SOBRIETY

[fakiefs180]

My doctor added gabapentin to my meds and it has helped my mood alot, they wont give me benzos, which is what I was self medicating with. I actually went out to the garage and did a few kickflips I was feeling so good.

Hopefully this puts me on a better path, Im already thinking about ditching disability and getting a job, but man that disability money seems sweet. I havent heard any voices in months and my paranoia and delusions have been minor.

Im just 10 months in to my new life and im super lost as to what to do.

I know the answer is stop being a bitch but damn, im kinda fucked up over here

I'm stoked for the kickflips. That must have felt awesome. Maybe look for some small jobs if you want to stay busy. Something where you can work like 4 hours a day. I think your mind and body need time to get used to your new life. The weather will get better soon too, depending on where you live. Maybe it will help you, if you write a list with your goals. Small goals first. What do you want to do in the next weeks, months, in a year.
Anyway, if you feel like talking, DM me. But stoked for you.

[hmmoookay]

I just started gaba too, but for my chronic pain. One of my goals in sobriety is to be able to skate at least a little again.

I told my family about quitting drinking recently and it was well received. Feeling ok so far.

Fuck yeah! Stoked for you, what a great feeling that was for myself as well. I'm glad they're on your side!

700 Days today pals, right at the cusp of two years. Grateful. As always thankful for the people and stories shared in this thread. Keep going!

[type]

Choices are so important, if I had held on to all the bitcoin I spent on drugs with an investment mindset I would be a multi millionaire right now. Ill never have another opportunity like that again, but moving forward I just hope we can all make the best choices for ourselves in sobriety. Our choices are all we have.

Now if I could quit vaping...

[NoComply180]

Expand Quote

I just started gaba too, but for my chronic pain. One of my goals in sobriety is to be able to skate at least a little again.

I told my family about quitting drinking recently and it was well received. Feeling ok so far.

[close]

Fuck yeah! Stoked for you, what a great feeling that was for myself as well. I'm glad they're on your side!

700 Days today pals, right at the cusp of two years. Grateful. As always thankful for the people and stories shared in this thread. Keep going!

thanks homie!! 700 is huge. Next Monday will be 6 weeks - haven’t gone that long without booze in almost 15 years. Every time I’ve quit before I fail before the 6 week mark. Not a doubt in my mind I’ll get it this time.

Type - I have some close friends who spent bitcoin back in the day on dumb shit - synthetic cannabinoids, random stupid dark web crap. Hindsight eh

[hmmoookay]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

I just started gaba too, but for my chronic pain. One of my goals in sobriety is to be able to skate at least a little again.

I told my family about quitting drinking recently and it was well received. Feeling ok so far.

[close]

Fuck yeah! Stoked for you, what a great feeling that was for myself as well. I'm glad they're on your side!

700 Days today pals, right at the cusp of two years. Grateful. As always thankful for the people and stories shared in this thread. Keep going!

[close]

thanks homie!! 700 is huge. Next Monday will be 6 weeks - haven’t gone that long without booze in almost 15 years. Every time I’ve quit before I fail before the 6 week mark. Not a doubt in my mind I’ll get it this time.

Type - I have some close friends who spent bitcoin back in the day on dumb shit - synthetic cannabinoids, random stupid dark web crap. Hindsight eh

Thank you! You got this! 6 weeks is amazing. And yeah re: Type, hindsight is definitely a bitch but it's hard to ignore sometimes and I get that it can make you feel the way you are. Just gotta try and look towards the future. I was just having a conversation about that with a friend who opened up to me about their issues with alcohol and that was kind of his hangup, worrying about what could have been but also worrying about the future as well. It all kinda sucks sometimes but I guess I just try and trust the process. Stay up G.

[mfweeno]

Been feeling kind of squirrelly and having some booze thoughts lately. Wanted to speak (type?) the truth of it rather than keep it bottled in. Encouraging and inspiring to see everyone finding new freedom away from a drink. To those struggling, I feel you right now!

[NoComply180]

Been feeling kind of squirrelly and having some booze thoughts lately. Wanted to speak (type?) the truth of it rather than keep it bottled in. Encouraging and inspiring to see everyone finding new freedom away from a drink. To those struggling, I feel you right now!

keep your head up homie. You got this. Shit can be tough though I feel you.

Ineed to start saying no more to social things. I’m doing ok not feeling tempted but boy am I drained. Just want to check out and play video games all day.

