Had some drinks - My thoughts
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 438
Had some drinks - My thoughts
So as many of you know I was 7+ years sober and recently contemplated moderation. I don't have to make this post but I am doing so as it may help some out and I like to help whenever I can. Lets keep this thread on topic though, Thanks.
I picked up a fifth of JD. I intended to have a max of 4 drinks and no more. I ended up having 3 drinks, 1.5oz each, on the rocks. I had the drinks over the course of 2ish hours at home, snacked on almonds during, and sipped water as well. I was really just doing what I'd normally be doing at home and implemented the drinks into that.
Now the interesting part(this thread has a point) I didn't really like it. I remember how I used to like alcohol, I know how when not drinking I'd think about alcohol but when put into play the drink didn't live up to it. It wasn't that it was bad but it wasn't good either, not great anyhow.
I set my limit at 4 drinks but only ended up having 3 as I just didn't care to have another, I ended up grilling a steak instead.
The alcohol also kept me awake, I didn't get good sleep, I had to try and try to sleep. My joints also felt weird, like wrists, hands etc.. not painful but just a feeling, didn't like that either.
I don't regret drinking and at some point I will probably drink again but really I just feel old and not cut out for this lol - I am only 33 fyi.
Sure I can drink again but if I drank more than the 3 drinks I think I would have a headache the next day and a host of other issues. The 3 drinks did not have any effect the next day, just the not so good sleep and weird joint feeling. In short I can go with or without the drink - it just isn't what it was, to me at least, maybe that is a good thing.
In short I know many miss the drink, think fondly of it at times etc.. I just wanted to say you really aren't missing much. Some things are best left as memories, like a old movie you loved and have it a re-watch - Yep it was that feeling for me. Now I had 7 years sober so naturally things may be different for me than say someone with 1 year sober, YMMV. I just wanted to share my experience as it may help some people out.
Also to add, part of what always bugged me about being sober was I had do be sober, I couldn't drink - I had no say in it.. Now I did it, I have booze on hand at home, I can have it anytime IF I want but I probably wont, not often at least. I like having the option even if it is just so I can decline. I can't even see myself drinking more than 3-4 drinks in one sitting either, anything more just seems crazy to me... In my 20's compared to myself now there is just no comparison... really weird but interesting at the same time.
In the end I prefer sleeping and waking up clear minded as I've grown accustomed to all these years sober. I definitely give the plus to being sober than drinking, even on a moderate basis. Not much is gained by the drink on any level in my opinion.
I picked up a fifth of JD. I intended to have a max of 4 drinks and no more. I ended up having 3 drinks, 1.5oz each, on the rocks. I had the drinks over the course of 2ish hours at home, snacked on almonds during, and sipped water as well. I was really just doing what I'd normally be doing at home and implemented the drinks into that.
Now the interesting part(this thread has a point) I didn't really like it. I remember how I used to like alcohol, I know how when not drinking I'd think about alcohol but when put into play the drink didn't live up to it. It wasn't that it was bad but it wasn't good either, not great anyhow.
I set my limit at 4 drinks but only ended up having 3 as I just didn't care to have another, I ended up grilling a steak instead.
The alcohol also kept me awake, I didn't get good sleep, I had to try and try to sleep. My joints also felt weird, like wrists, hands etc.. not painful but just a feeling, didn't like that either.
I don't regret drinking and at some point I will probably drink again but really I just feel old and not cut out for this lol - I am only 33 fyi.
Sure I can drink again but if I drank more than the 3 drinks I think I would have a headache the next day and a host of other issues. The 3 drinks did not have any effect the next day, just the not so good sleep and weird joint feeling. In short I can go with or without the drink - it just isn't what it was, to me at least, maybe that is a good thing.
In short I know many miss the drink, think fondly of it at times etc.. I just wanted to say you really aren't missing much. Some things are best left as memories, like a old movie you loved and have it a re-watch - Yep it was that feeling for me. Now I had 7 years sober so naturally things may be different for me than say someone with 1 year sober, YMMV. I just wanted to share my experience as it may help some people out.
Also to add, part of what always bugged me about being sober was I had do be sober, I couldn't drink - I had no say in it.. Now I did it, I have booze on hand at home, I can have it anytime IF I want but I probably wont, not often at least. I like having the option even if it is just so I can decline. I can't even see myself drinking more than 3-4 drinks in one sitting either, anything more just seems crazy to me... In my 20's compared to myself now there is just no comparison... really weird but interesting at the same time.
