1 Year Off The Sauce

[Rajobigguy]

I have no intention of quitting drinking but I have slowed down. In 2022 I almost finished a six pack but so far this year I’ve only had one beer.

 

[Outdrive1]

 

[GRANT@FUNCO]

Congrats to the OP and huge props to anyone that deems they have a problem that gets through that Day 1

My story , 35 years sober, I'm 61 now . Had a problem with literally everything mind altering at some point. Just before I checked into rehab ( luckily one and done.) Myy wife said you want to party I can take care of the kids ,go have at it. I took about a month of crystal meth for me to implode. For me it was'nt to improve my life it was to save my life. I'm still an addict/through and through I just choose to not use or drink on a daily basis and still have a great time living life.

Again mad props for anyone with a day ,put another one and another one together it gets easier and life will get better.

 

[Shlbyntro]

January 28, 2023 for me; the day Marlee crossed TX state lines. Not because I had to, but because it was the right thing to do by her. I miss it, especially a cold beer or a Margarita after a long hot day of working outside in the summer. I still keep alcohol in the house for when friends come over but I don't touch it.

I have found that I am more productive with my time without it. My long list of projects was getting out of hand and are now somewhat in check

 

[PlanB]

I stopped after my health issues started a couple of years ago. I really only drank with company, so I was never an everyday drinker.

I was at the VA clinic years ago and they asked me how much I drank. I told them I really only drank out at the river. They asked how many drinks a day I would have at the river. I said "maybe 15-20 a day". To this day I still have the VA trying to get me to go to counseling. Lol.

 

[pkrrvr619]

It’s interesting how the river and desert are synonymous with drinking and partying. Seems like it’s always been the case, wonder why as they are both inherently dangerous.

Maybe due to lack of police presence back in the day so it was more of a “last place to be free” deal?

 

[LuauLounge]

A buddy, 25 years my senior always used to say, " I only drink alone or with somebody."

 

[lbhsbz]

Almost 4 months for me. I cheated when I was in Vegas for the AAPEX show a few weeks ago, only had 2. Haven't touched it since.

It was starting to hurt too much, I'm getting to old for that shit.

 

[SoCalDave]

My FIL had a stroke in 2006 and when at the ER the Dr asked him if he drank and he replied yes acouple of beers a day. My wife spoke up and said "Dad, tell him the truth". His reply was "untill it's all gone" which was truth. That man could drink that's for sure. He never drank after that until he passed in 2012.

 

[monkeyswrench]

When roofing, 10-20 beers daily, and an occasional fifth on a Friday or Saturday. I was always an asshole, but I was surely worse then. I think I was self medicating, but it always came back. Whatever it was I was running from was still there in the morning.

I still "drink", but not often and not to "hide:. The last beer I drank was at DS, had one there. Last whiskey I had was a bit before that, when my good friend was moving out of state. I'll probably drink a bit more someday, but never as much as I did.

Saved some money I think in the process.

 

[jet496]

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

11 years for me as well. I am not anti-alcohol, I just couldn't have a couple, ever. My hats off to the man who can drink like a gentleman.

 

[SoCalDave]

Saved some money I think in the process.

Yeah shit gets expensive if going out much less at home.

 

[WYRD]

Congrats

 

[Orange Juice]

Some of my friends have turned to “Mocktails”

Personally, I find it impossible to get drunk. I can nurse a beer for two hours.

28 Mocktail Recipes You’ll Want to Mix Up All the Time

These zero-proof sips are every bit as fun and delicious as their boozy counterparts.

www.foodnetwork.com

 

[wash11]

As I sit here, burning holes into the couch with Coors Light farts and waiting for the Excedrin to kick in- I think you guys are onto something.

 

[TonyFanelli]

Congrats!!!

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

Cigs or weed?

