"YES it is SO worth it, YES it gets easier and YES we thought it was impossible as well - its not 😊" A thread for those embracing an alcohol free existence.

[Drybird2020]

Thanks to @Ravenswick for the quote in the title 😊. We are back for thread 5, and if you are just joining us, or thinking about it, you might want to have a read through its predecessors, which are full of useful tips, sound advice, stories and cautionary tales. You will absolutely, definitely find much that resonates, and talking regularly on here is a great way to stay sane and keep yourself accountable.

Thread 1
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/3781133-Anyone-else-stopping-completely-in-2020

Thread 2
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/3810419-Still-stopped-in-2020-a-thread-for-anyone-abstaining-from-alcohol

Thread 3 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/3910349-Staying-Stopped-Alcohol-Free-permanently

Thread 4
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/3965594-Forever-Free-a-life-without-booze-2020-onwards

The only "rules" are that you are committing to an alcohol free life, and that you have stopped drinking before you begin to post.

If you've been here for a while, you know what to do. Keep doing it! 😊

I thought it would be miserable. It’s not, it’s awesome! I’m literally the same person I was before, just better

...AAAAND there is our next thread title Congratulations @BunniesBunniesBunnies, fabulous job, and I feel exactly the same - I honestly expected to be teeth-clinchingly sad about giving up but its a gift - who knew?! Keep going all, it just gets better

@100percentme - yes, me too! Great name, by the way

That's a great new thread title for next time! It really is a gift we've given ourselves isn't it- that's a great way to look at it, thanks

Congratulations on the milestone @BunniesBunniesBunnies. That's awesome.

I know I had my blip in my mindset about using it alcohol as a sharp shot of relief from the problems I've got at the moment, but honestly, I have no qualms about never drinking again and I have this almost visceral reaction to the idea of having any now.

I had a nice weekend and I've got time off to look forward to now and that urgency to make the most of it

Congrats too @100percentme and welcome to the thread @writingsonthewall.

100percentme perfect name for your milestone. And yes, a great name to show that we are not 'less than' because we don't drink. In fact drinking numbed a big part of me. I can be more me!!

I have had a difficult day today, my teenage son had a seizure and we had an emergency ride in an ambulance. Its so scary, but I have absolutely no desire to drink tonight. And he is home and doing okay.

That's a lot going on @Breathmiller. I'm so glad your son is okay. And how are you?

Hope your son is ok @Breathmiller that must have been a fright for you all, hope you are ok tonight

So right about not being 'less' or having something missing for not drinking- I like how you put it like that. I do think alcohol stole bits of me, slowly, over time.

@Ulysses I've also had the odd time- grumpy teenager related - where I thought I needed a drink too, but then I stop and think- what do people who don't drink / never have drank do when they are faced with their grumpy teenager, and what would a drink really achieve for me, apart from initial numbness the situation would still be there. All the self- talk this involves! But on the whole I am finding it ok.

@Cyllie33 is so good to see you back and thank you for sharing so openly what happened. It is so helpful to me as a cautionary tale (and I am sure I'm not alone with that). I know if I had a drink that'd be me back to square one in no time, and I won't ever be able to fully relax because that will always be the reality. Vigilance seems to be a theme on this thread.

@BunniesBunniesBunnies congratulations on your six months sober birthday! And big hellos to @elsacragg and @Ulysses, lovely to see the old faces (you know what I mean)

@Hangingover go and write a screenplay, that's a great idea

@Hiccupiscal if you're still around, don't be put off by people seeming so far on, new people join regularly and absolutely everyone has been where you are and can remember it clearly and will be happy to help you.

I can relate to the down and doomy feelings about this interminable year and the miserable uncertainty of the situation. I've had the odd twinge for a drink; not exactly a craving but a momentary feeling linked to another sensory experience, like coming in from a blustery walk I suddenly wanted a a nip of sloe gin. But I this is my first sober Autumn so I guess moments like that are part of the ride.

I'm posting a bit less often because my phone is buggered and I have to use a PC which takes a bit more doing (hectic household). But I'm reading the thread every day and loving that you are all there and that we are doing this together.

Hope you’re okay @Breathmiller that sounds scary!

Thanks everyone. I'm okay thanks for asking Ulysses

I had an adrenaline rush this morning that saw me through what needed to be done when he was having the seizure. Then I go into ultra calm coping mode. Then I had a drop this afternoon when i just wanted to sleep when we got home. Feeling a bit more balanced this evening. He might be a 6 ft 17 year old lad but I am staying in my room right next to his with the doors open right now. Not smothering him by being right next to him you understand but not quite able to go downstairs and be out of earshot.

I have a visit to my mum tomorrow so another emotional rollercoaster of a day. But I am glad to get through it all without booze. It does make all these things easier to cope with.

I seem to have had a shit couple of weeks, every time I'm off work I have either had a bad cold, put my back out (twice) then this. It MUST be time for an easy time next week!

Drybird2020 I was thinking the same that we need to have ideas of winter drinks. Fake gin and tonic and fruity AF cider is fine for warmer weather but winter treats are different. My friend used to always make me an AF ginger wine and I used to like it in a small glass like a sherry. I might try to buy some somewhere. Any other ideas?

@Breathmiller so glad your son is ok. And I really hope things get easier for you - sounds like you're due a break.

@BunniesBunniesBunnies I remembered this morning it was your 6 month soberversary. Massive congratulations to you! Absolutely fantastic

I've just got caught up from the last thread. Love the shiny new thread -great title!

Sending a hug @Breathmiller, glad he is okay xx
Congrats @BunniesBunniesBunnies!!! Amazing!!!!

Gosh @Breathmiller glad he’s okay

Thanks @Drybird2020 - I was unsure whether to return to the thread and appreciate that. Y’know it made me realise drinking never never makes things better than not not drinking does.

Re: winter drinks - good point! I wonder if making an af mulled wine might be the only way of actually getting an af wine that doesn’t taste like sugary vinegar??

Thanks everyone. We're back in as he had another one.
He is a vulnerable adult as he has a learning disability so thankfully I am able to stay with him right now.

Well done @BunniesBunniesBunnies

Sorry for your troubles @breathmiller you're really going through it at the moment

Thinking of you @Breathmiller and sending you both all good wishes.

Thanks everyone. To keep the thread on track, it occurred to me that had I been drinking I may not have been able to get to the hospital with my son as I'm not allowed in the ambulance at the moment, so had to drive behind it. So glad i didn't have to sit at 4am and tot up how many units I had had and whether I could drive or not.

I will pop in during the day as he sleeps and hear all your wonderful stories of sobriety.

Thinking of you Breathmiller stay strong. . I’ll be on and catch up with everyone later.

Yes @Breathmiller, the novelty of being able to drive at any moment still hasn't worn off, but it's even more important in a situation like yours. I'm glad you were able to stay with your son. Hope you're both home soon

Really must learn to drive.

Sorry you’re going through all of this @Breathmiller. How are things tonight? Sending good vibes to you and yours

Just checking in. @Breathmiller hope you’re okay!

Guys, sober October mornings are the best. Went for a run this morning and look at it

Hang in there @Breathmiller

Morning all, making the most of the sunshine here too, AF life rocks, how did I find the time to drink?! Hope everyone is ok...

That looks gorgeous @Cyllie33. You are really fortunate if that’s in jogging distance from your house. There is little but more houses anywhere near me. I’d need to drive 15mins first (Maybe that explains me being a lazy couch potato!) . Good on you getting out and running in it. Any update @Breathmiller? I hope your boy is doing well and home with you soon.