Hello all
A shiny new thread for those that would like to give up alcohol forever and a shiny new OP. (twirls)
The wonderful Drybird started these thread a loooong time ago and I'm sure many of you will agree that it has made such a massive difference to the lives of those who have read them or posted on them. Drybird would like to take a little break from hosting the threads so asked me if I would start one this time. The suggestion was that we can take it in turns after that which I think is a great idea .
Anyone is welcome to join and post but please be aware that this thread is for those of us who want to give up alcohol completely. It doesn't matter if you are on day 1, week 6 or year 5 (and it doesn't matter how many day 1s you have), there just has to be an intention to let go of alcohol altogether. So please no talk of moderating or drinking at the present moment or in the future, it can be triggering for some of us. There are many other wonderful threads for those who would prefer to moderate and we wish you well. If you decide that total abstinence is for you then come back.
It doesn't matter what your reason is, if you feel like it's an issue then you are welcome. It really is a friendly bunch. I also want to say hello to all the lurkers who don't want to post for one reason or another and say I hope that these threads give you support too.
There are many threads before this so if you are new, do look back, there is always at least a link to the last one at the beginning of each. Every thread is rich with advice and support. I personally have felt held in so many ways by each and everyone who has posted and I don't feel I would be here at 1yr2 months sober without it. Post daily, hourly even if it helps or just dip in now and again when you feel the need. It's not always the easist thing to do but it is worth it and it is easier with a group as supportive as this. We are each other's cheerleaders and underatns where we are coming from when the times are tough.
Here is the link to the last one....
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/alcohol_support/4324737-Freedom-An-alcohol-free-thread-for-alcohol-free-people
These threads have been a lifesaver for so many of us with ideas from AF alternatives, Quit Lit suggestions to why our brains are wired the way they are and what tools we can learn to help us break free from the fog of alcohol. But most of all it's a lovely safe space where we can talk, vent, moan, ask questions, give advice and support each other. As we get to know each other there is also a lot of daily chat about what's going on in our lives - running, books, gardening, yoga and family. It really is a warm, welcoming and friendly space so do join in.
The suggestion to get this thread going is for everyone to have a think of what they gain from not drinking, what are the positives? Or if you are on day 1 then what is the thing you are most looking forward to? Let's let go of the idea that we are denying ourselves something or that we are living less than and list what we are gaining instead.
My main positive (in amongst all the fresh skin, clear head, lack of hangovers, lack of shame better health - physically and mentally, I could go on and on........) is the fact that I don't have the eternal converation in my head going round of whether to have a drink that day or not. I am (mostly) free from that and it is amazing!
So whether you are a regular or a newbie, do say hello and introduce yourself.
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Alcohol support
The Freedom Thread - Enjoying the positives of an alcohol free life
Breathmiller · 02/10/2021 18:47
September 17th 2020 was my last alcoholic drink
Just over a year AF
For those wishing to go AF I wish you luck, the positives seriously outweigh the negatives....you can do it 
@StopWineIng
I’m ashamed to say I’m back at day 1. I am so annoyed at myself. I managed 27 AF days, many social situations, a party with friends I haven’t seen in 2 years and I let a stressful week and dr’s appt let me give in.
My biggest mistake was not telling DH I wanted to stop forever. I have been finding it so easy as won’t drink when he is away anyway as I worry if the DC’s get ill in the night I won’t be able to drive them somewhere. The youngest has not been sleeping so it has made it easy on weekends to not want to add to how awful the sleep deprivation is making me feel.
DH bought me up flowers and a glass of wine last night and I drank it without a second thought, it was only when I sat there after finishing the bottle I though what the hell have you done 😢
So anyway. I’m an idiot. But I’m grateful that I actually didn’t feel too awful this morning, even after being woken up 6 bloody times.
Day 1. Again.
Positives of being AF… clear head, clear skin, more patience with the kids, less anxiety, more energy and better sleep.
Welcome to all the new people that have joined since I last checked in and well done to all those staying strong. I have read back on all the missed posts and hope those with health concerns and scans are all ok.
I’m drinking Coke Zero, waiting for my DH to cook dinner and have downloaded the Allen Carr audiobook to listen to next week on my dog walks.
27 days is amazing-well done
You're not an idiot
Tell those that you are closest to that you're stopping, there might be times where you have to refuse when there's a drink literally right in front of you
You'll do it, honestly you will
Good luck
@Sunflowersinthewind I’m so rubbish at getting my fruit and veg intake in! Think I need to get on the “ 10 a day “ thread 
[quote Adm1010]@Sunflowersinthewind I’m so rubbish at getting my fruit and veg intake in! Think I need to get on the “ 10 a day “ thread [/quote]
Oh do join in.
It's been quiet so I thought maybe I'd knock it on the head.
But it has made massive difference to me.
I don't manage every day but I do now keep a note on my phone and add to it as I go through the day. I find myself adding much more fruit and veg in now.
Well done @SoberSept21 you managed that wobble very well. I'm continuing to read Quit lit or just books about alcohol to continue to remind myself how important sobriety is. That bloody wine witch suggested earlier (when I was pouring my lemonade into a lovely wine glass) that I should have 'a' glass of wine because 'I've done so well with my sobriety'. How absolutely screwed up is my head ffs. I just told her (the Wine Witch) to Fuck Right Off. Pretending to be my friend when she's actually evil and toxic. Right rant over. I hope you have a lovely relaxing non alcohol sleep. And a genuine high five for beating your trigger
Hi @adm1010 I think what you are describing is contentment. Properly Zen. How lovely, good on you. That's where I want to be. Enjoy your Zen evening and embrace it.
I believe contentment and being Zen is overrated anyway @adm1010
@iamyourequal glad you had a lovely family meal yesterday. I too cringe at my past behaviour and my planning of how I could avoid driving for that extra drink. It's so great that we no longer have to be like that and have recognised it.
I'm in bed and looking forward to reading my book (not Quit Lit I save that for audible when I'm walking) after a long day working. I'm just pondering something though, a friend said to me a few days ago that my energy seemed low and didn't seem myself (she doesn't know about me stopping drinking and this conversation occurred after an exercise class) I just said I was exhausted, it's bothering me a bit though because I'm not sure I will ever be particularly high energy again and scared of losing myself or perhaps I'm finding myself 
. End of ponder. Sleep well and 'see' you all in the morning
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