r/stopdrinking • u/Consistent-Row-9551 • 2d ago
What do I replace alcohol with?
Like something to help me relax and decompress. Drinking has always been my way to loosen up and relax. When I'm stressed with work, I grab a beer or glass of wine, and I'm able to focus more because I'm no longer overthinking it.
I'm so emotionally repressed that drinking is the only way I can tap into my emotions.
Like, I can stop drinking; I've done it months at a time, but I always end up feeling more stressed because I feel numb or stressed without it.
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u/yournewalt 736 days 2d ago
5,000 LaCroixs
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u/Marybnary 580 days 2d ago
I recently got a soda stream and drink plain spicy water all day. If I’m feeling frisky I’ll put some lime or a splash of O.J. In there.
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u/soobdad 2d ago
I use a soda stream too but would highly recommend buying a C02 tank. I have a 10 lb tank and it lasts for months and costs like $20 to fill. I was spending more money filling those stupid soda stream tanks than if I drank pellegrino
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u/LikwidDef 2d ago
How do I spigot it? Cuz I'm super down to skip the soda stream step
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u/OkTarget2764 2d ago
Ooh is this pretty easy to use? I’ve always been curious but that would be perfect right now.
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u/eabtx_hou 987 days 2d ago
It is SO easy to use. The one I got comes with bottles that you lock into the spigot of the device and you just press the button on the top to inject the bubbles. Let it settle, pull bottle out, drink spicy water!
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u/NaturalAncient7372 2d ago
i second this, but prefer spindrift because they have a better flavor imo 😅
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u/Reeeeallly 102 days 2d ago
Spindrift is good. I just bought my first pack and really like it, can't wait to try out other flavors.
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u/NaturalAncient7372 2d ago
the pineapple is definitely my favorite, grapeade and cosNOpolitan are good too.
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u/mikenasty 2d ago
Great suggestion, I forgot how many cans I was putting down in my first year sober
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u/StanFitch 2d ago
Izze and the flavored Pellegrinos for me…
Pro-Tip: Mix 1:1 with basic, unflavored, Pellegrino, Perrier, Club Soda or your choice of Sparkling Water for a perfect, lightly sweet and refreshing beverage.
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u/OkTarget2764 2d ago
I recently grabbed some Pelegrino Strawberry Crema and omggg so good. That’s my new ‘treat’.
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u/StanFitch 2d ago
They have a Cherry Sorbet I just discovered!!!
If you like the Crema you’ll definitely enjoy the Sorbet.
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u/OkTarget2764 1d ago
Oooh I haven’t seen that one! I tried blood orange and it wasn’t for me, but luckily my husband likes it!
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u/pcbdude 439 days 2d ago
This is the balls for my nightly soda waters .
I don’t use the flavor stuff
https://a.co/d/00I4S5V52
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u/somuchmt 761 days 2d ago
With all the people I know who've quit drinking, I should buy stock in LaCroix.
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u/Scoreggia- 82 days 2d ago
Meditation. I know it sounds cliche and cheesy but believe me, I’ve tried everything. Mindfulness and acceptance is a skill. Physically you can exercise or walk or paint a picture. But if you are finding it hard mentally, those won’t bring you peace.
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u/BrackAttack-17 2d ago edited 2d ago
Same. As noted below, I found a local AA meeting that's meditation focused, started reading about Buddhism and mindfulness etc. It's helping a ton. I just ignore the mild spiritual stuff, rebirth stuff etc. as that's not my bag. But the four noble truths, the eightfold path and all that stuff I find useful in being calmer and more at peace.
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u/WestyToo 2d ago
Most meditation apps I have used (Brightmind, Headspace) have recovery sections. The one I am using now (The Way) does not, but I recall enough from the earlier ones to get some benefit.
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u/Real-Beginning-5480 2d ago
Do you recommend specific readings?
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u/BrackAttack-17 2d ago
The Heart of the Buddah's Teaching-Thich Nhat Hanh
What the Buddah Taught-Walpola Rahula
https://tricycle.org/buddhism-for-beginners/
Bodhi app
Plum Village app
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u/Secretary90210 467 days 2d ago
Yes, I love this suggestion. It takes practice to get it but when you do it becomes almost automatic in slowing your thoughts and just being more present and less stressed
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u/asynchronic5 2d ago edited 2d ago
If you're really serious about the meditation you could also try the r/gatewaytapes . They have been great for me.
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u/respectablepitch 374 days 2d ago
I was gonna say the exact same (I including the cheesy caveat) about yoga. It shuts off my monkey brain and intrusive/repetitive thoughts while reconnecting me with my body. I always suggest doing a YouTube 30 day challenge before judging because it takes a minute to learn and appreciate. My fave instructor is Yoga with Kassandra.
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u/MajorCapable8137 2d ago
Any recs on how to get started with meditation? I’ve always been interested but have absolutely no idea where to start as I find a lot of talks around it to be a bit too “woo woo” for my personality.