[Easy Slider]

I have cut off most social events but yesterday I went to see the GZA. Club was full of old heads getting drunk. Not only was I not tempted but I found it repulsive to see how they turned into blabbering idiots as the time moved on. Also most of them looked hella unhealthy. Maybe I am really over it. Might as well after five years off the sauce.

Anyway, hang in there bros, being sober may be tough but being an alkie is much worse in the long run.

[EdLawndale]

I saw GZA like 5 years ago and he killed it.

[Easy Slider]

I saw GZA like 5 years ago and he killed it.

GZA brought the goods and played mostly Liquid Swords and a few Wu classics but he was with a live band which somehow messed with the overall experience. I would have preferred to just hear him rap over the original RZA instrumentals. ODBs older brother was on drums tho. Anyhow, sorry for the off topic.

[type]

Had a dream last night I was trying to smoke meth out of a smartphone, then in another phase this teacher lady was trying to fuck me but I was doing everything to get her off my tail so I could keep smoking meth out of this phone.

Heres the thing I always hated meth, its just I got so addicted to it now it torments me in my sleep. I remember crying hitting the pipe because I didnt want to but the addiction was just too strong.

I cant lie though, I do like the xanax and opiod dreams, im kinda glad im able to still get high off those in my sleep.

[Sleazy]

I have cut off most social events but yesterday I went to see the GZA. Club was full of old heads getting drunk. Not only was I not tempted but I found it repulsive to see how they turned into blabbering idiots as the time moved on. Also most of them looked hella unhealthy. Maybe I am really over it. Might as well after five years off the sauce.

Anyway, hang in there bros, being sober may be tough but being an alkie is much worse in the long run.

I feel you on that one. I took my daughter to see Angel maker at this park called Empire room in Austin. The show got rain delayed and we ended up hanging out in the bar and just looking at all the locals. I was texting my wife and saying these people are clearly not living very healthy. I’m only seven months in and I look at things way differently.

Been feeling kind of squirrelly and having some booze thoughts lately. Wanted to speak (type?) the truth of it rather than keep it bottled in. Encouraging and inspiring to see everyone finding new freedom away from a drink. To those struggling, I feel you right now!

@mfweeno

What situations are getting you to feel a little Squirrley?

[jgonzalez]

I have cut off most social events but yesterday I went to see the GZA. Club was full of old heads getting drunk. Not only was I not tempted but I found it repulsive to see how they turned into blabbering idiots as the time moved on. Also most of them looked hella unhealthy. Maybe I am really over it. Might as well after five years off the sauce.

Anyway, hang in there bros, being sober may be tough but being an alkie is much worse in the long run.

I go to shows and places where people drink and I’m grossed out now. Maybe it’s wrong to judge people but yeah some look out of shape and sad. Pointless conversations they will forget. Seeking socialization in an isolated world, sad that drinking booze is one of the ways adults can meet other adults.

I always think about that Jason Adams interview where he says you don’t have to go into an environment you don't want to be. Exiting drinking circles will initially be lonely but I’ve met more skaters and people that like other shit. Slow process.

Our society is fucked up and I think about SOMA from brave new world. Normalized drug to blunt our thoughts and emotions to deal with this shitty world. Like how casual it is to say “I need a drink!” And how acceptable that phrase is. Booze is so ingrained in our culture to suppress our emotions.

I’ve cut booze back a lot in my life,  no more casual drinks to “wind down” in the evenings and I’m eating whole foods and being active. My job now has a lot of people that rely on me to be sharp so I’ve cut back a lot. I would rather be present now in my life. Alcohol and weed disrupt sleep cycles and actual rest. This thread is inspiring. Seems like addiction is pretty normal and good for everyone here to be honest with themselves and each other.

[JoseCansnake0]

Expand Quote

I have cut off most social events but yesterday I went to see the GZA. Club was full of old heads getting drunk. Not only was I not tempted but I found it repulsive to see how they turned into blabbering idiots as the time moved on. Also most of them looked hella unhealthy. Maybe I am really over it. Might as well after five years off the sauce.

Anyway, hang in there bros, being sober may be tough but being an alkie is much worse in the long run.

[close]

I go to shows and places where people drink and I’m grossed out now. Maybe it’s wrong to judge people but yeah some look out of shape and sad. Pointless conversations they will forget. Seeking socialization in an isolated world, sad that drinking booze is one of the ways adults can meet other adults.

