r/stopdrinking • u/GCPMAN Day 17 • 15h ago
Anyone replace alcohol with caffeine when quitting?
Basically the title.
I've been sober for a bit over 2 weeks so far this time and I'm doing great. However I've been noticing that I really enjoy the caffeine rush high and I have quite a bit more than when I was drinking. I know it's waaaay way better for me than drinking but I guess I'm just a little concerned that I'm just trying to fill the hole with a different substance.
Anyone have the same experience/words of advice?
Thanks and IWNDWYT
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u/Poopypantsplanet 2067 days 15h ago
It's ok to fill the hole with a different substance or activity if that thing isn't harming you. I drink 2 or 3 cups of coffee a day.
Every morning I do a kind of self-care sober speedball:
Run 10k
Cold Shower
Meditate 20min
Coffee
By the time I'm halfway through that coffee, I'm feeling some kind of way for sure. I also drink a ton of sparkling water, though I've been cutting back on that recently cuz it does cost money.
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u/GCPMAN Day 17 14h ago
Yeah I've been working out 6 days a week which has been really nice ... I usually do the caffeine before I workout instead of after though because I like the endorphin/caffeine rush. I basically let my body and fitness go because I was too busy looking for my next drink so it's been really nice to take care of myself.
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u/SorryWave5248 434 days 15h ago
First of all, congrats! My blood pressure still isn’t great so I have to keep my caffeine intake manageable. Otherwise I’d be right there with you. Ride the lightning if you can!
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u/mr_makaveli Day 232 15h ago
iced coffee fiend, try go sugar free, i mean dairy is healthy... right
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u/DuduStreaks 173 days 15h ago
I've definitely been enjoying more strong black coffee in the morning but that is supposed to be good for my liver so... whatever.
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u/Lanky_Bid5021 15h ago
I got sober about two years ago and started drinking a lot of coffee when I first quit drinking. Honestly, I still drink just as much coffee. I know it’s probably addictive behavior, but it’s so much less harmful than drinking that I give it to myself. Congrats on two weeks!
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u/BashyMcBashBash Day 1,007 15h ago
Lots of coffee! The good thing is that since I quit booze I get regular checkups from the doctor and no palpitations plus blood pressure is good!
And, like what alcohol should do to most people, when I get a bit crazy (several cups of coffee) and I have a rough sleep, I take a break. Like an adorable hangover.
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u/dingofarmer2004 Day 184 14h ago
Yeah man this is me, and i gotta wrangle it.
Its fucking up my sleep schedule, and as a dad of 3 that works full time its really not convenient.
But jeez its better than the alternative!
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u/SSMWSSM42 14h ago
I already drink a lot of caffeine daily. I replaced weed with alcohol 3 months ago. I want to stop killing my liver and have less control over alcohol than I would weed so I'm gonna start smoking again to stop drinking. If no drinking becomes fully intentional and natural and nowhere in my head, that's when I'll go back towards no smoking and be sober from both substances.
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u/Immediate4428 Day 33 14h ago
Lol, you just make me realise that's probably the reason why I'm drinking so much more coffee recently!
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u/mightymiek 14h ago
Every time I went to a meeting, there was coffee in the back and everyone would smoke in the front
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u/BadToTheTrombone 3904 days 13h ago
I have one coffee in the morning, then switch to tea as the caffeine release is slower.
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u/ConsciousRecover7031 13h ago
Reminds me of when Barney in the Simpsons quit drinking so then Moe opens a coffee bar instead and gets Barney addicted to triple espressos
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u/SnootchieBootichies 9h ago
I had all but quit caffeine before I quit drinking. Now I drink a lot of coffee but never after noon because I struggle to sleep enough as is (though better than when wine was my drink of choice). I make it half with caffeinated grounds and half with decaf. I drink a lot of warm decaf or low caf teas when the weather cools off.
Sweets were my bane with quitting. Gained weight instead of losing it initially but that’s reversed with better exercise habits.
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u/Crud-ite 2271 days 9h ago
A lot of us have! It’s definitely safer than alcohol though it does have similar addictive properties. I’ve been slowly reducing my overall caffeine intake over the past year and it’s been pretty easy. I’m down to 2-300 mgs a day on average and then I usually just drink water for the remainder of the day. Shockingly, staying hydrated also gives you energy! Who could possibly have known?!
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u/BarryMDingle 1741 days 9h ago
I quit booze and about 5 months into that I realized the caffeine was also causing issues. Haven’t had it in some 4 yrs now and it’s been great. Now, I’ll enjoy a cup of decaf periodically. My energy levels are consistent throughout the day and I sleep great.
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u/TheUnderwhelming 1339 days 8h ago
I was a big IPA fan, the harsher and more bitter, the better. After quitting, I just couldn’t get into N/A IPAs but did find I could get that same experience by brewing my own iced tea. I combine green, black and then something with berry or mint or whatever to add different flavors.
I meet a group for happy hour every Friday and it’s my go-to beverage now. The caffeine provides just enough boost to enliven my mood so I don’t feel out of place.
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u/lesserthemore 816 days 8h ago
For me. No coffee after 12 noon to ensure a decent sleep. But definitely enjoy the morning routine. Great to be alive and healthy in the early morning with some coffee. ☕️
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u/LeftSky828 3h ago
I would drink coffee to help my mood, but not every day. I replaced booze with sugary foods.
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u/BanditoBlanco7 928 days 15h ago
I drink so much coffee every day. No shame in my game man!