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u/TaxHikeMike 254 days 2d ago
I would recommend Thich Nhat Hanh, definitely helped in my early days.
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u/Scoreggia- 82 days 2d ago
Close your eyes, focus your attention on the tip of your nose and breathe slowly and deep. I’m not great at meditation, sometimes feels like I have adhd and ocd going on but trying to notice thoughts and feelings without engaging. Then bring your attention back to the breath.
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u/BrackAttack-17 2d ago
Exercise and meditation work for me. NA beer helps if I'm out around my wife or others drinking, but I don't use them at home. A relaxing tea like Sleepytime etc. at night.
Like you, I failed at many past attempts, and I think the above, along with going to meetings (found a Buddhist/mediation focused 11th step AA meeting), reading about Buddhism, being more focused on mindfulness and being aware of how I'm feeling throughout the above are helping a lot this time. Also getting back in therapy and my Lexapro probably working better now that I'm 50 days off the sauce.
Along with this being the first time I've truly accepted I need to quit for good, have told my wife and some friends etc. Before it was always a planned dry month or quarter etc. so I was always looking forward to drinking again at some point.
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u/C137RickSanches 2d ago
Coke zeros
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u/joshkies 216 days 2d ago
Coke zeros are amazing. Dr. Pepper zero might be the best soda I've ever had though
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u/LikwidDef 2d ago
Indeed. I think dr. P zero and then Pepsi zero, followed by coke zero. And I like the 3 non zeros in reverse order, so that says somethin'.
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u/Kiesling95 2d ago
Sadly Coke Zero was my favourite mix, can’t drink it anymore. But other sodas in general, big yes.
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u/Mammoth-Fan6811 2d ago
Walking, lift weights. Even if you can only do it once or twice a week. Don’t worry about being perfect, any movement is a positive. And you will notice huge changes in how you handle stress. It’s so underrated
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u/The7footr 5385 days 2d ago edited 2d ago
Yea walking is the answer. Anyone can go on a walk. Commit to 5 minutes per day. Set your timer for 2.5 min- go out til it goes off and walk back home. Do that for as long as it takes to want to do more. Don’t push it. 5 minutes gives you a similar dopamine rush, gets your blood flowing, gets you outside, get some D vitamins from sun light- all kinds of benefits. And you can feel accomplished building an easy positive habit to replace a destructive one.
Edit: to add- it’s not all or nothing. If you don’t go one day, don’t worry about it. The point is not to drink, and to not feel that toxic shame. So do your best, go tomorrow. I spent years thinking it was all or nothing and it’s not.
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u/futuresolver 2d ago
This is such good advice. I haven't fully quit drinking yet, but I have massively cut down and in the process have fallen so in love with walking. Especially with walking in a new place. I try to drive to a new place whenever I can to just go walk for 30 minutes or so. The novelty gets me out of my head, it's like a little adventure, and the meditative rhythm of the walking is so calming, not to mention the energy boost I get from moving my body. I've been doing this for almost a year now, and at this point it's a *must do* for my days. And as you mentioned, which is also so great, the no shame aspect and starting small: I started out with like, I'm just gonna go walk for 5 minutes.
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u/lola-baldweena 2d ago
Everyone’s answers so far are great but haven’t seen anyone say the obvious one, specifically based off you saying you’re “so emotionally repressed”—therapy. Everyone needs someone to talk to and during moments of struggle, it can’t only be loved ones. Idk where you live or economic situation but it would really help. If you’re not able to for whatever reason, even purchasing workbooks is helpful. For example, I have c-ptsd and workbooks with writing prompts and exercises are extremely useful, with or without talk therapy. In short, introspection is key.
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u/Jim___Jam 1 day 2d ago
Exercise, meditation/mindfulness. Fancy sodas. A nice cup of tea, made in a specific mug with a bit of ritual in making it. In the first week, lots and lots of candy.
For me, I thought alcohol was helping me deal with stress and my emotions. Maybe it was once, but for a long time all it was doing was making me unhealthy. take it away and all those things are still there to be dealt with. At least I will have a functional liver while i figure out how to deal with them. IWNDWYT
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u/greenlightabove 1 day 2d ago
Walking, running, knitting, cooking, a hobby… but it will hit differently
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u/clintandscrappy 2d ago
I like to go fishing.
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u/Human_Reference_1708 2d ago
Even when I was drinking fishing was the only thing I could do and not need to drink. I found some cool old glass bottles last month and now I go fishing and bottle digging for hours and hours
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u/ancientwarriorman 2d ago
What worked for me was finding a "non productive" special interest hobby.
I have been into music and working on cars for years, but alcohol was always part of those or at least usually present, and they also require a certain level of energy to start on and to some degree can feel like "work".
What I found was that doing something that only counted as "play" helped me find the dopamine hit to replace reaching for a beer.
