No more alcohol and no more nicotine for me..

Kinja'd!!! "Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh" (andymcbradleigh)
02/13/2015 at 18:33 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!4 Kinja'd!!! 88

I was the king of beers, the king of drunkards.. NO MORE.. I'd like your help Oppo.. Tell me why I should not drink, tell me why I should stay sober (none of that religious crap please).

Edit: a week from now I hope I can give you all an update that says "Seven days and no booze" :)


DISCUSSION (88)


Kinja'd!!! PanchoVilleneuve ST > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:35

Kinja'd!!!12

More time spent being able to drive.


Kinja'd!!! DrJohannVegas > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:35

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It's cheaper.


Kinja'd!!! mazda616 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:36

Kinja'd!!!3

Money. Drinking costs money and you can save a lot of money by not drinking anymore. :-)


Kinja'd!!! extraspecialbitter > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:36

Kinja'd!!!2

Reasons:

1. Blacked out, you might knock some chick up.

fin


Kinja'd!!! ttyymmnn > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:36

Kinja'd!!!2

Your liver and your blood pressure will thank you.


Kinja'd!!! Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:37

Kinja'd!!!2

Health, money, health, car parts, health, etc.


Kinja'd!!! With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:38

Kinja'd!!!0

Don't let some chemical be the boss of you.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > DrJohannVegas
02/13/2015 at 18:38

Kinja'd!!!0

Not sure about that :P but good point.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
02/13/2015 at 18:41

Kinja'd!!!0

Good point I guess :)


Kinja'd!!! HammerheadFistpunch > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:41

Kinja'd!!!0

Maybe you should ask yourself what Drinking gives you and what it costs you, and then do a cost benefit analysis, I don't drink but I don't think my reasons will work for you.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > ttyymmnn
02/13/2015 at 18:42

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I bet they will.


Kinja'd!!! Forgetful > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:43

Kinja'd!!!3

Pleasant mornings.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > HammerheadFistpunch
02/13/2015 at 18:45

Kinja'd!!!0

I'll tell you straight up what drinking gives me.. no emotional pain.. it does not give me an emotional gain either... That's why I've decided to quit drinking :)


Kinja'd!!! Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:45

Kinja'd!!!1

...for your liver and lung's sake?


Kinja'd!!! Scary__goongala! > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:46

Kinja'd!!!1

Saves money, my only weekly occuring expense at school is alcohol. General boost in health would also be a plus.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
02/13/2015 at 18:47

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I don't smoke though. I use Snus (similar to chewing tobacco).


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Scary__goongala!
02/13/2015 at 18:48

Kinja'd!!!1

Fair enough I guess. You've all helped me here :)


Kinja'd!!! MysticStick > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:52

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A really good doctor that I was in with said that Nicotine is more addictive than cocaine and that most people really just can't kick it. I managed to use the patch then get off it but man I wanted to blow up things during the quitting. Not sure you should quit everything at once but if you can step out from the hold of nico, you'll be proud you did.


Kinja'd!!! thebigbossyboss > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:53

Kinja'd!!!2

Consider my tale of woe, as to why drinking might be bad. When I was a younger man, I decided, I was going to cause a ruckus in the bar, being very drunk. The bouncer didn't like that so much so he threw me down some stairs and dislocated my knee. I had to go to the hospital, and it *really* *really* *really* hurt. Luckily I was able to relocate my knee myself. A few months on crutches, and I eventually recovered.

2 years later, I was playing football. I had another knee dislocation on the same knee in which I couldn't push the knee cap in myself. My ligaments sat their ripping themselves for over 2 hours. The pain was excruciating to a degree I can not describe. I eventually, after some months on crutches recovered. The doctors said that because of the first injury, I was likely to have another. So they put me as a surgery candidate.

In 2014, I finally had my surgery, it was a year ago Feb 28th! Surgery was horrible. It didn't really hurt a lot, but recovering was really really hard. After a month on crutches, I finally recovered from the surgery, and after a summer of hobbling, I've just started running again.

So to sum up...I spent 3 weeks in bed, 5 months on crutches, went through agonizing pain, not once, not twice, but thrice, and still have to take it easy, all because when I was 21 in year 2009, I got drunk and started a fight.

I have now just finally recovered from all this.

Let me learn this lesson for you my friend. I still drink, but I don't drink like I used to.