I always think about that Jason Adams interview where he says you don’t have to go into an environment you don't want to be. Exiting drinking circles will initially be lonely but I’ve met more skaters and people that like other shit. Slow process.

Our society is fucked up and I think about SOMA from brave new world. Normalized drug to blunt our thoughts and emotions to deal with this shitty world. Like how casual it is to say “I need a drink!” And how acceptable that phrase is. Booze is so ingrained in our culture to suppress our emotions.

I’ve cut booze back a lot in my life,  no more casual drinks to “wind down” in the evenings and I’m eating whole foods and being active. My job now has a lot of people that rely on me to be sharp so I’ve cut back a lot. I would rather be present now in my life. Alcohol and weed disrupt sleep cycles and actual rest. This thread is inspiring. Seems like addiction is pretty normal and good for everyone here to be honest with themselves and each other.

Very well put!

I'm 2.5 years on my journey, and lost (still friends, but seems like in passing) a few really good friends that just haven't slowed down. And I'm ok with that. A couple have gotten DWI's, and still haven't stopped drinking.

In those 2.5 years, I've made some really good, and healthy new friends that share the same mindset as myself. That has been huge, and has just reassured me that cutting booze out of my life was worth it in so many ways.

I went to a DJ Shadow show with a life long friend who most definitely has a drinking problem. He had about 6 drinks before the show, and kept bumping into this dude, and the dude got pissed. I had to remind them they're at a sold out concert and to chill the fuck out. Both were drunk and acting the fool. Made me feel great

[NoComply180]

Yeah I’m already noticing my friends and family getting sloppy around me a few hours into hangs where booze is there. Mostly been funny things so far, but I’m sure it’ll get sad eventually.


For me I’m struggling with how booze allowed me to make anything tolerable - I said yes to things, was ok doing things I didn’t really feel like doing because I knew I could just be drunk.

Without them, I have a much much shorter list of things I enjoy (for now).

[Easy Slider]

Yeah I’m already noticing my friends and family getting sloppy around me a few hours into hangs where booze is there. Mostly been funny things so far, but I’m sure it’ll get sad eventually.


For me I’m struggling with how booze allowed me to make anything tolerable - I said yes to things, was ok doing things I didn’t really feel like doing because I knew I could just be drunk.

Without them, I have a much much shorter list of things I enjoy (for now).

Have you tried going on walks, running, exercising a.k.a. stuff you typically don‘t do when hungover?

Also: Read, write, paint, sing, play an instrument, play chess.

You can also cook, make yourself delicious and/or healthy food, check out some teas or coffees (I dabble with herbal teas, yerba mate, green tea, matcha currently).

Listen to music, podcasts.

Get a project car, work on it, clean it, drive around (it gets you anywhere and you never have to worry about drunk driving).

Go to places you never visited, historic sites, nice landscapes, take pictures and work on them back home.

Just some stuff I do that comes to mind.

[NoComply180]

Expand Quote

Yeah I’m already noticing my friends and family getting sloppy around me a few hours into hangs where booze is there. Mostly been funny things so far, but I’m sure it’ll get sad eventually.


For me I’m struggling with how booze allowed me to make anything tolerable - I said yes to things, was ok doing things I didn’t really feel like doing because I knew I could just be drunk.

Without them, I have a much much shorter list of things I enjoy (for now).

[close]

Have you tried going on walks, running, exercising a.k.a. stuff you typically don‘t do when hungover?

Also: Read, write, paint, sing, play an instrument, play chess.

You can also cook, make yourself delicious and/or healthy food, check out some teas or coffees (I dabble with herbal teas, yerba mate, green tea, matcha currently).

Listen to music, podcasts.

Get a project car, work on it, clean it, drive around (it gets you anywhere and you never have to worry about drunk driving).

Go to places you never visited, historic sites, nice landscapes, take pictures and work on them back home.

Just some stuff I do that comes to mind.

appreciate the suggestions! I’m heavy on the workouts, walks with headphones on, and reading. I’m pretty happy on the hobby front. I’m having a tough time recalibrating my socialization mechanisms/tolerance. My partner is super outgoing and extroverted and I’m figuring out how to manage that. It’s tough but I’m sure gets easier with time.

[Easy Slider]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Yeah I’m already noticing my friends and family getting sloppy around me a few hours into hangs where booze is there. Mostly been funny things so far, but I’m sure it’ll get sad eventually.


