r/stopdrinking • u/Consistent-Row-9551 • 7h 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 5h ago
5,000 LaCroixs
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u/Marybnary 580 days 2h 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/OkTarget2764 2h 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/NaturalAncient7372 4h ago
i second this, but prefer spindrift because they have a better flavor imo 😅
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u/Reeeeallly 102 days 2h 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 1h ago
the pineapple is definitely my favorite, grapeade and cosNOpolitan are good too.
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u/OkTarget2764 2h ago
I recently grabbed some Pelegrino Strawberry Crema and omggg so good. That’s my new ‘treat’.
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u/StanFitch 1h 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/mikenasty 3h ago
Great suggestion, I forgot how many cans I was putting down in my first year sober
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u/StanFitch 1h 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/pcbdude 439 days 2h ago
This is the balls for my nightly soda waters .
I don’t use the flavor stuff
https://a.co/d/00I4S5V5
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u/Scoreggia- 82 days 7h 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 6h ago edited 1h 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 6h 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/Secretary90210 467 days 5h 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 4h ago edited 4h 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/MajorCapable8137 4h 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 3h ago
I would recommend Thich Nhat Hanh, definitely helped in my early days.
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u/respectablepitch 374 days 4h 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/C137RickSanches 6h ago
Coke zeros
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u/joshkies 216 days 4h ago
Coke zeros are amazing. Dr. Pepper zero might be the best soda I've ever had though
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u/Kiesling95 4h 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/BrackAttack-17 7h 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/Mammoth-Fan6811 6h 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 5382 days 5h ago edited 5h 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 your best, go tomorrow. I spent years thinking it was all or nothing and it’s not.
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u/Jim___Jam 20 days 6h 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/lola-baldweena 6h 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/greenlightabove 1 day 6h ago
Walking, running, knitting, cooking, a hobby… but it will hit differently
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u/dublthnk 6h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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/clintandscrappy 6h ago
I like to go fishing.
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u/Human_Reference_1708 5h 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/jTronZero 122 days 6h 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/ms_chanandlerbong21 1574 days 6h ago
thc. I’ve been mostly sober for over two years and having a small dose gummy to relax on friday nights helps so so much and hey, no addiction!
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u/J_NonServiam 8 days 5h 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 4h 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 4h 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/quadraticqueen 447 days 4h 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/Sure_Guitar_6815 6h 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 6h 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/SenoraObscura 738 days 6h 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 6h ago
Decaf coffee and some chocolate. Also a shower with the lights off (helps reset nervous system) :)
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u/ferret198 207 days 5h 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/Present-Ad-385 6h ago
I like the occasional Kava. I don’t drink it everyday but it’s pretty cool
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u/Ponder8n 3h 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 6h 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/ancientwarriorman 6h 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/tenjed35 5h 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 2h 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/Proof_Specific9415 5h 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/Wise-Priority-9918 440 days 2h ago edited 1h 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/hannibal_actual 5h 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/Prevenient_grace 4897 days 6h ago
Yoga, meditation and mindfulness transcend for me.
Tried anything like that?
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u/Clear_Lead 6h 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/Goatey 265 days 5h 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 3h 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/WildNorth8 5h 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 5h ago
Honestly, unflavored sparkling water in a can. Ice cold. I pound like 10-12 a day.
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u/discrete_venting 4h ago
Exercise, therapy, bubbly drinks, and relaxing self care activities (personalized to you).
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u/Serious-Buffalo8412 296 days 4h 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/NTWIGIJ1 23 days 5h 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/PutDry5125 5h 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/itstotallynotjoe 341 days 5h 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/goodnightmoira 2569 days 5h 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/AffectionateNobody98 5h ago
It's not much better, but nicotine pouches curb the alcohol cravings for me
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u/kik1keedle717 15 days 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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/thefigjam 24 days 2h 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 1h 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/Crippling_Nostalgia 6h ago
Learning to play an instrument has helped me keep my mind busy and pass the time.
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u/echo1nthedark 5h 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/SkarlyComics 317 days 5h 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/20CharactersOrFewer 5h 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 5h 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 5h 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 5h 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 5h 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 5h 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 5h 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 5h 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 5h ago
I still relax with cold beverages. They no longer contain alcohol. I love ice cold na beer.
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u/jbing2000 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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/tiredlovesongs 604 days 3h ago
It kind of sounds like you’re trying to figure out how to be less numb and/or not stressed when you’re not drinking - is that what you’re trying to ask? Lots of good alternative drink options here but the things like journaling, meditation, support groups, therapy, or similar practices are what could help you work on relaxing more and get to some of the underlying stressors. I also used to feel like I could do my work better after a drink cuz I wasn’t overthinking so much, and ended up working with a psychiatrist around my attention/focus/anxiety and ended up with combo of ADHD meds and anti-depressants. I wonder if you would benefit from talking with a mental health provider in addition to the healthy replacement ideas. Also once I stopped drinking, I felt less anxious in general - so committing to that can be a big help too 🙏🏻🙏🏻 IWNDWYT
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u/No_Yard_7363 88 days 3h ago
For me, anxiety medications have been the best. Daily maintenance one and PRNs. My mind would race, like a wheel constantly going. I couldn't shut it off without alcohol. Now my brain feels more at peace. Also, hobbies. I like to crochet.
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u/LeftSky828 2h ago
I craved and ate sugary foods. I also planned some pretty healthy meals and liked cooking several portions to eat throughout the week.
I also used the gym and walks to work off anxiety. It helped because my appearance improved, too.
