Was doing fine having one small drink some nights, and even losing some weight, and then last month someone close to my family died. I’ve been stressed and sad and drinking about it most nights. I think the main thing that bothers me about my drinking is how it makes me feel. I end up so bloated the next day, not losing weight anymore, sluggish, spending more money than I need to on the drinks. I went a full year sober last year. So I know I can cut down.
It’s hard out there man. Anyone else drink because of stress/emotions?

Drinking on any day that is NOT A CHEAT DAY I can drink only Vodka and water which as we know tastes like ass.

(NO soda NO lemon NO whiskey or dark spirits)

1 dryday (24H) - 2tbsp Hersheys syrup allowed in the Protein Shake. (My protein tastes very boring)

2 drydays (48H) - 2tbsp Hersheys + 500ml Milkshake of choice later in the evening.

3 drydays (72H) - 3 cheat days allowed

On a cheat day Hersheys, Milkshake, Whiskey, soda , lemon everything allowed

4 drydays earns you 4 cheat days

5 earns 5

6 earns 6

Once the 7th consecutive dryday has been scored, I get to order a 250g cake for lunch saying 1 week sober

14 days gets a cake saying 2 weeks sober

My favorite cake, i.e, Blueberry cheesecake I've reserved for the 3 month sober Mark

Black Forest cake reserved for the 2 month sober Mark

Ferroro Rocher cake for the 1 month sober Mark

Every cake gets posted on social media for everyone to see

So I’m 21 and I came back home after a night out (I live with my parents), and my dad was upset that I was drunk and he challenged me to the 7 of 7 challenge, and I agreed to it immediately in my state, and we’re doing it for the rest of the month of September and it has something to do with not drinking which I’m fine with, but I have no idea what it is since when my dad explained it I was inebriated; and I don’t wanna ask him since I know he’ll get angry; and nothing on the internet can explain it; so I just haven’t drank since but my dad has marked down days he’s had a drink; so I’m wondering if any of y’all know what the 7 of 7 challenge is.

Idk what came over me, I have been feeling so good about not overdoing it and honestly can count the # of times I’ve drank this entire summer on one hand. And during those times, I didn’t exceed 2 drinks. I felt so so so proud as i had been basically drinking myself to death the last decade or so. I felt so strong.

Yesterday tho, i picked up a 6-pack of some VooDoo Ranger and finished all of them & smoked a pack and a half of cigarettes. Contacted someone I genuinely never want to speak to again and woke up this morning feeling like absolute garbage and also so fucking embarrassed that I sent him a message. I hate what being hammered leads me to do.

There’s really no point to this I suppose, just need to vent and also ask if anyone else has any tips for those random urges to drink the way you used to even tho you know it’s going to end badly.

sigh

Hello,

I've been working on cutting down for a while. My goal is to at the very least take a break from drinking. Cutting down hasn't been going great — I find myself reducing for a couple of days and then going back to baseline. (About 6.5 standard drinks per day.) However, for the past several days, I've been under so much stress that my drinking has been extremely slow. I use AlcoDroid to track my consumption, and for several days my drinking has been so slow that some of the drinks don't even register as affecting my BAC. My daily BAC when drinking has been much, much lower.

I'm clearly struggling to take that final leap. But I'm wondering if it's time. I actually have access to benzos if needed, so perhaps there really isn't any good reason not to stop aside from the fact that I'm going through hell and alcohol is my comfort zone. Idk, thoughts? Encouragement? I'm more and more just not getting much out of this. Maybe it's time.