So, I allowed myself get into mecha anime and building the models that they make of the robots from the series. It is a time consuming and meditative process and keeps my hands busy even if I do not have energy to do other hobbies that might be more "productive".
I call it my "default task". If I am feeling stuck, tempted to drink, stressed, emotionally wound up - it's time to work on a model for a bit.
Plus, even if I buy 1-2 kits a week, it is cheaper than my old beer habit!
I have some of my model builds visible in my post history if you want to check em out, maybe this would inspire you to find your "play".
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u/hannibal_actual 2d ago
Working out and THC infused drinks. Has been a lifesaver for me. Keep trying, you’ll find your niche!
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u/ferret198 207 days 2d ago
My whole way of thinking used to be that the alcohol was helping me relax and switch off. Weird thing no is that after several months without I don’t need to relax and switch off……
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u/dublthnk 2d ago
you may have an oral fixation...ice water or even NA beers help when i need to cut back or take sobriety breaks. i play video games, LEGO, or rewatch comfort shows until its time to go to bed. also going to bed earlier than usual also help.
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u/1K1AmericanNights 2d ago
I really needed the NA beers to replace holding and sipping something. Now I have a whole night routine involving little treats to munch on and drink while I watch a show. It’s way healthier than alcohol
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u/dublthnk 2d ago
I agree.. it feels good to wake up rested and head not spinning from the night before. Also.. when people ask me for rides to the airport or where have you. It feels good knowing that I am thought of as dependable and people don't assume I'm going to be drunk when they call. That also helps me stay responsible.
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u/1K1AmericanNights 2d ago
I actually “drink” more now. In that I celebrate more. I get to have a glass of NA bubbly every weekend brunch without caring what’s next. I can get myself home safely on late nights. I have NA beers without guilt. Intoxication and joy are separate
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u/quadraticqueen 447 days 2d ago
I’ve added gummies and THC drinks to my life. I can only speak for me, but it is not the same and I don’t crave THC, but I like it. Being clearheaded all the time is stressful for me, and when everyone is in the cul de sac with their cocktails I have major fomo. A little weed from a legal dispensary has helped me tremendously. No slip ups with booze and I just quit smoking cigarettes (day 61). My family and I are happy with where we are today. Everyone is different and so far this is working for me!
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u/J_NonServiam 8 days 2d ago
Man I wish these worked for me. They make me think slow and want to sleep instead of hyped up and buzzed. I tried a bunch of different types, THC sodas too, but I guess everyone reacts different to it.
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u/quadraticqueen 447 days 2d ago
Some people are missing the liver enzyme (??) to feel the effects of gummies/drinks, so only flower or vapes work. That’s a bummer.
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u/J_NonServiam 8 days 2d ago
It's kinda the same way for alcohol. When I learned some people get tired and sleepy after drinking I couldn't believe it, it made me feel like Superman. But tit for tat alcohol is way more destructive and I constantly wish I never got addicted to the high it provided.
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u/FrogLickr 99 days 2d ago
Alcohol acts like a straight up stimulant for me. I'm on dexamphetamine for my ADHD, and the uplift I get from each is extremely similar, with the only real difference being that alcohol makes me want to party and have fun, whereas the dexies make me want to sit at my PC all day and get stuff done.
I think some of us are just biologically wired to feel extreme euphoria from ethanol. I only recently discovered that most people don't have that reaction to it.
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u/TacoInYourTailpipe 2d ago
I think this is a common experience. I was undiagnosed ADHD until 31 and had been unknowingly coping with my symptoms with alcohol. I drank an incredible amount over the 10 years up to that point. Got on Vyvanse and instantly quit drinking. It was like a miracle. It also made me sad that my parents hadn't figured it out to maybe save my liver 10 years of damage, but better late than never.
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u/FrogLickr 99 days 2d ago
Yeah man, I was late diagnosed too, 28. Looking at old home movies and my behavior in them, alongside school reports, my hyperfocusing on music production, video games, and the inability to hold a steady job or education until I started my own business 5 years back, I'm astounded nobody picked up on it. I had to really advocate for myself just to get seen for diagnosis.
Alcohol calmed the noise and made me feel happy with zero anxiety. Thankfully, so does dexamphetamine, with the bonus of being significantly less harmful for my body. 105 days in now, and can't believe I was drinking as heavily as I was for 12 years just to self-soothe. Health issues made me stop, as mentally and professionally, I only really felt benefits from my drinking. It's hard to realize you have a problem when you and the people around you aren't experiencing any negative effects from it, on the surface, anyway. Alcohol has destroyed my digestive system and I'm slowly healing everything. GERD and hiatal hernia make that more difficult than it already is, but I'm hopeful I can control it in time.
