Break from Drinking

You didn't have wine at the Italian restaurant? What's the point otherwise?

Povera Maria r1.

Seltzer water with a splash of cranberry juice works for me when I go out to eat and don't want to drink. The bill is definitely cheaper.

[R1] No, we didn’t, how scandalous! It was a nice local restaurant owned by Italians.

I gave up 3 and a half years ago. My social circle certainly changed... all for the better. Make it a lifelong change OP, you will never look back!

Next week: are you there vodka? It’s me, OP.

Fortnight: Hi, I’m OP and my cat’s an alcoholic

I drink wine at home with dinner but never buy bottles of wine at a local restaurant, unless it’s a special occasion. I can’t bare the markup. A beer or a cocktail but that’s it’s.

I agree with R7, show a little nip to see if they'll lower the price.

Taking a break from time to time is a good idea.

Unless you’re an alcoholic, though, you can still drink in moderation. Just reserve it for special occasions.

[R5] it’s tempting, I get great muscle definition and sleep better when I’ve taken breaks before. I think it’s because I process stress better.

Although bloody marys are packed with vitamins and roughage if your celery is still crisp and not all bouncy.

I do it occasionally and always feel better. But there is always a desire to go out and have a social night with friends and let loose. Longest I’ve made it is 3 months. But I never drink more than twice a week.

Better you are doing it with a partner, OP. Not as tedious when you are in the same boat.

I quit 12 years ago and my life got infinitely better.

Are you the cunt that was on here bitching about your husbear hitting you?

r14 Yet you still name yourself after a bottle of booze?

I'm confused about the part where you would want to quit drinking.

[R15] Haha, no, but I saw that. She needed to calm down, what a drama queen.

I drink to make other people more interesting.

Recovering and former alcoholics are fucking BORING and ANNOYING.

Always whining, always judging, and their lives are completely restricted. For no other reason than because they can't handle their liquor.

My grandmother always said, "Everything in moderation." Words to live by.

Drinking doesn't mean that you have to be a fall down, stinking messy drunk.

Drinking should be a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, or a few cocktails with friends.

The fact that you stupid alkies can't control yourself, IS NOT MY PROBLEM. So stop trying to push your beliefs, and your AA nonsense on those of us who DO have self control.

When I read your stupid comments about "making new friends," and "never looked back," it really irritates me. So fucking judgmental.

As I said, former drinkers are the absolute WORST, most miserable people you could ever imagine being around.

what he said ^^

[quote] yesterday I worked out for two hours (CrossFit and running). We had a really pleasant day, went to this great Italian restaurant and watched a movie

So you can't do any of this, AND still have a couple of cocktails on the weekends, or after work?

Some of you people are so ridiculous.

I have a full time job. I drink socially. I work out. I go to dinner with friends. I go to movies.

I do all of these things, and none of them interferes with the other.

The former drinkers I know are all insufferable, judgmental people.

boodle is a British term of affection

Oops, OP

Hypothetical situation: Say I currently drink 12-18 beers per day. If I cut that out and didn't replace it with soda, how much weight would I lose in a month?

[quote]Hypothetical situation: Say I currently drink 12-18 beers per day. If I cut that out and didn't replace it with soda, how much weight would I lose in a month?

You will die from a seizure when you go into alcohol withdrawal in about 3 to 4 days.

Nobody cares that you do CrossFit, OP. That’s what this post is really about, isn’t it? Stick it up your chuffer. x

I have gone on streaks like this, but after two weeks, I really start missing a cocktail or wine with dinner, especially if I'm having steak, other beef dishes, or fish. For some reason, I must have white wine with fish, and red wine with red meat. I suppose my palate is accustomed to the combo.

Chicken for some reason doesn't seem to require wine, according to my tongue, nor do vegetables or vegetarian dishes...

Not everyone can drink in moderation. Also, there are a lot of former drinkers who simply don't talk about it. In general, people can't smoke cigarettes (nicotine) in moderation. For some people, there's no moderation with alcohol.

I'm now able to smoke in moderation R30. In my youth, I was up to a pack per day, but have intentionally tapered off. Some days I only have one, occasionally none, and usually no more than three fags per day now. I do have an extraordinary sense of self-control, and willpower however.

