Comments on: A Weekend Without Alcohol

By: JS

JS — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Peter

I’ve just found your blog entry on the internet and it is a fascinating insight into how booze is everywhere interlaced into our social lives and the workplace. This was the biggest thing I learned when I gave up for a month in September 2009.

I actually found it easy to stop but I was surprised by how often alcohol cropped up in any given week (meeting friends in the bar ofcourse, drink after work, with a meal etc). I also found people asking me why I drank OJ and lemonade the whole time. Others said, “Go on, have one, it won’t harm you”

Looking back, I realise that I was offered drinks or felt the pressure to have one at least 5 times a week!

So now it is January 2010 and I have given up for January to let my body recover from the excesses of New Year. My intention is to give up for January and then maybe just carry on month by month. I love the energy you get back when you abstain and the activity that fills the void left by endless evenings talking drunken rubbish with friends in a smelly bar.

By: CC

CC — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:35:53 +0000

I stopped just a week ago. I was a heavy drinker, every day 3 big drinks of vodka and soda. I’ve blanked out many times, forgotten what I did the night before just before falling asleep, decided it was too much. I hope I am strong enough to never start again. I admit I love wine and champagne, and margaritas, but I do believe the hard liquor is easy to give up. Used to drink a lot of beer, got over it, and only drank once in a while…

I admit I was scared to stop but as each day passes it gets easier. Note, booze is all over the house and I’ve been strong enough to pass it up. There is a God! lol

By: Dimple

Dimple — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:57:07 +0000

hey there…your story really got me as i am a beer drinker and i LOVE it!!! Not a day after work pass by that i feel like having one. I dont drink till am all completely drunk but more of an unwinding or after a long day.
But i must try this..a weekend without alco!!! thanks for the story..am inspired..i know australian love their beers!! cheers mate!

By: james

james — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:24:18 +0000

@Kay,

With no disrespect to you Kay , this is the argument that many drink dependent individuals now trot out in order to encourage us non drinkers and rare drinkers to drink in order to make themselves feel more comfortable about their drinking. The fact is the latest research is showing that the health benefits of low and regular alcohol consumption have been exaggerated while the risks to our health go under reported. ( if not completely ignored ). The reality is we can obtain better and safer health benefits from drinking green tea , good quality chocolate or numerous other foods and beverages without the toxic effect of alcohol on the body and mind.
( Alcohol IS a carcinogen, and to varying degree an addictive drug ). Exercise, meditation , proper amounts of sleep, positive social interaction etc all have positive health benefits too.

Kind regards

james

By: tiffany

tiffany — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:56:23 +0000

peter, I am on the 14th day of a 21 day fast from drinking! I am so glad to have read this as my boyfriend is coming to visit today and I always go in to “vacation mode” with him.
this should give me the strength to persevere today!!

I feel great by the way.. havent honestly wanted it.. but tonight will be the test!

By: Diary of a Smart Chick » Post Topic » SmartChick at the Blog Carnival: Health

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:55:33 +0000

[...] part of staying healthy. Those posts included choosing a cookbook, food variety, Monsanto, abstaining from alcohol and general healthy eating. Smart [...]