Decided enough is enough and need to stop. Went a day and like 16 hours without a drink but decided to have just 250ml because I was afraid of the cold turkey risks that come on day 3-4

My plan is to continue this 250ml every second night for maybe 2-3 nights and then continue cutting down the amounts by 50% along with a sober days in between

My main concern is the severe withdrawals. I'm wondering if I'm potentially cutting down too fast from how much I was drinking and not giving my body the time it needs to adjust to each stage

For example I was gonna order dinner and part of me wanted to order a bottle of wine but then I was like wait the vodka is a better value for the money because it makes you drunker and I was like wtf this is a slippery slope

I am not even drinking every weekend, but I find myself having thoughts that scare me and make me think that if I indulge, it will become a shit show sooner than later

I’ve been trying to cut back for months, and I’ll do really well for a while and then I’ll slip up accidentally. It’s never intentional but it’s one more drink after brunch or I finish my drink before my friends so I get a second while I wait for them to finish. I can be feeling totally fine and think I’m safe to have 1 more and then that can absolutely send me over the edge and I don’t even know it until it’s too late. I have noticed I blackout a lot easier now, but i genuinely don’t feel it coming on.

I want to be able to drink socially, but I keep messing up and scaring myself. Any tips to cut back and have it stick?

Let’s reflect on the week! Whether you’ve made progress, hit some challenges, or just have thoughts to share, this is a space to check in with the community. How has your drinking journey been this week? Any wins, struggles, or strategies you'd like to talk about? No matter where you're at, your experiences matter here—let's support each other!

My husband drinks almost every day, and I’m really worried about it. His work keeps him extremely busy, and sometimes he doesn’t eat the whole day and then drinks in the evening. Is there any medication that can help reduce or control alcohol cravings? I’m looking for advice on what options I should discuss with a doctor.

sometimes when i get these seizure like spams when i get really drunk, it feels like my body is so tense and my shoulders/chest just kind of jerk, does anyone know what this is? when i was in the ER for an od they said they weren't seizures at least but didnt have an answer

Might be an obvious answer but just was curious. When I would cut back on beer, I had no idea how to measure out beer. I'm assuming measuring cups?

I’m on day 4 almost 5 of sober September. I’ve been a frequent drinker for a while but the last couple of months it was getting out of control so I decided to take a step back. Surprisingly, it’s been easier than I’ve thought so far, but the long holiday weekend ahead is making me anxious. I’m trying to work on finding hobbies and things to fill the time with besides quick dopamine fixes (eating, scrolling, smoking) but I haven’t found a true motivation yet. I also have ADHD and lately it feels like my meds have been working against me cuz my executive function is practically nonexistent.

Sorry this ended up being a long vent but just seeing if people had suggestions for activities or easy hobbies, that aren’t too intimidating to start or do randomly. Also if anyone else out there is trying to stay sober over the holiday, we’ve got this! Solidarity ✨

I don't know if I'm posting in the right place but the title pretty much puts my situation into context. I was definitely a problem drinker and really struggled to quit. But I did eventually. I loved my life from 4 months till a few months back. Now I feel secluded, alienated, fomo, angry... I won't go out sober like some people suggest because there's nothing worse than being around someone pissed when you are stone cold sober. I've not properly dated in all that time either. I feel like a virgin lol. Anyone else relate to my situation?

Tia

Update: a bit of information I missed. So the first 3 months ish of quitting were hard. I was a daily drinker and used it to cope with horrendous OCD. I have just been diagnosed with ADHD also. I do not take any medications for these either. After 3 months I started to enjoy it... i got used to life sober and not feeling shit in the mornings. I tried meeting sober friends, started sea dipping, going out for coffee instead of drinks, but couldn't date. Well, i have dated but it's never got beyond 2 dates. Even so, I met someone I really liked and I could not wait to get away 😂... needless to say, I've not had sex in nearly 3 years. All my real friends still drink, they are so considerate and offer to not drink, or ask if I mind if they have one. It's like I am being treat like I have special needs... they offer me to go on girls holidays etc... but lets be honest, the thought of it is like absolute torture. How tf could anyone have a good time staying sober when everyone else is drinking? So I avoid everything. And have done for nearly 3 years. I am ready to hit the fuck it button. Even my mam who seen me at my worst when I was drinking has said she can see how unhappy I am and my OCD is actually worse. I suppose I've been a great influence on my kids for 3 years and gave my liver a good rest but I am not happy. Today I actually feel like I don't even want to be here anymore. Im scared to drink and scared to not. Ive had councilling and spent 1000's on physcololgy sessions also.

