r/stopdrinking • u/VenusVignette Day 20 • 3h ago
3 weeks without drinking, my experiences.
Hello!
Just putting this out in the world. It's been three weeks since I haven't had a drink. It's been a life altering experience. I'm 41. I've been drinking for more than two decades, either regularly or binging. I could easily polish off a bottle of vodka a night. I loved it. I loved being drunk and happy, not worrying, relaxing and having fun. I learned to be completely functional. Until I couldn't anymore.
I always knew I needed to stop. I cut down to just the weekends, but then the weekends turned to weekdays. To everyday again. So three weeks ago I decided to stop, mainly to see if I could do it. I've stopped many things before, cocaine, ecstasy, cigarettes and marijuana, even caffeine. So I made the commitment.
So, what has changed? Well, weightloss, 15lbs. Saving money, a stupid amount of money. My routine has significantly improved. I'm enjoying my hobbies more, I haven't consecutively cooked meals everyday in an awful long time. I'm talking down the bone using my culinary skills cooking.
What am I still struggling with? Well, I can't say that I don't still crave a drink. Because I do. My sleep has been slightly improving (I'm diagnosed with insomnia, so that's part of the reason I drank, to sleep) but it's not regular. My mental health is still here, but louder. My past, I keep thinking about how I've wasted so much time being drunk, blacking out and treating people like garbage or make very poor decisions. Handling other people whilst drunk. Being social.
What am I happy about? I'm becoming wwaayy more self aware. My complection is radiant. I love waking up and saying "Good Morning" to people. I'm journaling, being more active with my pup, cleaning my house and finally feeling like my life is on the right track. I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
If you read all of this, I thank you. This subreddit has been a great inspiration and incredibly supportive. Also, if any lurkers are reading. If I can do it, you can do it. You have a community of us here to help you. IWNDWYT 🫂💗
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u/kooki_koala 2h ago
Inspiring, both of you! Thanks for sharing. One week in and my skin feels brighter!
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u/Ukstern Day 19 1h ago
Looks like I'm a day behind you and I can relate to most of this! Am 43 and had a similar drinking pattern, although white wine was my poison. Have lost half a stone, saved over £300 and the acne that has blighted me for years has disappeared. I have much more energy and am so much more productive. I am actually fully engaged in my hobbies again. I am currently drinking green tea and watching a TV show, safe in the knowledge I will remember what happened in the morning!
Great work; IWNDWYT.
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u/VenusVignette Day 20 1h ago
That's fantastic! You're doing so good! We're doing so good. I'm glad you are enjoying yourself and will clearly remember tomorrow 🫂💗
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u/Miss_Behavin77 Day 43 2h ago
It’s been just over a month for me and I feel this so much! I have cleaned out my fridge, freezer and pantry. Started cooking actual meals again, it’s been forever. I have found so much pleasure in making myself a simple breakfast and a good dinner, sometimes even lunch. Last night I drank tea and ate dark chocolate and it felt like the coziest thing in the world. My dog is also very happy with me. More walks, more throwing the ball, more attention. And he so deserves it, he’s my best friend and been through it all with me. Mental health is improving but still lots of room for improvement. I’ve been stewing on the past as well. Like today I realized how far past an oil change my truck is, and it a kind of truck that regular oil changes are essential. I started to spiral but realized all I can do is be disciplined and get the oil changed before I drive it any more. I also have insomnia, so I’m still up and down all night. Sometimes I get the feeling I have shocks or a strange buzzing in my legs that requires me to get up and move around. But all these inconveniences seem not minor, but manageable. When I read your post it felt like I could have written it, so I decided to write this and let you know there is someone out there in a very similar place in this journey. IWNDWYT ❤️