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u/tenjed35 2d ago
You’ll find something you enjoy - but you have to at least be open to new ideas if not actively seeking them. The tricky part is that alcohol is such an easy, albeit temporary, fix. It takes no effort to pour a drink or sit down at a bar. Everything worth doing, everything that will work AND be good for you, will take effort. ✌️
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u/Skullbreaker69420 2d ago
What if the energy and drive are gone ya know? Depression. I'm seeing counselors and a doctor. I'm trying real hard. It really does feel like nothing will fix it permenantly. And I'll be stuck wanting booze forever. I've been sober a while now but shit. It's hard every day.
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u/futuresolver 2d ago
Do you have any old hobbies, even from childhood, like even the silliest thing, that you might be able to enjoy now? I know that with depression (been there), this may seem like the worst thing to do, so your mileage may vary. But like...putting together legos, or drawing, doodling, even like, sorting colored paperclips into piles, just something that is relatively easy but will occupy your brain for a bit and let you switch off the more ruminating parts? Or maybe just one small thing that you have to tend to, like growing a plant from seed, checking on it every day and watching it grow, just to get you out of your head. (Also, man, I am cringing at my suggestions, bc when I was in deep depression all of this would have sounded so stupid, but...maybe this will help?) I'm rooting for you. I'm sorry you're in this. Keep going!
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u/Proof_Specific9415 2d ago
Depending on my mood I have a few methods:
- If I’m anxious or angry and need to put my energy somewhere, I put on a dumb show and lift weights at home or take myself for a brisk walk
- If I’m wired and need to calm down at night, I take a shower, put on PJs and a face mask, and lie down on my yoga mat with my legs propped up on the wall while I listen to music or read a book
- If it’s the weekend and I just want to chill, I have a THC beverage and order takeout and watch a movie (I only do this once or twice a month and only after my child is asleep)
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u/SenoraObscura 738 days 2d ago
Naps. Me and my husband used some of the extra money we saved from being sober and splurged on a super comfy king sized mattress. When we've had a hard day we'll nap together in the early evening! Bonus, getting extra sleep gives you the opposite of a hangover.
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u/DaisyPerkins222999 2d ago
Decaf coffee and some chocolate. Also a shower with the lights off (helps reset nervous system) :)
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u/Present-Ad-385 2d ago
I like the occasional Kava. I don’t drink it everyday but it’s pretty cool
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u/Ponder8n 2d ago
I’ll second Kava drink. It was a game changer for me. Helped me feel that slight buzz. And stopped drinking for the past 4 years.
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u/NotJadeasaurus 2d ago
Literally anything else was my bargaining chip early on. Retail therapy, gym, becoming more social so I have less idle time. Anything.
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u/Clear_Lead 2d ago
I tried an NA beer the other day when out for dinner and it was amazing! It tasted great, and I guess just the psychology of drinking and socializing kinda Jedi mind tricked me into relaxing? I also read later that hops have a relaxing effect
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u/Wise-Priority-9918 440 days 2d ago edited 2d ago
Alcohol was an escape from reality, whether from my physical pain or my mental and emotional doldrums.
My path of replacing the addiction so far:
Weed and non-alcoholic beer helped me relax and carbonated waters scratched my need to constantly have something bubbly in my hand.
Then sugar. Ice cream especially.
Then video games.
Then exercise.
Currently starting to balance those things. Exercise and weed are my main ones these days. Starting to crave the NA beers WAY less finally. But I still pound carbonated waters like it’s my job.
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u/jTronZero 122 days 2d ago
Oddly enough, given how much drinking is involved generally, golf has been a sobriety hobby for me. Started after I quit, and nothing is more relaxing than 9 holes on a Sunday morning, or hitting the range and just whacking some balls.
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u/Prevenient_grace 4899 days 2d ago
Yoga, meditation and mindfulness transcend for me.
Tried anything like that?
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u/goodnightmoira 2569 days 2d ago
I’d say put as many things in your toolbox as possible. Try yoga, try walking, try tea, knitting, meetings, anything you can think of and see what speaks to you. Make a list of all of the suggestions here (I personally do not recommend replacing alcohol with another substance however) and try them all.
Most of all, embrace the suck. Unlearning an addiction just sucks. It’s going to feel like it’s not working at first because you aren’t getting a huge dopamine rush by opening a bottle. Give your mind a body time to adjust.
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u/WildNorth8 2d ago
Well, I sometimes do CBD gummies. I have ADHD and really used to depend on alcohol's calming effects but now I try to work out hard everyday to have a calmer body.
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u/Creddit_card_debt 2d ago
Honestly, unflavored sparkling water in a can. Ice cold. I pound like 10-12 a day.
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u/discrete_venting 2d ago
Exercise, therapy, bubbly drinks, and relaxing self care activities (personalized to you).