Kinja'd!!! Your boy, BJR > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:53

Kinja'd!!!9

I'm in AA, been sober since December 3rd. AMA.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > MysticStick
02/13/2015 at 18:55

Kinja'd!!!1

I'll be using gum or patches for sure. Nicotine is a beast.


Kinja'd!!! pip bip - choose Corrour > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 18:58

Kinja'd!!!1

don't stop drinking , just drink less.

win-win


Kinja'd!!! thebigbossyboss > Your boy, BJR
02/13/2015 at 18:58

Kinja'd!!!1

Wow. I'm incredibly proud of you pal!! My best friends mom went through AA, it's not an easy road, but I really respect you for taking it.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Your boy, BJR
02/13/2015 at 18:59

Kinja'd!!!2

I've just realised that I'm an alcoholic. It pains me to say that.. But I must be honest. I'll try to kick the habit myself, but it's good to know there's someone I can talk with.


Kinja'd!!! thebigbossyboss > Forgetful
02/13/2015 at 18:59

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Never ever ever over rated.


Kinja'd!!! ki-ki-ki-kia > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:01

Kinja'd!!!2

For your throats, teeth, and tounges sake.


Kinja'd!!! Your boy, BJR > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:05

Kinja'd!!!3

best thing you can do is find a support group or AA meeting or something. MUCH easier to get clean that way. I had been trying for awhile before I joined AA, and the most I could scrape together before was 2 or 3 days. Having a group of people who can relate and are going through the same thing you is honestly the key. I wouldn't be where I am today if I tried doing this on my own.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Your boy, BJR
02/13/2015 at 19:05

Kinja'd!!!0

I'm using alcohol as a substitute for human contact. Any suggestions on how to deal with that?


Kinja'd!!! HammerheadFistpunch > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:08

Kinja'd!!!2

More power to you friend. Hoping that all good comes your way. Like I said, I don't drink but I'm heavy on the soda because of stress and lack of sleep and I know how hard it is to back off of as mild a thing as caffeine and I've seen the pain of many an ex-drinker and ex-smoker too. We, or if I can't speak for all, I got your back here on Oppo anytime you need a boost. best of luck, it is...in my opinion...a solid decision that can only bring good things to you in your life, I wish you the best.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Your boy, BJR
02/13/2015 at 19:08

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I guess you've got a point. Luckily the closest AA group is just across the street. Thanks mate, it helps knowing I'm not alone.


Kinja'd!!! Your boy, BJR > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:12

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do you have AA where you live? That's be where I'd go first.


Kinja'd!!! T5Killer > Your boy, BJR
02/13/2015 at 19:12

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Awesome! I really good army friend of mine went through AA she had a tough time but she is doing awesome now. Bravo!


Kinja'd!!! Gamecat235 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:14

Kinja'd!!!1

Good luck man! Always do what is best for you. I'll be waiting for your seven day post if that's your choice and path. There's always music to talk about... or those wheeled things.


Kinja'd!!! Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:15

Kinja'd!!!0

Kinja'd!!!


Kinja'd!!! Gamecat235 > PanchoVilleneuve ST
02/13/2015 at 19:17

Kinja'd!!!1

Spoken like a true Jalop. LOL.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Gamecat235
02/13/2015 at 19:17

Kinja'd!!!1

I've just sent a mail to my local AA. I'll give you all an update when the seven days happen :)


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Your boy, BJR
02/13/2015 at 19:18

Kinja'd!!!0

Turns out I do, sent them an e-mail now.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
02/13/2015 at 19:19

Kinja'd!!!0

Say what?


Kinja'd!!! Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:21

Kinja'd!!!2

You'll save money

You'll remember everything you did

You'll have fewer times where you did things you regret

You'll smell better

You'll feel better in the long run (though probably feel a bit worse in the short term as your body adjusts to the new reality)

You'll be healthier in the long run

If you're out at a bar and craving a drink, I suggest Cranberry and Club Soda. Not too sweet, fairly healthy and will reduce your chances of getting a kidney stone (if you're prone to them). OR if you're feeling silly, get a Shirley Temple.

And if the wait staff give you a look, just tell them you don't want to drink and drive, even if you're not driving.

That way when you're out, you still have a 'real drink', just not one with booze in it.

One other thing... I saw in a reply below, you mentioned mailing AA... And that's good. Emotional support is a good thing. Though in my view, AA isn't perfect.