 

[TonyFanelli]

It's amazing listening to these stories...seems like we've all had our share of soo much drinkin and "other" chemicals...I missed the entire 80's due to a certain white powder substance...lost my 1st wife, a few vehicles, and damn near the house.
I knew enuf was enuf, but couldn't stop. Finally told my dad I had a problem...he said "what are you smoking pot"..I replied "I wish"
Finally cold turkey'd it after a couple of incidents, haven't touched it since.
Looking back I can't belive how much shit our human bodies can tolerate without ceasing to exist! Still have a couple drinks now and then tho...
Congrats to all!!

 

[Happy Smitty]

After reading everyone's stories I've decided I won't drink anymore, and I won't drink any less.

 

[lbhsbz]

January 28, 2023 for me; the day Marlee crossed TX state lines. Not because I had to, but because it was the right thing to do by her. I miss it, especially a cold beer or a Margarita after a long hot day of working outside in the summer. I still keep alcohol in the house for when friends come over but I don't touch it.

I have found that I am more productive with my time without it. My long list of projects was getting out of hand and are now somewhat in check

It's amazing how much productivity increased....I ended up firing my helper who basically just stood around and helped me drink beer all day. lol. I get 3 times as much work done at half the price now.

 

[Dog boy]

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.

Congrats no preaching from me either I wasn't that big of a drinker but loved the white powder and it didn't help that two of my best friends happen to deal in large quantities kilos.I checked into rehab on 9/29/89 thirty four years ago and have been sober since that day.

 

[Vamodsquad]

July, 2011 was the last beer I had. Blue Hills Golf Course, man it was hot, really hit the spot.
But right before that, I had quit riding my Bike and going to Bars. My Mother had gotten cancer earlier in the year, and I didn't think it was right for me to be out drinking and running around while she was fighting for her life. So I changed things. I don't hang out with that bunch of people anymore, and I found out I don't have to drink or party to have a good time. Plus I was able to save a butt load of money and buy another Flatty !

 

[Bugginout]

11 years for me as well. I am not anti-alcohol, I just couldn't have a couple, ever. My hats off to the man who can drink like a gentleman.

Yes sir!!

 

[jet496]

My FIL had a stroke in 2006 and when at the ER the Dr asked him if he drank and he replied yes acouple of beers a day. My wife spoke up and said "Dad, tell him the truth". His reply was "untill it's all gone" which was truth. That man could drink that's for sure. He never drank after that until he passed in 2012.

LOL. I lied to all my doctors. One that stuck in my mind was one that asked how much I drank. I said 6 to 12 beers. She seemed disturbed that I drank that much. She goes "you drink 6 to 12 beers a week?". I shamefully said yes, but what I really meant was a day. It opened my eyes a bit that maybe that isn't normal. Oh, and I didn't tell her I did plenty of shots of Jack while drinking the beers.

 

[Willie B]

… Quit drinking on a daily basis in the very early 90s… I’ve had a couple of tequila nights since then… when certain friends had come by… Been to the hideaway bar in Kagle Canyon maybe five times since the early 90s… don’t miss it… And if the right people come by yeah I might party it up a little bit… maybe???… not really sure???…

 

[rmarion]

Cigs or weed?

cigarettes for me...

golf event last year with my boys... I took a hit... woke up 6 hrs later..LOL

 

[Sportin' Wood]

I realize RDP is hardly the place to celebrate 2 years sober, but WTF. Today marks the second year. Sept 12 2022.

Some things I noticed being sober.
I'm not afraid to just jump in the truck and go get something from the hardware store when I need it. I used to have to plan those trips around my drinking schedule.
I'm the dependable designated driver 100% of the time. I figure I owe everyone in my family that courtesy.
I get way more done, but I'm terrible company, because I get board easy with idle time. I'm not that friendly or fun anymore.
I find I don't like people that much anymore, that might be age however. I have a higher standard for conversation these days.
I still don't sleep for shit, my mind does not stop. Alcohol gave me temporary silence, that can be a challenge for me some nights.
I'm way more on point concerning situational awareness.
I miss Bloody Mary's Virgin versions don't provide the same satisfaction.
1 or 2 NA beers is completely satisfying, I don't need to destroy a 12 pack.
I could get really good at eating Ice Cream and Deserts. It is super easy to justify to myself that I deserve that treat.
The best I'm gonna feel all day is when I wake up. The day often goes downhill, where when I drank the day got better as the hangover wore off and I stated drinking again.

