Gonna be gone for a little bit.

[RiverDave]

In the meantime I tried to drink all the beer in Mexico after the last seven days.. I think I’ll dry out with ya @hallett21 !

Not gonna be forever but I’ll see if we can’t make it the 25 days.. (which I have to goto a wedding tonight so that’s sayin something)

 

[Riverbound]

Trying to get a handle on this drinking stuff so I’m gonna be outta the loop for another 25 days.

But everything is good.

Best of luck.

 

[was thatguy]

I think the fact that people are found at fault even though it isn’t your fault is a crock of shit and should have never been allowed.. the idea that you are convicted of a crime based on a potentiality is completely unconstitutional.. I don’t know ho that happens

RD

It doesn’t work like that when it comes to criminal negligence and a privilege like driving.
Our rights end when they infringe on the rights of others.
In all circumstances. That is pretty much the root definition of basically all criminal acts in this country.
It is illegal to drive while drinking, or when intoxicated. It is a direct infringement of the other motorists rights to a reasonable expectation of safety while driving.
The lady did in fact cause the accident, legally speaking.
Not by her specific driving mistake, but by operating the car in the first place.
Getting behind the wheel impaired is a criminal act, not a philosophical debate on potentiality of crime…the crime is already committed.
She was already guilty before the crash, and whatever hardships she now faces are all of her own fashioning.
That’s how the constitution actually works.
Drunk drivers give up those rights the minute they get behind the wheel.
Judges love to explain all this in detail during dui crucifixions.

 

[BHC Vic]

It doesn’t work like that when it comes to criminal negligence and a privilege like driving.
Our rights end when they infringe on the rights of others.
In all circumstances.
It is illegal to drive while drinking, or when intoxicated. It is a direct infringement of the other motorists rights of an expectation of reasonable safety.
The lady did in fact cause the accident, legally speaking.
Not by her specific driving mistake, but by operating the car in the first place.
Getting behind the wheel impaired is a criminal act, not a philosophical debate.
She was already guilty before the crash, and whatever hardships she now faces are all of her own fashioning.
That’s how the constitution actually works.
Drunk drivers give up those rights the minute they get behind the wheel.
Judges love to explain all this in detail during dui crucifixions.

What I find interesting is the sentencing process. Had I plead guilty it would have been one thing but since I exercised my right to a trial the book was thrown at me. Im not crying it just makes me think a little

 

[was thatguy]

What I find interesting is the sentencing process. Had I plead guilty it would have been one thing but since I exercised my right to a trial the book was thrown at me. Im not crying it just makes me think a little

Mine happened in the worst city to get one in.
I plead out to get the minimums.

 

[whiteworks]

Trying to get a handle on this drinking stuff so I’m gonna be outta the loop for another 25 days.

But everything is good.

Good for you, it’s just a will power thing, you make up your mind and stick to it.

 

[Cooter01]

In the meantime I tried to drink all the beer in Mexico after the last seven days.. I think I’ll dry out with ya @hallett21 !

Not gonna be forever but I’ll see if we can’t make it the 25 days.. (which I have to goto a wedding tonight so that’s sayin something)

Practice now saying no in your head, it helps. Walk up to the fridge with wanting to grab a beer, yet grab a water instead. It helps.

 

[whiteworks]

Practice now saying no in your head, it helps. Walk up to the fridge with wanting to grab a beer, yet grab a water instead. It helps.

You realize that RD actually takes care of himself/stays in shape so that he can party LOL

 

[El Rojo]

For me, when it hurt for the first couple hours of each day after I woke up. When you start putting off your obligations or even basic chores that don't absolutely need to be done that day, till a different day because you feel like shit....then realize a week went by and that shit's still not done because you always feel like shit.

That’s when

I’d rather drink than do chores lol…

 

[lbhsbz]

I’d rather drink than do chores lol…

me too lol

 

[wzuber]

I think the fact that people are found at fault even though it isn’t your fault is a crock of shit and should have never been allowed.. the idea that you are convicted of a crime based on a potentiality is completely unconstitutional.. I don’t know ho that happens

RD

I think it's called contributory negligence?.
A driver has a duty to avoid an accident and you can't do that effectively when your distracted by a cell phone or buzzed/ shit faced etc.

 

[wzuber]

One of the things I missed after quiting drinking (beer mostly) was the carbonation. I drink the carbonated water bevs. Like LA Croix to get that feeling in my mouth when drinking in the afternoons....aka- "beer 30" the happier hour. Maybe others would find that helpful?
The NA beers are getting pretty good too but dang are the good ones spendy, some moreso then their alcohol counterparts. Crazy, at that point I'll just have a water, soda etc. If I can't have the afternoon glow of a good ipa, screw it, I'll just have a water etc.
I wish you the best H 21. It's worth the effort.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

I think the fact that people are found at fault even though it isn’t your fault is a crock of shit and should have never been allowed.. the idea that you are convicted of a crime based on a potentiality is completely unconstitutional.. I don’t know ho that happens

RD

I didn’t say the outcome was right or wrong but easily avoided.


