[Atlantic]

Ya Im in too.

My old man quit cold turkey when he was around my age and he is now a beast. Razor sharp social skills, fit as an ox, tonnes of energy. Nearly 60 and he can run, lift and work all day. He looks years younger then his brother (a big drinker) who is actually ten years younger then he is.

[WestCoast]

You guys are impressive with zero alcohol. Couple drinks a week isn't bad IMHO. Always go a month or so here and there with no booze to detox the body. The liver turns over in 30 days.

Don't know why anyone would booze without chicks in the mix, that just seems like a waste of both time and money.

[reaper23]

I havent had a drink in almost 5 years.

I can tell you that it will likely be harder for you if you are thinking about it just being one year. The best way to do it, as cheesy as it sounds, is to just do it for each day every day and to see what happens. If you are thinking 364 more days until I can have a drink, it'll be impossible.

I came up in the game completely sober. I've been out on countless dates sober. I've banged countless chicks sober. Been to many bars, clubs, everything - sober. It is easy.

One thing you'll realize is that not everyone gets wasted.

Most chicks don't get wasted. And most chicks will happily either have just one glass of wine or none at all if you're not having anything.

When people ask me why I don't drink I just say "I'm retired, I'm in the hall of fame"

They laugh at that, alludes to bad boy past and gives them comfort that I'm not a bad boy now. Best of both worlds.

I'd be happy to share any other tips or answer questions anyone might have. Quitting drinking was the best thing I ever did for myself because it lead to so many other things like becoming an accomplished combat athlete, getting my power lifting total over 1200, being in great shape, having more money for clothes and lifestyle, more focus at work, better relationships with friends and family, and of course - not doing stupid as shit you regret later.

I assure you, anything you can do drunk, you can do better sober. Anything.

[Bill]

I don´t drink at all and never drank though I worked in the beer capital of the world in the brewery industry in bavaria.I want to support you guys. It´s probably very hard doing this. I think it´s worth it.

[WestCoast]

Yeah hats off to you guys. I wish there was a way to do this if I could get my mind in full retard mode like a 21 y/o girl dead sober I'd be in much better shape.

This year was all about drinking less, no black out nights, no real issues drinking this year. Huge upgrade from last year when I'd over drink 1-2x every 3 months or so.

2-3 drinks and I'm buzzing and good to go. To decrease my drinking I'm doing more day game as well. Online game is a 100% bust as I've literally gotten zero traction even after following rules on this forum so it's all about the cold approach.

Will try to take down drinking again next year.

[Genghis Khan]

I have to recommend Beyond Border's post and the book he suggested.

Long story short: I've always struggled with drinking. Always had a hard time controlling it and honestly I wasn't a pleasant drunk. I was a real angry drunk. I knew it was bound to happen and it did a few months ago: got drunk, got angry, was stupid, fucked myself up bad and had to get surgery.

Read Allen Carr's book. Changed life. I've been sober since I fucked myself up. I don't count days. I don't take it a day at a time. I just don't want to drink alcohol anymore.

Mad props to people that can withhold the urge to drink for 365 days. That takes a damn high amount of willpower. Personally, I wouldn't be able to do it. I'd probably break down after a few months. Though I'm confident now I'll never drink again, thanks to BB's recommendation.

I'll reiterate what BB's said so many times: if you want to stop drinking altogether, read that book. Heck, even if you don't, I'd still read it. It'll probably make the 1 year abstinence significantly easier.

[Biz]

Great thread.. This is right up my alley.

[Beyond Borders]

(12-02-2013 11:02 AM)Genghis Khan Wrote:  

I have to recommend Beyond Border's post and the book he suggested.

Long story short: I've always struggled with drinking. Always had a hard time controlling it and honestly I wasn't a pleasant drunk. I was a real angry drunk. I knew it was bound to happen and it did a few months ago: got drunk, got angry, was stupid, fucked myself up bad and had to get surgery.