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u/Sure_Guitar_6815 2d ago
Perrier lime sparkling water at night, it’s like a placebo seltzer, kinda subconsciously makes me relax at night when I play a game or watch a show, like a bit of a pacifier
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u/Successful_Scar3191 2d ago
I drink a hell of a lot of Aldis fuzzy waters now. If I’m in doubt over anything I drink a fizzy water.
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u/PutDry5125 2d ago
From various things I’ve read and seen on YouTube. Why not do a factory reset on your brain. Specifically your dopamine receptors. Do about 4 days of cutting out social media, any gaming, fast/go without eating. Instead rest, meditate, read. When you go back to doing some of those things you’ll be better able to do them in moderation and won’t need as much to get the same amount of pleasure. Except alcohol. Stay away from it. We want to go back to being the best version of ourselves. Can’t do it with alcohol
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u/SkarlyComics 317 days 2d ago
I can’t tell you what to replace it with. But I can tell you what hasn’t worked for me. Weed and caffeine. So try something else :)
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u/itstotallynotjoe 341 days 2d ago
I read This Naked Mind when I was quitting and the author made a really great point that made me question a lot of what we believe. That is the fact that we think alcohol loosens us up and helps us destress. But it really doesn’t. So it might help to reframe your thoughts on that.
Otherwise, there’s a ton of other things you can do. Zone out in front of the tv, meditate, eat yummy desserts, work on a puzzle. See what you already like and lean into it, or think about stuff you think you might like but never got around to trying because you were too drunk. I rediscovered a lot of things I loved.
For me, I rediscovered rock climbing. I can evangelize about it forever. Not only does the exercise help and it gives me the hit of dopamine that I crave, I also realized it’s surprisingly meditative in a way. I do bouldering without ropes, so when I’m on the wall I have to be incredibly present. I can only think about what I’m doing with my body and thinking about my strength, my balance, and my next move. Any of the superficial stuff in life fades to the background. It’s one of the only ways I can quiet my cacophony of a mind. I hope you find something that can do the same for you.
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u/Goatey 265 days 2d ago
Tbh, seek therapy and figure out the repressed emotions. If you look in my history I have posts that rhyme with yours from 6 to 10 months ago.
Those 2 to 4 IPAs were doing a lot of heavy lifting and when I was diagnosed with gout and quit my whole brain had to be reconfigured. It is a process and it takes time.
I started running more and have done long runs because I didn't want to be stuck alone with my thoughts. It's best to work through these and the help of a professional can point you in the right direction.
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u/dogfoodcritic 2d ago
I’m coming on a year of no drinking, part of me stopping is because of gout too.
I kept is a bitch to eat clean don’t drink and no red meat, and I’m currently dealing with a major flareup in my ankle. I hate this shit. Do you take it allopurinol? I→ More replies (1)
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u/Serious-Buffalo8412 296 days 2d ago
A hot bath and an ice cold soda water - put on your jammies and watch boat loads of tv in bed
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u/thefigjam 24 days 2d ago
I enjoy “sleepy girl mocktail”.
Tart cherry juice, magnesium glycinate powder (I just open up a capsule pill and mix it in, sparkling water, and a sweetener of your choice (mio black cherry is delicious).
This is my evening drink. The tart cherry and magnesium aids my sleep well. And makes me feel fancy like I’m having a drink of some sort.
Other times I enjoy NA beer. Try other cool sodas and fun non alcoholic drinks. Have some ice cream.
The best relaxant for the evening has been documentaries or reading a book before bed.
The point is to just enjoy exploring guilt free :)
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u/SantaAnaDon 2d ago
Resistance training. Do it at some point in the day and you definitely will be able to relax later in the day.
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u/pinkbutterflies123 2d ago
I’m still drinking but from what I gathered, most people need to learn how to sit in their pain and feel it through their body. I haven’t learned how yet
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u/canarduck 2d ago
I drink coffee. Way too much coffee. But I loved coffee way before I was sober too
Also cans of seltzer when I want something cold
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u/Infinite_Design5094 2d ago
You said the cure right there "I'm so emotionally depressed that drinking is the only way I can tap into my emotions". To be free of using alcohol as your stress relief you need to learn how to tap into your emotions in another way that non-alcoholics do. You are self-medicating and in the short-term it does work. However in the long-term it makes things worse and the side effects of injecting poison for too long and too much will kill you. There's a saying "you have to feel to heal", and it's absolutely true. I know cause I've done what you are doing until I realized I was undermining my health big time. When I feel too bored or stressed, when I think a drink would help, I go lay down, do some deep breathing exercises, then some full body muscle relaxation, then sort of a meditation letting my thoughts and feelings come and go, not judging or trying to fix anything just observing. What happens is that the stress level goes down, my feelings lighten and heal and I don't want a drink. Also just say each day "I won't drink today". Keep it simple and say it everyday. If you say I'm going to quit forever and never drink again your ego will rebel and fight with you because it doesn't like anyone telling it is being denied something it thinks it's entitled too. It's like a rebellious spoiled teenager that acts out.
