For those that gave up alcohol, what was the turning point and what helped keep you away from it?

[Ricky]

I don't drink daily but i am thinking of quitting for good due to some binging that i've done when i do drink.

The longest period of remember of not drinking at all was about 5 months when i had horrible heartburn and gave up alcohol and coffee.
I was having great success at that time in the pickup arts and even met my wife at that time.

 

[BackInTheGame78]

When I am training I simply don't drink. It has deleterious effects on body composition and hormones.

 

[Slag]

Do you want to quit because you can't drink in moderation? I don't drink all that often, but when I do, I usually plan on getting tore up. That probably sounds irresponsible, and maybe it is, but that's what I do. I have no interest in drinking by myself, or having just one or two drinks if somebody offers. No, I only like to drink on the weekends at the bar, or at a wedding, or some party. Basically, I only like to drink if the people around me are getting drunk, too.

I've gone months at a time without having a drink though, and it never bothered me. I've probably even gone a year or better once or twice. I like having fun getting drunk and doing crazy stuff, but when I don't drink I enjoy not being hung over and not having an unproductive day after.

Are there people you hang out with that you regularly drink with? If so, spending less time with them would be the first step to lessen the probability of binging. For me, it's my cousin's. I've got a few that are in their mid 20's. I like to joke that they're a bad influence on me. All my friends that I use to drink with back in the day have all gotten married and had kids. Then my cousins came of age, and now I drink more than I did when I was in my 20's. All but one are married, and I suspect it won't be long before they start having kids and leave the wild and crazy times behind them. Until that happens, I don't intend to quit. I'm 36 btw

 

[Ricky]

When I am training I simply don't drink. It has deleterious effects on body composition and hormones.

I need to use that. Have a half marathon in november plus i am lifting regularly. I need to think more like an athlete.

 

[IKO69]

Several months on end at times. I've never really been much of a drinker which is a shame because I have a nice bar in my home. I stock it with Macallan, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Bombay Sapphire, Cointreau, Ouzo & Sambuca etc. It's largely served to my friends, family & dates when they come every week or so. Gives me satisfaction serving it even though half the time I'm not drinking it. I don't feel I am missing much.
I like Disaronno & Limoncello, I usually drink that on the holidays/special occasions.

 

[BackInTheGame78]

Several months on end at times. I've never really been much of a drinker which is a shame because I have a nice bar in my home. I stock it with Macallan, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Bombay Sapphire, Cointreau, Ouzo & Sambuca etc. It's largely served to my friends, family & dates when they come every week or so. Gives me satisfaction serving it even though half the time I'm not drinking it. I don't feel I am missing much.
I like Disaronno & Limoncello, I usually drink that on the holidays/special occasions.

Yeah same here. I enjoy having a drink when I am out socially here and there(just not when training), but if I never had another drink again it wouldn't bother me at all...I have gone years between drinks.

 

[Ricky]

Several months on end at times. I've never really been much of a drinker which is a shame because I have a nice bar in my home. I stock it with Macallan, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Bombay Sapphire, Cointreau, Ouzo & Sambuca etc. It's largely served to my friends, family & dates when they come every week or so. Gives me satisfaction serving it even though half the time I'm not drinking it. I don't feel I am missing much.
I like Disaronno & Limoncello, I usually drink that on the holidays/special occasions.

I play weekend bartender at times too. Some of my friends won't drink if i'm not drinking with them.. so i've even had to play the game where i just put a little in my drink but give them the full shot in a ****tail. I may do that from now on. I will be able to get rid of my liquor supply for those that want to drink it and stay sober myself. The pandemic really helped in that regard as it was more common for me to mix the drink inside and they not come in with me due to distancing. I'd bring the drink outside to the front of back porch to them. ALot of times i'd give myself half a shot instead of a full one, so it would be easy especially with drinks involving clear liquor to just make mine no alcohol. At bars I've gotten a soda and lime for the same reason. Looks like a ****tail to outsiders. I tip the bartender a dollar.

 

[Ricky]

Thanks guys this is inspirational to know others are going without alcohol at times.

 

[Doctor Europeo]

Around 18. I started driving.

 

[EyeBRollin]

It affects my sleep too much.

 

[BackInTheGame78]

I play weekend bartender at times too. Some of my friends won't drink if i'm not drinking with them.. so i've even had to play the game where i just put a little in my drink but give them the full shot in a ****tail. I may do that from now on. I will be able to get rid of my liquor supply for those that want to drink it and stay sober myself. The pandemic really helped in that regard as it was more common for me to mix the drink inside and they not come in with me due to distancing. I'd bring the drink outside to the front of back porch to them. ALot of times i'd give myself half a shot instead of a full one, so it would be easy especially with drinks involving clear liquor to just make mine no alcohol. At bars I've gotten a soda and lime for the same reason. Looks like a ****tail to outsiders. I tip the bartender a dollar.

Then they just wouldn't drink. Fvck that...everyone is sober then I guess if they are all following my lead. You'd find that would quickly dissipate.

 

[taiyuu_otoko]

I quit about 15 years ago.

Not a specific turning point, just realized I was wasting too much time.

Read the book Easy Way by Alan Carr.

And it did make it easy. Absolutely zero willpower required.

 

[member162951]

Too many days of feeling like crap due to being tired, hungover. Life's too short man. I replaced my drinking habit with working out and my body thanks me for it every day.

 

[Ricky]

Plus my anxiety is triggered big time after a day of drinking. It makes me sad also