In the end I prefer sleeping and waking up clear minded as I've grown accustomed to all these years sober. I definitely give the plus to being sober than drinking, even on a moderate basis. Not much is gained by the drink on any level in my opinion.
voices ca**y
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: St. Paul Minnesota
Posts: 4,360
I appreciate you posting this. I don't know how this is going to work out for you but if my mind goes where yours is it will be a complete disaster for me and my family. If it does I will remember this thread and my attitude now. I saw you comment on a few threads and thought you had decided against it.
It's true..it's not like I remembered it when I tried to drink 3 months after quitting. Building it up to some kind of fantasy is a very bad idea. When that happens to me I deliberately force images of the misery just to balance it out. I suspect you might have done some of that. Building it up to be worth the risk.
I hope this works out for you. A lot of relapse stories have started this way...1 glass of wine on a special occasion...2 beers one night....
It's true..it's not like I remembered it when I tried to drink 3 months after quitting. Building it up to some kind of fantasy is a very bad idea. When that happens to me I deliberately force images of the misery just to balance it out. I suspect you might have done some of that. Building it up to be worth the risk.
I hope this works out for you. A lot of relapse stories have started this way...1 glass of wine on a special occasion...2 beers one night....
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 438
Originally Posted by silentrun 
I appreciate you posting this. I don't know how this is going to work out for you but if my mind goes where yours is it will be a complete disaster for me and my family. If it does I will remember this thread and my attitude now. I saw you comment on a few threads and thought you had decided against it.
It's true..it's not like I remembered it when I tried to drink 3 months after quitting. Building it up to some kind of fantasy is a very bad idea. When that happens to me I deliberately force images of the misery just to balance it out. I suspect you might have done some of that. Building it up to be worth the risk.
I hope this works out for you. A lot of relapse stories have started this way...1 glass of wine on a special occasion...2 beers one night....
It's true..it's not like I remembered it when I tried to drink 3 months after quitting. Building it up to some kind of fantasy is a very bad idea. When that happens to me I deliberately force images of the misery just to balance it out. I suspect you might have done some of that. Building it up to be worth the risk.
I hope this works out for you. A lot of relapse stories have started this way...1 glass of wine on a special occasion...2 beers one night....
I am sure I will drink again but I don't even know when and its out of my mind for now. It didn't live up to the hype I gave it and to be honest I think when I used to drink before I just did like it a whole lot more but than again I was young and party party party. Now I am totally different, I think it just doesn't appeal to me the same way. I was never big on smoking weed and right now alcohol rates about the same to me.
I was actually shocked more than anything else by me really not caring for it, mind blowing actually.
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,775
Originally Posted by mpr
So as many of you know I was 7+ years sober and recently contemplated moderation. I don't have to make this post but I am doing so as it may help some out and I like to help whenever I can. Lets keep this thread on topic though, Thanks.
I picked up a fifth of JD. I intended to have a max of 4 drinks and no more. I ended up having 3 drinks, 1.5oz each, on the rocks. I had the drinks over the course of 2ish hours at home, snacked on almonds during, and sipped water as well. I was really just doing what I'd normally be doing at home and implemented the drinks into that.
Now the interesting part(this thread has a point) I didn't really like it. I remember how I used to like alcohol, I know how when not drinking I'd think about alcohol but when put into play the drink didn't live up to it. It wasn't that it was bad but it wasn't good either, not great anyhow.
I set my limit at 4 drinks but only ended up having 3 as I just didn't care to have another, I ended up grilling a steak instead.
The alcohol also kept me awake, I didn't get good sleep, I had to try and try to sleep. My joints also felt weird, like wrists, hands etc.. not painful but just a feeling, didn't like that either.
I don't regret drinking and at some point I will probably drink again but really I just feel old and not cut out for this lol - I am only 33 fyi.
Sure I can drink again but if I drank more than the 3 drinks I think I would have a headache the next day and a host of other issues. The 3 drinks did not have any effect the next day, just the not so good sleep and weird joint feeling. In short I can go with or without the drink - it just isn't what it was, to me at least, maybe that is a good thing.