For me I’m struggling with how booze allowed me to make anything tolerable - I said yes to things, was ok doing things I didn’t really feel like doing because I knew I could just be drunk.

Without them, I have a much much shorter list of things I enjoy (for now).

[close]

Have you tried going on walks, running, exercising a.k.a. stuff you typically don‘t do when hungover?

Also: Read, write, paint, sing, play an instrument, play chess.

You can also cook, make yourself delicious and/or healthy food, check out some teas or coffees (I dabble with herbal teas, yerba mate, green tea, matcha currently).

Listen to music, podcasts.

Get a project car, work on it, clean it, drive around (it gets you anywhere and you never have to worry about drunk driving).

Go to places you never visited, historic sites, nice landscapes, take pictures and work on them back home.

Just some stuff I do that comes to mind.

[close]

appreciate the suggestions! I’m heavy on the workouts, walks with headphones on, and reading. I’m pretty happy on the hobby front. I’m having a tough time recalibrating my socialization mechanisms/tolerance. My partner is super outgoing and extroverted and I’m figuring out how to manage that. It’s tough but I’m sure gets easier with time.

Gotcha. I am struggling with that part too tbh…

[Sleazy]

I’ve accepted that I enjoy different things now and just focus on the things I like. Fortunately for me networking isn’t one as it’s the lifeblood of my business. My wife and I have both gotten way more into cleaning and organizing our home.

[hmmoookay]

First cup of regular coffee in a month happening right now. My no caffeine journey has ended, kind of. I felt pretty great that entire month. I definitely feel like not relying on caffeine in the mornings helped give me structure, which sounds weird, but it made me prioritize sleep a little more, which in turn made me think about how I spend my time through the day and ways to improve that relative to energy and when it would be at it's peak vs time to wind down, stuff like that. Also, it really helped with creating a better eating schedule; not snacking way into the night mostly, because I would already be in bed or maybe my metabolism was not as active later in the day as a result of all this. I plan on being much more cognizant of when I have caffeine and how much I ingest moving forward, that is for sure.

Still, my main goal was to continue with improving my digestive health, something I felt caffeine was affecting. And while I do think this helped a lot, I believe the real culprit to be the acidic nature of coffee itself. So for now, we're trying some baking soda in with the coffee, and we'll see how that goes. I'm also starting a set of nutrients to help fix my gut biome which is kind of part of this as well. But that's for another time.

Anyway, if you consider caffeine to be something in your life that may have a little too much presence, consider taking a small break. Yeah, it was tough at the beginning, but I think it's helped me shape a different relationship with it in the end.

Another day booze free, hope all is well pals. DM's always open if anyone ever needs to talk.

[Sleazy]

coffee is rough on my stomach too. had to stop cold brew. i really like the don't drink for first 60-90 minutes hack with caffine. it's been a game changer for me. for the stomach acid i've started taking acid reducers from the pharmacy.

[mfweeno]

Expand Quote

I have cut off most social events but yesterday I went to see the GZA. Club was full of old heads getting drunk. Not only was I not tempted but I found it repulsive to see how they turned into blabbering idiots as the time moved on. Also most of them looked hella unhealthy. Maybe I am really over it. Might as well after five years off the sauce.

Anyway, hang in there bros, being sober may be tough but being an alkie is much worse in the long run.

[close]

I feel you on that one. I took my daughter to see Angel maker at this park called Empire room in Austin. The show got rain delayed and we ended up hanging out in the bar and just looking at all the locals. I was texting my wife and saying these people are clearly not living very healthy. I’m only seven months in and I look at things way differently.

Expand Quote

Been feeling kind of squirrelly and having some booze thoughts lately. Wanted to speak (type?) the truth of it rather than keep it bottled in. Encouraging and inspiring to see everyone finding new freedom away from a drink. To those struggling, I feel you right now!

[close]

@mfweeno

What situations are getting you to feel a little Squirrley?

Appreciate you asking, man. I'm definitely doing better than I was when I typed that.

I think I'm just still ultimately learning to deal with life on life's terms. I start fantasizing about escaping into my old habits again when life feels too overwhelming or monotonous. I have to remember I can only take things one moment at a time and to be grateful for what's in front of me.

[hmmoookay]

coffee is rough on my stomach too. had to stop cold brew. i really like the don't drink for first 60-90 minutes hack with caffine. it's been a game changer for me. for the stomach acid i've started taking acid reducers from the pharmacy.