The first year was easier than the second. There were many times this year I almost gave in and said why do I need to be sober? What does one beer matter? One glass of wine? I ran two half marathons this year, there is no way in hell I would have done that if I was drinking. Having that type of goal helped me just say no. Work related social events are painful. I sneak out at first opportunity.

 

[TrollerDave]

I realize RDP is hardly the place to celebrate 2 years sober, but WTF. Today marks the second year. Sept 12 2022.

Some things I noticed being sober.
I'm not afraid to just jump in the truck and go get something from the hardware store when I need it. I used to have to plan those trips around my drinking schedule.
I'm the dependable designated driver 100% of the time. I figure I owe everyone in my family that courtesy.
I get way more done, but I'm terrible company, because I get board easy with idle time. I'm not that friendly or fun anymore.
I find I don't like people that much anymore, that might be age however. I have a higher standard for conversation these days.
I still don't sleep for shit, my mind does not stop. Alcohol gave me temporary silence, that can be a challenge for me some nights.
I'm way more on point concerning situational awareness.
I miss Bloody Mary's Virgin versions don't provide the same satisfaction.
1 or 2 NA beers is completely satisfying, I don't need to destroy a 12 pack.
I could get really good at eating Ice Cream and Deserts. It is super easy to justify to myself that I deserve that treat.
The best I'm gonna feel all day is when I wake up. The day often goes downhill, where when I drank the day got better as the hangover wore off and I stated drinking again.

The first year was easier than the second. There were many times this year I almost gave in and said why do I need to be sober? What does one beer matter? One glass of wine? I ran two half marathons this year, there is no way in hell I would have done that if I was drinking. Having that type of goal helped me just say no. Work related social events are painful. I sneak out at first opportunity.

That’s something to celebrate anywhere.
Keep it up.

 

[Bugginout]

Congratulations bro!! It gets easier in those social situations with time. 2 years is a big deal! Keep on trucking.

 

[Desert Whaler]

I realize RDP is hardly the place to celebrate 2 years sober, but WTF. Today marks the second year. Sept 12 2022.

Some things I noticed being sober.
I'm not afraid to just jump in the truck and go get something from the hardware store when I need it. I used to have to plan those trips around my drinking schedule.
I'm the dependable designated driver 100% of the time. I figure I owe everyone in my family that courtesy.
I get way more done, but I'm terrible company, because I get board easy with idle time. I'm not that friendly or fun anymore.
I find I don't like people that much anymore, that might be age however. I have a higher standard for conversation these days.
I still don't sleep for shit, my mind does not stop. Alcohol gave me temporary silence, that can be a challenge for me some nights.
I'm way more on point concerning situational awareness.
I miss Bloody Mary's Virgin versions don't provide the same satisfaction.
1 or 2 NA beers is completely satisfying, I don't need to destroy a 12 pack.
I could get really good at eating Ice Cream and Deserts. It is super easy to justify to myself that I deserve that treat.
The best I'm gonna feel all day is when I wake up. The day often goes downhill, where when I drank the day got better as the hangover wore off and I stated drinking again.

The first year was easier than the second. There were many times this year I almost gave in and said why do I need to be sober? What does one beer matter? One glass of wine? I ran two half marathons this year, there is no way in hell I would have done that if I was drinking. Having that type of goal helped me just say no. Work related social events are painful. I sneak out at first opportunity.

Nice ! . . . Congrats on 2 years !
I can totally relate to a lot of what you are saying.
It sure is nice not having the 'Spectre' of no matter who's at fault in an accident you're completely f'ed if you were to blow even slightly over.
My neighbor has a place in the Philippines and brings me back a bottle of really nice Tanduay Rum every visit . . . the stuff was real good, but I passed last time.
I tried to give him back the 6 unopened bottles I still have, but he just said, 'Nope, just give them away as nice gifts'.
Only time I ever miss drinking is maybe a bloody mary with chicken fried streak & eggs . . . or a cold foamer when wiping down the boat after a long day on the water.
Other than that, I've got zero interest.
Life is so much better off the sauce.
Congrats again on 2 years !

