Alcohol and Living in the Now
Alcohol and Living in the Now
Day 5 today, and my head is already starting to clear a little bit. I've realized several things that are probably obvious to the casual onlooker.
Alcohol was/is a reward system for me to live in the now rather than think about the future. You see, thinking about the future and planning ahead requires work and rewards in the long run rather than giving me immediate gratification. I love, love, love immediate gratification. One could even say I'm addicted to it...
With my habit of a pint of whiskey a day (and I would buy it by the pint in order to "control" my drinking), and $6.50 a pint, I have been spending roughly $2400 a year on drinking, and that's not taking into account beer, wine, and "extra" alcohol for the weekends. Furthermore, when I'm drinking, I don't care how much money I spend on other stuff like food, clothing, amenities, whatever. Simply put, my drinking habit has been causing me to hemorrhage money excessively.
I know this sounds a bit superficial, but if I continue down the path I was on, I would likely be homeless within the next few years. And that's being generous.
Time to start thinking about the future...
Man, alcohol. Thou art truly a heartless b****.
Alcohol was/is a reward system for me to live in the now rather than think about the future. You see, thinking about the future and planning ahead requires work and rewards in the long run rather than giving me immediate gratification. I love, love, love immediate gratification. One could even say I'm addicted to it...
With my habit of a pint of whiskey a day (and I would buy it by the pint in order to "control" my drinking), and $6.50 a pint, I have been spending roughly $2400 a year on drinking, and that's not taking into account beer, wine, and "extra" alcohol for the weekends. Furthermore, when I'm drinking, I don't care how much money I spend on other stuff like food, clothing, amenities, whatever. Simply put, my drinking habit has been causing me to hemorrhage money excessively.
I know this sounds a bit superficial, but if I continue down the path I was on, I would likely be homeless within the next few years. And that's being generous.
Time to start thinking about the future...
Man, alcohol. Thou art truly a heartless b****.
I am with you Imabuleva. And sometimes the practical considerations are what is needed to tip the "not drinking anymore" balance to the winning side.
I estimate that since I stopped drinking 52 days ago, I have already saved about $1050 US. (I liked a particular wine that was $9 a glass). That so far has paid for my snow tires, a nice christmas gift for my niece, and my health care deductible. WINNER!
I estimate that since I stopped drinking 52 days ago, I have already saved about $1050 US. (I liked a particular wine that was $9 a glass). That so far has paid for my snow tires, a nice christmas gift for my niece, and my health care deductible. WINNER!
Hi Imabuleva, I am amazed that you did not increase from a pint/day over time. My spending was not a level amount but increased over time. It feels great to reduce the cost to zero/year!
Good work Anyis! I cannot think about how much I spent because I will freak out. I drank "good stuff" at nice restaurants. It is inspiring to read that your money is going to family (niece), your own safety (snow tires), and self-care (health care). May we all do so well in changing our priorities.
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 553
Yes, alcohol is the devil!!!!! For me anyways...
Hang in there and keep thinking of all the good that will come out of staying away from that poison. Saved money, health, the list goes on and on. Glad you're already feeling better and more clear.
Hang in there and keep thinking of all the good that will come out of staying away from that poison. Saved money, health, the list goes on and on. Glad you're already feeling better and more clear.
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