I left out a few details of the level of alleged intoxication.

 

[RiverDave]

You realize that RD actually takes care of himself/stays in shape so that he can party LOL

Training yourself with 12 packs and smokes isn’t exactly taking care of yourself..

By the way this cleanliness thing is gonna have to happen after the wedding.

 

[whiteworks]

Training yourself with 12 packs and smokes isn’t exactly taking care of yourself..

By the way this cleanliness thing is gonna have to happen after the wedding.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

You might not ever want to quit drinking but your liver will. Nothing funnier than waking up yellow.

 

[Member: 71]

@hallett21 Wishing you the best. As others mentioned if the need arises, there’s a ton of NA beers, which aren’t that bad. I gave it up for 5 months and substituted alcohol with Topo Chicos.

 

[BHC Vic]

Interesting to read all the Na beer suggestions. Me personally I’ve never liked the taste of beer or alcohol. I liked being wasted. 10 years and I’ve never tried an na beer. I recently gave up soda. I thought that would be harder too but nope

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

I dont think its a problem with some as it is more of a choice.

Alot of folks will make excuses on why they arent an "alchoholic". I only drink on weekends, I dont drink alone, it doesnt affect my job. But there is really no one correct answer.

My light blub moment was when I started looking at all the "events" that I felt I needed to drink. River Trips, Desert Trips, Concerts, Disneyland, Kids School Fair, Weekend Garage, Taco Tuesday, Brithdays, Sporting Events, Pool Partys, BBQ's, Happy Hour, Golf Cart Cruising, 4th of July, Trick or Treating, Beach, Sunsets, Bike Crawls, and the list goes on and on and on.

I couldnt believe how habit forming it had become! And if you step back, like others have mentioned, holy shit its EVERYWHERE and society pushes it EVERYWHERE.

With that being said, Fuck I miss a good buzz! LOL

This is spot on for me.

I make my living mostly photographing boating events. Those events are basically a party that starts with a boat ride in the morning then shifts into a cocktail party then an after party. I’m at these events weekly for the most part. So drinking has been a pretty regular part of my job for the past decade.
Last January I hit it pretty hard for new years in Miami. On the flight home I decided I should take 30 days off as had been customary practice once a year for me. After a week or so I started to reflect on the reality of my drinking.
Since my early 20s I’ve enjoyed the bars and whatever party was happening. Enough so that often times the party was more important than the relationships in my life. That desire to be around the party played a pretty large part in wanting to move to Havasu in my late 30s. As a result I was able to build a career photographing the boating industry by proximity. And my career is my passion. I’m extremely blessed to do what I love on a daily basis and get paid for it. But, my relationship with alcohol was also tied to my business as boating conveniently goes hand in hand with some great parties. For the last decade alcohol has been a big part of my work. And I was perfectly happy with that fact even though I tried to be responsible by taking 30 days off every year. But the reality of that 30 day break was that I was just testing myself to make sure I didn’t have a problem. I most assuredly did in hind site. I realized as I reflected on my drinking that I had been drinking every single day for more than 10 years. You know the havasu routine, a bloody or mimosa with breakfast at RO, a beer with lunch, then a glass of wine or cocktail or two with dinner. Not getting drunk every day mind you but still pouring 4 or 5 drinks a day through my liver. For 10 years. Even though that looks excessive from where I sit now in the environment I was living in it seemed like I barely drank in comparison.
At that time I was also living with someone deep in the grasp of alcoholism. The alcohol, on both sides, destroyed our relationship not to mention stunting its growth to begin with. Ultimately I had to decide on leaving that relationship, and leaving behind the person I loved to fend for herself, or driving to the desert to eat a bullet. It was the hardest thing I’ve had to do and it was 100% rooted in alcohol. I watched that person continue down the same path and eventually would have to watch from her bedside as she battled liver disease and the excruciating pain that goes with it. I assure you, watching someone you care about slowly kill themselves with alcohol is something you never want to experience. It’s awful. And yet a year after her passing here I was taking 30 days off to prove to myself I didn’t have a problem. As I sat in reflection I realized how much of a problem it was. It’s been 10 months since I quit. I don’t know if it’s going to be forever but I don’t really want to go back.
Coming to terms with my relationship with alcohol is the hardest part. I’m realizing it was a big part of the fun factor of my job. Life is a little more boring now. Sure I feel better physically. But it’s harder to entertain myself. It goes beyond having a hobby. It’s having people to do those hobbies with. I’ve found that I have less in common with a lot of people that I associate with now that I don’t drink. I still go out to the bars and do all the same stuff with my friends but it holds my interest for much less time. I think what is underestimated about quitting is that alcoholism is less about the physical reaction to the substance and all about the psychological pull it has. In many ways the act of drinking has become the center point of activities and hobbies like boating and other events more so than the activity itself.
At least that’s how it had become for me. In my opinion it’s not about alcohol. It’s about your why. Why do you enjoy the things you’re doing? Why do you want to grab a drink? Why does it make you feel the way you feel?
That’s a question each person has to answer for themselves. And only you will know if your why is a problem. And only you can make the decision to change if it is.

