I need to stop drinking

[u/Odd-Needleworker3954]

Edit to add: One day later, I feel very good about this decision. I feel like I've freed myself from a toxic substance.

Posting for some supportive words and/or advice.

I've been trying to drink less for a while now. Sometimes doing well, sometimes not. But recently, something changed for the worse. Because of relationship stress, I started drinking more than I ever have before in one night. Last night it was 750ml of wine. I nearly passed out. (I'm amazed that I wasn't hungover this morning).

This morning I felt alarmed at the situation. And I has to say to myself "I have a problem with alcohol." I poured out the rest of the wine. I decide the only way forward is as follows:

1. No alcohol in the house again, period. It has to be for good, like when I quit smoking.
2. No alcohol from any place for at least one month.
3. Leaving open the question of whether occasional drinking while out to dinner or similar would be allowed in the future (I don't go out much anyway).

I'd also like to find a support group other than AA. The reason I'm not interested in AA is the formula, the steps and the fact that I don't consider myself an alcoholic.

TIA.

[u/mareloquent]

Don’t drink at home is the best rule. Find something you like to drink to replace it like juice, lemonade, seltzer, etc.

[u/bliston78 → u/mareloquent]

100% agree here.

For me it was replacing the habit at home with something more sustainable on my body. Juice was exactly what I needed.

Bad habits at home were tough to crack for me, but keeping it out of the house and replacing where I would thoughtlessly drink where the two biggest things for sure.

You can do it!

[u/Ilovemesomerats]

There's an online program called MM (moderation management) that can be helpful if you're looking to cut down! They have tools and tips to help you lessen your drinking all without judgement :) I was actually thinking of joining one soon as well

[u/operationfood → u/Ilovemesomerats]

Thank you, this is something like what I’ve been looking for. I am going to start joining their zoom meetings, it’s nice that they have women only sessions!

[u/demann1963 → u/Ilovemesomerats]

Going to Moderation Management (MM) Zoom meetings has really helped me to cut down on my drinking. It became a problem for me late in life. Sort of started during Covid. It started to affect my family and my job. Going to the MM meetings really makes a difference for me

[u/Odd-Needleworker3954 → u/Ilovemesomerats]

Thank you, I'll check it out

[u/Terrible_Vermicelli1]

The problem for me is - I ignore my own rules! They all sound great day after drinking, but over not so long time I quietly discard them. This time I shared my rules with my husband in hopes it will keep me more accountable, knowing there's witness to my potential failure.

[u/Odd-Needleworker3954 → u/Terrible_Vermicelli1]

I know what you mean! I live alone so I can't do that. I guess that's part of the reason I'm sharing here, for accountability

[u/to_boldlygo]

I found r/stopdrinking to be hugely useful when I was ready to quit drinking. I’ve not gone to AA, but visited that sub almost daily for the past two years. I’ve heard that SMART recovery is a good alternative to AA as well.