Sounds like we have a similar past. I was also an angry drunk. The last time I lost it I ended up with a compound fracture in my hand - bone sticking out the back. Doctor botched the surgery so now my hand is still all fucked up looking and can't close a full fist.

And still kept drinking....

Probably would have happened again at some point if I hadn't quit later out of the blue. I could control the anger on most ocaissions but enough times getting shitfaced and eventually something or someone was going to push me over the edge and leave me waking up in regret.

Quote:

Read Allen Carr's book. Changed life. I've been sober since I fucked myself up. I don't count days. I don't take it a day at a time. I just don't want to drink alcohol anymore.

This exactly. There's no trying once your mind is changed. It's just the way things are.

Quote:

Mad props to people that can withhold the urge to drink for 365 days. That takes a damn high amount of willpower. Personally, I wouldn't be able to do it. I'd probably break down after a few months. Though I'm confident now I'll never drink again, thanks to BB's recommendation.

I'll reiterate what BB's said so many times: if you want to stop drinking altogether, read that book. Heck, even if you don't, I'd still read it. It'll probably make the 1 year abstinence significantly easier.

Glad to hear my repeating it over and over again didn't fall on deaf ears.

Congrats to you, bro. It sounds like we were having some of the same problems, and while I'm not that far ahead of you, I'll tell you that so far things just keep getting better. PM me some time if you want to talk about the changes it's bringing out in you. I know sometimes you're weary of flapping about it too much because you don't want your friends and fams to think you're trying to convert them or something. lol People are weary enough of teetotalers as it is.

I swear it's a whole red pill of its own.

[StudebacherHoch]

Giving booze (and blow) the boot 22 years ago was the best decision I've ever made...I'd be dead now if I hadn't!

[Single Dad Swag]

I probably should've stayed out of this thread. Just reminds me how impossible this shit is for me.

I drink myself to sleep nightly. Whiskey. Straight. Been going on for the better part of a decade. I know I need to cut the shit out, and I've tried… but never last long. In the last 5 years, I doubt I've been sober for more than 2 straight days. I know it's killing me. I'm extremely high-functioning. I hold down a director-level position for a large creative firm and am a high-ranking chair member of a pretty influential industry association. I don't lie to myself and pretend that I wouldn't be even more functional if I cut the boozing out.

Any time I try to go a night or two without alcohol to "prove to myself I can do it"… I toss and turn all night, wake up covered in sweat, heart races, and have the most freaky nightmares you can imagine. DTs maybe? I don't know, but yeah, I would probably need some serious in-patient care to pull some shit like this off.

Good luck to those of you who can make this happen. I don't stand a chance. I'm not ready.

[el mechanico]

^ How much whiskey?

[germanico]

(12-01-2013 10:35 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  

For your last drink, buy a tall glass of the foulest-tasting shit you can imagine and drink it neat,

I dont think a Corona qualifies as alcohol.

[Bushido]

Nice thread. No alcohol for 1 year is a tough challenge. High respect to all who follow through with this.

I've never had a "problem" as such but too much alcohol does spoil my gym gains and work performance. No doubt about it. When I look back, there have been a few periods when I wasn't drinking for a few weeks and felt great.

A question for you guys that don't drink:

How do you run dates without any alcohol? To be honest, I can't imagine a first date without at least a glass of wine or two. It's an integral part of my seducing a girl and making us both relaxed. I tend to take them to a few bars nearby before banging them at my place. Without any alcohol, they tend to keep their legs shut. What is your way of dealing with this?

I'm actually at the point where I can club or go to bars and just drink red bull or green tea. I am fine with gaming sober. Actually I tend to get better results. It's just the dates and work events where I'd have trouble with avoiding at least a drink or two.

[Kimber]

I'm in, like Dreambig i have major concerns that it'll be harder to get girls to fuck but relying on alcohol is probably much worse. I'm still young (25) so i'll do this for 6 months/a year, get my body in order then decide if i want to go back to the drink.

There's a nodrinking reddit for guys that are looking for extra support: http://www.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/
Seems depressing though - the latest thread was i drank my kids out of a christmas. shit.