I believe that life is about balance. AA, from what I've heard and observed, doesn't really teach that. They just encourage you to go to the other extreme... complete sobriety.

And I believe that in turn greatly increases the chances of failure. It's basic human psychology that people want what they can't have... especially if it becomes a little taboo.

To draw a parallel... when porn was illegal, the demand for it was much higher because people would hoard it when they could get their hands on it. When it became legal, there was no need to hoard... thus demand went down.

By setting the standard of 'total sobriety' they in effect make booze the illegal thing. And when someone inevitably 'falls off the wagon', they'll do it in a big way by binging on it... which is sort of like hoarding when you think of it.

In my opinion, drinking in moderation is fine... which is one or two drinks in one day, max.

Also have a drink to celebrate something good that has made you happy while out socializing with other people is a good thing.

Have a drink by yourself because you feel down, that's a no-no. Alcohol is a depressant... which is the last thing someone feeling down needs.

So my thoughts are this... don't make alcohol a taboo thing. Just limit it to 2 drinks max in one day... and only when you're out with friends and you feel happy.

Life is about balance.


Kinja'd!!! Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:26

Kinja'd!!!2

I kid of course. It's all in your head. You have to really want to quit to be successful. There is a HUGE difference between trying to quit because you HAVE to VS trying to quit because you WANT to.

90% of it is in your mind and that's the hardest part to change.

I used to smoke, not crazy heavy but about 3 packs a week and I decided to quit so I threw the pack I was on out and never touched one since. That was 3 years ago.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
02/13/2015 at 19:26

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Fair points mate, fair points indeed, I particularly like the thing about me smelling better.

I've had my fair share of kidney stones, so the thing about Cranberry and Club soda is a good point,


Kinja'd!!! Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:28

Kinja'd!!!1

Doooooooood. That is worse than smoking.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
02/13/2015 at 19:28

Kinja'd!!!1

I want to quit drinking, I really do. I quit smoking the same way you did, but alcohol is different. I'll do my best though :)


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
02/13/2015 at 19:31

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As an addiction.. yes.. for my health... not so sure :P Anywho, my main problem is beer, that's the habbit I really need to kick.


Kinja'd!!! DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:33

Kinja'd!!!1

Because Racecar.


Kinja'd!!! lucky's pepper > Forgetful
02/13/2015 at 19:38

Kinja'd!!!1

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's the best they're going to feel all day."

-Dean Martin

I know that doesn't help.


Kinja'd!!! Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:39

Kinja'd!!!0

I updated that post with some commentary on my views on AA. So refresh your screen.

Also... I've had 4 kidney stones in the past.. but haven't had any for over 10 years now.

I got the stones because of a diet that made my body PH too acidic. That was due to too much soda (coke), too much red meat, too much coffee (keep it to 1 cup a day max), not enough water, waaay too much milk (1 glass a day is good, 2 liters a day is bad).


Kinja'd!!! PowderHound > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:42

Kinja'd!!!0

you'll feel amazingly better. Or so I hear.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
02/13/2015 at 19:45

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I wish I could have a drink or two with me mates dude. But I usually drink 13-16 us pints of beer, each day. I think the day I can have just ONE drink is far away.

As for the stones, the only pluss I could give you there is that I don't drink soda.


Kinja'd!!! lucky's pepper > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:46

Kinja'd!!!1

As the son of someone who crawled in a bottle and never came out, good for you in deciding to quit. I love to drink way more then must people but I know it's a monster that must be kept on a short leash.

Seriously, good luck to you.


Kinja'd!!! Dadu > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:46

Kinja'd!!!1

Alcohol/smokes are not cheap. = more parts and gas!


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Dadu
02/13/2015 at 19:47

Kinja'd!!!0

That's true :) More turbo on cars that should not have a turbo..


Kinja'd!!! nermal > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:50

Kinja'd!!!1

Can't help with the alcohol part - I still enjoy me some good booze, but I prefer to sip some nice burboun with a big-ass steak, rather than drinking to get drunk. If you can't learn to self-moderate, then avoiding it altogether is the best option.

(Warning: Long)

I can definitely help with the nicotine part though. Do you smoke or chew? Or both?
Either way, you need to make some serious lifestyle changes. You're not a smoker or a chewer, you're addicted to nicotine. Switching to patches or gum or e-cigs or nicotine coated suppositories doesn't mean you quit, it just means that you changed your nicotine delivery method.

