• This is tough!!

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:32 pm**

Anyone else doing or trying to do dry January?

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:38 pm**

Terrier wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:32 pm
Anyone else doing or trying to do dry January?

No

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:38 pm**

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:39 pm**

Terrier wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:32 pm
Anyone else doing or trying to do dry January?

Nope. Zero interest in made up blurb.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:39 pm**

Not me.

But if you're struggling then you can bet its a good thing you're doing it.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:40 pm**

No, but this year I'm going to try and limit myself to 6 beers per night out/occasion.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:43 pm**

box_of_frogs wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:39 pm
Nope. Zero interest in made up blurb.

Not doing it myself, but there's no harm in made up bullshit if it serves a wholly decent purpose. If it gives someone a month of motivation to do something good for themselves and see what a few weeks of clean living does for them, a month of it that they wouldn't do without that totally fabricated made up motivation, then that made up nonsense is no longer nonsense.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:45 pm**

Just don’t have alcohol in the house, if there’s occasions you would drink fill that time with another hobby. Find some exciting soft drinks. It’s easier than you think.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:46 pm**

I'm doing it. Only briefly thought of a drink once so far. Last time I did it I had some devestating news on the 2nd so i'm hoping this time proves to be much easier. The real test comes when attending a gig and i've got three before the end of the month.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:48 pm**

Terrier wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:32 pm
Anyone else doing or trying to do dry January?

Yes. Been a doddle so far. Even went to the pub earlier and had a 0% Stiegl

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:49 pm**

I drink a lot, far too much at a weekend to be honest, probably around 20 pints in the pub over Friday-Sunday, so always have a month off in January, have for about 8 years now.

Going to try and go February as well this year and hopefully start cutting down, I go through phases so I guess you could say I haven’t a good relationship with alcohol. Luckily I do eat well and train everyday so I manage to keep the weight off

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:49 pm**

Dry January followed by a wet February, not for me but good luck with it.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:49 pm**

Did it a couple of years ago, getting out of the habit or routine helps.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:50 pm**

what_no_pies wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:46 pm
I'm doing it. Only briefly thought of a drink once so far. Last time I did it I had some devestating news on the 2nd so i'm hoping this time proves to be much easier. The real test comes when attending a gig and i've got three before the end of the month.

Where are you off WNP ?

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:51 pm**

Spiral wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:43 pm
Not doing it myself, but there's no harm in made up bullshit if it serves a wholly decent purpose. If it gives someone a month of motivation to do something good for themselves and see what a few weeks of clean living does for them, a month of it that they wouldn't do without that totally fabricated made up motivation, then that made up nonsense is no longer nonsense.

I get your point. Bit if you don’t have the self control to have a few days / weeks / months off the booze then you’re beyond our control.

And yes before the righteous pipe up, I’ve done all off these timings without alcohol. It’s not hard.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:52 pm**

Nope. Drink what I want, when I want. Sometimes drink twice in a week, other times go 3/4 weeks without.
Social drinker see. Have it in the house but never touch it unless someone pops round for one.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:52 pm**

Funkydrummer wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:50 pm
Where are you off WNP ?

Well, to be honest, the real test is attending football without a drink.

(Sorry, meant to quote WNP)

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:52 pm**

It's really hard to break a habit by just taking the thing you want to stop out of any routine you have without having anything to replace it. Best thing is not to do routine minus beer, but rather, to do a new routine that doesn't involve beer. If your routine is getting ****** and watching footy, break the habit by stopping the footy until you're craving footy more than beer. (Burnley doesn't count, obviously). Bang some concerts on YouTube if you're at home or something, anything that you wouldn't normally do, but do it sober.

I'm not even taking the pi$$ when I say this, but if you link the evening with beer, say, watching MOTD on a Saturday night, get up and shadow box in your living room till you're fked while watching MOTD. Just interrupt the craving with something totally novel and outside your typical routines.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:55 pm**

Drinking is good and more of it should be done. It might lead to occasional bouts of violence, hangovers and erectile dysfunction but sober countries are more likely to cut your head off and really, who is the real danger to society, me, a hungover drunk with no problems whatsoever no sir, or someone who thinks soft drinks can be exciting?

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:00 pm**

bobinho wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:52 pm
Nope. Drink what I want, when I want. Sometimes drink twice in a week, other times go 3/4 weeks without.
Social drinker see.

That roughly sums me up too.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:00 pm**

Spiral wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:52 pm
It's really hard to break a habit by just taking the thing you want to stop out of any routine you have without having anything to replace it. Best thing is not to do routine minus beer, but rather, to do a new routine that doesn't involve beer. If your routine is getting ****** and watching footy, break the habit by stopping the footy until you're craving footy more than beer. (Burnley doesn't count, obviously). Bang some concerts on YouTube if you're at home or something, anything that you wouldn't normally do, but do it sober.

I'm not even taking the pi$$ when I say this, but if you link the evening with beer, say, watching MOTD on a Saturday night, get up and shadow box in your living room till you're fked while watching MOTD. Just interrupt the craving with something totally novel and outside your typical routines.