In short I know many miss the drink, think fondly of it at times etc.. I just wanted to say you really aren't missing much. Some things are best left as memories, like a old movie you loved and have it a re-watch - Yep it was that feeling for me. Now I had 7 years sober so naturally things may be different for me than say someone with 1 year sober, YMMV. I just wanted to share my experience as it may help some people out.
Also to add, part of what always bugged me about being sober was I had do be sober, I couldn't drink - I had no say in it.. Now I did it, I have booze on hand at home, I can have it anytime IF I want but I probably wont, not often at least. I like having the option even if it is just so I can decline. I can't even see myself drinking more than 3-4 drinks in one sitting either, anything more just seems crazy to me... In my 20's compared to myself now there is just no comparison... really weird but interesting at the same time.
In the end I prefer sleeping and waking up clear minded as I've grown accustomed to all these years sober. I definitely give the plus to being sober than drinking, even on a moderate basis. Not much is gained by the drink on any level in my opinion.
I picked up a fifth of JD. I intended to have a max of 4 drinks and no more. I ended up having 3 drinks, 1.5oz each, on the rocks. I had the drinks over the course of 2ish hours at home, snacked on almonds during, and sipped water as well. I was really just doing what I'd normally be doing at home and implemented the drinks into that.
Now the interesting part(this thread has a point) I didn't really like it. I remember how I used to like alcohol, I know how when not drinking I'd think about alcohol but when put into play the drink didn't live up to it. It wasn't that it was bad but it wasn't good either, not great anyhow.
I set my limit at 4 drinks but only ended up having 3 as I just didn't care to have another, I ended up grilling a steak instead.
The alcohol also kept me awake, I didn't get good sleep, I had to try and try to sleep. My joints also felt weird, like wrists, hands etc.. not painful but just a feeling, didn't like that either.
I don't regret drinking and at some point I will probably drink again but really I just feel old and not cut out for this lol - I am only 33 fyi.
Sure I can drink again but if I drank more than the 3 drinks I think I would have a headache the next day and a host of other issues. The 3 drinks did not have any effect the next day, just the not so good sleep and weird joint feeling. In short I can go with or without the drink - it just isn't what it was, to me at least, maybe that is a good thing.
In short I know many miss the drink, think fondly of it at times etc.. I just wanted to say you really aren't missing much. Some things are best left as memories, like a old movie you loved and have it a re-watch - Yep it was that feeling for me. Now I had 7 years sober so naturally things may be different for me than say someone with 1 year sober, YMMV. I just wanted to share my experience as it may help some people out.
Also to add, part of what always bugged me about being sober was I had do be sober, I couldn't drink - I had no say in it.. Now I did it, I have booze on hand at home, I can have it anytime IF I want but I probably wont, not often at least. I like having the option even if it is just so I can decline. I can't even see myself drinking more than 3-4 drinks in one sitting either, anything more just seems crazy to me... In my 20's compared to myself now there is just no comparison... really weird but interesting at the same time.
In the end I prefer sleeping and waking up clear minded as I've grown accustomed to all these years sober. I definitely give the plus to being sober than drinking, even on a moderate basis. Not much is gained by the drink on any level in my opinion.
Good luck.
Hope it all works out for you.
Ken
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ireland
Posts: 25,826
I'd still say be careful, if I had a drink tonight I'm pretty sure I'd be able to cut things down to a few also, it's what happens tomorrow and the next day is where the spiral for me would occur, and in a few weeks my old ways would creep back in.
I'm sure the scientists amongst us would say an experiment needs to be repeated, as the first attempt isn't a good basis to write a conclusion.
As I say be careful!!
I'm sure the scientists amongst us would say an experiment needs to be repeated, as the first attempt isn't a good basis to write a conclusion.
As I say be careful!!
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bklyn. NY
Posts: 1,859
I have little to no doubt that if I decided to pick up a few drinks tonight it would be a similar experience. I've thought this through more than once. I'm quite certain too that I could easily grab a beer on the way home from work tonight, and drink it with no repercussions whatsoever.
What I also know however is that the experience would tell me it's ok to do it again.
And I would.
Could be a week from now. Could be a month, maybe even 6 months if I really wanted to prove something to myself.
I'm certain also that eventually I would be drunk again. I mean, what the heck? And it wouldn't be long after that before I was drunk yet again. And again... And again.
I know me, and that's me. I hope that's not you. Sincerely.