The most important part of quitting? Start NOW. Don't set a date. Not even tomorrow. NOW. Don't mentally prepare yourself leading up to your quit date by laying out your plan of treating yourself to a nice dinner and a bubble bath to ease into it. Quit NOW. Don't even give yourself one last smoke for old time's sake. NOW. Stop reading, collect whatever tobacco stash you have left, along with every single tobacco related item you have (including lighters, your favorite smoking jacket, the chair you sit on outside), and throw all of it in the trash. Then take the trash outside and put it on the curb. You are welcome to direct as many obscenities and hand gestures to the garbage as you want as a final "good riddance".

Done? Congratulations! You have now quit nicotine.

That wasn't so bad. Now, the hard part - remaining quit. Depending on how much and how long you used it, the withdrawal will range from the worst thing you've ever experienced, to something much worse than that. Regardless, it's gonna suck. You'll need to deal with that some how. Find something to distract yourself. I used sunflower seeds and beef jerkey.

You're probably going to be miserable and want to tell everybody to go fuck themselves and die a horrible death. That's probably not a good idea, but keeping those feelings bottled up probably isn't a good idea either. I'd reccomend joining a support group, and talking it out with others going through the same thing. If you go to www.quit.net you can hop on their forums and everybody will be extremely supportive and friendly. They'll say things like "Good for you!" and "You can do it!" but you will need to be nice in return, or they will boot you out of their community. I tried that and got mad - some people thrive under the positivity, some don't. Then I went to www.killthecan.org (sister site www.whackthepack.com ). On there, you can tell everybody to go fuck themselves and that you hate them and hope they die. In turn, they will tell you to go fuck yourself, and that you need to stop being such a weenie. The point is that they don't hide the misery, in fact they embrace it and encourage you to thrive on it. Swearing and personal attacks are not only permitted, they're encouraged. The thought being that it gets it out of your system, and the people on the site all know what you're going through, and they can take it. Your spouse / boss / kids? Not so much.

Own up to the fact that you absolutely hate how you feel - and don't forget it. Any time you want to cave, remember just how much it sucked the first few days after you quit. Then never ever go through that again.

In the meantime, remove any habits you may have had related to using or acquiring tobacco. For me, I used to stop at the same place on the way to work to get gas, then grab a drink and load up for the day with my tobacco. I ended up taking a different route to work so I didn't drive past there, and making sure I paid at the pump for fuel and never went into the store to get tempted. Things like that - just don't do them.

Don't forget to reward yourself for milestones as well. Reward yourself every day for the first week. Then every week until you hit a month. Then every month, and eventually you'll be at the year mark. Then remember your quit date, and do something nice for yourself every year on that day. I'm going on 4 years and still treat my quit date like a personal holiday.

Everything will get easier over time, but you can only do things one day at a time. The most important thing, above all else, is to start NOW. You will experience significant physical, mental, and emotional changes. Recognize them and embrace them.

Don't forget to pay it forward either!

No good lucks, no TL;DR. No sense in really trying to prepare yourself for what you're about to go through, because looking forward it's way worse than you can imagine. Looking back though, you'll be a much better person as a result, and glad you did it.


Kinja'd!!! Dadu > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:50

Kinja'd!!!1

the Turbo ain't EXACTLY what I want blown.....


Kinja'd!!! this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:51

Kinja'd!!!2

In the words of the poet Joey Bada$$, "I don't drink beer, I know the bud wiser"*

*not applicable in all states and/or countries, commenter is not liable for any criminal charges incurred from the application of this advice. Side effects may include sudden onset snacking, enjoyment of bad movies, and a newfound appreciation for ska, reggae and Dave Matthews


Kinja'd!!! Suby555 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:52

Kinja'd!!!1

Kinja'd!!!

Good luck my friend.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > nermal
02/13/2015 at 19:54

Kinja'd!!!0

I don't smoke OR chew.. but I guess Snus is closer to chewing than smoking. I quit smoking ten years ago... You make several good points though mate, you really do.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Dadu
02/13/2015 at 19:55

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It's the 0nly thing I can promise will get blown though :P


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Suby555
02/13/2015 at 19:56

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I don't smoke though. quit that about ten years ago :)


Kinja'd!!! WhereAreMyPants > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:57

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1. Being able to breathe. Quitting smoking felt fucking amazing.

2. Waking up, and actually feeling good. I'm still working on that one, but not being delirious and groggy in the morning is great.