 

[whiteworks]

You might not ever want to quit drinking but your liver will. Nothing funnier than waking up yellow.

I quit cold turkey for about a decade, it was a great period of time in my life, was very present when my daughter was young. She’s older now and I tip a few back now and then. I’ve seen that yellow eye thing happen to a friends mom when we were in highschool. She was downing a handle of vodka a day, lasted about a year at that pace, eyes turned yellow and she died.

 

[Romans9]

This is spot on for me.

I make my living mostly photographing boating events. Those events are basically a party that starts with a boat ride in the morning then shifts into a cocktail party then an after party. I’m at these events weekly for the most part. So drinking has been a pretty regular part of my job for the past decade.
Last January I hit it pretty hard for new years in Miami. On the flight home I decided I should take 30 days off as had been customary practice once a year for me. After a week or so I started to reflect on the reality of my drinking.
Since my early 20s I’ve enjoyed the bars and whatever party was happening. Enough so that often times the party was more important than the relationships in my life. That desire to be around the party played a pretty large part in wanting to move to Havasu in my late 30s. As a result I was able to build a career photographing the boating industry by proximity. And my career is my passion. I’m extremely blessed to do what I love on a daily basis and get paid for it. But, my relationship with alcohol was also tied to my business as boating conveniently goes hand in hand with some great parties. For the last decade alcohol has been a big part of my work. And I was perfectly happy with that fact even though I tried to be responsible by taking 30 days off every year. But the reality of that 30 day break was that I was just testing myself to make sure I didn’t have a problem. I most assuredly did in hind site. I realized as I reflected on my drinking that I had been drinking every single day for more than 10 years. You know the havasu routine, a bloody or mimosa with breakfast at RO, a beer with lunch, then a glass of wine or cocktail or two with dinner. Not getting drunk every day mind you but still pouring 4 or 5 drinks a day through my liver. For 10 years. Even though that looks excessive from where I sit now in the environment I was living in it seemed like I barely drank in comparison.
At that time I was also living with someone deep in the grasp of alcoholism. The alcohol, on both sides, destroyed our relationship not to mention stunting its growth to begin with. Ultimately I had to decide on leaving that relationship, and leaving behind the person I loved to fend for herself, or driving to the desert to eat a bullet. It was the hardest thing I’ve had to do and it was 100% rooted in alcohol. I watched that person continue down the same path and eventually would have to watch from her bedside as she battled liver disease and the excruciating pain that goes with it. I assure you, watching someone you care about slowly kill themselves with alcohol is something you never want to experience. It’s awful. And yet a year after her passing here I was taking 30 days off to prove to myself I didn’t have a problem. As I sat in reflection I realized how much of a problem it was. It’s been 10 months since I quit. I don’t know if it’s going to be forever but I don’t really want to go back.
Coming to terms with my relationship with alcohol is the hardest part. I’m realizing it was a big part of the fun factor of my job. Life is a little more boring now. Sure I feel better physically. But it’s harder to entertain myself. It goes beyond having a hobby. It’s having people to do those hobbies with. I’ve found that I have less in common with a lot of people that I associate with now that I don’t drink. I still go out to the bars and do all the same stuff with my friends but it holds my interest for much less time. I think what is underestimated about quitting is that alcoholism is less about the physical reaction to the substance and all about the psychological pull it has. In many ways the act of drinking has become the center point of activities and hobbies like boating and other events more so than the activity itself.
At least that’s how it had become for me. In my opinion it’s not about alcohol. It’s about your why. Why do you enjoy the things you’re doing? Why do you want to grab a drink? Why does it make you feel the way you feel?
That’s a question each person has to answer for themselves. And only you will know if your why is a problem. And only you can make the decision to change if it is.

Wow, this may be one of the most honest and realistic posts I have ever read.

Thanks for taking the time to post it. Lots of truth.

