I’ve been officially 100% alcohol free for over 48 hours, which is the longest I have gone in probably close to 2 years or more. I am so proud of myself, my husband is proud of me, I don’t think she “knows” but I feel like my two year old is proud of me too (at least that’s what I’m telling myself)
So far seltzer water seems to really help with cravings towards the end of the day, does anyone have any other “go to’s” that hit that same spot? I don’t really want alcohol free beer, I never drank for the taste anyways.
Seltzers really helped me too. I had a lot of fun early into sobriety trying out different flavors and brands. I love polar orange vanilla, but still like to mix it up occasionally.
For the first few months, I enjoyed keeping popsicles, Italian ice, or individual ice creams as a treat to enjoy at night. Something ritualistic that I got to look forward to every night. It's not the same, but it helps.
I recently discovered trader joes has a carbonated tea labelled "black tea" I believe in a glass champagne bottle. It's non-alcoholic but Ive never had anything that is similar to an alcoholic drink (it tastes just like champagne or carbonated Moscato) but is actually tasty. NA beer is just a little too real for me and makes me realize that I wasn't drinking beer for the taste lol.
Congratulations on 48 hours!!!! Once I did my first night, I could use that as evidence. I can do one day, I just did it. Therefore, I can do one more day. Just one day. No matter what happens or how I feel, I will not drink tonight. Any urge or issue, I'll revisit tomorrow, but tonight I'm not drinking.
48 hours is huge! I really like waters with flavoring, tons of recipe ideas online. IWNDWYT 🖤
Well done!
I like tonic water, or Monster energy drinks. I don't drink them for the caffeine but for the taste. It's also nice to crack open a can of whatever just for the ritual :)
My ritual is to come home and open a bottle of San Pelegrino and pour it in my glass, add a large ice cube and a green olive! Congrats on 17 days!
That sounds so nice! Thank you, and congratulations on your 19 days as well!
I am proud of you! That first 48 hours is no joke. Keep it up, friend. You can do this.
In the early days, kombucha mixed with seltzer water over ice was incredibly helpful to me. A little squeeze of lemon if I was feeling fancy 😁.
Candy lol. Those chewy sweettarts are so intense I'd pop one after another. Also I know it isn't something you consume but taking a warm bath at night instead of drinking helped
Very well done!
I hear you on the seltzers--I'm coming up on four years and I still drink them like they're going out of style.
IWNDWYT!
In addition to Seltzer I recommend Monin Syrups to put in them when you are craving a mocktail. A year ago I worked at one of their factories and I am low-key obsessed. At their plant they have a bar area that you can use to make coffee and Seltzer mixed drinks.
You can order them from their website. The Ruby Red Grapefruit is my favorite but there are plenty of others to have fun with.
Congrats! Find a flavored water you like. Avoid sugar and energy drinks. Keep it up!
I'm proud of you! You deserve the peace that comes with sobriety. I love a sparkly water with a little bit of cranberry juice. Iwndwyt
And a splash of lime, if you have it!
Your two-year-old definitely "knows" in their own way.
Seltzer water all the way! I now keep 8+ different flavors in the house and rotate them to keep it exciting.
Congrats!!!! Get ready for your glow-up! IWNDWYT.
In need of a glow up inside and out so I’m ready lol
Quitting alcohol is a bloody beast, but it has so many upsides. I look 5 years younger at least. You may find yourself staring in the mirror a lot and appreciating how much prettier you are when your eyes aren't sad and dull and your skin isn't puffy. To me, it's our bodies thanking us for lowering their workload.
My son was a few years older than 2 when I quit. He was starting to put the pieces together. It was humiliating and shameful. Now, I can be confident that my child isn't wondering why I'm not responsive or going to tell his teachers that mommy's favorite drink is Guinness.
This is inspiring to hear, I’m glad you’re doing well! Thank you so much
PS - my bright eyes resurfaced about a week-and-a-half in, and my face de-puffed about a month in.
For me my go to is either Ginger Beer, the bit of heat from the ginger scratches the itch.
Or, for a lower cal/sugar option, then diet Ginger Ale with a splash of Ginger extract. (I order “Jamaican Pure Ginger Extract “ on Amazon).
Most restaurants with a bar have Ginger Beer for making cocktails so ordering one with a lime wedge is my go to when out for dinner.
I like homemade kombucha that I flavour with all kinds of fruits and spices. Nice and fizzy, over ice.
I went for fizzy juices first, eg Cawston Press in the UK, but have now switched to the fizzy waters with a hint of flavour eg Aqua Libra and Dash. I try to avoid refined sugars and sweeteners if I can
I also started investing the money I saved before I got used to having it
That's the money I saved by not drinking
It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but I look forward to a kombucha. I like knowing that I’m helping repair/maintain my gut flora after so many years of destroying it…
Seltzers, adding a little Gatorade zero to my water, kombucha in a nice glass if I need something “special”. WE are proud of you too!
Awesome stuff, the first 2 days is a huge win. IWNDWYT.
Congrats on 5!!! That’s also huge!
Thank you. The support of this group is amazing and I think I have finally found a sober place to call home. I've been to meetings, even a few online ones, but this place really hits differently and I think it's what I needed to find.
Congrats! If you think the first two days feel good, imagine how the first week, month, etc. will feel.
IWNDWYT
I already have so much more energy! I’m tired bc I’m obviously sleeping like shit and sweaty at night but not waking up feeling like crap is already a crazy difference. I cannot wait to see what a week feels like
Night sweats will go away in a week or so, I used to get them too 🙃
Just another thing to look forward to
Good effort! IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT! So proud of you!
I like the sparkling ice drinks with caffeine in the can!
Way to go. I'm happy for you, and proud of you! Stay strong! And yes, I bet your two year old senses something better! Keep it going! IWNDWYT!
Ginger beer. Hits the spot and settles the stomach. If you're in a cold place hot teas of all sorts. Maybe your two year old would like to join in some hot chocolate or spiced chai?
You got this!
There is alcohol free white claw. Obviously be careful as the NA helps a lot of people (including myself) but some people find it triggering. The NA whiteclaw is pretty good as far as flavor and cravings go.
Bravo!
Congratulations & wishing you the best of luck.