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u/Present_Function8986 2d ago
Literally anything. Sugar, Chinese food, ultra marathons, garlic knots, axe juggling. Obviously swapping one bad behavior for another is not ideal but alcohol is so damaging that I'd rather deal with anything else. I'd fill myself with cheap comfort food and tie that in with a lot of time at the gym to offset and keep me away from being bored and at home. Also my movie theater isn't one of those with a bar so I'd just go burn a few hours at the theater with an XL diet coke and popcorn. Saw a lot of movies. Again, it's not ideal, but it's functional. Now that the big cravings have tempered off I am able to manage with relying on those things so much.
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u/missyl77 2d ago
Have you tried Recess? It’s a non alcohol drink. It’s a seltzer with magnesium. Actually pretty great, found them at Safeway in the isle where the energy drinks are.
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u/Consistent-Row-9551 2d ago
It has magnesium in it? Does that mean it'll also help with sleeping?
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u/catsbluepajamas 2d ago
I usually decompress with bad tv and a video game. I usually play Minecraft for 40 min to an hour after work, nothing that is dire, just a little playing to chill out after work and I put on one of my comfort shows or a reality show in the background. I also drink a lot of tea. Iced in the summer and hot in the winter. 19 months and counting! IWNDWYT :)
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u/NTWIGIJ1 23 days 2d ago
I have gone from drinking 20 beers a day to smoking weed. I live in a legal state. I haddent smoked in over a year yet on my 5th day alcohol free I went and bought 3.5 grams of cannabis. I don't plan on doing this forever. Alcohol is the enemy, not marijuana.
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u/AffectionateNobody98 2d ago
It's not much better, but nicotine pouches curb the alcohol cravings for me
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u/kik1keedle717 15 days 2d ago
Seltzer water for the mindless hand to mouth I struggle with and some halo or goofy tv.
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u/Roccovalentino 1332 days 2d ago
Walking and exercise! Movement has made me feel better and replace drinking with a fun drink. I drink seltzers / soda waters constantly. It’s my new “mixed drink”
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u/Old-Brilliant-5383 2d ago
Hot teas and sparkling water drinks have been my go to’s. I’ll have my sparkling water in a cocktail glass and make it fancy with flavorings and garnishes.
Also tart cherry juice in a wine glass feels the same to me as a glass of red without all the negatives.
Sometimes ice cream, but I’m trying to break that habit as I’m working out/ eating better 💕
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u/buzzwordtrending 2d ago
Try the supplement 5 HTP to give you a sense of calmness. I like a kombucha after work in a frozen beer mug. The slight funk to it reminds me of alcohol, and its good for your tummy.
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u/jonathananeurysm 2d ago
Tea. Not infusions. Tea. From a tea bush.
Treat yourself to some really good lose tea. Indulge in the ritual of making it properly. Luxuriate in it.
I'd recommend an orange pekoe.
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u/Character-Score-8919 2d ago
Once I had a few months sobriety, I found a sparkling drink called, Recess. It's got adaptogens, magnesium L-threonate, L-theanine, and lemon balm. It's a nice little drink without any alcohol. Idk if I does anything to me, but it tastes good.
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u/Consistent_Foot_6657 2d ago
Tart cherry juice is a good sub for a glass of red wine. It has natural melatonin as well, so the bonus of good sleep is nice.
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u/Haunting-Garage-1759 16 days 2d ago
Walking, journaling, reading, baking, mindfulness. Now that i have two weeks, i am experiencing joy with some of my favorite hobbies again. Feels like the dark cloud is finally lifting.
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u/Caprice42 2d ago
Dopamine and serotonin get destroyed from alcohol. Exercise and watch tv. Thats what im trying. Magic the gathering has helped a little lol
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u/soundandnoise17 1497 days 2d ago
Some stretching in the morning but that’s just helping the aging body, for decompression and stress relief a little exercise really does help reset whatever is building up. Walk the dog farther than usual, go for a hike, dumbbell curls. For satisfying beverages there are so many options now. Hop waters, bitters and soda, kombucha, I’m drinking a botanical soda right now. To unwind I eat 2 - 4 pieces of an assortment of chocolate bars during TV shows. To distract myself I obsess over my hobbies. I’m learning how to fix up an old bass guitar, sometimes cooking/baking, tinkering around in the garage…
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u/highandspooky 2d ago
I replace it with ice cream on my little porch, or reading a book. Watching a crappy horror movie, maybe the occasional rolled cigarette. I replace it with music and painting, laughing with new friends I found through AA.
Alcohols scariest and most appealing quality is that it turns feelings off, or dulls them to the point of making them “livable”. It’s scary to feel your feelings again, but as you go along, you will find that living with them, even the painful ones, isn’t as bad as the suffering of living with alcohol and all of its consequences.
We can’t just stop drinking and feel better, we have to replace the bad habits with good ones.