[The Lizard of Oz]

Irishman, glad to have you on board. If you feel like it, post a starting date on the thread.

What you say about your father and your uncle is exactly what I've observed about the difference in aging between hard drinkers and those who give it up. It's good to have such an example right in front of you. Makes things really clear.

(12-02-2013 12:43 AM)Irishman Wrote:  

Ya Im in too.

My old man quit cold turkey when he was around my age and he is now a beast. Razor sharp social skills, fit as an ox, tonnes of energy. Nearly 60 and he can run, lift and work all day. He looks years younger then his brother (a big drinker) who is actually ten years younger then he is.

[The Lizard of Oz]

If I could make a suggestion. Let's have this thread be nothing like an "AA meeting".

I've always disliked tears and group hugs and the drama of "falling off" and "getting back on" and so forth. And I'm no fan of reddit whining, either.

I think it should mainly be about guys getting on board (if that's their decision) and posting dates and then occasional updates on how they're doing, the good, the bad and the ugly. Just quiet commitment to an honorable and difficult effort of one year's duration, or more if desired.

[Pyre]

(12-02-2013 04:27 PM)Single Dad Swag Wrote:  

Any time I try to go a night or two without alcohol to "prove to myself I can do it"… I toss and turn all night, wake up covered in sweat, heart races, and have the most freaky nightmares you can imagine. DTs maybe? I don't know, but yeah, I would probably need some serious in-patient care to pull some shit like this off.

Yeah, that's the withdrawal process. I get them for about 2 nights after a blackout binge. For you, shit that might last 5-7 days. You're best bet is to suffer em out, although in the past i've used xanax since i have no addictive craves for xanax.

[Vitriol]

(12-02-2013 10:57 PM)Pyre Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 04:27 PM)Single Dad Swag Wrote:  

Any time I try to go a night or two without alcohol to "prove to myself I can do it"… I toss and turn all night, wake up covered in sweat, heart races, and have the most freaky nightmares you can imagine. DTs maybe? I don't know, but yeah, I would probably need some serious in-patient care to pull some shit like this off.

Yeah, that's the withdrawal process. I get them for about 2 nights after a blackout binge. For you, shit that might last 5-7 days. You're best bet is to suffer em out, although in the past i've used xanax since i have no addictive craves for xanax.

That's actually terrible advice. You can die from alcohol withdrawal. Someone in his situation is probably going to need a doctor to give him tons of benzodiazepines to prevent seizures and death when he's getting severe withdrawal symptoms.

Anyone who has been drinking consistently for years on end like that needs to be monitored when they decide to stop.

[Brez]

I've started doing MDMA when going out, rather than drinking myself to oblivion. It's not a bad idea but it makes you very soft, as if all testosterone exits the body when you come up. Plus your dick turns into a clitoris

Second thoughts, Mines a pint

[Mentavious]

(12-02-2013 04:27 PM)Single Dad Swag Wrote:  

I probably should've stayed out of this thread. Just reminds me how impossible this shit is for me.

I drink myself to sleep nightly. Whiskey. Straight. Been going on for the better part of a decade. I know I need to cut the shit out, and I've tried… but never last long. In the last 5 years, I doubt I've been sober for more than 2 straight days. I know it's killing me. I'm extremely high-functioning. I hold down a director-level position for a large creative firm and am a high-ranking chair member of a pretty influential industry association. I don't lie to myself and pretend that I wouldn't be even more functional if I cut the boozing out.

Any time I try to go a night or two without alcohol to "prove to myself I can do it"… I toss and turn all night, wake up covered in sweat, heart races, and have the most freaky nightmares you can imagine. DTs maybe? I don't know, but yeah, I would probably need some serious in-patient care to pull some shit like this off.

Good luck to those of you who can make this happen. I don't stand a chance. I'm not ready.

You have a drinking problem but yet you can operate and excel at a high position for a reputable company?

I don't think that's possible but......some people believe OJ Simpson didn't do it so I guess anything is possible.