Yeah I feel most days I'm able to achieve that, today for example I was already up for 45min or so before I even got the brew going. The baking soda seems to have helped though! None of the usual mid coffee bs tummy ache type stuff.

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

I have cut off most social events but yesterday I went to see the GZA. Club was full of old heads getting drunk. Not only was I not tempted but I found it repulsive to see how they turned into blabbering idiots as the time moved on. Also most of them looked hella unhealthy. Maybe I am really over it. Might as well after five years off the sauce.

Anyway, hang in there bros, being sober may be tough but being an alkie is much worse in the long run.

[close]

I feel you on that one. I took my daughter to see Angel maker at this park called Empire room in Austin. The show got rain delayed and we ended up hanging out in the bar and just looking at all the locals. I was texting my wife and saying these people are clearly not living very healthy. I’m only seven months in and I look at things way differently.

Expand Quote

Been feeling kind of squirrelly and having some booze thoughts lately. Wanted to speak (type?) the truth of it rather than keep it bottled in. Encouraging and inspiring to see everyone finding new freedom away from a drink. To those struggling, I feel you right now!

[close]

@mfweeno

What situations are getting you to feel a little Squirrley?

[close]

Appreciate you asking, man. I'm definitely doing better than I was when I typed that.

I think I'm just still ultimately learning to deal with life on life's terms. I start fantasizing about escaping into my old habits again when life feels too overwhelming or monotonous. I have to remember I can only take things one moment at a time and to be grateful for what's in front of me.

This is something that I still deal with every so often. Luckily it passes quickly but even on Saturday night, was on a nice night drive taking a long way home, started thinking "man, wouldn't it be nice..." and yeah, it would be nice. but it would not be nice very quickly / the next day / the next week. just gotta play the tape forward.

[Ankle_Lift]

First cup of regular coffee in a month happening right now. My no caffeine journey has ended, kind of. I felt pretty great that entire month. I definitely feel like not relying on caffeine in the mornings helped give me structure, which sounds weird, but it made me prioritize sleep a little more, which in turn made me think about how I spend my time through the day and ways to improve that relative to energy and when it would be at it's peak vs time to wind down, stuff like that. Also, it really helped with creating a better eating schedule; not snacking way into the night mostly, because I would already be in bed or maybe my metabolism was not as active later in the day as a result of all this. I plan on being much more cognizant of when I have caffeine and how much I ingest moving forward, that is for sure.

Still, my main goal was to continue with improving my digestive health, something I felt caffeine was affecting. And while I do think this helped a lot, I believe the real culprit to be the acidic nature of coffee itself. So for now, we're trying some baking soda in with the coffee, and we'll see how that goes. I'm also starting a set of nutrients to help fix my gut biome which is kind of part of this as well. But that's for another time.

Anyway, if you consider caffeine to be something in your life that may have a little too much presence, consider taking a small break. Yeah, it was tough at the beginning, but I think it's helped me shape a different relationship with it in the end.

Another day booze free, hope all is well pals. DM's always open if anyone ever needs to talk.

Coffee is a hard one to give up. I was drinking a pot of coffee before work last year, but I've scaled way back.

The only way I stopped drinking so much of it was by not bringing a thermos of it to work to drink at lunch or break, because I'm not willing to drink shitty coffee from the local drive thrus.
Ive been called a coffee snob because I despise Tim Hortons coffee, which everyone at work gets for coffee break.
McDonald's coffee has become so bad and so inconsistent that I don't like drinking it either.

So in the end, I would just rather drink water than shitty coffee, which isn't a bad thing I guess. I absolutely hate having a bad cup of coffee. Like a shitty roast, or a weak cup. It's gross and just makes me feel like shit after.

Haven't had any booze for a month now. Feels ok.

[Big Baby Jesus]

Amazing to see every one’s successes in this thread. I just hit 5 years back in January 11th. It’s been motivational and inspiring to see so many others on their journey. Keep up the great work pals!

[Sleazy]

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I have cut off most social events but yesterday I went to see the GZA. Club was full of old heads getting drunk. Not only was I not tempted but I found it repulsive to see how they turned into blabbering idiots as the time moved on. Also most of them looked hella unhealthy. Maybe I am really over it. Might as well after five years off the sauce.