There are many things to enjoy and ways to enjoy them without the fog and false pretense alcohol creates.

My wife and I are 52 and 53. We are very health conscious and it is painful watching loved ones slowly kill themselves with their lifestyles.

Godspeed.

 

[Kachina26]

Lots of lurkers in here reading all of these success stories. Maybe some will be inspired to make a change for themselves. Maybe some are feeling a little "less than" because they haven't been as successful at their attempts to make that change. To those I say, keep at it. It's not a failure, it's a setback. Everyone has setbacks in life. Not everyone shares them because well, it's not something folks like to brag about. But, everyone has them. So, if you've had that setback, don't let it get you down. Get up and try it again, and keep trying. There's no shame in failing, only in giving up.

 

[pkrrvr619]

This is spot on for me.

I make my living mostly photographing boating events. Those events are basically a party that starts with a boat ride in the morning then shifts into a cocktail party then an after party. I’m at these events weekly for the most part. So drinking has been a pretty regular part of my job for the past decade.
Last January I hit it pretty hard for new years in Miami. On the flight home I decided I should take 30 days off as had been customary practice once a year for me. After a week or so I started to reflect on the reality of my drinking.
Since my early 20s I’ve enjoyed the bars and whatever party was happening. Enough so that often times the party was more important than the relationships in my life. That desire to be around the party played a pretty large part in wanting to move to Havasu in my late 30s. As a result I was able to build a career photographing the boating industry by proximity. And my career is my passion. I’m extremely blessed to do what I love on a daily basis and get paid for it. But, my relationship with alcohol was also tied to my business as boating conveniently goes hand in hand with some great parties. For the last decade alcohol has been a big part of my work. And I was perfectly happy with that fact even though I tried to be responsible by taking 30 days off every year. But the reality of that 30 day break was that I was just testing myself to make sure I didn’t have a problem. I most assuredly did in hind site. I realized as I reflected on my drinking that I had been drinking every single day for more than 10 years. You know the havasu routine, a bloody or mimosa with breakfast at RO, a beer with lunch, then a glass of wine or cocktail or two with dinner. Not getting drunk every day mind you but still pouring 4 or 5 drinks a day through my liver. For 10 years. Even though that looks excessive from where I sit now in the environment I was living in it seemed like I barely drank in comparison.
At that time I was also living with someone deep in the grasp of alcoholism. The alcohol, on both sides, destroyed our relationship not to mention stunting its growth to begin with. Ultimately I had to decide on leaving that relationship, and leaving behind the person I loved to fend for herself, or driving to the desert to eat a bullet. It was the hardest thing I’ve had to do and it was 100% rooted in alcohol. I watched that person continue down the same path and eventually would have to watch from her bedside as she battled liver disease and the excruciating pain that goes with it. I assure you, watching someone you care about slowly kill themselves with alcohol is something you never want to experience. It’s awful. And yet a year after her passing here I was taking 30 days off to prove to myself I didn’t have a problem. As I sat in reflection I realized how much of a problem it was. It’s been 10 months since I quit. I don’t know if it’s going to be forever but I don’t really want to go back.
Coming to terms with my relationship with alcohol is the hardest part. I’m realizing it was a big part of the fun factor of my job. Life is a little more boring now. Sure I feel better physically. But it’s harder to entertain myself. It goes beyond having a hobby. It’s having people to do those hobbies with. I’ve found that I have less in common with a lot of people that I associate with now that I don’t drink. I still go out to the bars and do all the same stuff with my friends but it holds my interest for much less time. I think what is underestimated about quitting is that alcoholism is less about the physical reaction to the substance and all about the psychological pull it has. In many ways the act of drinking has become the center point of activities and hobbies like boating and other events more so than the activity itself.
At least that’s how it had become for me. In my opinion it’s not about alcohol. It’s about your why. Why do you enjoy the things you’re doing? Why do you want to grab a drink? Why does it make you feel the way you feel?
That’s a question each person has to answer for themselves. And only you will know if your why is a problem. And only you can make the decision to change if it is.

what a great post Tommy and good on your for being open and honest.

One thing that resonated is the finding people to do the hobbies with that you mentioned and that you find yourself having less in common with people without booze.

My wife and I have definitely changed some groups of friends as the years went by. Now we hang with people into videography, social media; sailing, and fitness. As the circle of friends changed, we noticed the relationships have become more fulfilling though and not topical/superficial.

To your point we still have many friends that do like to party and we still hit the bars with them, our nights just end around 11 or so instead of 2.

I don’t think we are any less fun per se, I think our idea of what fun is has changed though.