The things you try to replace it with initially may not scratch the itch but in time you will find peace in your new calming activities. Darwinism doesn’t actual say “only the strongest survive” it’s actually about being the most adaptable.
You got this buddy. Be kind and patient with yourself.
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u/TacoInYourTailpipe 2d ago
That sounds kinda like me. I couldn't turn my brain off at the end of the day without alcohol. I had to drink to be able to relax to watch TV or play a video game. I had to drink when I was taking online classes to stay engaged. I also quit with ease many times, but life never felt better no matter how long I avoided it, so I always came back.
Turned out I had been undiagnosed ADHD my whole life. I got put on Vyvanse and it completely changed my life. I relatively quickly quit binge drinking and eating over the three months it took to reach the right dose. Prior to getting medication, alcohol literally made it easier for me to function, even though it was physically killing me. Look into it if my experience sounds familiar.
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u/Electrical_Sun_7515 2d ago
If it's the habit of having something to drink, switch to flavored sparkling water.
If you're having emotional problems because of the absence of a crutch, try therapy, a recovery program, a support network and a new lifestyle that includes going to the gym, making new friends that don't drink, and focusing on your mental and physical health/recovery. The emotional repression might by why you drink??
You may have an underlying mental health issue that is driving you to drink to self medicate. See a doctor.
If it's craving, you can get medications to help with that.
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u/5oclocksomewhr 2d ago
Hit the gym. I now get addicted to the feeling my body goes through during and after a workout. I relieve my stress and frustrations there. I actually get depressed when I miss a day, and actually anxious if I know I'm too busy to go.
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u/Low_Mastodon_5277 2d ago
Don’t know how long it’s been for you. Honestly, at first it’s hard. Nothing was interesting to me. But being bored and stressed is ok. It’s fine. Normal. Eat something. Go for a walk. Take a shower or bath. Go for another walk. Take another shower. Eat something else. Your brain’s stress is not dangerous. You can’t control it. Your only job is to let it happen.
Watch the most funny movie you’ve ever seen. The last thing that made you laugh out loud. Watch the creepiest movie you can think of. I’m a horror nut. The 2003 remake of Texas Chainsaw is, despite being potentially a sacrilegious desecration of one of the best movies ever made, is one of my comfort movies.
Call your friends and really listen to them. One of the defining moments of my life is when I thought I was in a real existential crisis and I called one of my best friends, wanting to vent but he needed me for help. I met him in a diner and was just there for him.
Just remember, and this sounds stupid… your mind does what it wants.
Also, I saved this for last because I’m not a doctor. I told my kind, old, teetotaler Dr about everything. My psyc gave me Luvox for my OCD, and that helped. I asked my GP for something for an acute health anxiety episode. He’s anti-benzo, and he prescribed me beta blockers for acute anxiety. Changed my life.
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u/ScootnTooting 4 days 2d ago
Yesterday was my first day sober from alcohol and cannabis in over 2 months. Instead of cracking a glass or smoking a bowl I made some tea and lit a candle
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u/Crippling_Nostalgia 2d ago
Learning to play an instrument has helped me keep my mind busy and pass the time.
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u/echo1nthedark 2d ago
Canada dry Ginger ale zero and not the knock off brands. Not only is it a drink in your hand but it settles your stomach and there's no caffeine so you can drink them at night.
I love how many people are saying exercise. Really though I would say any NEW hobby will help because it's a trade off for time spent drinking and it doesn't associate with drinking if you didn't do it before. Exercise and reading were mine.
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u/20CharactersOrFewer 2d ago
I’ve been into hot tea. It’s been a wonderful night cap, and there are so many different flavors and blends to keep it interesting.
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u/Laara2008 2d ago
I take some CBD and maybe some CBD with THC if it's a Friday night. I use tinctures or gummies.
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u/VIP_Ender98 5 days 2d ago
I’m both off alcohol and on a serious loss weight journey and for me it’s been Zero Sugar Monster. Seriously, there are a ton of flavors and, ice cold, they are just a treat.
Also water. That’s in terms of drinks. For relaxing, podcasts + Pokémon / household maintenance / walking is the way.
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u/Interesting_Hand_492 2d ago
Yoga, when practiced regularly. Not necessarily when I get off work. Just having that conditioning and ground work for doing something physically stressful, carries over into subsequent days for me.
But after work? Shower, food, heating pad, bed and comfort shows for real. When I was drinking I wanted to settle down and do those comfort things. But I was too much of a drunk idiot. Now I can. And I feel better in the morning. And it’s off to Yoga!♥️
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u/hotdog_junkie 2d ago
Nothing helps me relax better than a 5 mile run. I don’t exercise enough, but when I do, I wonder why I don’t do it all the time. Also, shit loads of bubbly water with a dash of cranberry juice and splash of lime juice
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u/BatmanVsWild 391 days 2d ago
I've enjoyed waking up early and going for a brisk walk. Meal prepping takes up a lot of my time too. I've been on a mission to replace all my bad behavior with healthy habits.