 

[BHC Vic]

I realize RDP is hardly the place to celebrate 2 years sober, but WTF. Today marks the second year. Sept 12 2022.

Some things I noticed being sober.
I'm not afraid to just jump in the truck and go get something from the hardware store when I need it. I used to have to plan those trips around my drinking schedule.
I'm the dependable designated driver 100% of the time. I figure I owe everyone in my family that courtesy.
I get way more done, but I'm terrible company, because I get board easy with idle time. I'm not that friendly or fun anymore.
I find I don't like people that much anymore, that might be age however. I have a higher standard for conversation these days.
I still don't sleep for shit, my mind does not stop. Alcohol gave me temporary silence, that can be a challenge for me some nights.
I'm way more on point concerning situational awareness.
I miss Bloody Mary's Virgin versions don't provide the same satisfaction.
1 or 2 NA beers is completely satisfying, I don't need to destroy a 12 pack.
I could get really good at eating Ice Cream and Deserts. It is super easy to justify to myself that I deserve that treat.
The best I'm gonna feel all day is when I wake up. The day often goes downhill, where when I drank the day got better as the hangover wore off and I stated drinking again.

The first year was easier than the second. There were many times this year I almost gave in and said why do I need to be sober? What does one beer matter? One glass of wine? I ran two half marathons this year, there is no way in hell I would have done that if I was drinking. Having that type of goal helped me just say no. Work related social events are painful. I sneak out at first opportunity.

That’s a pretty good summary. 10+ years for me. I’m not sure I’ll ever drink again?

 

[pkrrvr619]

I realize RDP is hardly the place to celebrate 2 years sober, but WTF. Today marks the second year. Sept 12 2022.

Some things I noticed being sober.
I'm not afraid to just jump in the truck and go get something from the hardware store when I need it. I used to have to plan those trips around my drinking schedule.
I'm the dependable designated driver 100% of the time. I figure I owe everyone in my family that courtesy.
I get way more done, but I'm terrible company, because I get board easy with idle time. I'm not that friendly or fun anymore.
I find I don't like people that much anymore, that might be age however. I have a higher standard for conversation these days.
I still don't sleep for shit, my mind does not stop. Alcohol gave me temporary silence, that can be a challenge for me some nights.
I'm way more on point concerning situational awareness.
I miss Bloody Mary's Virgin versions don't provide the same satisfaction.
1 or 2 NA beers is completely satisfying, I don't need to destroy a 12 pack.
I could get really good at eating Ice Cream and Deserts. It is super easy to justify to myself that I deserve that treat.
The best I'm gonna feel all day is when I wake up. The day often goes downhill, where when I drank the day got better as the hangover wore off and I stated drinking again.

The first year was easier than the second. There were many times this year I almost gave in and said why do I need to be sober? What does one beer matter? One glass of wine? I ran two half marathons this year, there is no way in hell I would have done that if I was drinking. Having that type of goal helped me just say no. Work related social events are painful. I sneak out at first opportunity.

Fuck yea man! Two years is a huge accomplishment and something you should be proud of. Two half marathons?! It's odd how much you can achieve when giving up the sauce.

In regards to silencing the mind, try meditating. As lame as it sounds it allows you to check in with your thoughts and put them at ease without booze. Youtube has 5 minute guided meditations that will get you in the groove. This practice allows you to then realize when your mind is racing and gives a tool you can use to quiet it without substances.

For your free time, find a new hobby and nerd out and go deep in the rabbit hole. You have a ton of time now, fill it learning about something you enjoy.

NA beers are the shit now a days. Bevmo used to have an end cap of them and now a whole isle is dedicated. Blue moon and corona are some stand outs. A soda stream at home with some fresh fruit will help as well if you're into fizzy water.

Eat the sweets, fuck it. you do deserve it.

