The continuing support thread for living alcohol-free. Everyone welcome.

[Blackberryblossom]

Hello and welcome to the alcohol free support thread. Many thanks to @wendywagon for holding the reins on the last thread, and to drybird for starting the original thread about 3 years ago.
We’re a broad community who have all chosen to live alcohol free for good. There’s support here whatever your stage on that journey. Whatever you’re going through, someone here will have gone through it too. Don’t be shy about posting, we love all the successes of whatever shape and size, and have all been there too when things get challenging.
Thank you too @rep22 @onewildandpreciouslife for offering to back up host too. I thought there was someone else but I can’t find the post.

Hello,
id like to rejoin please. Was AF for 3 months earlier this year with the help of an earlier thread and some books, but eased myself back in while
on holidays. This has been no good for me and today I have been very unwell after a huge night out, much of which is a blank. I also have a couple of stitches after a fall (so in A and E instead of at kids football..). This is a watershed for me. December will be hard but I have to do this now and stick with it. Thank you.

@FridayImInLove1 hello, I'm only a week ahead of you so I will hold your hand, if I may? I'm so sorry you've had a crappy weekend. I've been there many times, most notably with a ruptured ankle ligament and a broken wrist 😭. I hope you got a decent sleep last night.

What books have you read? I'm re-reading my mine for about the tenth time but still finding lots to chew on and take strength from.

Have a good day today, and be kind to yourself xx

Hello and welcome @FridayImInLove1 . How are you today?

Ok new thread up, I need to go over there and tag in people. We still have a bit of room left in this one too.

New thread is here Shiny new thread

there’s still a bit of space here too if anyone has any uplifting end of thread AF memes to share 😀

Thanks @helenahandcart78 and @Blackberryblossom for the welcome.

I feel very low today but I'll be ok. I have to meet my new boss and am so ashamed with stitches over my eye.. anyway. .. found the joy of being sober very good; but I've not yet read the follow- up. I listen to some podcasts like the tee total trail. A few more books or podcast recommendations would be great pls.

@helenahandcart78 thank u for holding my hand. Well done on getting through this weekend, with a roast dinner and all! We can do this.

Im looking forward to this new path and moving forward in my life without alcohol. I know 100% I can't moderate. I want a healthy life with love, compassion, kindness, and joy. And being more present in the moment. Bring it on. I feel horrible today but I know what road I'm taking from now on. Thx all for the supportive community. I will read this thread back later tonight to familiarise myself with ur stories - better start work now.

New thread alert as this one is nearly full https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/alcohol_support/4910596-the-continuing-support-thread-for-living-alcohol-free-every-day-everyone-welcome?reply=129618168

@FridayImInLove1 I once had to go to an important meeting with a black eye 🫣 Just brazen it out and tell them you got it while abseiling/kayaking/fighting off a bear 😁.

I totally understand that low feeling but this is not you. You've done 3 months which is fantastic! I've never gone that long before so hats off to you. 'You' are the person who is going to emerge over the next weeks and months. Happy, well-rested, and able to cope with the slings and arrows...

I love Sober is the new Black. Short but very much telling 'my' story. The Sober Diaries is excellent and funny, and one I think is called Drinking - A Love Story is a deeper, more nuanced read. I'm more into the memoirs than the factual stuff although Annie Grace does a mix of both. I'm currently reading Holly Whitaker's Quit like a Woman. Quite political and she pulls no punches but as you will see from my earlier posts I'm currently playing She-Ra to the wine witch's Skeletor (80s reference there !) so I'm the mood for sticking it to the man - or anyone actually 🤣

Get through today and know that it will be better tomorrow. Love and strength to you xx