Haven't had any alcohol so far this year,
Indeed that's very well done.
though might be forced into having one tonight
Don't ever let anyone force you into screwing over your liver. Stay firm and strong and you'll also be a shining example for your littel un! Lots of evidence to prove it swerves our kids after seeing how/what we do...
My ex best mate/cousin is now probably the owner of a knackered liver. Learnt/encouraged to drink with/by him many years ago. But equally I taught/encourage him to smoke weed so am just as bad. Quit the week about 20 years prior and then ciggies about 2017 after a nasty chest/heart infection.
So, first the alcohol!! Didn't touch it after parting ways with him over 20 years ago. In the last few years I tried to get back in touch with him but each time I called he was intoxicated. Eventually gave up trying to bring him back into my life as I'm easily influenced. Alhamdulillah, not touched that crap (sorry) for long enough that I'm still reasonably healthy as I tick over the 50 year mark in a year or 3. Don't miss it one bit and only ever really have poor memories of being too pissed!
Cannabis, that really was a tough one. Probably linked to my frustrating (unknown at the time) dyslexia and was my way of mellowing out. Loved it to the core but knew it'd mess my lungs one day. Gave it up well over 12 years ago with a blip or two here n there. Stopping smoking altogether was the toughest!
Eventually weaned off smoking after 30 years of trying. Too much vaping combined with hard cycling and I eventually got a heart infection (outer 2 layers of the heart... the inner layer usually the dept of IV drug users and they don't live long after, sadly), probably from my dirty/smoky lungs. Since 2017 have battled with at least 2 pneumonias a year.
I know they were pneumonia cos I work with it. Countless (slightly smaller) chest infections and Dec til Jan of 2022/23 I told the wife this is probably my last. I was quite literally at deaths door and it (the pneumonia/chest inf) lasted almost 6 weeks or longer. Thankfully having given up after that initial stay on the coronary care unit, played it's role (again, All Praise to Allah), The One) and this December managed the Rapha500 in a one-er.
Usually the 100 milers a time, of winter riding have been leaving me worse for wear. But this December I managed a 1 degree c ride to Lndon and then that 310 miler a couple weeks later. Last time I ever smoked was when I'd met my other mate after a (full) year of abstaining. Reminded me that people like me couldn't/don't quit, so I had a 'rolly'. Drive back home of 12 miles was the hardest of my life and I've never touched again.
Additionally, I also never went to see him ever again, but no hard feelings. Sometimea you just have to let go of seemingly good friends/family for your own liver/lungs. Hope that helps....
Shafiq