I'm at 2.5 years and in that time I have shed shitty friends, gained more healthy friends that have deeper connections with. Sailed the BVI without a captain, bought a home in Havasu, made more money that I ever have in my day job, and decided to start a marketing firm within the marine industry that is slowly growing and paying off.

Keep at it. When you have thoughts of "what's one beer" play the tape forward and remind yourself where that leads and why you wanted to quit in the first place. Whatever those reasons/stories may be.

I hope this post doesn't sound preachy, I just know that these the above items have helped me the past couple of years. Hell I just got my AZ ID and compared it to my passport photo from a few years back and the difference is astonishing.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

Fuck yea man! Two years is a huge accomplishment and something you should be proud of. Two half marathons?! It's odd how much you can achieve when giving up the sauce.

In regards to silencing the mind, try meditating. As lame as it sounds it allows you to check in with your thoughts and put them at ease without booze. Youtube has 5 minute guided meditations that will get you in the groove. This practice allows you to then realize when your mind is racing and gives a tool you can use to quiet it without substances.

For your free time, find a new hobby and nerd out and go deep in the rabbit hole. You have a ton of time now, fill it learning about something you enjoy.

NA beers are the shit now a days. Bevmo used to have an end cap of them and now a whole isle is dedicated. Blue moon and corona are some stand outs. A soda stream at home with some fresh fruit will help as well if you're into fizzy water.

Eat the sweets, fuck it. you do deserve it.

I'm at 2.5 years and in that time I have shed shitty friends, gained more healthy friends that have deeper connections with. Sailed the BVI without a captain, bought a home in Havasu, made more money that I ever have in my day job, and decided to start a marketing firm within the marine industry that is slowly growing and paying off.

Keep at it. When you have thoughts of "what's one beer" play the tape forward and remind yourself where that leads and why you wanted to quit in the first place. Whatever those reasons/stories may be.

I hope this post doesn't sound preachy, I just know that these the above items have helped me the past couple of years. Hell I just got my AZ ID and compared it to my passport photo from a few years back and the difference is astonishing.

I've got plenty of hobbies, I find that having the big goal or Misogi Challenge really helps me realize the benefit, or maybe appreciate the value of sobriety.

https://www.depthnotwidth.com/the-misogi-challenge-taking-risks-and-crushing-your-comfort-zone/

I need a 2025 challenge, I've exceeded my 2024 goal of running a half marathon. (Did it twice) One issue I need to overcome is realizing it's ok to be a little selfish with my bucket list items. It's not a vacation for Angie if I want to go on a trip to run a marathon, it's three days of me. I'm not going to mix those with vacation moving forward. Honestly I may just go on this type of stuff alone. One thing I really miss from my younger days was fellowship with other men. Be it racing, martial arts, a personal trainer, or even weekly coffee with other entrepreneurs.

I kind of traded one addiction for another with my work schedule, I'm at the point in my journey that I recognize that. I did not go on a single fishing trip this summer and I live in the mecca of fly fishing, it is criminal.

In so far as meditation, I'm not built for that solo. If I want to take that path, I'll need a Sherpa. Thanks for the feedback, I need a good sermon.

FWIW I've never been serious about running. I could not run a mile two years ago.

 

[Onetime12]

Congrats on 2 years, that's a huge accomplishment. I just hit 10 years in August, Life is good, not always easy but damn better than being on the sauce!

 

[gqchris]

I realize RDP is hardly the place to celebrate 2 years sober, but WTF. Today marks the second year. Sept 12 2022.

Some things I noticed being sober.
I'm not afraid to just jump in the truck and go get something from the hardware store when I need it. I used to have to plan those trips around my drinking schedule.
I'm the dependable designated driver 100% of the time. I figure I owe everyone in my family that courtesy.
I get way more done, but I'm terrible company, because I get board easy with idle time. I'm not that friendly or fun anymore.
I find I don't like people that much anymore, that might be age however. I have a higher standard for conversation these days.
I still don't sleep for shit, my mind does not stop. Alcohol gave me temporary silence, that can be a challenge for me some nights.
I'm way more on point concerning situational awareness.
I miss Bloody Mary's Virgin versions don't provide the same satisfaction.
1 or 2 NA beers is completely satisfying, I don't need to destroy a 12 pack.
I could get really good at eating Ice Cream and Deserts. It is super easy to justify to myself that I deserve that treat.
The best I'm gonna feel all day is when I wake up. The day often goes downhill, where when I drank the day got better as the hangover wore off and I stated drinking again.