Anyway, hang in there bros, being sober may be tough but being an alkie is much worse in the long run.

[close]

I feel you on that one. I took my daughter to see Angel maker at this park called Empire room in Austin. The show got rain delayed and we ended up hanging out in the bar and just looking at all the locals. I was texting my wife and saying these people are clearly not living very healthy. I’m only seven months in and I look at things way differently.

Expand Quote

Been feeling kind of squirrelly and having some booze thoughts lately. Wanted to speak (type?) the truth of it rather than keep it bottled in. Encouraging and inspiring to see everyone finding new freedom away from a drink. To those struggling, I feel you right now!

[close]

@mfweeno

What situations are getting you to feel a little Squirrley?

[close]

Appreciate you asking, man. I'm definitely doing better than I was when I typed that.

I think I'm just still ultimately learning to deal with life on life's terms. I start fantasizing about escaping into my old habits again when life feels too overwhelming or monotonous. I have to remember I can only take things one moment at a time and to be grateful for what's in front of me.

i had excessive bordum around 7-9 at night after dinner for a while. i'd just sit on the couch and stare at the TV after dinner. eventually it just stopped being a focus for me.

Expand Quote

coffee is rough on my stomach too. had to stop cold brew. i really like the don't drink for first 60-90 minutes hack with caffine. it's been a game changer for me. for the stomach acid i've started taking acid reducers from the pharmacy.

[close]

Yeah I feel most days I'm able to achieve that, today for example I was already up for 45min or so before I even got the brew going. The baking soda seems to have helped though! None of the usual mid coffee bs tummy ache type stuff.

@hmmoookay can you share more about what you are doing with baking soda and coffee? this seems cool

[hmmoookay]

Expand Quote

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I have cut off most social events but yesterday I went to see the GZA. Club was full of old heads getting drunk. Not only was I not tempted but I found it repulsive to see how they turned into blabbering idiots as the time moved on. Also most of them looked hella unhealthy. Maybe I am really over it. Might as well after five years off the sauce.

Anyway, hang in there bros, being sober may be tough but being an alkie is much worse in the long run.

[close]

I feel you on that one. I took my daughter to see Angel maker at this park called Empire room in Austin. The show got rain delayed and we ended up hanging out in the bar and just looking at all the locals. I was texting my wife and saying these people are clearly not living very healthy. I’m only seven months in and I look at things way differently.

Expand Quote

Been feeling kind of squirrelly and having some booze thoughts lately. Wanted to speak (type?) the truth of it rather than keep it bottled in. Encouraging and inspiring to see everyone finding new freedom away from a drink. To those struggling, I feel you right now!

[close]

@mfweeno

What situations are getting you to feel a little Squirrley?

[close]

Appreciate you asking, man. I'm definitely doing better than I was when I typed that.

I think I'm just still ultimately learning to deal with life on life's terms. I start fantasizing about escaping into my old habits again when life feels too overwhelming or monotonous. I have to remember I can only take things one moment at a time and to be grateful for what's in front of me.

[close]

i had excessive bordum around 7-9 at night after dinner for a while. i'd just sit on the couch and stare at the TV after dinner. eventually it just stopped being a focus for me.

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

coffee is rough on my stomach too. had to stop cold brew. i really like the don't drink for first 60-90 minutes hack with caffine. it's been a game changer for me. for the stomach acid i've started taking acid reducers from the pharmacy.

[close]

Yeah I feel most days I'm able to achieve that, today for example I was already up for 45min or so before I even got the brew going. The baking soda seems to have helped though! None of the usual mid coffee bs tummy ache type stuff.

[close]

@hmmoookay can you share more about what you are doing with baking soda and coffee? this seems cool

On a base level, I am simply adding a bit of it to my coffee after I'm done brewing it. I usually do pour overs / aeropress which, I guess I never really thought about it, actually helps to decrease acidity already because the water contact is pretty short rather than sitting with the grounds like a coffee maker.

What I have thought about trying though, and I think I will later today when I get home from work, is mixing the baking soda in with the grounds and then carrying out the pour over process. I wanna try this for two reasons. 1. In theory, it should do the exact same thing as mixing it after the fact in terms of helping reduce acidity, which in turn helps my stomach. 2. From a brewing standpoint, I'm curious as to if the bubbly reactive nature of water to baking soda has any effect on bloom and overall brew time because of how active it would make the grounds relative to their normal gas releases.

