Triggers for Debauchery

Despite feeling so much better for not drinking including improving my energy levels, daily motivations and of course, physical & mental health, I cannot help but sometimes miss the debaucherous lifestyle of yesteryear.  When I say debauchery, by the way, I mean indulging in alcohol without inhibition – sex, drugs and rock n roll are all still done to the max, of course – hehe. Seriously though, I do have certain triggers and yes, there are quite a few.

Why inhibitions are your friend.

As a teenager, my father always tried to drum into me how men found drunk women really unattractive. I would usually roll my eyes, tut and gaze out the window, thinking, “What rubbish. He just wants to stop me having a good time.” Which, incidentally, now I read back, sounds insane.

Last night, I went to a birthday party at the pub, fully equipped with a freezer bag filled with popcorn tea, chai, chilli chai and yerba mate. Slightly anxious that I would be the bore of the gathering and end up leaving early, I was pleasantly surprised to have a blast.

What everyone should campaign for in their local area

Reading a recent report on the Prime Minister’s official website about the cost of alcohol to the NHS, thestats show a massive rise in alcohol-related medical diagnosis. Here’s an excerpt from the report:

Things that still make me want to drink….

One and a half month’s in to my no-drinking project and I’ve got to say – it’s really not that bad. Most of the time, I’m happy not to drink. Sure, I get funny looks, hanging out at parties till 2 am, drinking mint tea, but so what? I felt great the next morning.

Yet despite the hangover free get-ups, I am human and there are still times when I miss a nice warm glass of red wine, such as:

What to replace alcohol with in Winter 2012

No, I’m not going to say water. I love it but it’s so boring, especially when you’re out with your friends or having a social gathering at someone’s house. You gotta have something delicious and fun. Something that looks more appealing than a large glass of red wine or a dark rum n coke (guess my two favourites). Here’s what I’ve discovered in the short time I’ve been a soberite.

Herbal Tea

No! Don’t roll you eyes. I’m serious.They’re great – …especially in the morning – apparently, hot water is good for your metabolism. Peppermint tea is a good one to start with. I’ve just discovered Tea Pigs. They’re absolutely amazing. I’ve just had a cup of popcorn tea. It sounds horrid but it tastes divine….much stronger than your average herbal tea.

One huge reason people drink alcohol when they go out…

…it’s cheaper!!

Since I’ve stopped drinking, one of the things that annoys me more than anything is extortionate pub prices. I am sure you will agree (at least if you are from UK) that it’s now common place to be charged as much (if not more) for a pint of coca cola as you would for a pint of beer or cider. Not everywhere is this greedy but it does seem to be a normal practice to charge over £2.50 for a soft drink, including lime and soda!