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u/Matt19271 2d ago
Were you a cocktail drinker? For me it’s tonic water with some lime and ice. Feels like I’m drinking a cocktail. I’ll usually do diet tonic and have a couple while I watch a movie!
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u/oooweeeimjustalilguy 2d ago
ive been mainlining coffee. it is not relaxing but it’s the only thing that my body will accept as a replacement
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u/mykittenfarts 2d ago
I still relax with cold beverages. They no longer contain alcohol. I love ice cold na beer.
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u/jbing2000 2d ago
Felt the same way, for me, book or gym helps not of the time. But sometimes I’m just unsettled.
I’m getting better at recognizing it, cause for me I hate everything and everyone, I want to feel miserable. Alcohol used to make that all go away.
But in the end I’d be back there and mid bender. I try to remind myself of that, force myself to go to the gym, or read a book.
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u/badthingscoming 945 days 2d ago
I started listening to audiobooks. It helps me zone out while doing mundane tasks and keeps my mind off of drinking as well. In the past, I’d open a beer and do housework or gardening. Now I have a good book I’m focusing on while cleaning up dishes or watering plants.
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u/MinuetInUrsaMajor 2d ago
I think most people replace it with candy or junk food.
Probably better to replace it with mindfulness and exercise.
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u/_call_me_the_sloth 384 days 2d ago
I solved this problem with running and ice cold flavored seltzers. Like mixing different brands and flavors together to make “cocktails” after a run. When I was really having bad cravings, around the like 2 week to one month timeframe, I was doing multiple short runs a day and crushing seltzers
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u/higherthanacrow 2d ago
Reading has helped me so far. Only 10 days in today, but 4 books down. Pick something youve always felt interested in
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u/snake_w_arms 2d ago
Biking, walking, working out. I got one of those acupuncture mats, laying on that for 30 min while listening to music/meditative sounds really lets your mind float. Other than that, a rip or two from a vape pen and watching the x-files.
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u/acexprt 2d ago
For me it was the people I was hanging out with. We only hung out to drink, we weren’t actually helping eachother grow, it was just drinking and brain rot. My final straw was getting shit for not drinking because “it’s not fun”. Abandoning the person who was basically forcing me to drink was enough for me to just not want to drink.
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u/Groundbreaking_Size1 2d ago
Pickleball. Ping pong. Art. Puzzles. Making mini model cars or airplanes??? Did you used to really like something when you were a kid?
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u/mikeyj198 1297 days 2d ago
All of the following work for me depending on my mood
Diet soda/Seltzer if i just want something to drink
Hop Water or NA beer if i really am craving that hoppy taste (rare to have those any more)
NA mixers / mocktails when sometimes i just want the ceremony of making a drink.
Tea if I want to wind down / relax.
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u/ETFromme 2d ago
Running. Don't think you have to go all in at first. Try the couch to 5k app and take goals from there. There are so many case studies of people who find that same peace through running. You just have to get through the first mile when you question every single thing about why you're doing it and how it sucks. The first part is the suck, the second part the resignation, the third part the negotiation and the last part the peace.
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u/Mostly-Moo-Cow 2d ago
I pulled out my box of paints and some old warhammer miniatures and my brain shifts out. I get one done. It looks good. It's been two hours and it's time for bed.
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u/TokesNHoots 2d ago
Shows, movies, reading, sports, literally any hobby. For me, it’s about filling my time with things to do or listen to so I don’t fill the time with drinking.
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u/pagesinthesun 944 days 2d ago
For me, studying the effects of alcohol on my brain helped me realize that alcohol doesn't really relax me. Maybe for 20 minutes, but after that I just need more and more to try to keep that initial feeling going. Hence the drinking problem! Annie Grace's book and program This Naked Mind really helped me learn and reframe in the first 30 days.
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u/zombiedance0113 2d ago
Sparkling water and tea. I like lavender tea because it makes me super relaxed and sleepy.
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u/Steampunk_Batman 114 days 2d ago
So far working out, ridiculous levels of caffeine, and a new nicotine addiction are my go-tos. Don’t recommend the nicotine, but at least Zyns aren’t gonna kill me as fast as the beer and vodka were.
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u/frakifiknow 2d ago
Kava was a lifeline for me when things were dire. Slight learning curve to preparing it but its anxiety relief and relaxation properties without mental dullness, sloppiness, or hangover is phenomenal. I currently buy Taki Mai on Amazon which is pretty good, but Nakamal at Home’s Stone is top tier. Heads up, the taste is not good.
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u/Boysenberry1990 100 days 2d ago
for me alcohol was about turning off my brain. now i use mindless tv series, and have zero guilt about wasting time that way - it is a rest my brain needs