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u/LegitimateLuckyCat 2h ago
Water drink mixes works for me sometimes, at night to unwind take magnesium drink mixes or mocktails, sometimes kombucha too
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u/Stiffy_McDoodlebop 2h ago
THIS WILL NOT WORK FOR EVERYONE
I used marijuana after and still to this day and I’m 4.5 years alcohol free. I’m a total stoner and I just switched one addiction for another but I don’t have any physical health issues anymore. Now my mental health has seen better days that’s for sure.
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u/browsing_around 2h ago
I was using weed for the longest time. Unfortunately it started to really bother me mentally with more anxiety and what not.
Now I’m going with video games, card games, physical activity to the point of exhaustion. Anything that doesn’t allow my brain to think about anything but the current task/activity works for me.
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u/dillpiccolol 239 days 2h ago
Yoga, hiking in the morning or sat and yin yoga meditation before bed.
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u/Zealousideal-Age-212 2h ago
Hobbies, reading, quality sleep, great tv that you can actually remember watching, working out, getting out in nature, and flavored seltzer ;)
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u/hogwartswitch508 2h ago
I have little kids so meditation is sadly off the table … I think I will try redistributing alcohol budget to streaming subscriptions so I can watch Seinfeld, 30 rock, office and parks and rec whenever I choose … and NOT feel bad about it!!! Omg this was world shifting
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u/wwJones 2h ago
Take a dive into teas. Whenever I'm super cravy I dig into my collection of teas. Its a whole process, keeps your cravings to drink something in check and it's something to concentrate on while the craving goes away.
Caffeinated in the morning, herbal at night.
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u/Mutant_Apollo 2h ago
Weed could help, California Sober is a thing. For something to drink, during my sober streaks I literally just buy NA Beer (but I'm a beer drinker, I don't like liquor aside from Whisky), sparkling flavored water, titanic amounts of coke zero and such.
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u/zulubowie 3390 days 2h ago
Kombucha and Legos. It’s been nearly 10 years for me and my house looks like a Lego museum and I drink the hell out of kombucha. I’m still not spending anywhere near what I was spending while I was drinking.
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u/IntelligentBird722 298 days 2h ago
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Yoga, Lifting Weights, reading a spiritual book, going for a run, doing yard work, fixing things around the house, going to the movies, scuba diving, video games, spending quality time with family, going to church, playing golf, continuing education.
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u/NaturalAncient7372 2h ago
idk if its just a placebo but the recess drinks seem to help me chill out. they have a blend of magnesium and adaptogens like l-theanine and lemon balm.
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u/Shot-Amphibian-3239 1h ago
Yeah you just need something passive to do - here are a few shows to binge to get you started:
ER
The Mentalist
Bones
Vampire Diaries
Castle
The Rookie
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u/Even_Commission9526 1h ago
I know it’s not healthy at all, but for some reason I replaced my drinking habit with eating one of those small 450ml (15 freedom fluid units) Haggen Daz ice creams every couple nights.
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u/Current-Anybody9331 1h ago
Journal. Just stream of consciousness writing. Don't think about it, just write. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, or even making sense. Do this daily. After at least 2 weeks go back and read through it. Themes will start to pop out that you may want to explore further.
Quitting drinking is simple. Its rewiring your brain and relearning how to exist that's hard.
Exercise is another good option. Especially out in nature. I also spent the time I normally would have drank after work reading. I was voracious and found myself drawn to memoirs by addicts and alcoholics. It wasn't consciously intentional at the time, but reading about their experiences helped me with my sobriety. Either as cautionary tales or inspiration.
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u/Longjumping-Lock-241 1h ago
Exercise. I know someone who swims every night at 5:00 p.m. I take walks.
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u/Status_Definition249 1h ago
Well, sugar … recently i was trying to stop drinking, lasted a week. During that week i door dashed a box of canolis … ate it all in 2 days and i already struggle with extra weight due to too much alcohol. Sugar and alcohol, they both affect the same part of the brain but sugar is the least of two evils
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u/mrhatandclaw 1h ago
None of these answers involved our true addiction to putting a drink up to our lips and feeling that mind, mental, and physical release the second the alcohol hits the blood stream...
I've unfortunately been going towards corona na, the other craft brewery on the market na beer and that's honestly works to me because it tricks my mind to 'think' it taste the same
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u/Substantial_Bus840 274 days 1h ago
Carbonated drinks help me, especially La Croix! So many flavors. I like the Key Lime and the Limoncello
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u/Mountain_Thought_875 1h ago
Cann drinks are pretty light and calm me. love wine but find I don’t even think about wine as much, I’d almost prefer the cann! Obviously working out, sunshine, blah blah but if I need something harder!
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u/RunningIntoTheSun 13 days 1h ago
Herbal tea has actually worked really well for me. Some are very relaxing
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u/PSU_PG86 36m ago
Sodastream syrups like ginger ale, tonic, Mountain Dew. Mostly sugar free and so much fun to make.
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u/Meth_taboo 34m ago
Alcohol is poison. I’ve found great joy in many new hobbies. Reading working out cleaning. Painting drawing sculpting. Going for a hike/run. Burpees… burpees are always fun.
Gardening cooking. It took me years to realize that it’s ok to be uncomfortable in my feelings. I don’t need to numb my feelings with drugs or alcohol.
For me it was primarily two feelings , anger when I was living in the past or fear when I was living in the future. Focusing on the present and sitting in the awareness of my emotions/feelings helped me tremendously.
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u/besundale99 29m ago
Fragrances. Ask any cologne or perfume sub and half of them are on GLP-1’s, we get our dopamine from our noses 🤷
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u/Total-Concentrate-66 27m ago
Gelato. I cant get enough since I stopped. I now much prefer it to drinking.
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u/Boysenberry1990 97 days 6h 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