The first year was easier than the second. There were many times this year I almost gave in and said why do I need to be sober? What does one beer matter? One glass of wine? I ran two half marathons this year, there is no way in hell I would have done that if I was drinking. Having that type of goal helped me just say no. Work related social events are painful. I sneak out at first opportunity.

Everything about this is spot on and hit the nail on the head on how I feel as well. 3 Years here. I miss the shit out of it, and smoking. I am about 10 years freedom from cigarettes.

 

[NicPaus]

The hardest part for me is the sleep. I had 2 beers last night and slept great. No beers. Jobs just spin through my mind all night and I wake up tired. I think of what needs to be done the next day all night long. More jobs going the worse it is.

Congrats! 2 years is huge. 2 weeks for me feels like forever then I cave.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

The hardest part for me is the sleep. I had 2 beers last night and slept great. No beers. Jobs just spin through my mind all night and I wake up tired. I think of what needs to be done the next day all night long. More jobs going the worse it is.

Congrats! 2 years is huge. 2 weeks for me feels like forever then I cave.

Yep.

 

[pkrrvr619]

The hardest part for me is the sleep. I had 2 beers last night and slept great. No beers. Jobs just spin through my mind all night and I wake up tired. I think of what needs to be done the next day all night long. More jobs going the worse it is.

Congrats! 2 years is huge. 2 weeks for me feels like forever then I cave.

benadryl will help immensely. or edibles with THC/CBD if you're into that.

 

[NicPaus]

benadryl will help immensely. or edibles with THC/CBD if you're into that.

I quit smoking 5 years ago. Not trying to start again. But that definitely helped. Problem was I stopped and my drinking increased. One of my jobs currently is for a grower. He keeps trying to hand me pounds as part of the pay. Lol

 

[Boatymcboatface]

People don’t change when you stop drinking priorities do.

I walk away from stupid conversations all the time and they just say oh he’s annoyed because he’s not drinking. Well it’s kinda true but I walked away from all kinds of stupid conversations when I was drinking. Difference is everyone was drinking they just assume your going to get another drink then when you don’t come back they just assume your to drunk to remember to come back.

Congrats on the 2 years it’s gets easier every year.

 

[evantwheeler]

Still on the wagon here, just passed 4 years sometime this summer, i dont celebrate the date, care to remember it, or count days. Cant say life is better, but it certainly could be WAY worse as a result of alcohol, and that’s why I quit.

Headed to a country concert this weekend in SD to celebrate a good friends 50th. This will be my first big public outing since being sober (i really dont like being around many people). Hopefully I can just lurk and not bring the energy of others who like to party down. That was my favorite part about alcohol, it brought my energy to an exponential level in social settings versus my sober baseline. I have passed on going to stagecoach with my best friend from back home the past two years due to being sober. His sober energy in social settings is way above even my inebriated energy level, and i just cant hang. I’d rather do a full day of manual labor in the sun in my yard than spend a full day sober with a bunch of drunk strangers listening to music.

Congrats to all those holding strong and staying on the path. Ive seen first hand how alcoholism can ruin ones life with my childhood best friend, its not pretty.

 

[yz450mm]

I realize RDP is hardly the place to celebrate 2 years sober, but WTF. Today marks the second year. Sept 12 2022.