[reaper23]

(12-02-2013 09:04 PM)dreambig Wrote:  

A question for you guys that don't drink:

How do you run dates without any alcohol? To be honest, I can't imagine a first date without at least a glass of wine or two. It's an integral part of my seducing a girl and making us both relaxed. I tend to take them to a few bars nearby before banging them at my place. Without any alcohol, they tend to keep their legs shut. What is your way of dealing with this?

who says she doesnt have to drink? always let the lady order first, she'll order some wine, you order a club soda with a lime. she asks you why you're not having a drink, you say because you're retired and there you go.

she'll have as much as she wants or as little as she wants. most times, they'll just have one glass and that'll be it. like a normal person.

but if your game relies upon getting chicks buzzed/drunk, you got work to do elsewhere.

just be positive and encourage them that their drinking means nothing to you. dont say it more than once and just be confident about it. act like its nothing.

-----

to those of you are just starting out not drinking, i suggest staying away from bars for a while til you get your legs under you. i didnt go to bars for probably about 6 months after i quit. but after that i went/go all the time with no problem at all.

there are a million sober date ideas too if you're wondering what you're going to do for fun without drinking.

[reaper23]

(12-02-2013 04:27 PM)Single Dad Swag Wrote:  

I probably should've stayed out of this thread. Just reminds me how impossible this shit is for me.

I drink myself to sleep nightly. Whiskey. Straight. Been going on for the better part of a decade. I know I need to cut the shit out, and I've tried… but never last long. In the last 5 years, I doubt I've been sober for more than 2 straight days. I know it's killing me. I'm extremely high-functioning. I hold down a director-level position for a large creative firm and am a high-ranking chair member of a pretty influential industry association. I don't lie to myself and pretend that I wouldn't be even more functional if I cut the boozing out.

Any time I try to go a night or two without alcohol to "prove to myself I can do it"… I toss and turn all night, wake up covered in sweat, heart races, and have the most freaky nightmares you can imagine. DTs maybe? I don't know, but yeah, I would probably need some serious in-patient care to pull some shit like this off.

Good luck to those of you who can make this happen. I don't stand a chance. I'm not ready.

when you are ready, you should really consider checking into a detox. you can die from withdrawal.

dont listen to the dolt that said take xanax. xanax and alcohol together are lethal. trust me on that one.

whatever you do, DONT TAKE XANAX.

call around to the local hospitals. in most cities they have centers that are very therapeutic, professional, etc where you can go and detox and be monitored by a physician. its usually covered by insurance. i did 8 days in early 2009. thank god i did.

my BP was like 280/200. RHR 100+. shakes, sweats, disoriented. the whole thing. that was because of the alcohol + xanax combination. i started taking xanax to help me "relax" in the time period before i started drinking for the day. pretty soon i was eating those 2MG bars like nothing and drinking with them all day. stay away.

[el mechanico]

^ How much did you drink a day?

[reaper23]

for many years it was you know, several beers most nights (5-8) with a few nights of 1-2 sprinkled in. but then over time it became beer and tequila, or beer and scotch. and then those bottles of scotch that used to last weeks were lasting a week. and then it was vodka. a martini at the bar and then beers the rest of the night...became two martinis to get "right" after a work day and then many beers the rest of the night.

then i started buying the big gallon stoly's and drinking those down in a week or less. big glasses of vodka soda. or whatever else we had in the house.

smoking weed all along too naturally.

then i found myself grabbing a drink at lunch. or bringing beers to the office at 3pm for "happy hour"

weekends were kicked off with screw drivers in the morning.

shit just escalates.

i was definitely the guy that got the drunkest at the party.

but the thing that really fucked me in the end was adding the xanax. that shit took it too an entirely different place of being 'snowed out' mentally. it was glorious and wretched at the same time.

[Handsome Creepy Eel]

I've drunk less in my life than most people do in just one week, so I'd be able to bust this with ease. I often feel condescension towards people who need drink to feel fun, although I'd never tell them that. It's their life.