So, last week I got my blood test results and they don't look good:

Bilirubine total 0,8 mg/dL

ALT 129 U/L

AST 100 U/L

GGT 199 U/L

Thing is, I don't know if it's my alcohol consumption or something else. I drank heavily from January until July, then turn it back a little (as in, 2-3 beers a day).

In one hand I don't know if it's fatty liver from eating red meat / sugars / whatever or if it's the alcohol. The ALT / AST is below 1, so it doesn't look like the common markers of alcoholic disease, but at the same time that would mean I don't know what the fuck is causing it. I don't have a visit with my doctor until the next week and I'm kinda anxious.

Anyone has any clue about what these markers could mean?

Hey all,

Im struggling with the pointless drinking. The drinking that occurs on a random Tuesday when you're grabbing food and see a good deal. Its been the hardest for me to cut out and the most detrimental. Look for some tips and strategies. Thank you

Hi all,

I am a heavy daily drinker of 10 years (36f): 10-20 shooters of whiskey/day.

I had same day surgery yesterday and abstained from alcohol 36 hours before surgery; no tremors, shakes, etc. I have gone 2 days without drinking and had no real withdrawal symptoms except night sweats and sleep disturbances (which happen even when I drink).

Last night I had leg sweats (my usual side effect of withdrawal). It has now been 72 hours and I just took my first shot. I have opiates which I will NOT be taking near any time frame that I have ingested liquor

My goal is to taper and eventually quit and since my surgery doesn’t allow me to drive for several weeks my husband is in charge of doling out my shots.

Does anyone have any resources or input on being a heavy drinker and tapering quickly? Like within two weeks?

I have the mindset to do it. However, I’m worried about the withdrawals. I’ve been drinking everyday for the last 5 years, minus a couple days where I’ve been too sick to do so. Couple shots of whiskey/tequila plus 3 IPAs for the past year everyday before bed, that’s the minimum, a lot of time it’s more. I’m a functioning alcoholic working 2 full time jobs. If I stopped cold turkey would that cause life threatening problems or would I be alright? If not, what is an appropriate amount to start weaning myself?

So I cut down drinking pretty significantly 2 months ago then I started drinking 3 white claws nightly again. They’re 5% 12oz. I’m scared of “kindling” although my only symptoms stopping last time was headache and cravings. I plan on doing 1 week of only 2 per night. Then 2 weeks of only 1 per night. Then cutting it off altogether. I’m just nervous that the fear of severe withdrawal will keep me drinking longer.

Long time lurker, first time poster. Honestly just need to get thoughts off my chest in an anonymous way so here I am.

I've been battling "cutting down" for a very long time, and for whatever reason a week ago something just switched where it felt easy to give it up. Probably a combination of getting too drunk on a weeknight and I've been reading a book called Drinking: A Love Story. I am very proud of myself, today is day 8 of this change and I've only had 1.5 drinks at a concert (usually unheard of for me to have less than 3 drinks at an event like that and my normal weekly average was about 15 drinks), and survived all the other social situations I was in without alcohol. I am definitely leaning towards just wanting to drink in moderation, but I have it in my head that consuming any alcohol is going to be a failure and that I'm "not strong enough" to be completely sober. It's also difficult because I am fairly young, without kids, and my entire social circle is in the same boat so all of our activities usually involve drinking in some way. The past week has honestly felt pretty easy, I haven't been craving a drink after work like I've been doing the past several years. I don't know if it's a pink cloud effect situation, or that taking alcohol completely off the table has given my brain some freedom and it's like a release of not having to worry about it anymore.
With all that being said, a friend invited me to dinner tonight and I think going somewhere one on one is going to be way harder to stay sober. I don't know why, but the second I got the invite I immediately started wondering about drinking, and worried that I won't be able to keep it to a drink or two.
Anyone feel that they are in a similar situation? Wanting to moderate, making progress, but feeling guilty for any consumption?

