Alcohol free January

I decided I would give this dry January a go, and abstained on New Year's Day. Last night, I dined 'in' at our local and excellent chippy, where my friend and I were presented with large glasses of complimentary wine and the compliments of the season. Consequently, my steely resolve lasted all of 24 hours ...

Never drink at home or at family and friend gatherings as DH is a recovering alcoholic, and I support him to stay on track . I do enjoy a glass of wine when out with girl friends though ,none planned for Jan so drink free January for me !!

oh dear vegasmags, I wouldn't have been able to refuse that...it would have been rude! However, the staff perhaps should have asked if you wanted one just in case a recovering alcoholic came in.

Liz - my friend and I are regular customers there and they know that we usually enjoy a drink with our meal.

vegasmags, you're a girl after my own heart! As it happens, it's DH's birthday and mine coming up soon and we're planning fish and chips and fizz for our family celebration.

I'm on a dry January this year. But with hindsight asking for a nice bottle of fancy gin for Christmas maybe wasn't the smartest move!

I've heard rumours queenie though never put it to the test that gin keeps quite well perhaps put it in the freezer out of sight?

Although I haven't had a problem so far - only day 3 though, I never realised how often I think about alcohol !!

Could we please not keep posting the word 'gin'! (Queesy emoticon!)

The only time I drank that queasy drink Greyduster my legs gave out ! I was about 16 and haven't touched a drop since.

We went for a walk when the rain finally stopped and walked past the pub. It did call to us as we have been stuck in so much because of the weather and were a bit bored. However we made it past the door and now have a glass of water each. I know what I'd prefer!

I can't stand the taste of it. If that was the only alcoholic drink in the world, I'd certainly be teetotal!

Gin is fine (although I didn't touch it for about 35 years after one bad experience ).
It's vodka that is .... oh even the thought makes me feel ill .....

I'm with annsixty that I am not ashamed to admit that I occasionally need a prop. The last few years have been pretty awful here (and my life in general hasn't been a walk in the park) and a glass or two of wine hasn't hurt me so far. People have said 'it doesn't help you know'. Well it helps me!

KatyK If there was no alcohol available you couldn't have the 'prop' so you would have to manage. I never use alcohol as a 'prop' and I have had a pretty lousy year. I just try to be mindful, see beautiful things in everyday life and count my blessings.

For gin-drinkers who are currently abstaining may I suggest a treat for February (in moderation of course). For Christmas, DD2 gave me a bottle of Edinburgh gin - Heather Rose. Like no gin I've ever had. Very different in taste and colour and absolutely delicious. To all the naysayers- please ignore. To those who are doing well and think they might enjoy a little reward in due course - cheers!
Good luck to all.
Not joining you as I'm happily chugging along with carb-cutting and don't choose to deprive myself too much.

DH loves a drop of gin and received some very interesting varieties for Christmas gifts. He is keeping me company during dry January but we are both looking forward to a bit of sampling when this is done.

Fish, chips and fizz for birthday celebrations Maggie - I'm just glad my birthday is in October and not January X

Day 3 nearly ticked off

Keep on keeping on ...

vegasmags ups made me

vegasmags 'you' made me

My lovely Bombay Sappire is safely in the garage, Anya that might work!

We try to have alcohol free Mondays as there are more Mondays in a year than days in January. If a Monday turns out to be a special day we go alcohol free on another day that week. Don't know if it does any good but we do feel virtuous on Mondays!

I'm just finishing off the bottle of Baileys.

A tough job, but someone's got to do it!

I don't drink alcohol either. As long as no-one comes up with a coffee free month I will be alright.

Well ethel we are all different. I admit to needing a prop, so that's how it is for me. My upbringing was such that I could have easily ended up on drugs or something, so a couple of glasses here and there is not so bad in my opinion.

Day 4 of the dry January test, and so far so good, but I'm getting bored with the soft drink I'm using instead - sparkling water and occasional Diet Coke. Does anyone have any other suggestions? (I'm also trying to lose weight this month as a by-product of being alcohol free, so low calorie is preferred). Also, I'm finding that I have to get up in the night for a pee, presumably due to the larger volume of liquid in the soft drinks!