Q: How long will it take before I can go out and feel confident and happy about not drinking? It’s been 6 weeks since I stopped drinking and I still feel crap. I feel like I’m missing out and I’m getting frustrated that it’s still hard work and I’m still not feeling this sober amazing that everyone talks about.
A: Hi MomoBean, lovely to hear from you and thanks for the great question – this is one that will help lots of people who are in a similar position to you. I want to answer it in 4 parts:
Q: I’ve tried to quit drinking about 6 times in the last 2 yrs and each time I find a reason to start drinking again I find I can stop drinking easy enuff but always seem to start again. I’ve bin drinking for the last 6 months and feeling desperate now cuz Christmas is coming and I don’t wanna f… it up again but am telling myself now is not a good time to stop. Please help – shld I wait till new year or go for it now and what if I can’t do it?
A: Hi Mouse, it’s great to hear from you – I’m so glad you reached out and asked a question. I know that this probably took a lot of courage and I salute you for that.
Q: I am currently stuck in a rut of drinking too much every evening as a way of coping with low self esteem, self hatred and food issues (I had an eating disorder for many years and although weight stable and fine I use alcohol to cope with the fact that I have to eat). I am worried about how to stop drinking without the other issues becoming overbearing. Should I be tackling other issues first, alongside or after trying to stop drinking so much? Would you recommend drinking less each night, having some days off or going cold turkey?
A: Hi Veronica, it’s great to hear from you.
You ask some really good questions here and it might be helpful for me to deal with them one-by-one. I have a funny feeling my answer is going to be a lot longer than your questions!
Q: Hi Jo, I’ve just come across your site and to be honest, it’s a godsend. I took the plunge and stopped drinking a week ago. It’s tough but I’m feeling pretty determined right now and am using your blogs to help me stay motivated. My question is this - my cousin is getting married next month and it’s a big family event. I’ll be expected to be joining in and providing some drunken entertainment as I always have done – most of my family are big drinkers so this is kind of the norm. I really can’t imagine facing it and staying sober – the pressure to drink will be too much for me. I’ll be the odd one out if I don’t drink and I’m not ready to get into the whole story of why I’m not drinking with people. Can you give me some advice?
A: Hi Penny, great to hear from you. Well done for taking the plunge and for
Q: Hi, I have been a heavy drinker for almost 20 years, borderline alcoholic I would say, and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year, a little over a month ago I just went cold turkey and haven’t touched alcohol since then, only problem is since a few days ago I have been craving sweets, which since I am diabetic, are taboo for me. I do indulge because as someone mentioned above, its like a wave which one can’t avoid being sucked under, is there any alternative to sugar which I can eat instead or do I just need to mentally force myself to lay off like I did with alcohol? Thank you for your time!
A: Hi Raina, thanks for your question and WELL DONE! You’ve done absolutely brilliantly to give up alcohol under your own steam.
