saw Mark E ..a good few times..TOTALLY WIRED

Anyone else already started?

Prepared... you asked what happens when you give up the drink and that all depends on how far down the line you are. As previously mentioned I crossed the line and when I quit I was vomiting for days, couldn't hold down water, which eventually turned to blood. Was told that the constant vomiting had caused a rupture. Could barely stand, walked into every wall in my way, fell down the stairs (twice), critically low levels of potassium and magnesium, leading to severe anxiety and seeing all sorts of creatures rushing across my floor, not forgetting the previously mentioned high blood pressure too. Sh*tting water, slurring (even when sober) and sweating profusely every time I went to the shops. Sleep was like an hour here and there; yes, you can knock off but staying asleep just wasn't going to happen. Didn't eat anything for days on end and finally admitted to hospital, where I actually collapsed in the doctor's arms. I was a wreck.

After quitting it took around 3 months for everything to settle down but settle down it did. I now sleep like a baby, walk in a straight line (avoiding all walls) and bloods all returned to normal. It is amazing how all those little niggles were all down to just one thing... excessive drinking.

This might give you some idea why I don't drink anymore and have no intention of doing so again. It was sleep that was my biggest motivator (strange, but true) because I love a good night's sleep and now I get one nigh-on every night of the year.

Somehow I don't think you are that far gone, but this is an example of what can happen when withdrawals start to kick in. With hindsight withdrawals are key to diagnosis, once they kick-in then it is time to quit or face the consequences.

Gotta give you some credit here about GP's. He knew I was drinking heavily as I openly admitted this to him (I never lie to Doctors), but surprisingly he didn't connect the dots

And there is the first reason to give up drinking.
Drinking alcohol raises blood pressure.

Here's a good video that explains how alcohol is bad for us.
Shows the direct link alcohol has in causing diabetes too.
Starts 51:40 in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckN6WM6MeJI&t=4059s

And for the sceptic:

Robert H Lustig MD.
Professor of pediatrics
Division of Endocrinology
University of California
San Francisco

Barcelona Liverpool without a beer. Never right.

If you learn the downside to drink health wise it helps no end to give it up.

I didn't realise how harmful drinking can be to the heart, with the raised triglycerides and VLDL it creates. Blood pressure too.

Then there's the S2 diabetes risk as explained in that video.
Liver disease is also well known to be caused by drinking alcohol.
Also increased risk of cancer.

Just thinking about it is enough to drive you to drink.

Scandy, you can be a right bastid sometimes

The bar at Hacksaw Towers is open in 25 minutes.

No real body effects as yet

Any withdrawal symptoms (body effects) will come on within 12 hours of your last drink. Unlikely to get any now, which pretty much confirms you do not have an addiction.

Careful you don't knock that pint off, looks a bit close to the edge.

Old Speckled Hen do a very low alcohol one too.

The Ghost Ship isn't bad, had it alongside a real one for a taste comparison...not as good but drinkable.

Brewdog do Nanny State which imo is the best very low alcohol.

Thornbridge do Big Easy but not so good.

Mrs H likes the v low alcohol ciders at Morrisons and Sainsbury's.  Same manufacturer.  They do taste pretty good actually.  Closer to real cider than the ales are to real beer.

More pertinent, low alcohol = alcohol which does not equate to quitting the booze.

Best not to put that theory to the test though, eh

Judge : Do you have anything to say in your defence for being found to be in excess of the legal limit for being in control of a motor vehicle?
Defendant : Well m'lord, I was carrying out a scientifically controlled experiment for the benefit of the Chit Chat forum.
Judge : Ah, I see, that well know intellectual thinktank, case dismissed.

Talking of p1ss heads and drunk driving, I happened to notice the actor who played "airwolf" died in February. Right old drunk driving alky he was, 3 major car accidents.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan-Michael_Vincent

I might suggest giving up drinking could be similar to giving up smoking. If you want to give it up then give it up and if you don't then don't, it is that simple!

Personally when I gave up smoking I would reaffirm why any and every reason to feel fit, stop smelling, have more money etc

Then I would tell myself a habit takes 21 days to break. I also said there addiction to nicotine ashley only last 3 days the rest is habit. I carried around a wooden cigarette to hold.

If ever I wanted a puff I would take 3 or 4 deep deep breaths. It gives you the same feeling as your first lugg in the morning, try it!

Two last things that may help. At the end of every day put the money you would have spent on beer in a jam jar. You might be quite surprised.

Secondly if you are in drinking situations get used to drinking something like soda water and lime. It is godawful and undrinkable but you will get used to it and start thinking I don't want to be here anymore.

I have stopped drinking between Sunday and Thursday. I want to lose some weight and this is the only thing that is stopping me. I go to the gym 2-3 times a week at least and this keeps me oot the pub too.

I might suggest if you knock back 6 Kingfishers with an Indian meal you might be slightly rotund ( you may not be ) but if that is the case think about playing football with your children or grand children. Think how stupid a fat Bstard looks when trying to play with his kids but failing because he can hardly get breath and make sure that is not you!

Good luck.

Keep going dude. There is more joy in heaven with one repentant sinner and all that!

Good that you are feeling the benefits of it immediately. Feed on that. Work out how much money you have saved too!

Cheers lads, the villa play off game on saturday will be the next big test for my drinking.
Have a good evening lads