The support thread for anyone trying to live an alcohol free life. Spring 2025.

[WendyWagon]

Hello and welcome.
These threads were started by drybird in 2020 and have gone on to support many people to give up alcohol and live a sober life.
We are not a moderarion thread and only encourage sobriety. There is another long running thread if that's what you feel is right for you. Lots of support there.
We have newbies and veterans, some who have 5+ years under their belts.
We share life's up and downs (often why we drank) and no question is too silly.
Personally I gave up drinking three years ago. It's the hardest thing I've done and the best thing.
We call our selves sober sisters and even have a mascot, Sid the ship's dog.
He poses often for a cheer up picture.
We're not here to judge, just offer support and friendship.
It gets better I promise.

Hi ! mumzof4 being selfish, it’s very reassuring that you are brave enough to come back, and very lovely to see the warm welcome. I’m on day 2 again, if it helps. We can do it!
IWNDWYT

Thanks @Healthynow
This thread was always so supportive and it’s really helpful sharing the ups and downs of our sober journeys.
Im there all the way with you onwards and upwards x

Ahoy inspirational shipmates.
I will not drink today.

I've realised that I give myself what I want rather than what I need far to much. I know from experience that what I need does become what I want after a while, if I change my habits. Sorry if this sounds like a riddle.

Sending kind thoughts and lifeboats to any that need them.
I am grateful for this opportunity to improve my life. 🧜‍♀️

Morning all.
I can host @WendyWagon if no one else wants to, although someone in a better place mentally might be better. It could be like Eeyore hosting a party!
@Healthynow you’re clearly going through a really tricky time with your FIL. I’m sorry- it’s really hard. Do you think it might be time to shake up your strategy on getting sober? Maybe try a real life group like SMART? Are you reading any quit lit? Keep posting here, obviously, but sometimes adding something new to your toolkit can break through the cycle. Hang in there x

@Onewildandpreciouslife That's a good suggest for @Healthynow to add some new strategy. I said earlier that for me I think a few things just happened to coincide which spurred me on - finding this thread, downloading TryDry, reading some quit lit, listening to some podcasts and discovering the wonderful non-alcoholic Martini. Then, after the first few days when the novelty started wearing off, I watched 'Rain in my Heart' (on iPlayer). I wouldn't have watched it before and it wasn't easy to watch, but it was really powerful and very sad. Some scenes are still branded on my brain and definitely put me off drinking if I'm tempted. Now I'm on Day 53 and aiming for 100. P.S. thanks for offering to host - I NEED this thread!

Good morning shipmates! Thank you @Onewildandpreciouslife - I think you would be an excellent captain 😃 If you ever feel it gets too much though, please do say. Part of our sobriety journeys is learning how to put boundaries in and knowing when to ask for help.

Good to see @mumzof4x and @Healthynow. I think it’s quite rare for someone to get long term sobriety at the first attempt. It’s taken me 7 years to get this far. Don’t be me, kids!

ETA massive thanks to Cap’n Wendy for her magnificent steering the good ship through sometimes choppy waters. Clear seas will lie ahead. And farmhouse updates please.

Morning all.

High drama with the BFF today.
She's leaving the fascist but she's going to have to have help from us (again).
Blinking men.

Thank you @Onewildandpreciouslife for offering to host. Please link when we get to the last few messages. I think you'll be an excellent captain. I'm happy to do another turn later in the year but I need to concentrate on the takeover at work.

@FaithHopeCarnage I will indeed let you know re the victorian lovely.

I think we have about 18 posts left before the thread is full so will start a new one this evening. Off to do A Grim Task for the day!

Good morning shipmates.

So sorry you had a slip @mumzof4x - be kind to yourself. Most of us have been there and know how wretched it is. It will be OK. You're still marching on, which is strong and brave. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Poor Sid has not had a good couple of days. He hasn't been out in the full sun, but I think it's the heat that's done for him. Both ends in the night, downstairs and up. I will procure him some roast chicken for his supper. He's relieved of deck-swabbing duties for today. He did get a few hours sleep and his belly isn't gurgling like it was, so hopes are high.

Look after yourselves. Strength and courage. xx

Thanks @REP22and sending hugs to Sid ! My pooch has a black wool coat and it’s been a challenge trying to keep him cool. He was very non understanding when I sprayed him with the garden hose !

Morning, chums!

Many thanks to @WendyWagon for her hosting stint, and all good wishes for the farmhouse move. It sounds enviable.

Thanks also to @Onewildandpreciouslife for offering to take over, and commiserations to our cabin boy and mascot, Sid. I hope he makes a full recovery very soon.

Chin up to the lapsers. We've all been there, so don't be deterred. I think the realisation that moderation is not for the likes of us is a very important stage. After eight years I was certain that I was 'cured' and would be able to have an occasional drink (and did, in very controlled circumstances, such as a toast at a wedding) but when I found out I am not as ill as I'd been told I decided to try being a 'social drinker' and very quickly discovered that I can't - it's all or nothing, and nothing is by far the better choice. I was disappointed in myself, but now I know, so it's all a learning curve.

I’ve started a new thread - hopefully this is the link

Nope - not working! It looks right when I preview the message but it disappears when I post it 😡

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/alcohol_support/5360678-continuing-support-thread-for-those-trying-to-live-an-alcohol-free-life-summer-2025 This is the link to the new thread.