When I first got sober not having that first drink was a very clear matter of life or death for me. One of my first sponsors kept reminding me of that, and reminding me that no matter how much better I ever felt, that life or death thing would never change. Not for me, and the way I drank. I'm glad that thirty years later I still feel the same. I have no need nor desire to experiment as you did.
I wish you well. I think you're dancing on a cliff though.
What I also know however is that the experience would tell me it's ok to do it again.
And I would.
Could be a week from now. Could be a month, maybe even 6 months if I really wanted to prove something to myself.
I'm certain also that eventually I would be drunk again. I mean, what the heck? And it wouldn't be long after that before I was drunk yet again. And again... And again.
I know me, and that's me. I hope that's not you. Sincerely.
When I first got sober not having that first drink was a very clear matter of life or death for me. One of my first sponsors kept reminding me of that, and reminding me that no matter how much better I ever felt, that life or death thing would never change. Not for me, and the way I drank. I'm glad that thirty years later I still feel the same. I have no need nor desire to experiment as you did.
I wish you well. I think you're dancing on a cliff though.
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 438
Originally Posted by Purpleknight
I'd still say be careful, if I had a drink tonight I'm pretty sure I'd be able to cut things down to a few also, it's what happens tomorrow and the next day is where the spiral for me would occur, and in a few weeks my old ways would creep back in.
I'm sure the scientists amongst us would say an experiment needs to be repeated, as the first attempt isn't a good basis to write a conclusion.
As I say be careful!!
I'm sure the scientists amongst us would say an experiment needs to be repeated, as the first attempt isn't a good basis to write a conclusion.
As I say be careful!!
I have been wanting to get a Tassimo though lol. I would rather have one of those drinks than one with alcohol!
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 1,476
Do you think it might be considered a bit selfish to be journalling this experiment on a website called Sober Recovery ??
Where ninety nine point nine percent of the posters are doing everything they can to NOT re-commence drinking ..... seriously ??
Where ninety nine point nine percent of the posters are doing everything they can to NOT re-commence drinking ..... seriously ??
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 438
Originally Posted by Hawks
Do you think it might be considered a bit selfish to be journalling this experiment on a website called Sober Recovery ??
Where ninety nine point nine percent of the posters are doing everything they can to NOT re-commence drinking ..... seriously ??
Where ninety nine point nine percent of the posters are doing everything they can to NOT re-commence drinking ..... seriously ??
Did you read my first post in its entirety? I think you took this the wrong way.
I will repeat, I am saying *do not drink if you are on the fence* push forward, the drink wont live up to the hype we give it. Being sober is better.
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: UK
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I cut down a lot before I eventually stopped for good.
I had sober nights too.
I did a month without drink.
I started again and realised too, I preferred the sober times, especially the nights.
I slept better without drink.
I functioned better during the day when I had had nothing to drink the night before.
Although I'm not old either, I felt the day dragged on when I had drunk the night before. When I had not, I didn't feel like I just needed to go home after work and lay down for the rest of the evening.
I also didn't like the feeling of being a little bit drunk or a bit tipsy.
It annoyed me, which I think proved I have a very all or nothing policy to drinking booze.
I'm either drunk to the point of no return or sober.
I'm sure those odd nights of 2 glasses of wine would have eventually turned into all out carnage.
I'm with you - I prefer my life without.
I think this also makes me feel like I am missing out less when I don't drink. I know 1 or 2 won't make me happy.
But I am glad I found that out before I stopped for good, rather than going back to experiment after being sober for so long.
I wish you the best. xx
I had sober nights too.
I did a month without drink.
I started again and realised too, I preferred the sober times, especially the nights.
I slept better without drink.
I functioned better during the day when I had had nothing to drink the night before.
Although I'm not old either, I felt the day dragged on when I had drunk the night before. When I had not, I didn't feel like I just needed to go home after work and lay down for the rest of the evening.
I also didn't like the feeling of being a little bit drunk or a bit tipsy.
It annoyed me, which I think proved I have a very all or nothing policy to drinking booze.
I'm either drunk to the point of no return or sober.
I'm sure those odd nights of 2 glasses of wine would have eventually turned into all out carnage.
I'm with you - I prefer my life without.
I think this also makes me feel like I am missing out less when I don't drink. I know 1 or 2 won't make me happy.
But I am glad I found that out before I stopped for good, rather than going back to experiment after being sober for so long.
I wish you the best. xx
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Location: Melbourne, Australia
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I stick by what I said.