 

[was thatguy]

There’s a big difference between having drinks as you go along, and going along as you drink.
Last Hawaii trip Deb and I were on I pointed this out on about day three when her and the friends we were with were planning our day over bloody Mary’s and I was still dizzy from the night before. They were scheduling our day around bars and food.
My plan was more geared toward boogy boarding and enjoying the day. So that’s what I did, and Debbie being Debbie she did it with me. By 5 o’clock she was getting twitchy for a drink but she had to admit we had a lot more fun that day.
I’m no teetotaler, and I enjoy my single barrel bourbons.
But when every event, every social occasion, every activity becomes merely another alcohol delivery system it sort of loses its appeal to me. It’s boring.
When I go to the races, for instance, I watch the race. I score the cars, I know who is where and who needs points.
I always go alone these days. Going with friends is invariably a social event centered around the beer and food lane.
I have drinks, I eat food, but I’m not going to miss a single pass standing in line at the beer stand with a group of people.
I will say that taking headless hula Sean to his first nhra national was a great trip. He’s all about the cars so that was fun.

I guess what I’m saying is that just like TG is talking about, drinking seems to be more and more the nucleus of every social event or any other type of event.
It’s sort of one reason I’m becoming a contrarian these days. I’m just less into that as I used to be and this place is, frankly, kind of a drinking club. Lol
We hear over and over about how people are “living their best life”…but are they really?
I know I am sure not, but that’s slowly changing. I may not stop drinking altogether, but it surely is a probability as I change my lifestyle away from gluttony of all manner.
Booze, food, etc.
At 45YO I would have laughed at this, but at 63YO I have to acknowledge it.

One of my best friends does not drink.
It’s cool because, as he points out, when he quit many years ago it turned out that drinking was really all he had in common with a lot of his old friends.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Interesting to read all the Na beer suggestions. Me personally I’ve never liked the taste of beer or alcohol. I liked being wasted. 10 years and I’ve never tried an na beer. I recently gave up soda. I thought that would be harder too but nope

 

[ChumpChange]

Good luck. Haven’t been in the loop since I left town but I guess this brings me up to date.

 

[Cooter01]

This is spot on for me.

I make my living mostly photographing boating events. Those events are basically a party that starts with a boat ride in the morning then shifts into a cocktail party then an after party. I’m at these events weekly for the most part. So drinking has been a pretty regular part of my job for the past decade.
Last January I hit it pretty hard for new years in Miami. On the flight home I decided I should take 30 days off as had been customary practice once a year for me. After a week or so I started to reflect on the reality of my drinking.
Since my early 20s I’ve enjoyed the bars and whatever party was happening. Enough so that often times the party was more important than the relationships in my life. That desire to be around the party played a pretty large part in wanting to move to Havasu in my late 30s. As a result I was able to build a career photographing the boating industry by proximity. And my career is my passion. I’m extremely blessed to do what I love on a daily basis and get paid for it. But, my relationship with alcohol was also tied to my business as boating conveniently goes hand in hand with some great parties. For the last decade alcohol has been a big part of my work. And I was perfectly happy with that fact even though I tried to be responsible by taking 30 days off every year. But the reality of that 30 day break was that I was just testing myself to make sure I didn’t have a problem. I most assuredly did in hind site. I realized as I reflected on my drinking that I had been drinking every single day for more than 10 years. You know the havasu routine, a bloody or mimosa with breakfast at RO, a beer with lunch, then a glass of wine or cocktail or two with dinner. Not getting drunk every day mind you but still pouring 4 or 5 drinks a day through my liver. For 10 years. Even though that looks excessive from where I sit now in the environment I was living in it seemed like I barely drank in comparison.
At that time I was also living with someone deep in the grasp of alcoholism. The alcohol, on both sides, destroyed our relationship not to mention stunting its growth to begin with. Ultimately I had to decide on leaving that relationship, and leaving behind the person I loved to fend for herself, or driving to the desert to eat a bullet. It was the hardest thing I’ve had to do and it was 100% rooted in alcohol. I watched that person continue down the same path and eventually would have to watch from her bedside as she battled liver disease and the excruciating pain that goes with it. I assure you, watching someone you care about slowly kill themselves with alcohol is something you never want to experience. It’s awful. And yet a year after her passing here I was taking 30 days off to prove to myself I didn’t have a problem. As I sat in reflection I realized how much of a problem it was. It’s been 10 months since I quit. I don’t know if it’s going to be forever but I don’t really want to go back.
Coming to terms with my relationship with alcohol is the hardest part. I’m realizing it was a big part of the fun factor of my job. Life is a little more boring now. Sure I feel better physically. But it’s harder to entertain myself. It goes beyond having a hobby. It’s having people to do those hobbies with. I’ve found that I have less in common with a lot of people that I associate with now that I don’t drink. I still go out to the bars and do all the same stuff with my friends but it holds my interest for much less time. I think what is underestimated about quitting is that alcoholism is less about the physical reaction to the substance and all about the psychological pull it has. In many ways the act of drinking has become the center point of activities and hobbies like boating and other events more so than the activity itself.
At least that’s how it had become for me. In my opinion it’s not about alcohol. It’s about your why. Why do you enjoy the things you’re doing? Why do you want to grab a drink? Why does it make you feel the way you feel?
That’s a question each person has to answer for themselves. And only you will know if your why is a problem. And only you can make the decision to change if it is.

