmare that could ensue, yeah just not worth It

So 99% of my drinking it literally inside my own house.

Similar thinking, when I had a ton on my plate for the next day is when I seemed to pour it on, still got things done just drug my ass and suffered.
My nickname in our town is one and done.

Now I look forward to being home, build a fire in the back with Wife making smores dog playing fetch, tug o war and friends hanging out.

 

[LuauLounge]

i bought an old refer with a keg in it in the 70’s, 15 gallons would last 2 weeks to 2 months. Stopped with beer in 2008 and moved to bourbon. A few during the week and weekends were continuous. Gave that up a year or so ago. Health issues tipped that. Don’t really miss it, never was I a “I need a drink kinda guy.”

 

[traquer]

Congrats man! You've experienced all the benefits of it, now you're experiencing all the benefits without it. I think that's the best program long term.

 

[TeamGreene]

Feb 21'. Started out because of medication then became a way of life now. I miss it every now and then. I had stopped mid week drinking in 13' but when the weekend came around it was on and I enjoyed it but I knew it was time to quit. Not a drop since, don't miss feeling like dog shit the day after at all and I'm probably a better person now. One regret is I didn't stop when the kids were still at home. Looking back with a clear objective eye I could have been a better parent, nothing violent just better.

 

[poncho]

Called it quits a year ago today . . . just felt it was time.
I had my tour, and I'm at that age now (54) where shit's starting to fall apart.
Gotta say, it was the best move I've made in a long time . . . just way better quality of life overall.
I was on a regular beer program, with some whiskey as a night-cap, & woud ramp it up on the weekends or at events / parties.

I've never liked drinking while boating/ fishing . . . it's hard enough to stay standing in a small boat, let alone buzzed. LOL
But I did have a couple eye-opening 'close calls' on beer runs to the liquor store less than a 1/4 mile from my house. 1/2 of that in my tract.
Almost pulled out in front of some kids / adults on E-Bikes blowing through a 4-way stop sign in the dark with no lights on.
Thought to myself, "Even if one of these Yo-Yo's T-Bones Me, while I'm buzzed, I'm cooked" . . . .ain't worth it.

So no preaching from Me . . .everyone has there own program / discipline . . . mine was just on borrowed time.
Have a great weekend everyone.

Good for you, my crew has always been a work hard play hard bunch. Have a few friends that don't realize they need to tone it down before something bad happens.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Congratulations!

I’m approaching year 3 pretty quick! It just lost its fun for me at 47 years old and became too much of a habit and not a party. Don’t have any long term effects from it as of now but you never know!

Best part about not drinking is not having to tell your kids no!

Just went back to glamis for the 1st time in a long time best part of the trip was the night rides driving my daughter through the dunes like I did as a kid!

 

[manxman]

got all that out of my system at 21. I just turned 50 and still don't drink. I found it counter productive. I try not to judge others, but when I see the path that some have gone down, I find it hard not to.

 

[Travmon]

11-12 years for me, i was just done. I was the BEST AT DRINKING and think I did everything a person could do while drunk . What really started weighing on me was the fact that I couldn’t talk to any of my buddies after 8 as they were so fucked up . Every group I ran with were bottle finishers with a credo that went “ Dont bring a fifth to a half gallon party” I do not miss it and have been told I am just as fun as when I was drinking!

 

[BUDMAN]

Really wasn't much of a drinker even as a teenager sneaking off to parties or after moving out of the house after graduation, dont get me wrong, I had a few drunken nights where I wanted to forget them the next day I was engaged and getting married when I was 21 and at my bachelor party I turned it up and got tuned up really bad. I was sick for three days. It was one of the drunks where you say "I'm never drinking again!" I was sober for the next 16-17 years, just never needed it or wanted it. I'm the type of guy that can have a good time with out drinking....it just helps Lets just say I've made up for loss time since starting which was random. I was sitting at a blackjack table and the cocktail waitress asked if I would like a cocktail as my reply was a beer please. I'ts been down hill ever since

 

[The Prisoner]

I thought this was about switching brands.

 

[C-2]

I stopped at age 38 after my daughter was born, 57 now.

I'm boring AF, but I don't have hangovers

One year turns into 10-years in no time at all.

Congrats DW!

 

[Ziggy]

Called it quits a year ago today . . . just felt it was time.
I had my tour, and I'm at that age now (54) where shit's starting to fall apart.
Gotta say, it was the best move I've made in a long time . . . just way better quality of life overall.
I was on a regular beer program, with some whiskey as a night-cap, & woud ramp it up on the weekends or at events / parties.

