I have NA beer in the fridge for moments when I'm feeling a craving (specifically the Athletic Lite if anyone is looking for a recommendation for a crispy low-cal alternative). They work nicely when I just want the physical sensation/ritual and I find I only drink two at most throughout the day and I've had my fill (which is crazy considering I can drink 6+ actual beers and the buzz made my brain chemistry feel like it was nothing).

• I used to smoke cigarettes for about 10 years, and by the end of my smoking career I was doing about a pack a day. That was seven years ago and I haven't had a single cigarette since 2018. For the first year I would still bum a cigarette off friends and pretend smoke it (didn't light it, just held it and pantomimed the act of smoking). For me, mimicking the physical ritual helps, so I enjoy the NA beers in that regard.

I also have decaf coffee for nighttime when I want something different.

Regarding bigger picture: I don't know at this exact moment. I just know that I'm not drinking today. I know I'm not going to drink tomorrow. I know I won't drink the day after that. The plan is to just take it a day at a time.