You can do this.

brother are in the same boat (the drinking)...all it takes is one step ahead, and then the next step forward, and then the next step, and before you know it, success. My best to you.

They are both difficult to do. All you can do is start to change and try to keep it up.

There are many on the road with you. There will be some easy days and hard ones. Peace and blessings to you on this journey.

Keep in mind that drinking may become somewhat of a vicious circle as well as addictive.

You may find a craving coming on, but that's just the brain projecting a need for that rush that soon fades. Craving it can start to diminish if you are not a full-blown alcoholic.

As an incentive, after a while, your brain adjusts and doesn't feel the need to have a have a drink in order to enjoy things again. Often, much of that is that regular drinking gradually makes you feel worse than you would otherwise and so, that's nothing that a drink won't fix, right?

I used to binge drink now and then. Then, a little more often. My body was signaling it was poisonous just by the increased fatigue, anxiety, irritability, etc. So, I listened and just let that "image" or "carrot" before the horse for a drink as a solution pass by, considering it a ruse or bait. Consider it a hallucination or a mirage and it passes.

Now? I feel naturally much, much better, more and more as time passes. After about a year, I am very glad I listened to my body instead of my brain in a viscous circle crying out for a chemical. Paying attention, I notice improved, sustained moods and increased daily energy.

I just wanted to give you some inspiration with the luck. That was my experience and good outcome.

You've got this, Mr. Took. Best of luck to yo!

Even on election night I'm holding my own.
My substitute drink is Reed's Ginger Beer (no alcohol) with tons of ice.
My husband still has wine every night but I had so much difficulty with GERD a few weeks ago I decided to opt out.
So far so good.

I've lost 4 lbs and 'am sleeping much better plus I'm proud of myself.
Thanks once more for your kindness.

You might consider checking out SMART Recovery. It's helped me a ton. They have a website with links to Zoom meetings. The Saturday morning group I attend is a great bunch of folks. If you're interested and would like some insider info, feel free to DM me.