I've never liked drinking while boating/ fishing . . . it's hard enough to stay standing in a small boat, let alone buzzed. LOL
But I did have a couple eye-opening 'close calls' on beer runs to the liquor store less than a 1/4 mile from my house. 1/2 of that in my tract.
Almost pulled out in front of some kids / adults on E-Bikes blowing through a 4-way stop sign in the dark with no lights on.
Thought to myself, "Even if one of these Yo-Yo's T-Bones Me, while I'm buzzed, I'm cooked" . . . .ain't worth it.

So no preaching from Me . . .everyone has there own program / discipline . . . mine was just on borrowed time.
Have a great weekend everyone.

The best part of this is it was most likely easier for you than most simply because YOU chose to make the change & not because someone told you while shaking a finger at you.
Congrats on your 1 year mark.

 

[gqchris]

I stopped at age 38 after my daughter was born, 57 now.

I'm boring AF, but I don't have hangovers

One year turns into 10-years in no time at all.

Congrats DW!

Same here C-2. I am almost coming up on 3 Years quit at age 47. My daughter being born was the deciding factor!

Now, if I can just give up the poor food choices, I would be set! So hard.....LOL.....

 

[ChrisV]

4 years sober here. I do miss the shit show with friends sometimes.

 

[MonkeyButt70]

545 Days for me, I stopped for no reason other than a bet with myself if I could stop. After stopping I found out feeling great is better than the taste. The hardest part for me was the social awkwardness of telling people no drink for me and then hearing them apologize for offering me one. I felt bad for them.

 

[Ziggy]

Really wasn't much of a drinker even as a teenager sneaking off to parties or after moving out of the house after graduation, dont get me wrong, I had a few drunken nights where I wanted to forget them the next day I was engaged and getting married when I was 21 and at my bachelor party I turned it up and got tuned up really bad. I was sick for three days. It was one of the drunks where you say "I'm never drinking again!" I was sober for the next 16-17 years, just never needed it or wanted it. I'm the type of guy that can have a good time with out drinking....it just helps Lets just say I've made up for loss time since starting which was random. I was sitting at a blackjack table and the cocktail waitress asked if I would like a cocktail as my reply was a beer please. I'ts been down hill ever since

I wasn't either. As German as I am many think/thought I'm a beer lover when in reality I really don't like the taste of most beers. Just not my jive.
Throughout our boating years with the kids I never had anything alcoholic, not once.
99% of my drinking really has been associated with rdp gatherings and river friends gatherings away from the lake/river(ala Vegas or cruise).
I will enjoy a vodka drink now and then but only at appropriate times, not just to have one.

 

[Bugginout]

Damn all these non drinking folks at the river!! Good to know. It's funny I've got friends who tell me have a beer, you haven't had one in so long. I ask them tell me 1 thing about a beer that's going to make my life any better. My wife has been sober 22 years. I feel like I have more fun not drinking. I'm definitely a way better parent.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

Sept 12, 2022.
After a lifetime (started drinking at 14) of excessive drinking, I quit. No meetings, just quit.

I might start again someday, but not today.

Congrats on the milestone. It was a big deal for me that I celebrated without fanfare. I'm not sure my family even noticed, with the exception of my wife.

 

[TeamGreene]

I'll add that the wife still drinks wine, there's bottle of makers and vodka in the cabinet and before the garage fridge took a shit there was always beer in it left over from people coming over. I can say that the temptation is just not there. It's become a bit of a pride thing being able to say I quit and not had a drop since.

 

[ChrisV]

Damn all these non drinking folks at the river!! Good to know. It's funny I've got friends who tell me have a beer, you haven't had one in so long. I ask them tell me 1 thing about a beer that's going to make my life any better. My wife has been sober 22 years. I feel like I have more fun not drinking. I'm definitely a way better parent.

Its also a problem not drinking. I keep wanting to drive my boat. Rack them miles.

 

[TeamGreene]

Sept 12, 2022.
After a lifetime (started drinking at 14) of excessive drinking, I quit. No meetings, just quit.

I might start again someday, but not today.

Congrats on the milestone. It was a big deal for me that I celebrated without fanfare. I'm not sure my family even noticed, with the exception of my wife.

Feb 6, 2021 the fact that I know the day. Saturday night before the superbowl that year told me that I needed to stop.

 

[poncho]

I stopped at age 38 after my daughter was born, 57 now.

