I decided to quit for lots of reasons. Step one while hungover on a Monday morning was to say to myself, "You've had your last drink." But Friday night I got drunk. Saturday morning I said to myself, "If you drink again, you have to get professional help." That did it. Facing the expense, embarrassment, hassle, meetings, etc. made me keep that promise to myself. I smoked my last weed a couple weeks after that too. It was 13 years ago.

Blackshirt, you're not disagreeing with me. Try reading it again.

Go to a meeting once. Depending on your area, vibe of the group you may receive more tough love or more inclusive and understanding approach to sobriety. For me one meeting is all it took. I did not want to live with alcohol. I still do crave it here and there but lots of other N/A substitutes out there

r/stopdrinking is what helps me. Ironically this is the second time I’ve recommended it today. You’re not the only one dealing with this

My doctor gave me a low level Ativan prescription which helped me transition to not drinking. I used that as needed for a couple of months. I hope this helps and good luck with your journey.

Maybe try meditation as well

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It's simple really. You either want to quite or you don't. If the answer is latter, simply don't buy it.

I’ve been trying to get a new job since the beginning of last year, but it’s tough out there. I did get an interview recently though, so hopefully that goes somewhere. My current job is working with SPED students in an elementary school, so while it’s very rewarding spiritually, it also takes a lot out of you. I think ignoring my work emails until they need to be looked at (like before I go in) may help.

Drink more it helps.

Ooo, I LOVE hot yoga. It made me super energetic afterward last time I did it, but after a shower I mellowed out really quick.

If you can identify your window of vulnerability to needing it, that’s great! Build new routines and self-soothing strategies. Try a free 30 day yoga challenge on YouTube. Happy hour to me now is yoga hour.

Meditation, even just ten minutes, can bring wind down relief, instead of reaching for a drink.

I find just a low sugar slightly bitter bubbly AF drink can quench that desire to hold a drink, you know? A lot of drinking at the end of a hard day can be placebo. Ie, NOW I can relax holding my potion.

Try some early morning activities on weekends — an awesome hike with a great view, a ride to a beautiful beach, a water view sunrise then breakfast with a friend, a hard gym workout — to prove to yourself that not waking up feeling crap from alcohol is way better.

I quit drinking during a deep dive into breathwork. It helped release all the tension that builds when feeling all your feelings for the first time. It also helped to read other sober success stories (by way of books, not articles) and have a support group around it all. I think when we can name our addictions as such and not judge ourselves for them, it helps to become detached. Cold turkey has been the only thing to get me through quitting any vice, and discipline around not lashing out at others as my emotions surface. Seek help. You'll feel amazing after you give it a good amount of time.

And give you something more productive than drinking to do in your free time. Win win win. Saying this as someone working through the habit myself.

If you’re drinking every day you’re likely dependent upon it and that’s why you can’t relax without it. You’re going to have to just suffer thru the withdrawals for awhile. Try going to bed early or get involved in some hobby- anything this stay busy and keep your mind off having a drink. It gets easier after a few days

Why do I need to remember pee is stored in the balls?

I love that analogy lol.

I just get burnt out by trying to do everything all at once. Like my fiancé will want to get intimate or just chill with me for a bit, but because I’m so focused on tasks, I can’t relax and be with him. Like it feels like I’m on a timer to do things before I have to go to bed and go to work the next day. Getting a bit tipsy alleviates that sense of urgency.

Mm, that’s fair. I guess keeping my to-do list each evening limited to one or two things would help keep me from burning myself out while also taking care of the things on my mind.

This is pure gold! Thank you for posting!

That sounds really depressing. No, I don’t use it for that reason. A lot of it is just because my work is very stressful and it keeps me from thinking about it too much.

I’ve definitely taken to Celestial’s peach tea as a way to relieve stress lately. I guess you can never have too much (herbal) tea.

Thanks for your kind words. And lending your time. I try to be there for as many people as I can. It’s one thing that motivates me and helps me see my life isn’t as bad as some others. Sometimes helping others helps me learn valuable skills

Sparkling water helps me a lot! Also helps I don’t drive by the place I typically buy my alcohol from anymore.

Yes, you need to pace yourself. If you don't, at some point, your body and soul will just say : "stop". And it'll stop you any way it can : depression, chronic pain, extreme fatigue, addiction. I've been there, I went through it, it was ugly and horrible. I'm on the other side now.

Pace yourself. And take life with a grain a salt : However big your achievements, they will all be erased by the sands of time, one way or another.

Ambition and work are good, but not in infinite amounts. Don't overwork, work smart and keep the mental stimulation in check (there are SO MANY tutorials to watch! SO many things to learn!!)

The Machine is made to suck you dry and spit you out. Don't trust it. I personally consider idleness as a political statement.

TLDR : Pace yourself, otherwise your inner system will stop you ---by force.