Yep, I’ve plenty to keep me busy at home with the children and dog but I imagine it’s tough for those that have nothing tying them down at home and no hobbies outside those that usually involve beer. It’s a habit for most, not an addiction as such

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:04 pm**

Not for me, most people will fold after about a week or spend all Jan boring everyone to death about it on social media. Plus the pub trade needs all the help it can get.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:04 pm**

box_of_frogs wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:51 pm
I get your point. Bit if you don’t have the self control to have a few days / weeks / months off the booze then you’re beyond our control.

And yes before the righteous pipe up, I’ve done all off these timings without alcohol. It’s not hard.

If you don't have the self control to lay off it for a few weeks then maybe a bit of encouragement and support is better than this ridiculous modern brand of stoicism that is less a coherent philosophy of life and more some human psychology-denying attempt by fundamentally insecure people to convince themselves and the rest of the world they have mastered the human condition by beaten their own emotions into submission. Those people eventually break in two when they finally realise they've pushed all compassion out of their life.

This post sounds more aggressive than I intend, I apologise, and I'm not having a pop at you, box_of_frogs, but I stand by what I say.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:07 pm**

Yes, another try to get out of my alcohol issues. Today was the first big test.
Tempted this morning 8am when buying my paper to get a secret red.
Didn’t

and feel better for it

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:12 pm**

Burnley1989 wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:00 pm
Yep, I’ve plenty to keep me busy at home with the children and dog but I imagine it’s tough for those that have nothing tying them down at home and no hobbies outside those that usually involve beer. It’s a habit for most, not an addiction as such

My twenties were like this: "there's footy on, nowt else to do, might as well get drunk"

And that means

Monday — Monday Night Football
Tuesday — Burnley/Champions League
Wednesday — Champions League
Thursday — UEFA Cup/Europa
Friday — it's Friday
Saturday — Burnley/Saturday
Sunday — Super Sunday

Soooooo, yeah. Glad I realised what I was doing before it totally ruined me. It's idiotic.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:20 pm**

Sounds like you were on a spiral.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:22 pm**

Ba dum tsst

But seriously, not as destructive as it sounds written like that, I think almost everyone does it in their twenties.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:23 pm**

Having a knee replacement on the 20th so no chance i'm not having a drink before that

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:27 pm**

Funkydrummer wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:50 pm
Where are you off WNP ?

Made a pledge to try and see/support more small and/or upcoming bands this year so seeing Meryl Streek (expect him to blow up) & Ponyland (local band that really impressed at a festival last year).

Also Peter Kay. I bought the Mrs tickets for Christmas.

Got some cracking gigs lined up for this year though. Most looking forward to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard in Amsterdam and London and Pulp in Bridlington (small bands they are not).

Meryl Streek https://youtu.be/SXJrKhedWag (disclaimer - this is a frank and damning assessment of the Catholic Church so anyone not up for hearing that truth might want to steer clear).

You got anything in the diary FD?

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:33 pm**

Didn’t drink that much over Christmas and never really drink
that much more then so no point for me. Drink when I like but everything in moderation. If you are a heavy drinker or have little will power I suppose it can’t do any harm. Like the poster above said above though the people do it often broadcast it a bit like vegans. When people say they don’t have it in the house is this because they can’t control it ?

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:37 pm**

I find it’s easier if you make you’re own mind up to stop drinking for a while than following trends that are labelled.Found it so hard doing sober for October then ****** 5 weeks off when I decided I wanted to.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:52 pm**

Boss Hogg wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:33 pm
Like the poster above said above though the people do it often broadcast it a bit like vegans. When people say they don’t have it in the house is this because they can’t control it ?

Robbie_painter wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:37 pm
I find it’s easier if you make you’re own mind up to stop drinking for a while than following trends that are labelled.Found it so hard doing sober for October then ****** 5 weeks off when I decided I wanted to.

People just don't wanna feel alone, you know. It's not something I bother with personally, but I know enough about how people work to know that the finest slither of community participation that accompanies action initiatives, charity or other, can be enough to make folk who otherwise wouldn't be sober for a week to do it for a month. It's not only that folk who otherwise wouldn't are challenging themselves to do a month dry, it's they're doing it in the knowledge that they're not alone in it, a sort of kinship among total strangers. And yes, for that reason people are going to talk about it, because guess what, humans are social creatures, and people talk about the things they're proud of. It's about community, and community is an innate drive. You want proof of your own impulse to community? Look at what you're focussing your eyeballs on at this very moment by reading this very word: an online community of total strangers. Community. That's the operative word. That's what these trends are about; so easily dismissed because it doesn't speak to everyone, but there's an undeniable utility to them.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:55 pm**

All the best to anyone trying to stay sober this January. If it is proving impossible and you think that you may have a problem, it may be worth considering seeking help from your GP (If you can get an appointment), local drug and alcohol services or mutual aid support groups such as AA etc.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:07 pm**

Anyone even considering giving up booze , likely has a problem. Always found tea totallers a bit odd but no issue with reformed alchys . Personally I love drinking , usually in moderation , occasionally to excess. I just find life more enjoyable with booze.
Cheers!