I'm boring AF, but I don't have hangovers

One year turns into 10-years in no time at all.

Congrats DW!

I had a friend that really needed to stop drinking, he did. Douchebag acquaintance says to him at a party "you were a lot more fun when you drank".
Some people really suck.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

I had a friend that really needed to stop drinking, he did. Douchebag acquaintance says to him at a party "you were a lot more fun when you drank".
Some people really suck.

I get the opposite I get told I’m the same idiot I was when I was drunk!

Not going to argue that!

 

[Bugginout]

Its also a problem not drinking. I keep wanting to drive my boat. Rack them miles.

That's the best part for me

 

[Boatymcboatface]

I'll add that the wife still drinks wine, there's bottle of makers and vodka in the cabinet and before the garage fridge took a shit there was always beer in it left over from people coming over. I can say that the temptation is just not there. It's become a bit of a pride thing being able to say I quit and not had a drop since.

We’ve got more alcohol in our house most of the time than when I drank. I don’t care if people drink around me and when I stopped a made sure they still did.

I always tell everyone especially my wife that it was nobody’s fault but mine. Will I drink again? Don’t know but right now I just don’t see any benefits of drinking again.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Between 16 and 21, I did more drugs and alcohol than most people do in a lifetime. It was BAD.

At 21 I just said fuck it. I'm done. It's time to grow the fuck up!

Other than a few drinks here and there, I haven't been drunk in decades.

Congrats to you for doing what you felt was best.

My lifelong observation -
Drugs and alcohol are usually kicked off at the height of our stupidity -> teenage years. We then commonly celebrate and sensationalize it (especially the excessive use of) until we grow up or until something bad happens.

You sound like you have some control which is awesome! I wish more people did.

 

[evantwheeler]

I quit sometime during the summer of 2020. I didn't have a constant drinking problem, but more often then not when I did drink, I drank too much due to the habits of severe binge drinking that i built while going to university. Never got in a fight, never got in a wreck or DUI, never knocked a chick up, but damn I did some pretty regrettable things under the influence over the years. One morning it hit me that the consequences of drinking could ruin the life I had built in an instant, not to mention possibly ruin others lives in the process, so I decided I never wanted to not be in control of my body due to alcohol ever again. I'm sober over 3 years now. I'm super boring and will probably never dance in public again, but I'll never touch alcohol again. I do enjoy the taste of a cold beer, and miss the sweetness of a Beam & coke. Heineken 0.0 is now my drink of choice to have something in my hand at events/parties.

 

[Mr. C]

Congratulations

My program was different than most. I started going to the river at 16. Between 16 and 21, I did more drugs and alcohol than most people do in a lifetime. It was BAD

You left out the obvious. And survived.
I’m surprised so many of us did.
I’m done with drugs but still drink just not to the excess I did before.
Everybody has their own path and wish everyone the best in theirs.

 

[BHC Vic]

I think it’s been around 10 years. Last beer was with river Dave at the boat show in 2014. My life has improved a lot in the last 10 years. I have to much to lose to try drinking again.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

I quit sometime during the summer of 2020. I didn't have a constant drinking problem, but more often then not when I did drink, I drank too much due to the habits of severe binge drinking that i built while going to university. Never got in a fight, never got in a wreck or DUI, never knocked a chick up, but damn I did some pretty regrettable things under the influence over the years. One morning it hit me that the consequences of drinking could ruin the life I had built in an instant, not to mention possibly ruin others lives in the process, so I decided I never wanted to not be in control of my body due to alcohol ever again. I'm sober over 3 years now. I'm super boring and will probably never dance in public again, but I'll never touch alcohol again. I do enjoy the taste of a cold beer, and miss the sweetness of a Beam & coke. Heineken 0.0 is now my drink of choice to have something in my hand at events/parties.

The selection of NA beer made it a lot easier.

I have no problem being around people drinking; the wife still drinks, we keep beer available for guests, etc.

My SIL is a PA, and I see his office for my annual medical screening. They never preached to me, but when the doctor asked how much I drank each week, I responded:

"All of them"

He laughed and said
"No, really?"

Yes, every day, whatever I got for Beer in the cooler, I am going to drink. I was a fully functioning drunk. We used to plan vacations and weekends around how far to walk to a bar or what I needed to get done that required driving. The culture at Islander, combined with the long summer days in Montana, multiplied my consumption and it just started to become something I wanted to change.

I am currently trying to kick the sweetener habit, which is proving to be exceptionally more difficult than quitting alcohol. "When did we get Ice Cream?"