Man this hits real close to home. I had a few family members choose the bottle over their own life and they paid the ultimate price. It does suck without them being here, yet after trying and trying to get them help over a decade it wears you out. I have noticed half my friends life is a party about booze the other half can take it or leave it. Anymore I live my life on my own terms and enjoy the beauty in things. I feel way more energetic and I thought I would need booze to have a good time. Not the case at all, I still very much enjoy things, just do not need the cocktail to go with it. The plus side is by not drinking I have maxed out investment accounts now that I thought would be a pipe dream and not possible. Switching my diet has helped a lot too. My thoughts are more concise, I work faster, and do cleaner and better work. It truly is amazing what you feed the machine and what comes out when things change. Ultimately it comes down to choices and decisions, no one can say you made the right or wrong choice. Having a support system helps a ton too.

 

[lbhsbz]

You realize that RD actually takes care of himself/stays in shape so that he can party LOL

in shape or a shape?

 

[Boatymcboatface]

@Tommy Gun Images 10 months seems like a long time to adjust but it took you 10years to get to the point of taking a break. I will admit I grew bored of my friends and the things I loved to do after quitting but it comes back after about a year or more. Now I’m back to enjoying all the same things even hanging out in bars I just realized it was the social part I loved. I’ve been laughing just as hard as a did when I was drinking it just took a bit for me to remember how to do it without a drink.

 

[lbhsbz]

Since we're all pouring our hearts out.....

I've been a heavy drinker for 20 years (surprise surprise....I know). Like....a handle might last me a night and a half.....2 on a "good" couple days, one night sometimes. I've quit a few times. The first day / night is the hardest....you get the shakes, you feel like you might die and it doesn't sound like a half bad idea, because then you wont' feel like that anymore....but alas, you wake up the next morning (if you managed to get any sleep that night), and the second day is more of the same. You just kinda sit there watching TV and hoping you don't die or wishing you would...either way is fine at this point. 2nd night also sucks but is easier than the first. 3rd day is pretty good, except you don't know what to do with your hands while you're not holding a drink, which is kind of a mind fuck, but easy enough to push through...although it feels wierd. After a week or so, you realize how productive you've become while at home since you don't spend half the fucking time wandering around looking for where you set down your drink. Then you start preaching to others how they should quit drinking too and how it's so much better, which is somewhat true.

They say it takes the body 6 months to adjust to no alcohol....I call bullshit on that.

I'm not sure why I drank/drink....I have some chronic pain issues. It all still hurts when I'm hammered, but I kinda don't care as much I guess. After 4 months dry, I could barely walk....knees hurt, feet hurt, ankles hurt, back hurt, neck hurt....to the point when I had a heart attack in January of this year...I drove myself to the ER in the middle of the night because I figured there would be a short line and I could get some drugs to make it stop hurting so I could get at least a night or 2 of sleep....had no idea about the heart attack...the doctor was sort of intrigued that I'd been dealing with this level of pain for the last 10 years that was such that I couldn't tell I was having a heart attack...that's why I drink, to help with the pain...or at least that's how I justified it to myself for all that time.

I quit drinking August 5th of 2023.

I stuck with it until the AAPEX show in Vegas when a customer handed me a drink at the bar, figured this would be a good test to see if I could have one or 2. I had 4. Then didn't touch it again until new years eve. Had a few, left it alone for another week. I'm back on the horse (not the wagon) but nowhere near where I was before....I'm about ready to get back on the wagon. I'll probably start right now.

@hallett21 , not sure how deep you're in it, but you've got my # if I can be of any help/support/etc. After the first dry week it's easy. Just gotta stay occupied.

Edit: I think someone asked earlier in this thread "when do you know you have a problem?". When you've put down a fifth in 4 hours and you don't have to close one eye to read this post on your phone. That's when you have a problem.

 

[whiteworks]

The older I get the more I’m inclined to do shit that may knock the bad years off the end of my life. Everyone gets to make choices about how they live and some of those choices may affect how and when they die. I’m not sure that drinking ones self to death is for me, but I do know that like everyone else here it’s a choice I could make and commit myself to. Watching my folks age out and where that ship is headed has me second guessing just how good I should take care of myself, been in diapers once before and I’m not planning on doing that again.