Kinja'd!!! nermal > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 19:58

Kinja'd!!!0

Snus are dry, chew and snuff is wet. Nicotine gum is chewy, patches are patchy, and cigarettes are smokey.

Otherwise it's all the same crap, and all of them are just another nicotine delivery method. Switching from one to another is no different than switching from slamming your hand in a desk drawer to slamming it in a dresser drawer. The end result is still the same.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > WhereAreMyPants
02/13/2015 at 19:59

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1. I don't smoke.. I use Snus :P

2. I bet that is awesome, hope I'll get there someday :)


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > nermal
02/13/2015 at 20:01

Kinja'd!!!0

Good point, and I really would like to drop this filthy habit.. But I think that I'd better focus on not drinking first.


Kinja'd!!! Breakfast Burrito: The True Resident Burrito > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 20:04

Kinja'd!!!2

Alcohol never creates fun; it just borrows it from the following morning.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Breakfast Burrito: The True Resident Burrito
02/13/2015 at 20:07

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I know, so I just keep borrowing from the next day...


Kinja'd!!! RallyWrench > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 20:08

Kinja'd!!!2

Do it. At least, try it, then find a balance.

I'm a bit of a beer snob, I've homebrewed, and love me some good beer, but had to make myself stop drinking so much and it's been worth it. I haven't quit cold-turkey because I'm interested in beer beyond just drinking it, but cutting back drastically is as good as for me. I was doing 2-4 beers a night (good beer, mind, not lower-cal or low percentage fare), mostly as habit due to work stress and because I have a kegerator that makes it easy. Once you've had one, fuck it, let's have another, you know?

I cut it way back shortly before Thanksgiving. Now I just have maybe 5 total, if that, all weekend after mountain biking (having earned a couple) or when socializing, because we have a great local pub that I just bike down to. I feel better in the mornings, sleep better, and have lost weight by instantly cutting several thousand calories a month out of my diet. Less money spent, too. The biggest motivation for me is staying healthy for my family, with a 2 year old & 1 on the way.

Not automatically cracking a beer every day was hard for about a week, but now I don't even think about it. It's one of the better things I've ever done for myself.


Kinja'd!!! Your boy, BJR > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 20:12

Kinja'd!!!0

and no need to be ashamed of admitting you're an alcoholic, there's literally millions of us. Recognizing and admitting it is fuckin huge of you, man. Anyone can surrender to this disease, it takes true strength to fight back.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Your boy, BJR
02/13/2015 at 20:18

Kinja'd!!!0

It is huge to admit it, I probably should've done that a few years ago. What really closed the deal was telling my best friend, she's here crying like god knows what now.. Telling me she saw the signs and all that.. It sucks, but only I can make this better.


Kinja'd!!! Axial > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 20:46

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Because not being in charge of your actions sucks ass. Because you can't properly enjoy your favorite car when intoxicated.

Also, smoking is bad, mmkay?


Kinja'd!!! RustedSprinter > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 21:04

Kinja'd!!!0

No more drugs or alcohol! No more stinking fun at all! Hey thats just my aspirin!


Kinja'd!!! CallMeTURBO > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 21:11

Kinja'd!!!0

as someone who became a social smoker while I was drunk and at parties... Quitting smoking is 100x easier when you remove alcohol from the equation.


Kinja'd!!! Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 21:27

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Chewing tobacco is really popular where I'm from ...so is jaw cancer. If it isn't already a habit, I would break that one ASAP.


Kinja'd!!! Shutup&takemy$ > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 21:41

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Dude—the chewing tobacco is the thing to kick if you have to choose. I'd take a drink over that any day of the week. I'm a medical student, and believe me, you do not want to see the things ENT/plastic surgeons have to do to remove facial tumors. think fist sized hole in side of face, then taking a chunk of thigh tissue and sewing it back in there (yes, hair will grow out of the wall of your mouth). That's if you're lucky and don't have nerve, bone, or nervous system involvement...or its metastatic.

You're a beast to try to give up either. Stick with it man!


Kinja'd!!! Suby555 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 21:46

Kinja'd!!!0

I jumped the gun. Assuming nicotine meant smoking. Either way. I hope it works out! Remeber to use the people around you as your support network.


Kinja'd!!! wiffleballtony > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 21:54

Kinja'd!!!0

Take a look at your expenses and see how much those habits cost. Instead of that save it up and take a vacation, or buy something nice for yourself or car. Or blow it on 91 octane like me.