 

[The Prisoner]

It is amazing what age does. Could go out and play pool and hit pitchers of beer until last call and wake up fine. Now it’s a 3 day recovery. I actually haven’t had a beer in a year. Never had any problems with alcohol though. Just had bad year of work and sick parents. Was always scared if I had any beer I would get a call saying I needed to be at the hospital.

 

[TeamGreene]

The selection of NA beer made it a lot easier.

I have no problem being around people drinking; the wife still drinks, we keep beer available for guests, etc.

My SIL is a PA, and I see his office for my annual medical screening. They never preached to me, but when the doctor asked how much I drank each week, I responded:

"All of them"

He laughed and said
"No, really?"

Yes, every day, whatever I got for Beer in the cooler, I am going to drink. I was a fully functioning drunk. We used to plan vacations and weekends around how far to walk to a bar or what I needed to get done that required driving. The culture at Islander, combined with the long summer days in Montana, multiplied my consumption and it just started to become something I wanted to change.

I am currently trying to kick the sweetener habit, which is proving to be exceptionally more difficult than quitting alcohol. "When did we get Ice Cream?"

Was never a sweets person don't use sugar in coffee or tea don't drink soda except for a daily diet coke, now bread is another matter that is the current struggle.

 

[jetboatperformance]

Congratulations ! Love my Beers and have no intention of changing but if it works for you My hats off to you

 

[C-2]

I had a friend that really needed to stop drinking, he did. Douchebag acquaintance says to him at a party "you were a lot more fun when you drank".
Some people really suck.

I'll be the first to admit that Havasu is way more fun drinking. I loved beer and I miss it; I really do.

I quit on my own, BUT I did have an epiphany....

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.​

Ahhh, accept the things I cannot change.

The realization I'm not wired to drink went off like a lightbulb in my pea brain one day and the rest is history.

 

[C-2]

Congrats to everybody, BTW!

Awesome display of willpower

 

[Wheeler]

All this talk about drinking is making me thirsty!

 

[MPHSystems]

Called it quits a year ago today . . . just felt it was time.
I had my tour, and I'm at that age now (54) where shit's starting to fall apart.
Gotta say, it was the best move I've made in a long time . . . just way better quality of life overall.
I was on a regular beer program, with some whiskey as a night-cap, & woud ramp it up on the weekends or at events / parties.

I've never liked drinking while boating/ fishing . . . it's hard enough to stay standing in a small boat, let alone buzzed. LOL
But I did have a couple eye-opening 'close calls' on beer runs to the liquor store less than a 1/4 mile from my house. 1/2 of that in my tract.
Almost pulled out in front of some kids / adults on E-Bikes blowing through a 4-way stop sign in the dark with no lights on.
Thought to myself, "Even if one of these Yo-Yo's T-Bones Me, while I'm buzzed, I'm cooked" . . . .ain't worth it.

So no preaching from Me . . .everyone has there own program / discipline . . . mine was just on borrowed time.
Have a great weekend everyone.

You saved a crap ton of money and calories. Not a drinker myself and I seem to have plenty of fun without it.

Congratulations

My program was different than most. I started going to the river at 16. Between 16 and 21, I did more drugs and alcohol than most people do in a lifetime. It was BAD.

At 21 I just said fuck it. I'm done. It's time to grow the fuck up!

Other than a few drinks here and there, I haven't been drunk in decades.

Congrats to you for doing what you felt was best.

My programs was like this, in those days 18 could buy booze in AZ but AZ would lock you up for pot. On the CA side, they’d just take your pot away but you’d get nailed for drinking. So we would jet ski back and forth. I probably weighed 130 pounds soaking wet and a 2 liter bottle of wine cooler would get me wrecked… plus, they floated so if you dropped them on the way back all was not lost.

A 2L bottle of wine cooler, what could possibly go wrong?

 

[rmarion]

Congrats!!!

May 24, 1994 - 4:30 pm...
last smoke for me

 

[BUDMAN]

I’m mostly just a social drinker now. If I’m not driving anywhere by auto or boat I’ll be the first one to yell out shots. We usually have a breathalyzer with us if we go anywhere. Just don’t want to take a chance.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

A 2L bottle of wine cooler, what could possibly go wrong?

Slut Sauce, by today's standards, could be date rape.

Standard opps in the late 80s was a 2L per person. Whoever dreamed up the 2L plastic bottle of Wine Cooler was a legend.