Support thread for those trying to lead an alcohol free life - Autumn 25

[Lavrander]

Hello and welcome!

This thread is for anyone who is genuinely trying to live an alcohol-free life. It was first set up by @drybird and has grown into a safe, supportive space to share thoughts, ask advice, swap experiences, or simply check in as we give up and keep off the booze.

There’s no judgment here – just kindness and encouragement. Whether you post every day, once in a while, or just read along quietly, you’re part of the group. Many of us have found this thread invaluable, whether brand new to abstaining or years into AF life.

Wherever you are on the journey, someone here will have been there too. Don’t be shy about posting – we love celebrating successes of all shapes and sizes, and we’ll support you through the tougher times as well.

The only thing we ask is that your aim is complete abstinence. If your goal is moderation, there’s an a long-running thread for that in this board that will be a better fit for you. That doesn't mean that slips don't happen, and we'll support you in picking yourself back up and carrying on, cheering you on as you do.

Living alcohol-free isn’t always easy in today’s world, but it is absolutely worth it. And you don’t have to do it alone – we’re here to help each other realise just how good AF life can be.

@taylorean 300 days is fantastic. I think I’ll be day watching until I’ve completely my mission of a year that I set myself but after that I’m hoping I just don’t need to count or be so obsessed with the numbers as I currently am. I think I need to join the fitness and finances thread!

@ShyMaryEllen thinking of you today, I hope it’s good news x

Morning @Lavrander I do like a potter around Waitrose occasionally but try and only go when I’ve already been shopping so I don’t just throwing everything in the trolley.

Not to be obtuse @Goandygo why was drinking on holiday a good thing?

I can’t quite get going today, more coffee needed I think :)

Thanks, @REP22. I've been and come back.

It was a trainee doing the scan, and he was being supervised, so when I asked if there was anything to worry about he did the 'We send the results to the doctors' thing. They are all supposed to do that, but most of them will say something on the lines of 'not at first glance, but we have to do the necessary and your doctor will be in touch'. So I'm no wiser until I get a letter, which takes ages. Having said that, if there is something to worry about I will probably hear fairly quickly. I hate this.

I feel a bit sore, which is unusual after an US, but that could be because the sonographer was inexperienced and pressed harder than normal. For the first time ever, I think I can feel my liver though. It's been like that for a couple of weeks - not real pain, just a slight pressure under my ribs on the right hand side. That wasn't the case even when I first stopped drinking and my LFTs were insane. I can only hope that this is something else, or some sort of warning, and that I still have time to slow things down. I'm very scared though, and these things are all the worse knowing they are self-inflicted.

Waiting is tough @ShyMaryEllen i also hate it when they prolong the worry. As you say at least say something to calm the nerves a little. Hope the rest of your day is more restful x

Afternoon all.

Fingers crossed @ShyMaryEllen . I had the same at the heart scan, not a dicky.

I hope you get good news, @WendyWagon.

My day has gone from bad to worse😂. I'm drinking beetroot juice, as I've mentioned. I like the taste, it is apparently good for the liver, and it was reduced in Sainsbo's so what's not to like? Apart from the lavatorial implications (which are horrifying and last for days) the blasted stuff stains what it touches, so you have to be very careful when pouring it out of the carton, and of course the nanny brigade has insisted the things have those God-awful caps that attach to the box. I spent ages mopping up rings on the worktop and the base of the glass, which has a dent in the bottom, presumably so you can swill brandy or whisky around it. Anyway, after drinking it I went to an embarrassing exercise class (I told you I was taking this rehabilitation seriously!) and made a total prawn of myself. I didn't realise quite how unfit I am, or that anyone could be so uncoordinated. My fellow keep--fatters were, like me, referred by a GP because we all have something the matter. I have asthma, some are obese, some walk with sticks, most are over 70, all are unfit. I was by far the worst at the exercises.

I got home and saw my face in the mirror. I have a red grin from the poxy beetroot juice, so I look like The Joker. I think I'll go and like in a darkened room.

@ShyMaryEllen had to stop reading at “keep-fatters” nearly wet myself laughing.

Ladies we are nearing the end of the thread. Would someone like to volunteer to host?

