As I write this we are in January 202l, and just into lockdown #3. There are lots of people embracing Dry January (nice!)... infact many many more than normal - statistics show that an estimated 6.5 MILLION PEOPLE are joining in this year, as opposed to the 3.9 million of 2020 according to a survey by Alcohol Change UK . Although on social media I am also noting lots of people going the other way in the latest lockdown, so each to their own.
As for you, you may be here as someone who is sober curious, or you may be going along your own sober road just like me... wherever you are on your journey, all travellers are welcome here. Currently I am on day 240 of my own personal journey into soberland, which has been a rollercoaster of a ride for me so far. Some of the kinks have evened out, and the drinking voice telling me to do just that has definitely quietened now, although I don't believe it will ever go completely, because that is just the nature of this beast. Perhaps like you, my latest day 1 back in May wasn’t my first attempt at giving up the booze, there were many other less successful attempts. I had the usual warning signs, mental prompts etc, along with some more scary blackout situations that I should have taken heed of long ago, all adding up to the conclusion I eventually came to that drinking wasn't for me. And it's true what they say: "if you think you have a problem, you probably do". This is hands down my best and longest stab at sobriety, and I fully intend to keep it that way, and hopefully my experiences and observations along the way might help you a little too.
So this blog will be mostly diary, including sober tools I have found useful, and part AF (alcohol free) drinks recommendations, at least that’s the intention. Because when I started, aside from desperately needing guidance about how to go about finding and maintaining my sobriety, I was out and out wanting something to replace the booze I was missing. Now some people will tell you that AF replacements are not a good plan, given that your mind might be triggered into wanting the real deal… and those people, for them, will be right. Kudos. But for me, it did and still does help to have a 0% substitute. For you, you decide – give it a go and see. If you find it triggers you into wanting the real deal, then it wont be a good plan, but many do find it a useful tool to have. I will also be publishing alcohol free mocktail recipes, feel free to let me know of any good ones you'd like to see on the page. I have my best friend onboard (let’s call him J) who has been my saviour in literally inventing mocktails to help me through. Not only does he bartend in real actual life at his epic pub in Brighton which he owns (the Jolly Brewer – check it out), but he is also my best friend in the whole world. We used to drink literally till we drowned… eek. Now this man goes AF when he is hanging out with me, because he is, as I said, THE BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD. I would strongly advise getting yourself a J alike onboard as support too, it’s a huge help!
As always I welcome any comments, feedback, or if you'd like to subscribe, drop me a line at nun4theroad@gmail.com.
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