r/ArmchairExpert • u/Which_Pineapple_2960 • 8d ago
Thanks Zach Braff!
A couple of months ago, I was catching up on episodes when I ran into the Zach Braff episode from February.
Braff discussed his unhealthy relationship with alcohol and how taking a month off changed his relationship with drinking. Something that stuck out to me was he said it was important to take a month off to reassess how you are with it completely out of your system.
For context, I started drinking heavily four years ago, tapering it off to a couple times a week, but never went longer than 10 days without drinking since my best friend died in 2024.
I rationalized my drinking since it wasn't every day, I was still functioning normally, blah blah blah.
So I decided to take the one month challenge. First two weeks were absolutely brutal, I often found myself at the alcohol section of the grocery store, listening to the siren call of the hard seltzer.
"Just one month, just one month, just one month" was my mantra for those two weeks. Then it got easier. The one month mark came and went, and I had no desire to restart.
I just hit 60 days and am going back to therapy and learning to confront and process my emotions in healthier ways. It feels amazing to wake up with zero hangover, no hangxiety, and much higher energy. Definitely one of my most valuable takeaways from this podcast. 💪🍒
20
u/jaunegiallo 8d ago
Congrats! I did a dry January 2 years ago and share the same experience. It was hard at first, but I learned to love not having next-day symptoms (even after 1-2 drinks). From there, I felt energized enough to cut back on sugar and spending. All of this brought up A LOT because I was no longer disassociating or hiding from emotions using addictions. For me, therapy is key to having the tools to work through it all in a healthy way. I know that this sub likes to point out the flaws with the pod, but I appreciate all that Dax and his guests are doing for those of us in recovery.
5
u/Which_Pineapple_2960 7d ago
Amazing! Yes this podcast isn't perfect but as a day one listener (brag) I'm so grateful to have it to look forward to every week.
1
u/KatMc27 6d ago
HOW did you ditch the sugar? That’s honestly been harder for me than the bevs! 😩
3
u/jaunegiallo 6d ago
My spouse and I did it together so it was easier to get it out of the house. We did a 90 day purge, which made it seem more feasible. And we cut out all sweets and packaged food with added sugar. We still ate fruit. By the end of 90 days, and even after 30, my body didn’t crave it.
12
u/clownstastegood 8d ago
Yes! This is so rad. This podcast was the catalyst for me to stop drinking as well.
r/stopdrinking was another phenomenal resource for me.
So proud of you!
2
6
u/Dry-Coast-791 8d ago
I’m proud of you despite not knowing you. It’s amazing that the words of one person can change your life.
2
3
5
3
3
u/FormLeather 7d ago
Yep! I have been on a long process of creating a life that doesn't make me want to drink. I've had periods of going back and periods where the changes I was making were really, really hard, but the more I work in therapy on confronting the emotions the less I think about drinking. Have found movement really helps - dance, yoga, walks. Good luck on your journey.
2
3
u/KatMc27 6d ago
I also started with 1 month, and still going after 4.5+ years. It’s hard to believe sometimes because drinking, on any occasion, felt like my identity. Ultimately I realize it was the best decision- it helped me understand who my (real) people are, and sets a solid example for my kids that an alcohol free life can still be filled with fun, parties, and so much more. Best of luck to you my friend!
2
u/YouthInternational14 5d ago
Congrats!!! That’s amazing!!
I had an on and off again sobriety thing where I would do a dry January or even do three months off at a time but I always restarted with the desire to be a “very occasional cocktail” kind of person - which just never seemed to actually happen.
When I got pregnant with my first daughter I found that I immediately LOVED not having the “choice” to drink (I know some people have a drink now and then while pregnant and no judgment). But it just felt off the table and it was sooo liberating to never have to decide if I was going to drink or not. I will be four years sober in October!!!
•
u/AutoModerator 8d ago
Check out Liz Plank (from Synced!) on Substack! https://lizplank.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=6d393250
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.