thinking of going for a dry January -anyone else in?

[tuffinmop]

Just that really.
I drink 4 or 5 times a week maybe 2 or 3 glasses of wine, too much I know. I drink to escape and avoid thinking about stuff. I am having a very tricky time in my marriage (should I stay or go) and need a clear head. Plus I am skint and too fat! So thinking of no alcohol for January to get some thinking time and loose some weight. Anyone else up for it?

[OwlCatMouse]

Hmmm very tempting, if only to lose a bit of weight!

[TaggieCrimbleBlack]

Yup.

I'm giving up EVERYTHING!

[LaVitaBellissima]

I am cutting back to just Friday and Saturday nights, 1 bottle total weekly allowance. I have been terrible over the festive period, have eaten and drank so much.
I am really trying not to open a bottle tonight, but it's calling me from the kitchen, it is still December

[Pantofino]

count me in!

[mmmmsleep]

You could do it for charity... Cancer research uk are doing a sponsored go dry for january ...might help you keep on the wagon. Don't think anyone would sponsor me as i'm 8 months pregnant and i imagine would get their judgy pants out if i wasn't off the booze.

[tuffinmop]

Thanks mmmm the cancer research thing sounds great. I have thought I would treat my self to a really good hair cut/new hair style in Feb with all the money i've saved.
lavita You sound like me, I drink when I am bored, tired, depressed, happy, you name it i'll have a glass wine, and with that comes the crisps/cheese etc.
And just like you, I am thinking its still december and have a Baileys in hand

[Pantofino]

count me in!

[IwishyouaMerryChristmas]

I'll be cutting down, but we have a week away in January and I will be drinking that week!

[tuffinmop]

well i've just set myself up with a dryathon page and stuck it on my face book. No going back now, i've committed! Eeeeek! natashabee yes, I have the cooking = wine habit too, its got to go!

[UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea]

I do this almost every year. I have to say it's fabulous after all the Christmas excesses. I -

Lose weight without trying (usually 4 / 5 pounds).
Sleep better.
Have better skin.
Have more energy / do more exercise.
Am less grouchy.

Anyone thinking of doing it I would recommend it - but you need the full month to feel the benefit.

[FellatioNelson]

Yes. I am four days into dryness (well I will be if I get through tonight.)

I was so dedicated that I started before NYE.

It helps that DH is doing it too. I don't want to give up forever, I just want alcohol not to be my main source of fluids from now on.

I need to knock it on the head completely for a bit as part of a raft of measures (I cant believe I just said that) to get my weight back under control, and my skin looking a bit less dehydrated, and then hopefully I will phase it back in, in an elegant and dignified manner that will no longer includes getting shitfaced at parties, being sick and having to write off the whole of the following day.

[cravingcake]

Count me in as well. We're having a booze-free January. So far so good (as long as new years eve doesnt count ).

I need to save a few pennies and lose some weight so this is the obvious way, we spend at least £30- £40 a week on wine.

A little tip that i have used before was to have a cranberry juice but in a wine glass whilst cooking dinner, helps trick your mind and get you through to when you are actually eating.

[BreastmilkNewYearLatte]

Joining in too. I've never really drunk much, but this Christmas/New Year was the first in ages I wasn't pregnant and/or BFing a tiny one so I did indulge aplenty a little, and did remind myself how much I love wine.

Please excuse the sound of gritted teeth. I would love a glass right now...

[StagnantRabbit]

Yes I'm in too.
I've tried this before and never been that good at it but this time am determined. I have overindulged over xmas + all trousers too tight.
I have managed the last 3 days ok and have even survived a pub lunch too so a good start so far esp as I have had wine every day for the last 3 weeks so this is no mean feat!
Good luck to all....

[UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea]

Well done everyone.I'm just back from a birthday (not mine) meal in a thai restaurant and was really happy on water / jasmine tea. Normally I would have had a drink but the thought of the positive effects of an alcohol free month meant I wasn't tempted in the least.

Next week DH goes away for a week leaving me in sole charge of our 5 yo, that might prove harder to get through without the odd glass of wine!

[arequipa]

Me too. And reducing tea/coffee to one a day to improve skin/hair. Stocked up with range of fruit juices ,herb teas,cocoa at bedtime...Need choices or get bored.

[StagnantRabbit]

Just wondered how everyones getting om?
I have survived the weekend.... just....
What I failed to mention in earlier post is that DS+DD were with their Grandma for most of last week and now that they are back the merlot is winking at me, or rather yelling my name fom the cupboard!!
That said I do feel loads better for a dry (almost) week, head feels clearer and I particularly notice when I wake up in the midle of the night for a wee that I don't feel awful and no rushing to the kitchen to gulp down water.
I will attempt the rest of January but will be avoiding people where ever possible...

[tribpot]

I have various friends doing it this year, although I have agreed with one that 1st Jan shall be renumbered 32nd Dec 2012 as she found herself with half a bottle of vintage champers and couldn't bring herself to tip it away solely because it was January.

My situation is rather different as I've been sober since May 2011 but I have been providing support where I can - obviously my friends are not in the same situation I was in where I drank until I was very ill! However, some good tips:

• herbal tea is your friend. There are MILLIONS of varieties (not literally). My current fave is Lime and Ginger Sensation - also very fond of Clipper Sleep Easy
  
• it's easier to refuse the first drink than the second (shouldn't be a problem for anyone who's actually giving up for Jan rather than cutting down)
  
• ginger beer is your pub friend
  
• make sure people are aware you're not drinking, most people will not try and put jokey pressure on you to have a drink (unless they are stupid, in which case avoid them til Feb)
  
• watch for your triggers. Cooking was definitely one of mine, as well as the inevitable bedtime/sun-over-the-yard-arm moment. Often if you can get through the subconscious moments when your brain tells you it's wine o'clock, the rest of the evening is much easier.
  

I like the motivation of the Dryathlon, you'd feel terrible having to tell the people who'd sponsored you you hadn't made it!

Oh and one from my friend - don't have booze in the house. Simply too tempting.

[BreastmilkNewYearLatte]

Failed.

[cravingcake]

I too have had 3 days when I've had a drink whoops

However, I will defend slightly and say that when I used to drink every single day and normally at least half a bottle if not more of wine then this is a massive improvement.

There's no booze in the house and I have no need to go to the shops until Sunday so should be a dry weekend, which is normally the hardest time for me.

Anyone else going to own up?
Or shout loudly that they have managed to stay dry so far.

[FellatioNels0n]

So how is everyone's dry January going?

I'll be honest with you - mine's going a bit rubbish.

[UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea]

Still dry :)

It has helped that I have felt rubbish this week so have no interest in alcohol.

Have survived a boozy Sunday lunch, a girly night in and dinner guests without cracking.