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Alcohol

Step away from bourbon altogether for a few weeks or months


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I think a lot of people relapse becauae they don't feel better. When you quit and still feel like crap it is discouraging. I suppose you just have to get past that phase.
It may be like when you first quit drinking coffee. I used to drink tons of coffee every day, as I worked all day at a desk.
When I decided to quit, it was cold turkey, and the first two (2) weeks were extremely rough. Severe headaches for me.
Now, I only drink decaf ...
 
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It may be like when you first quit drinking coffee. I used to drink tons of coffee every day, as I worked all day at a desk.
When I decided to quit, it was cold turkey, and the first two (2) weeks were extremely rough. Severe headaches for me.
Now, I only drink decaf ...
Caffeine led to the enlightenment. Why would you want to quit?
 
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Still haven't seen the objections to the occasional pour or two because people actually like bourbon.

No objections from me. The only 2 things I miss about drinking are bourbon and draft craft beer. Not because I’m a snob, far from it. Just enjoyed trying new beers. Problem was when I wasn’t at a bar or restaurant with people around me I couldn’t stop myself. No one’s fault but my own.
 
No wine drinkers here? In 2025, I resolved to drink less beer and more red wine, which I have learned to enjoy more and more.

Only problem is that I quickly found out, like so many other hobbies and bad habits, that you can spend any amount you care to name on wine.
 
No wine drinkers here? In 2025, I resolved to drink less beer and more red wine, which I have learned to enjoy more and more.

Only problem is that I quickly found out, like so many other hobbies and bad habits, that you can spend any amount you care to name on wine.
Wine guy here. I can only drink about a half bottle at a time which makes it a little easier.
 
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Wine guy here. I can only drink about a half bottle at a time which makes it a little easier.
I also like the mellow buzz of a good red wine, beer makes me feel bloated, especially the really heavy craft beers. Actually prefer imported beer over local craft anyway.
 
I think a lot of people relapse becauae they don't feel better. When you quit and still feel like crap it is discouraging. I suppose you just have to get past that phase.

It takes a bit. But once you start piling on the quality sleep you'll feel great. I've even found that the longer I go into dry January, the less I even want to "break" and have some beers. It almost leaves your system, even if it's slow and it's never gone for good. But it does seem easier to refocus on what I need to do. That "man i need a beer" feeling after a stressful day starts to subside. And maybe its because when you're clear minded, you can accomplish more and reduce the stress.

It sounds silly, but during this time I like to think about how nice it feels to wake up with not a smidge of hangover.. whether it's groggy or full blown wall-eyed. Because idk about anyone else, but the absolute worse feeling is waking up on a Sunday morning being hungover, feel like shit, and knowing you're gonna feel this way for most of the day.

Im down about 5 lbs.. but I've sort of plateaued. You do gain a little bit of a sweet tooth once you cut back. And your body has to adjust to HOW it handles these different calories coming in (100% food as opposed to say 80% food and 20% alcohol). Some people say they don't lose any weight for a few weeks, and then it just starts to fall off.
 
I only drink socially at holidays these days and usually a two drink limit. Had a small bourbon over ice to ring in the new year. Not a drop since.

When I was in my late teens/early 20s, I was a heavy drinker (get piss drunk 4 nights a week, get buzzed 6-7 nights a week), but went to occasional when I got serious with the woman who is now my wife. Over the years occasional became rarely.

I did a lot of crazy stuff when I was young, including just about every drug but heroin - and I was drunk the first time I tried several drugs. If I am being honest, alcohol is one of the worst drugs in terms of buzz quality and negative after effects, but is also readily available and relatively cheap compared to other substances. Alcoholism also runs in my family big time and I noticed I was following that same path and still have more vices than I should. Grandpa, multiple uncles and cousins are/were alcoholics. One side of my family has functions that almost revolve around alcohol. As a mostly non-drinker, it’s terrible being around all those drunk people at the same time.

As to OP’s question, I find it a little hard to believe that two drinks a week could increase the cancer risk that much. I also agree with those who say sugars and processed foods are a bigger issue (and one of my vices that I am working to cut back on).
 
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Holy crap is this true. I went from only eating a slice of pumpkin pie at thanksgiving to inhaling every damn piece of chocolate I can find

Bro the sweet tooth is REAL!

I do a pretty decent job keeping it at bay, but I found my grocery cart with 3 bars of dark chocolate in it lol.
 
One side of my family has functions that almost revolve around alcohol. As a mostly non-drinker, it’s terrible being around all those drunk people at the same time.

I have been told by several AA veterans that to kick alcohol, you have to give up your former friends and avoid that kind of social circle, which for some was the hardest step of all.
 
Luckily with my family there have always been multiple non drinkers so switching from beer to water wasn’t something that was awkward.

I just find when I do go out on occasion just ordering something that LOOK like it has alcohol in it eases everything.

Really it’s stupid that I even have that thought. Like why the heck should I care what other people’s opinions are about what I’m drinking?

But there is always a bit of ‘trying to fit in’ that’ll get ya. When everyone holds up a pint of beer and you have a water it feels weird. When you’re at the fair and everyone is drinking overpriced pina colodas it feels weird not joining in. But just ask for a virgin and no one noticed.

Now I’ll go back to my room for the next few weeks
 
I'll tell my buddies and family members that I'm trying to lose weight and looking to hit the gym later or early the next day (which are usually true). I find that no one really cares. I'll have some friends maybe joke about it, but they don't actually care if my drink has no alcohol.

It's unfortunate if people DO pressure others. Choosing not to drink shouldn't be any one else's concern.

What I find more difficult is simply the fomo of people having a good time. But I also find that once you do this a few times (ordering water at a bar or something) you usually settle in.
 
No wine drinkers here? In 2025, I resolved to drink less beer and more red wine, which I have learned to enjoy more and more.

Only problem is that I quickly found out, like so many other hobbies and bad habits, that you can spend any amount you care to name on wine.
love red wine. it probably crosses my table more than anything else at this point. had a great margaux new years (i dont like champagne).
 
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