I guess my point is that everything has the potential to kill you, choose something you really enjoy and don’t be a dick to others along the way

If you wanna drink, then drink, if you don’t wanna drink then don’t drink, whatever gets you through the night, it’s alright.

 

[RiverDave]

The older I get the more I’m inclined to do shit that may knock the bad years off the end of my life. Everyone gets to make choices about how they live and some of those choices may affect how and when they die. I’m not sure that drinking ones self to death is for me, but I do know that like everyone else here it’s a choice I could make and commit myself to. Watching my folks age out and where that ship is headed has me second guessing just how good I should take care of myself, been in diapers once before and I’m not planning on doing that again.

I guess my point is that everything has the potential to kill you, choose something you really enjoy and don’t be a dick to others along the way

If you wanna drink, then drink, if you don’t wanna drink then don’t drink, whatever gets you through the night, it’s alright.

You know I spent my whole life with that kinda mindset.. recently ran into some health problems because of it and I’m kind of having a change of heart now.

RD

 

[whiteworks]

You know I spent my whole life with that kinda mindset.. recently ran into some health problems because of it and I’m kind of having a change of heart now.

RD

You better be real careful if your thinking of hitting the brakes, you're a finely tuned machine at this point that seems to thrive on smokes and booze

 

[clarence]

Realized I was drinking every day when I first retired. Just because I could.

Cutting out the mindless drinking (with meals, nightcaps) was pretty easy.

Might still drink more than I should, but I only drink now when I really mean to.

(And lately the hangovers have been getting worse, so that might correct itself.)

 

[H20 Toie]

Rehab is for quitters. Good luck and you can turn the booze money into gas money for the boat.

Or Milwaukee tools

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Had a regular visit from a 50ish yr old buddy with a drinking problem in his opinion... he had two tours in Desert Storm in back of a chopper on a 60 cal so I guess he's seen some stuff... he doesn't seem to sleep much and tells me the VA offers a walk in detox sobriety clinic program over something like 6 weeks. he was leaving my place and walking into the San Diego facility.... I made a note and checked in with him 6 weeks later... he said he lasted 4 days and found the entire process to be run by idiots... guess he aint ready.

 

[was thatguy]

60 cal?

 

[monkeyswrench]

I saw the start, and came back today and read through three pages. Everyone has their reasons to drink, to stop or to slow it down. In my case, the line from Hotel California summed it up. "Some drink to remember, some drink to forget" I drank to both remember who I thought I was, and how I felt. I drank to forget who I was, and how I felt. One day it hit me. No matter what or how much I consumed, I was still the same busted up asshole in the mirror. Ain't nothing going to change that, but that guy looking back at me.

The pain is still there, every morning. Past few days been a chill in the air to remind me. F' it, ain't getting any younger, and have a lot still yet to do. I may have 6-10 beers a year now...and a bunch of unopened bottles of whiskey. Actually, the last beers I had were over a year ago at DS.

Everyone is different. In my case it was easy to use it as a crutch, but that didn't make it right. I'm not a super sociable person, but the last time I drank was in a "social" type event. Now I cut back on sodas, less than one a week. I have a lot more to do, so have to stretch out some years. Soda was harder to slow than booze I think.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

60 cal?

His words cause I said you mean 50.... he said nope; 60. I don't pick fights

 

[was thatguy]

I saw the start, and came back today and read through three pages. Everyone has their reasons to drink, to stop or to slow it down. In my case, the line from Hotel California summed it up. "Some drink to remember, some drink to forget" I drank to both remember who I thought I was, and how I felt. I drank to forget who I was, and how I felt. One day it hit me. No matter what or how much I consumed, I was still the same busted up asshole in the mirror. Ain't nothing going to change that, but that guy looking back at me.

The pain is still there, every morning. Past few days been a chill in the air to remind me. F' it, ain't getting any younger, and have a lot still yet to do. I may have 6-10 beers a year now...and a bunch of unopened bottles of whiskey. Actually, the last beers I had were over a year ago at DS.

Everyone is different. In my case it was easy to use it as a crutch, but that didn't make it right. I'm not a super sociable person, but the last time I drank was in a "social" type event. Now I cut back on sodas, less than one a week. I have a lot more to do, so have to stretch out some years. Soda was harder to slow than booze I think.