I read through this website the other day and while there seem to be a number of ways to reduce acidity for both taste and sensitive stomach, baking soda seems to be doing the trick for now so I'm gonna keep rolling with it.

https://mybigfatgrainfreelife.com/2023/06/how-to-make-coffee-alkaline.html

[pugmaster]

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I have cut off most social events but yesterday I went to see the GZA. Club was full of old heads getting drunk. Not only was I not tempted but I found it repulsive to see how they turned into blabbering idiots as the time moved on. Also most of them looked hella unhealthy. Maybe I am really over it. Might as well after five years off the sauce.

Anyway, hang in there bros, being sober may be tough but being an alkie is much worse in the long run.

[close]

I feel you on that one. I took my daughter to see Angel maker at this park called Empire room in Austin. The show got rain delayed and we ended up hanging out in the bar and just looking at all the locals. I was texting my wife and saying these people are clearly not living very healthy. I’m only seven months in and I look at things way differently.

Expand Quote

Been feeling kind of squirrelly and having some booze thoughts lately. Wanted to speak (type?) the truth of it rather than keep it bottled in. Encouraging and inspiring to see everyone finding new freedom away from a drink. To those struggling, I feel you right now!

[close]

@mfweeno

What situations are getting you to feel a little Squirrley?

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Appreciate you asking, man. I'm definitely doing better than I was when I typed that.

I think I'm just still ultimately learning to deal with life on life's terms. I start fantasizing about escaping into my old habits again when life feels too overwhelming or monotonous. I have to remember I can only take things one moment at a time and to be grateful for what's in front of me.

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i had excessive bordum around 7-9 at night after dinner for a while. i'd just sit on the couch and stare at the TV after dinner. eventually it just stopped being a focus for me.

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coffee is rough on my stomach too. had to stop cold brew. i really like the don't drink for first 60-90 minutes hack with caffine. it's been a game changer for me. for the stomach acid i've started taking acid reducers from the pharmacy.

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Yeah I feel most days I'm able to achieve that, today for example I was already up for 45min or so before I even got the brew going. The baking soda seems to have helped though! None of the usual mid coffee bs tummy ache type stuff.

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@hmmoookay can you share more about what you are doing with baking soda and coffee? this seems cool

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On a base level, I am simply adding a bit of it to my coffee after I'm done brewing it. I usually do pour overs / aeropress which, I guess I never really thought about it, actually helps to decrease acidity already because the water contact is pretty short rather than sitting with the grounds like a coffee maker.

What I have thought about trying though, and I think I will later today when I get home from work, is mixing the baking soda in with the grounds and then carrying out the pour over process. I wanna try this for two reasons. 1. In theory, it should do the exact same thing as mixing it after the fact in terms of helping reduce acidity, which in turn helps my stomach. 2. From a brewing standpoint, I'm curious as to if the bubbly reactive nature of water to baking soda has any effect on bloom and overall brew time because of how active it would make the grounds relative to their normal gas releases.

I read through this website the other day and while there seem to be a number of ways to reduce acidity for both taste and sensitive stomach, baking soda seems to be doing the trick for now so I'm gonna keep rolling with it.

https://mybigfatgrainfreelife.com/2023/06/how-to-make-coffee-alkaline.html

I was using baking soda with water for a brief period of time and it was wild how noticeable it was when I would piss. It became soothing. The difference in acidity was remarkable. I stay away from it now because I need to chill on sodium consumption, but may try it with coffee just for fun.

[hmmoookay]

One last baking soda coffee update so I don't derail the thread further; not worth trying to mix in the baking soda with the grounds for brew. Way too much carbonic acid fizzing around in combination with the natural gas release of the grounds themselves. Not worth it. As I mentioned I make pourovers, I would by no means try this in an automatic coffee maker, that would probably be a huge mess.

In conclusion; a bit of baking soda in your already brewed morning coffee can appear to go a long way when it comes to sensitive stomachs. Def worth trying out, especially for us pals in this specific thread who may have stomach issues/sensitivities stemming from, possibly, our past habits.

[Freelancevagrant]

I got sober in 2015 at the behest of my ex-wife. We split up in the tail end of 2022 and if I’m being honest with myself, I think I only stayed sober through last year out of a hope she would take me back. Now at this point it’s abundantly clear I will never be in her life again and it’s been a serious struggle to not drink myself to death. Everyday is an eternity. But still sober.