Giving up drinking for a month or two

[BenD]

Hi everyone,

I'm considering going alcohol free for a month or two to just see what it would be like. I've heard the benefits are pretty rosy for mental and physical health. My only concern is that being a 22yr old uni student that's grown up around a pretty consistent culture of drinking since I was 16 it might be difficult socialise, especially given that am prone to bouts of social anxiety. Has anyone tried this before and if so how did it go?

Thanks,

Ben

[geoff]

dear Ben, well I want to congratulate you for doing this because it's not an easy feat to achieve, unless you are determined to abstain for a month or more.

When I was drinking in depression there were several times that I abstained, and convinced myself that under no circumstances was I to give in, and even when I was continually asked by those that were drinking I never gave in.

There were times when these people teased, harassed, but in a friendly way, but I had to say no, otherwise my abstinence was just a pretend and false facade and was only kidding myself.

If you are determined to do this then that's great for you, and if there is a temptation to drink then say to yourself that 'I have to try it for only a month or two' and if I want, I can drink again, but I will give it a go.

Good luck Ben and let us know how you are going. Geoff.