I must have the gene that makes alcohol taste bad, because, even though I’ve tried so hard to drink, I detest the taste.

And yes, it put a huge damper on my social life because so much of gay life revolved around bars.

I didn’t understand the bar culture so rely went. Interestingly, bars are disappearing and apps are becoming more prominent.

A bit more info regarding foods I don't miss wine, or beer with, as it may be of interest to those trying to avoid drink: Chinese food, Indian food, curry, Mexican food, pizza, salads, raw vegetables, BBQ, creamy pasta dishes, and carbonara, soup, sandwiches, egg dishes, Thai food, and blintzes/crepes. I'm sure everyone has his own triggers, per se, but for some reason I've never developed an association with alcoholic beverages with these foods for some reason.

My husband has been sober for 10+ years and is the funniest, kindest guy I know. He goes to 3 or 4 AA meetings/week. We laugh out loud every day. He doesn't mind if I have a couple of drinks. He wakes up and tells Alexa to play the "Cha Cha Slide" and dances to the music. He makes a really, really good living that he wouldn't have been able to if he'd continued to drink. I take a break from alcohol whenever I need to drop a few pounds. It's really annoying to read all of this close-minded, stereotypical crap.

Wow! I may take up drinking just so I can stop and feel as good as you!😁I hate alcohol and you have my warmest congrats.

R35 gets a gold star!

Happy now, cunt?

Why so much animosity on this thread? Everyone has his own path, and troubles.

Wow, such intense comments over someone wanting to abstain from drinking for a while. Makes me wonder if you have a problem with alcohol, maybe you should take a break too!

And there it is... more judgment from R38 and the Prohibitionist Brigade.

Next thing you know, they'll be swinging hatchets in bars.

I really curtailed my drinking because at age 40 I lost my ability to stay asleep when I’ve had more than a beer or two. The entire next day is hell.

[quote]And there it is... more judgment from [R38] and the Prohibitionist Brigade.

The people who are extremely sensitive about their own drinking (usually heavy) are always really obvious.

Many people other than addicts give up the booze; it's empty calories, often doesn't mix well with meds (or is prohibited) and wreaks utter havoc on ulcers, IBS, and a myriad of other digestive problems.

As many of us age, we often realise what we have become habituated to is no longer as tolerable. I REALLY enjoy my wine and cocktails (and grass), but understand not everyone does well with alcohol. I applaud and encourage anyone attempting to make changes to improve their lives and overall health. As others point up, not everyone can abide by moderation either. Naturally, defensive posturing here can denote a problem.

I took a break because I was on medication that made the combination pretty awful. I'm rather surprised by how much I miss it, which I guess is as good a reason as any to be aware of how much I imbibe. I'm a binger, unfortunately. It would be lots on one night of the week. It's been that way for about 15 years so I doubt I'm on a slippery slope. I will smoke sometimes on a summer vacation and when I'm with my family at Christmas. I don't know if it's willpower or just a very compartmentalized life but I don't touch them the rest of the year.

Exactly R43. I have struggled for a long time with the idea of having a problem since I don’t drink that often - maybe once a month. But I do tend to have 6-7 drinks when I do. But the idea of stopping seems to make me want it more. Which seems to be consistent with some studies I’ve seen.

[R28] just letting you know that I had another great workout, just lifting (push day). I was too sore from CrossFit, but not drinking is going to help me get back into it. You should try both CrossFit and abstaining from alcohol, you’ll feel great!

Due to reflux had to give up my lovely Burgandies. Old age is a ship wreck.

Congratulations OP.

I am happy for you.

Wishing you the best.

I’ve never been a drinker. I’ve never liked the taste of alcohol. I could hang out in a bar all night with friends drinking water and a lemonade.

Drinking is no more part of gay life than any other "life". When you are young, drinking is fun and getting drunk is funny. As you age, getting drunk is no longer funny and indeed it is quite bad for you in excess. Thus many people stop and others develop moderate habits that they stay close to. Some develop problems with it. In any case everyone more or less makes their peace with it- except for the few who do not and their lives suffer accordingly-

Hangovers stop being worth it in your 30s. Or should.

