I've Got A Drinking Problem

[Jeremy]

OK, the title is a tad misleading. I DO have a drinking problem, but luckily it's just in regards to pop. As good as it is that it isn't one of the other addictions, it's still a problem and I need help nonetheless.

Being 25, I've grown up always having pop around. My mom always had plenty of soda in the fridge and my sister is about as addicted to it as I am. Things could be much worse, but I'd like to solicit advice from those that have kicked the habit.

As background - I used to drink only regular Coke, but about three years ago decided to stop drinking all regular sodas and switched to Diet Coke. Once Coke Zero came out, I switched to that. Once Cherry Coke Zero came out, I switched again. Might I add; Cherry Coke Zero is darn good - although it has to be extremely cold as it gets a weird taste when warm, like most sodas.

I drink anywhere from 4 - 10 pops a day and can't seem to stop myself. I like water and all but just can't seem to reach for anything but the trusty Coke line of addictionaide. I've noticed over the past couple years that I've gained quite a bit of weight and I would contribute most, if not all, of it to the pop drinking.

Anyways - what advice does anybody have for somebody with little self control when it comes to drinking soda? I've tried reminding myself of the health side-effects but to no avail. I'm sure there are bigger problems to worry about but this is one that I personally want to tackle as soon as possible.

Thanks!

[CTAClone]

Drink more beer.

[Angie]

Your sister is kicking her addiction, thankyouverymuch. My New Year's Resolution was only two Diet Coke's/day, and I'm below that! Just drink Propel - healthier and delicious.

[cybsball20]

Honestly, exercise more. When I'm not active I always think I need a pop to get some caffiene or just 'crave' it. When I am exercising alot it seems all I want is water and don't really have the need for caffiene any more...

[balken]

Your sister is kicking her addiction, thankyouverymuch. My New Year's Resolution was only two Diet Coke's/day, and I'm below that! Just drink Propel - healthier and delicious.

Don't you mean TYVM?

[CyinCo]

Holy crap! 4-10 pops per day?

Do you need the soda for the caffiene? If so, have you thought about tea?

Or, if you just need something to drink, how about the low cal fitness waters on the market like Propell?

[Angie]

Don't you mean TYVM?

LOL - IDK. UR funny.

[IcSyU]

I think it's terrible but I know a bunch of people who live and die by Vitamin Water instead of pop.

[balken]

Honestly, exercise more. When I'm not active I always think I need a pop to get some caffiene or just 'crave' it. When I am exercising alot it seems all I want is water and don't really have the need for caffiene any more...

I agree with cybsball on this one. Also, I kicked the pop habit cold turkey. Anytime I was tempted, I convinced myself to drink an alternative. I still drink a lot of iced tea, so I am still on caffeine, but I rationalize that it is better than soda.

[CTAClone]

Your sister is kicking her addiction, thankyouverymuch. My New Year's Resolution was only two Diet Coke's/day, and I'm below that! Just drink Propel - healthier and delicious.

I've never enjoyed soda. I'll get one for lunch with one of those combo meals every place has but never go out and buy one by itself. All my father ever drinks is soda, I've never seen him drink water. What I've never understood is people buying those giant big gulps full of soda. How can you drink so much of it?

Sorry, there was no advice here, but I've never quit anything.

[CYdTracked]

I've been trying to cut down on the ammount of pop I drink. Back in High School and college I drank way too much of it, a couple years ago I switched to diet and that probably helped me lose around 15-20 pounds cutting all those calories out of my diet. Now I'm trying to show more restraint by having water more often at lunch or not buying that afternoon pop at work as much. I will probably never give up my morning can of Diet Mt. Dew as I just need that caffiene boost in the morning but I would like to consistently only be having 2-3 pops a day. Some days I actually am doing that now, even had a few that my morning Dew was the only thing I had for the day.

It's hard to kick, I think gradually weaning yourself down to less each day might make it easier to quit altogether if that is your goal.

[dmclone]

I have the same problem with diet mountain dew. One on the way to work, one before lunch (20oz), one after lunch (20oz), and one when I get home. I guess 4 isn't that bad. I'll have probably 6 on the weekend.

[arganbright2]

Two things may help you

There is actually a drug produced in the United States that eliminates the taste of carbonation. That is actually the primary use of the drug. I can't quite think of the name of it but they were talking about it on Bob and Tom this morning.

When I wanted to quit drinking pop, I drank All Sport, which was basically carbonated gatorade. I forced myself to drink it all the time (10-12 bottles per week) for about a month and a half. After that, the taste of a Pepsi literally made me sick to my stomach. I don't know why, but I haven't had (or wanted to have) a pop in a few years.

[Angie]

I've never enjoyed soda. I'll get one for lunch with one of those combo meals every place has but never go out and buy one by itself. All my father ever drinks is soda, I've never seen him drink water. What I've never understood is people buying those giant big gulps full of soda. How can you drink so much of it?

Sorry, their was no advice here, but I've never quit anything.

I used to drink a 2-liter just during the school day. I think it's my insomniac thing - not a coffee fan, so the caffeine helps keep me up. I'm down to about 18 - 20 oz/day. Just enough to keep away a headache. I drink a TON of grape Propel, though.

[tejasclone]

You might also try a somewhat sugerish substitute but that is a bit healthier, like Crystal Light lemonade. I recommend raspberry.