Posting on this site about your experiment is just BS
What if your post encourages a similar experiment & the results are not the same ?
"Oh, well mpr had a drink & got away with it ...... drink drink drink ..... hey that was good .... I know mpr stopped at 3 but I'll stop at 6 .... better go get more .... drive drive .... smash .... "
Just take it elsewhere.
You seem blind to your own inconsideration ... so consider it pointed out for you.
Posting on this site about your experiment is just BS
What if your post encourages a similar experiment & the results are not the same ?
"Oh, well mpr had a drink & got away with it ...... drink drink drink ..... hey that was good .... I know mpr stopped at 3 but I'll stop at 6 .... better go get more .... drive drive .... smash .... "
Just take it elsewhere.
You seem blind to your own inconsideration ... so consider it pointed out for you.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 438
Originally Posted by Hawks
I stick by what I said.
Posting on this site about your experiment is just BS
What if your post encourages a similar experiment & the results are not the same ?
"Oh, well mpr had a drink & got away with it ...... drink drink drink ..... hey that was good .... I know mpr stopped at 3 but I'll stop at 6 .... better go get more .... drive drive .... smash .... "
Just take it elsewhere.
You seem blind to your own inconsideration ... so consider it pointed out for you.
Posting on this site about your experiment is just BS
What if your post encourages a similar experiment & the results are not the same ?
"Oh, well mpr had a drink & got away with it ...... drink drink drink ..... hey that was good .... I know mpr stopped at 3 but I'll stop at 6 .... better go get more .... drive drive .... smash .... "
Just take it elsewhere.
You seem blind to your own inconsideration ... so consider it pointed out for you.
I actually encourage others to NOT bother drinking based on my thoughts.
Nobody is the same what works for one doesn't for the other. Just people who are considering drinking like I did would benefit from my post and hopefully help them decide to NOT drink.
Frankly I don't care what you think, or anyone else. I posted what I posted with the best intention in an effort to help others. If you or someone else does not see it as such well that is not my problem.
I wont reply to negative posts.
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Hawks, I think you're being unduly harsh. Many people come here after they have drank. This is a place for support. I'm just as willing to support someone who had a few drinks and didn't enjoy it as I am willing to support someone who drank themselves stupid and feels awful about it the next day, week or month.
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,074
Well, mpr, I'm glad everything worked out OK for you. Although I thought it was a bad idea, I was actually hoping an experience like this would happen to you where you could finally put the bottle to rest. This reminds me of the last time I drank. Although, I wasn't as controlled about it. But, when I finally drank after several months of romanticizing, which is what you were doing, I was able to say "this isn't worth it".
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Eastern Us
Posts: 1,366
Good to know that you survived your experiment any got it out of your system. The last time I tried to drink I too stopped at a few and found that I just didn't like feeling intoxicated. I just don't see the point anymore. I drank to deal with depression. And that is a fool's errand. I have healthy ways to deal with it now.
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 226
Hey mpr,
Interesting experiment..... I executed the exact same experiment once - my result was such that I personally will never experiment again. I am curious what led you to undertake this? Did you want a buzz? Did you miss the taste of JD? Was it the ritual?
After 7+ years of sobriety, I'm really curious what led you into the experimental stage...
Thanks man.
Interesting experiment..... I executed the exact same experiment once - my result was such that I personally will never experiment again. I am curious what led you to undertake this? Did you want a buzz? Did you miss the taste of JD? Was it the ritual?
After 7+ years of sobriety, I'm really curious what led you into the experimental stage...
Thanks man.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 438
Originally Posted by gippy1968
Hey mpr,
Interesting experiment..... I executed the exact same experiment once - my result was such that I personally will never experiment again. I am curious what led you to undertake this? Did you want a buzz? Did you miss the taste of JD? Was it the ritual?
After 7+ years of sobriety, I'm really curious what led you into the experimental stage...
Thanks man.
Interesting experiment..... I executed the exact same experiment once - my result was such that I personally will never experiment again. I am curious what led you to undertake this? Did you want a buzz? Did you miss the taste of JD? Was it the ritual?
After 7+ years of sobriety, I'm really curious what led you into the experimental stage...
Thanks man.
Also thanks to those that understand where I am coming from here. I am sorry some are offended but that is not my intention. At the end of the day I am only human and going thru something similar to you, similar but different.
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