Some things I noticed being sober.
I'm not afraid to just jump in the truck and go get something from the hardware store when I need it. I used to have to plan those trips around my drinking schedule.
I'm the dependable designated driver 100% of the time. I figure I owe everyone in my family that courtesy.
I get way more done, but I'm terrible company, because I get board easy with idle time. I'm not that friendly or fun anymore.
I find I don't like people that much anymore, that might be age however. I have a higher standard for conversation these days.
I still don't sleep for shit, my mind does not stop. Alcohol gave me temporary silence, that can be a challenge for me some nights.
I'm way more on point concerning situational awareness.
I miss Bloody Mary's Virgin versions don't provide the same satisfaction.
1 or 2 NA beers is completely satisfying, I don't need to destroy a 12 pack.
I could get really good at eating Ice Cream and Deserts. It is super easy to justify to myself that I deserve that treat.
The best I'm gonna feel all day is when I wake up. The day often goes downhill, where when I drank the day got better as the hangover wore off and I stated drinking again.

The first year was easier than the second. There were many times this year I almost gave in and said why do I need to be sober? What does one beer matter? One glass of wine? I ran two half marathons this year, there is no way in hell I would have done that if I was drinking. Having that type of goal helped me just say no. Work related social events are painful. I sneak out at first opportunity.

Congrats and you are spot on, I'm with you on all of that! Haven't had a drink since February and don't miss it at all. I asked my daughter what she thinks of the sober version of dad, and she laughed and said "you used to be more fun". The sweets craving is real, cookies and ice cream are like crack now!

The hardest part for me is the sleep. I had 2 beers last night and slept great. No beers. Jobs just spin through my mind all night and I wake up tired. I think of what needs to be done the next day all night long. More jobs going the worse it is.

Congrats! 2 years is huge. 2 weeks for me feels like forever then I cave.

I was the opposite, it was full throttle Friday to Sunday and nothing during the week. If I had one or two beers, I couldn't sleep for shit. So if I cracked one, there better be a whole bunch more ready to go. The hangovers on the weekend were horrible, and I wasted most of the weekend feeling like death.

benadryl will help immensely. or edibles with THC/CBD if you're into that.

I like these, I don't NEED them to sleep well but they definitely help.

Night Shred

 

[OCMerrill]

Two years is a big deal. Excellent work for sure.

I've been down this path with weight being the big factor at nearly 400 lbs. Cut all alcohol for nearly 3 years and weight slowly came off.
Fast forward another 3-4 years and yes I do drink a Beer now, here and there but thats about it. I will go a month without because I'm not thinking about it like I used to.
Come to think about it the last single beer and only beer I had was on Catalina several weeks ago. Would have been fine with a Diet Coke.

In the middle of all that I became a Diabetic so continuing to lose leftover beer weight is even more difficult.
Also the Vertigo bullshit definitely keeps me out of the heavy stuff. 272 now and I can buy clothes anywhere which is interesting.

That said I can make a spooned over Black -n- Tan with my eyes closed. You want to bulk up start there.

 

[RVR_RCN]

Encouraging to read all these posts. Quit drinking March 12 2023 after hitting it hard for 40 years! Just was tired of it, do miss the social aspect sometimes but always wake up the next day thinking "glad I don't drink". Ability to drive car and boat anytime without fear of going to prison for killing someone is a good feeling!

 

[WYRD]

I realize RDP is hardly the place to celebrate 2 years sober, but WTF. Today marks the second year. Sept 12 2022.

Some things I noticed being sober.
I'm not afraid to just jump in the truck and go get something from the hardware store when I need it. I used to have to plan those trips around my drinking schedule.
I'm the dependable designated driver 100% of the time. I figure I owe everyone in my family that courtesy.
I get way more done, but I'm terrible company, because I get board easy with idle time. I'm not that friendly or fun anymore.
I find I don't like people that much anymore, that might be age however. I have a higher standard for conversation these days.
I still don't sleep for shit, my mind does not stop. Alcohol gave me temporary silence, that can be a challenge for me some nights.
I'm way more on point concerning situational awareness.
I miss Bloody Mary's Virgin versions don't provide the same satisfaction.
1 or 2 NA beers is completely satisfying, I don't need to destroy a 12 pack.
I could get really good at eating Ice Cream and Deserts. It is super easy to justify to myself that I deserve that treat.
The best I'm gonna feel all day is when I wake up. The day often goes downhill, where when I drank the day got better as the hangover wore off and I stated drinking again.