Ummm…
I hate to be a stickler, but that’s not the words in that song…

 

[4Waters]

His words cause I said you mean 50.... he said nope; 60. I don't pick fights

Maybe M60

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Maybe M60

Yeah I just Googled and looks like that one the Navy still used back during that time.... monster... he was based in Navy helicopter base in San Diego where he still lives today owning MaiTai Charters a booze cruise yacht rental company.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Ummm…
I hate to be a stickler, but that’s not the words in that song…

To be honest, I don't have the album, and not much of a fan of that genre...only heard it in the dive bars where I lived before...
Voices in my head only repeat what they thought they heard...so I just looked it up.
"Some dance to remember
Some dance to forget"
Maybe it's because I was drinking and not dancing?

 

[coolchange]

Voices in my head only repeat what they thought they heard...

That should be a hook line in a song.
Have to store that in the brainodex.

 

[was thatguy]

Maybe M60

Yeah, M60 30 caliber. (7.62)
That or a 50 BMG (unlikely)

 

[Fastech382]

Not to hijack but put yer fkn hands up.. has anyone been able to quit nicotine?

I quit smoking cigs 8 years ago, ate altoids like candy and used nicorette to wean off.

Went probably a year without. Then I started vaping like an idiot. Now I Zyn and vape.

I've tried quitting a few times but I get foggy, can't think straight, and that kills me at work. Which can't happen, so I always dive right back in.

 

[Paradox]

Been drinking for more than 50 years. For the past 20 years plus, we mostly follow a twice a week rule unless on vacation, in Havasu or at a special event. Vodka on Fridays and wine on Saturdays. After 5 PM on both days. Regardless, hang overs have gotten worse as I’ve gotten older so I’m slowing down.

That said, I’m extremely concerned about how retirement is going to go next year. Work has provided me with structure and has kept me on the straight and narrow. I’m up at 3:30 AM every Morning and read two newspapers with my coffee before I’m out the door. I’m going to have to come up with a plan that keeps me on the right path..

 

[bilz]

Been drinking for more than 50 years. For the past 20 years plus, we mostly follow a twice a week rule unless on vacation, in Havasu or at a special event. Vodka on Fridays and wine on Saturdays. After 5 PM on both days. Regardless, hang overs have gotten worse as I’ve gotten older so I’m slowing down.

That said, I’m extremely concerned about how retirement is going to go next year. Work has provided me with structure and has kept me on the straight and narrow. I’m up at 3:30 AM every Morning and read two newspapers with my coffee before I’m out the door. I’m going to have to come up with a plan that keeps me on the right path..

Get a dog that bitches at you if you don't walk him by 8:00 AM. Then you'll be at least up and moving if you do nothing else the rest of the day.

 

[was thatguy]

Not to hijack but put yer fkn hands up.. has anyone been able to quit nicotine?

I quit smoking cigs 8 years ago, ate altoids like candy and used nicorette to wean off.

Went probably a year without. Then I started vaping like an idiot. Now I Zyn and vape.

I've tried quitting a few times but I get foggy, can't think straight, and that kills me at work. Which can't happen, so I always dive right back in.

Almost 4 years ago for me.
Smoked for 30 years.
1-2 packs a day.
It wasn’t hard at all for me. It was time and I finally said fuck this.
Did Chantix for about 2 weeks then gave away the pills I had left as I didn’t need them. Never did the follow up doses.
Was bummed because I didn’t get the cool dreams.
Quitting nicotine and smoking was very easy for me.
It’s expensive, it kills you, it stinks, and it ruins all taste.
Plus I was approaching 60 and knew it was time.
I’m not exactly one of those preachy quitters, but I honestly have no idea why anyone still smokes or vapes.

 

[whiteworks]

Not to hijack but put yer fkn hands up.. has anyone been able to quit nicotine?

I quit smoking cigs 8 years ago, ate altoids like candy and used nicorette to wean off.

Went probably a year without. Then I started vaping like an idiot. Now I Zyn and vape.

I've tried quitting a few times but I get foggy, can't think straight, and that kills me at work. Which can't happen, so I always dive right back in.

I quit nicotine 12 years ago or so, was on Copenhagen snuff like a feign, if for some reason I were to run out of Copenhagen, ciggerettes, cigars, or pipes would be the go to until I could replenish my supply. That shit had be me by the balls, for a long time.

Quitting was a 100% willpower deal, cold turkey and sticking to your decision to deny the constant urge to throw in a dip was a full time job. About every minute the first day after I went a few hours without a dip, i would have to suppress the urge, next day was about every two minutes. Half as bad each day until about day 10, at that point it’s no longer physical withdrawal it mental. It’s just a constant grind to suppress the urge until one day it’s kinda a thing from the past. By 90 days I was pretty good and after a year it was all a memory.

Not a fun thing to do in the beginning, but very rewarding once you're away from it. I see nicotine now as something that does nothing for me.