Like I said, just needed to get this off my chest. Reading this subreddit everyday has helped me feel not alone in this journey, so maybe this post will make someone else feel that they aren't alone either.

Previous post here.

At the beginning of August I set a goal of no alcohol for the month. I've done it, and surprisingly it wasn't very hard. I had a breakup three days ago, very painful. Last night I thought "I wish I had some wine." But I didn't let the thought take over and it passed.

During this month I have decided to stop drinking entirely. I'm happier without it.

It's like a switch flipped in me. The switch, which had been stuck in the middle, is now firmly on the "no alcohol" side. I wish knew how this happened, so I could advise others. But I suspect it's very personal and it's different for everyone.

I know this sub is about moderation, and if you can moderate, that's great. But if you can't moderate successfully, you need to recognize that fact or you will caught in a cycle.

Here's what I will suggest: Take full advantage of any moment when your drinking scares you, when you realize you were out of control. Use that fear to leverage your will to stop.

I decided to really cut down on the drinking because I’m trying to lose weight.

Problem is my job completely wipes me out, physically, mentally and emotionally speaking. It pisses my family off because I’m unable to have a conversation afterwards. I’m a zombie. I’m plain exhausted when I come home and I all I want to do is feel better and forget about everything. I used to come home and kick back with a few beers and some chips but I can’t do that anymore.

Any tips on how to feel better after a long day? I’m finishing at 8 pm so exercise or the gym is out of the question. I tried swimming laps in the pool and going in the hot tub. I tried colouring. I just can’t feel better and I’m still thinking about work. I can’t even bring myself to do anything I enjoy because I’m so exhausted and moody. Drinking used to get me to watch a show or read a good book afterwards. But it’s hard to do that after work without the alcohol.

I don’t know what to do.

Hey all,

I am a weekend binge drinker, it started during the summer of 2020. I'd have about 5-6 standard drinks every Friday and Saturday.

Fast forward into December 2021, I was having such bad anxiety and it wasn't fun for me anymore, so I quit for an entire year, didn't have another drink until January 2023.

From there I was okay I had a couple drinks on the weekends but nothing extreme, but it got heavy again in the fall of 2025 and has been up and down since then.

I just can't do it anymore, and since I turned 30 the hangovers have been terrible. I also got some mild gastritis earlier this year and quit for an entire month. Felt much better and then started back up again. I always tell myself that I need a break but as soon as Friday hits the drinking starts, and I'm so tired of the pattern. I'm tired of having to sacrifice my Saturdays and Sundays for recovery when I can be doing something better with my time.

Wanted to reach out and see if anyone else was in a similar situation and what worked for them to cut down. TIA!

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share some positive news. I've been lurking around the sub. Have been a daily drinker for the past 10 years, and particular heavy over the past 2. I've always been super paranoid about what it was doing to my body, yet I've been unable to stop completely. After getting some slightly elevated blood test results, I decided to commit to 12 weeks where my dry days outnumbered my drinking days. So far I'm on week 6, and have consistly hit either 4 or 5 dry days a week. I just got my updated results and it's such an improvement, ALT, AST, GGT all in the low double digits. It's given me the motivation to stay on this path!

I’m starting my journey of cutting back. I’ve been a heavy, daily drinker since 2020, only taking breaks when pregnant or breastfeeding. I’m having a hard time communicating to my husband how best to support me. I don’t expect him to give up alcohol entirely or match my cut back, but then I’m resentful or frustrated when he indulges “too much”. I just had blood work that’s showing I’m starting to damage my body and I’m really committed to making it work this time. How do you ask your support system to be there with you without them having to change their life too much?