Congratulations on your 30 days alcohol free; that is a real accomplishment and you can be proud! I am not an expert but from my experience, I can say that I certainly used substitute drinks during "the witching hour" to curb my urges. I didn't use non-alcoholic wine or beer but I used other drinks like a virgin Caesar and Perrier with lime. I am on Day 83 and I have found that my urges, although still there from time to time, are much diminished and I don't feel such a need for a substitute. But I understand that the timelines are different for everyone.
That is fantastic that you have lost weight and feel great, that must be very motivating. Keep up the excellent work and I will look forward to hearing more about your progress.
I just finished 30 days alcohol free. I have tried and failed many times before. The difference for me this time was that I did not try to change my routine of having a drink in her afternoon or a few every evening. I decided instead to replace my alcoholic beverages with the same non-alcoholic version. It is such a routine in my life that I figured it would be easier this way. I ordered a variety case of non alcoholic beer online as well as purchasing dealcoholized wine and champagne. This has helped me immensely to get off of my addiction to the alcohol itself but now I need to figure out a way to break the habit of drinking. I've tried going for a walk/run when I get stressed out but still feel the need to have a non-alcoholic beer at the end of the day. I'm wondering how long it will be until I no longer get these urges. I know that I'm no longer dependant on the alcohol but is what I'm doing still dangerous? (By the way I feel great and have lost 10 pounds and most of my bloated gut). I did his 10 years ago when I quit smoking by pretend smoking plastic straws and it worked for me. I still craved the habit for about 3 years but eventually it went away and I have zero desire for a cigarette now ever.