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:18 pm**

Terrier comes on here, he's like, "doing dry Jan, it's tough, anyone else?" which is code for, 'come on lads, let's be having some chat and mutual encouragement', and everyone is like:

No
No
Nope, not me
Nup, loada shite
Pi$$head
Weird
No, not me
Daft trend, load of b0llocks
Jack it it, not needed

Well done everyone. If the bloke hadn't caved before reading the replies, I'm fairly certain it's been totally sabotaged now.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:23 pm**

Just trying to cut down myself, nothing wrong with a drink within reason.

Find myself drinking through boredom more than anything.

Also find it hard to open a bottle of wine and not finish it

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:24 pm**

Alcohol is an absolute poison.

I enjoy an actual beer but the effect it has on me is bonkers. Even just 3 or 4 pints affects my mood negatively for days.

Anxious
Tired
Listless
I could go on.

If i could give it up then I would. I maybe drink once a week in a social aspect. I like the feeling of alcohol in that moment but i am so very conscious of how I will feel in the proceeding days.

Good luck to those giving up.

Posted: **Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:30 pm**

When I gave up smoking (2 and half years now, whoop whoop!) I deliberately avoided telling anyone about it until they noticed (apart from my mum, but mum's are different), because the undue pressure you give yourself to carry on quitting after you've told everyone you are quitting is worse than just quitting. Like, oh if I have this cheeky menthol then facebook friend #213 might find out and think less of me or some other ********.

Quit, or don't quit, there is no try.

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 1:11 am**

For anyone interested in the non alcoholic beers, the Guinness 0% is excellent. Tried a couple for the first time this evening and was pleasantly surprised.

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 7:52 am**

Spiral wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:18 pm
Terrier comes on here, he's like, "doing dry Jan, it's tough, anyone else?" which is code for, 'come on lads, let's be having some chat and mutual encouragement', and everyone is like:

No
No
Nope, not me
Nup, loada shite
Pi$$head
Weird
No, not me
Daft trend, load of b0llocks
Jack it it, not needed

Well done everyone. If the bloke hadn't caved before reading the replies, I'm fairly certain it's been totally sabotaged now.

It’s the modern world unfortunately, I’m sure they’d be more supportive in person but most have a different personality online

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 8:48 am**

Personally I think a period of abstinence is useful, just to check if there are any signs of addiction.
This can apply to alcohol, gambling, drugs and tobacco. Etc.

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 9:28 am**

TommyPicks wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 08, 2023 1:11 am
For anyone interested in the non alcoholic beers, the Guinness 0% is excellent. Tried a couple for the first time this evening and was pleasantly surprised.

: Screenshot_20230108_092716_Twitter.jpg (155.99 KiB) Viewed 5147 times

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 9:39 am**

Most people doing dry January are still drinking in the early hours of January 1st following NYE. Good luck if you are trying but don't moan if your favourite pub or independent brewery has closed due to lack of trade when you decide to get back on the ale.

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 10:11 am**

Nope it's my Birthday this month so full steam ahead

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 10:11 am**

box_of_frogs wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:51 pm
I get your point. Bit if you don’t have the self control to have a few days / weeks / months off the booze then you’re beyond our control.

And yes before the righteous pipe up, I’ve done all off these timings without alcohol. It’s not hard.

Lol, I don't think you should would worry about the righteous piping up. You've got that role well and truly covered. Dry January is just a reason to a have a break, which is just as valid as any other reason to have a break.

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 10:28 am**

bfcjg wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 08, 2023 9:39 am
Good luck if you are trying but don't moan if your favourite pub or independent brewery has closed due to lack of trade when you decide to get back on the ale.

I get that comment from people that visit the pub once every blue moon or buy their alcohol from the supermarket, makes me laugh, I do my bit to keep the local pub trade going, believe me

I’ve never been one to drink at home, it’s the social aspect I enjoy about a few beers.

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 10:29 am**

box_of_frogs wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 9:51 pm
I get your point. Bit if you don’t have the self control to have a few days / weeks / months off the booze then you’re beyond our control.

And yes before the righteous pipe up, I’ve done all off these timings without alcohol. It’s not hard.

This is probably the most self righteous post on the thread.

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 10:30 am**

I didn't expect to see so much negativity on a thread such as this.

Sadly, I'm now starting to feel that this site has passed a tipping point where the good stuff is vastly outweighed by the bad.

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 10:31 am**

Have a look at this fellas site:

https://www.youtube.com/@HabitsUnplugged

Posted: **Sun Jan 08, 2023 10:33 am**

Spiral wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:18 pm
Terrier comes on here, he's like, "doing dry Jan, it's tough, anyone else?" which is code for, 'come on lads, let's be having some chat and mutual encouragement', and everyone is like:

No
No
Nope, not me
Nup, loada shite
Pi$$head
Weird
No, not me
Daft trend, load of b0llocks
Jack it it, not needed

Well done everyone. If the bloke hadn't caved before reading the replies, I'm fairly certain it's been totally sabotaged now.

I wasn’t having a go at him just saying that I found it easier when I decided to abstain rather than doing it when everybody else was.

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