Kinja'd!!! itranthelasttimeiparkedit > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/13/2015 at 23:29

Kinja'd!!!1

I'm a big fan of having a couple of vices. I completely cut out smoking after my wife got pregnant but I still drink beyond what a doctor would consider healthy...


Kinja'd!!! Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/14/2015 at 00:05

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There you go: quitting will give you the chance to grow as a person and learn to better cope with life. Bonus: you'll have a lot more time, money, and drive to get out and do things you'd only dream about otherwise.

Source: 8 years sober; never thought I could be happy without drinking, and now I wouldn't trade my sobriety for anything.


Kinja'd!!! Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/14/2015 at 00:08

Kinja'd!!!0

I did the same. Finally in AA I learned how to talk to people, deal with my anxiety, have healthy relationships, etc.


Kinja'd!!! DipodomysDeserti > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/14/2015 at 01:09

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Do you have any straight edge friends? I grew up in the hardcore scene, and my straight edge friends helped several buddies get over drinking problems. AA wasn't really an option for them on account of the religious connotations, and straight edge gave them a community and support system they were used to.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > DipodomysDeserti
02/14/2015 at 08:19

Kinja'd!!!0

I do have some friends that are straight edge, but they don't live here. But I'll find a way to get trough this :)


Kinja'd!!! Wurrwulf > ttyymmnn
02/14/2015 at 10:09

Kinja'd!!!0

No shit. I had a fatty, inflamed liver partly due to my cholesterol and partly due to drinking. I ate healthy and stopped drinking for 3 months. I lost 17 lbs and felt excellent. Then the holidays rolled around, and all of my dieting went to shit. I'm back up to 215lbs, and I generally feel crappy. Not drinking beer will make a world of difference. I was less bloated/gassy, had a clearer mind, and had much less everyday fatigue.

Good luck, man. Oppo is in your corner, and always remember: a relapse is not a failure, it's another challenge.


Kinja'd!!! Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/14/2015 at 12:24

Kinja'd!!!0

Here's a potential solution for the 13-16 pints of beer in relation to Alcohol... alcohol-free beer:

Kinja'd!!!

And related to that... 3 non-alcoholic beers that don't suck:

https://www.yahoo.com/food/the-quest…


Kinja'd!!! bhardoin > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/14/2015 at 13:23

Kinja'd!!!0

Seeing this now, I have no idea if you're having a good morning or a horrible one. All I can say is that from reading your responses, it seems like you've been using alcohol as a way to deal with either some emotional issues or some loneliness. It's gonna be tough to break, but you won't be able to really tackle those issues until you're sober. If it's how I'm reading it, this is gonna be a long slog rearranging your life, but in the end you're gonna be a different and better person as a result of your efforts. I'm confident you'll end up alright, cause it takes a damn strong person to take that first step and break a shitty routine.

If I miscalculated where you're at, ignore all that, but still good on you for dropping vices. We're here for ya if you need to rage a bit.


Kinja'd!!! Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/15/2015 at 14:34

Kinja'd!!!1

"I've just realised that I'm an alcoholic. "

The first step to fixing ANY problem is to admit the problem exists in the first place.

The second step is admitting that it's a problem that needs fixing.

And even if you don't succeed in fixing the problem on the first try, it's still better to try repeatedly than not try at all.

And it's better that you made this realization on your own rather than having someone else tell you this.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > bhardoin
02/16/2015 at 11:55

Kinja'd!!!0

Emotional issues for sure, I've been depressed for the last 15 years or so.. Anyway, haven't had a drink since Friday, and it feels quite good actually. I don't feel GOOD though, but that's because I've gotten the mother of all flus :P

Thanks mate.


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
02/16/2015 at 11:56

Kinja'd!!!0

Clausthaler SUCKS though, I'd rather drink horsepiss. Even bud tastes better :P But thanks for the tip mate :)


Kinja'd!!! Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
02/16/2015 at 11:59

Kinja'd!!!0

I'm quite shocked nobody have said anything prior if I'm honest, I guess it's got something to do with the fact that being able to drink 18 pints and still talk is not that unusual here.


Kinja'd!!! bhardoin > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/16/2015 at 16:26

Kinja'd!!!0

Glad to hear you've off to a decent start, with the exception of the flu. Keep it goin. : )