[R49] I disagree, unlike straight bars, gay bars are social centers in gay neighborhoods that can function as shelters, frequently becoming centers of activism. It’s a safe place in a straight world. Gays also tend to need or want the release of alcohol more so than other groups, because of the stress and pressure they feel.

R51 that is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my life. A gay bar is a “safe” place from the straights?? Gay bars are for getting dick. That’s it.

Elder gay here (61). Growing up my parents had cocktails before dinner every night of the week and for the last 30+ years, I followed the same pattern. Never more than 2 drinks or 2 glasses of wine. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with persistent Afib which required an electro-cardioversion to correct. I had none of the usual triggers - overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. Instead the likely cause was my nightly cocktails. I stopped drinking 3 months ago and I'm surprised how much I don't miss it.

R45 - Honey, I don’t care, and I didn’t ask for your advice. x

I'm with you, R54.

[R54] If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t have needed to chime in. Had another GREAT workout today, feeling great! Don’t get lost in the sauce, beloved.

R56 - Christ, don’t put your back out with all that exercise! Certainly wouldn’t want to see you injured. x

[R57] my back is in excellent condition, not elderly yet! Fun fact: a strong core and perfect form protects your back, avoiding injury.

And OP is proving how insufferable ex-drinkers are. Basically the same as “born again” Christians. All about the righteousness of their way of life. Whatever works for you - but you’re not going to get validation and the self-esteem you so sorely need from me. Find something meaningful to be proud of other than not drinking and narcissism.

Thank goodness the younger hot muscular gays worldwide don't touch tobacco or alcohol. Why did so many older people do such self-destructive behavior?

R60 obviously has no real social life and is a shut-in if he really thinks that.

Separate from that, there is nothing more annoying than a preachy former drinker than a CROSS-FITTER. Please. Keep your fit-bro cult bullshit to yourself. And no, I'm not fat. I eat generally healthy, am physically active and in good shape, and yes *get ready for the shock!* do drink socially.

Who would have thought not putting poison in your body would make you feel better!

R61 I'm talking about the smarter health-conscious ones, not the whores.

r20 sure sounds like an angry drunk. He thinks everyone is "judgmental" because every time he drinks someone says, "Hey buddy, haven't you had enough?"

[quote] Don’t get lost in the sauce, beloved

Op, you forgot the standard farewell line: "Have a blessed day!"

Fuck you.

[quote]Gays also tend to need or want the release of alcohol more so than other groups, because of the stress and pressure they feel.

I hope it will make you feel better to know that this is no longer really true for anyone under the age of about 40 (if not 50).

[R60] I’ll tell you why, the stress and pressure of corporate life have affected them tremendously. In the case of many gay men of that generation, being a gay man in a straight world is added to that. Drinking provides relief and an escape. Unfortunately, many take it overboard and get bitchy and defensive about it.

[R65] RACIST!

Hey [R61] you can relax, no one is trying to take your alcohol away from you. You might be a little less irritable if you took a breather, and might be surprised at how happy you feel.

r1, I agree. I'm just too euro, a nice meal has one glass of wine. and if that happens only once a week, that's great. but never ever drinking is just weird

OP needs a BREAK!

[quote]OP is proving how insufferable ex-drinkers are

Seems like he's mostly just trolling Rhoda because she won't stop taking the bait.

oh, you gotta love rhoda

OK BOOMERS!

OP, you don't need a break, you need a BREAKDANCE

[R75] Thank you for that video, Channing.

you need a break

[quote] I can’t bare the markup.

Oh, dear!

I think I speak for everyone when I say that CrossFit cultists are obnoxious. Upon that I think we can all agree.

CROSSFIT - we need a BREEAK!

Had another great workout, and I haven’t had a drink in a week. I didn’t realize how much better I would sleep. Feeling amazing! The experiment continues...

Break it, make it, Bake it!

wait until you get to a month and then decide to celebrate your new sobriety and get a horrific hangover and then shake your head and wonder, "How did this happen"

[R83] What’s your point?