The first year was easier than the second. There were many times this year I almost gave in and said why do I need to be sober? What does one beer matter? One glass of wine? I ran two half marathons this year, there is no way in hell I would have done that if I was drinking. Having that type of goal helped me just say no. Work related social events are painful. I sneak out at first opportunity.

I Can Drink To That

 

[HNL2LHC]

I realize RDP is hardly the place to celebrate 2 years sober, but WTF. Today marks the second year. Sept 12 2022.

Some things I noticed being sober.
I'm not afraid to just jump in the truck and go get something from the hardware store when I need it. I used to have to plan those trips around my drinking schedule.
I'm the dependable designated driver 100% of the time. I figure I owe everyone in my family that courtesy.
I get way more done, but I'm terrible company, because I get board easy with idle time. I'm not that friendly or fun anymore.
I find I don't like people that much anymore, that might be age however. I have a higher standard for conversation these days.
I still don't sleep for shit, my mind does not stop. Alcohol gave me temporary silence, that can be a challenge for me some nights.
I'm way more on point concerning situational awareness.
I miss Bloody Mary's Virgin versions don't provide the same satisfaction.
1 or 2 NA beers is completely satisfying, I don't need to destroy a 12 pack.
I could get really good at eating Ice Cream and Deserts. It is super easy to justify to myself that I deserve that treat.
The best I'm gonna feel all day is when I wake up. The day often goes downhill, where when I drank the day got better as the hangover wore off and I stated drinking again.

The first year was easier than the second. There were many times this year I almost gave in and said why do I need to be sober? What does one beer matter? One glass of wine? I ran two half marathons this year, there is no way in hell I would have done that if I was drinking. Having that type of goal helped me just say no. Work related social events are painful. I sneak out at first opportunity.

That is great Jeff!!! Congrats on the second year. May there be many more for you moving forward. As far as being boring that is not hte case. I have enjoyed the times that we got together. The question that I have if you think the same. LOL Keep it up if it works for you.

 

[Zach bash]

Great job. Keep on rolling.

 

[FreeBird236]

Congrats to all that have quit drinking for whatever the reason, especially if it was becoming a problem, same with the cigarettes.
It's been 12 years since I smoked and haven't really made a conscious effort to quit drinking just seems to be far and few between nowadays

 

[Ladsm]

We have our last big group river meetup this weekend and temps are cooling down.. Next week I am going to do the 75 Hard program and drop the beer weight and summer junk food.

 

[Desert Whaler]

Isn't it funny how everyone reacts / acts differently to booze / weed etc.

I have a buddy . . . in his 60's . . . lead singer for a punk rock band . . . total character , but a total teddy bear with a big heart.
We'll roll back to his house after a long day of fishing and he'll crack a few beers . . . then he'll take one of the empties, put a dent in it and say 'Where is that weed I left out here'??? . . .while he's looking on the ground for the bud. One time he actually said, "Oh here it is . . . oh no that's a dog turd". .
Then he'll take the dirt weed he picked up off the ground, throw it in the can-pipe . . . hit it, crush the can then pop another coldie.
it doesn't change the dude's head one bit . . . . he's the exact same afterwards ! . . . I swear you can'teven tell. Cracks me up.

Then I have other buddies who turn into either complete stoned zombies, or psycho-jabbering hammer heads !

Funny how it effects everyone so differently.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

That is great Jeff!!! Congrats on the second year. May there be many more for you moving forward. As far as being boring that is not hte case. I have enjoyed the times that we got together. The question that I have if you think the same. LOL Keep it up if it works for you.

Tim, you only met Sober me, even my wife says I'm boring now. I'm not sure if that means I like boring company?

We have our last big group river meetup this weekend and temps are cooling down.. Next week I am going to do the 75 Hard program and drop the beer weight and summer junk food.

That program looks difficult. I've considered trying it, but I'm not sure I can make that commitment. I would love to hear how it goes. The two work outs with one outside seems hard to schedule. The rest I could do. The Ultimate challenge seems to change from 75 days to a sustainable habit.