Oh yes good flag Wendy I had seen it creeping up. Anyone like to captain/ host? It's just setting up a new thread and welcoming new comers, keeping everything ship shape. It's very good for accountability as well :-)

@FiloPasty it's probably the way I've worded it. I meant after drinking so much on the first day, I didn't continue in the same vein. I only had a couple.
That for me is good.

@Goandygo yes I read it back and wondered. I used to think every Monday I’d quit and even read a stop drinking book once and quit for a couple of weeks it didn’t last but one sentence stuck with me along the lines of “The first drink is a choice” meaning that once you’ve done that it’s very hard to stop but if you don’t make that choice it can’t go wrong.

@FiloPasty, yes, I understand what you mean. For 165 days I made that choice and was doing really well.
Then holiday and well, I'm now back to square 1. But I'll do it.

It's not really the same as Day 1 though, is it? You've learned what you can do, and how much you can achieve, and you'll be better armed against pitfalls next time. And your body must be thanking you for the rest too. Don't be disheartened - it's just a little step back, not a 'back to square one' thing.

100% You’ve done the hard yards and I’m sure your body is thankful for it. I’ve got a long way to go to hit those sobriety milestones. I think holidays are much harder as there’s that I deserve to relax etc

Morning all.

Bad day yesterday. I'm afraid I had trifle and my gallbladder said no! 🙄

Keep away from the drinks isle, the offers are out.

Hi everyone.
Tech issues so not messaged until now.
Sad news about the trifle - I do love a trifle - in my top three.

Would anyone like to take over captaining for the next thread? If no takers I'll set one up and share.

I need to take a turn at the helm, but I'm not sure I'm the best choice just now. I'll stay below deck until next time, if that's ok?

I've ordered some Motherroot to arrive on Friday with my groceries. I have a fridge full of AF and slightly fancy small cans of soft drinks. Oh, and the beetroot juice. I'm certainly well-stocked when it comes to festive tipples.

Not ready to take the helm yet. Let me get some decent time under my belt.

wine witch is remarkably quiet just now.
25 days done.
I haven’t done 25 days since last April!
next target 50

Evening. Was quiet over weekend but am here! Listened to a podcast about perimenopause and alcohol and it resonated in terms of the science of decreasing oestrogen and liver having to work hard when you slosh booze all over it! Obvious of course but I’ve always been great at denial!
Ive been to gym and while I’m eating all the biscuits it seems a decent compromise right now.

What was the podcast @Carpetburn? I find that stuff really interesting (and motivating)

Morning all.
If you’re OK with hosting again @Lavrander I think that would be great - I’m not feeling up to it at the moment but hopefully I can take a turn on the one after!

Morning all.

Up and feeling better after the gallbladder fight with a trifle.
I had ginger cake last night and a blue top milk chaser!

I'm happy to do the next thread if needed. I thought I'd be going into hospital but no chance of that with a dodgy ticker. Any new meds will need three months observation.

No news on the farmhouse and we probably won't have until after the budget.

Morning all. I hit 9 months last week and really happy about that. Definitely the longest I have gone since I was 13, 31 years ago 😱

Started thinking more about my first sober Christmas and I am actually really looking forward to it. Usually I use the Christmas period (which I basically start now) as an excuse to drink way more than usual - lots of mulled wines and xmas gins. I drink most days over the Xmas holidays from mid afternoon and on xmas day my DH and I have bucks fizz when opening presents and thats it for the day - we are locked in. We never get hammered but its a long old day of drinking. And actually I feel like utter crap most of the time! Excited for a year where I am out walking or at the gym for alot of the time i would normally be drinking and when I am home I am actually present with the kids. I might have the odd wobble but determined to make it to the new year without breaking my sober streak 💪

@HorrorFan81 wow ! A massive congratulations on your 9 month sobriety. It's an amazing achievement 🥳
You've got the right attitude regarding Christmas. I've been successful thus far because of a mindset change. We don't have to think we're missing out by not drinking all day ( such fun. Not), but by what we're gaining.
You can do it 💪

Congratulations @HorrorFan81 what an achievement! 👏

That's brilliant @HorrorFan81! No point stopping now 🎉
One thing I think is so useful in this journey we are on is changing the mindset from missing out to actually being excited about all the things we can do and experience if we choose to just not have alcohol in our lives. When our culture dictates being hot and groggy alongside the festive fun; we can just choose the festive fun!