Support thread for anyone trying to lead an Alcohol free life - Winter 25

[Lavrander]

Hello and welcome!
This thread is for anyone who is 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 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 or a break, there are a couple of really good threads on this board that will be a better fit. That doesn't mean that slips don't happen, and we'll support you in picking yourself back up and carrying on.

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.

Good morning! Just checking in to the new thread. It’s freezing! I’m still in bed and cozy enough but the heating hasn’t kicked in yet, and any extremities that poke out from under the duvet know about it ⛄️

Morning all!
Thanks for the new thread @Lavrander

Morning all.
Thanks @Lavrander

Checking in shipmates 🫡

Thank you so much for doing the new thread @Lavrander you are a wonder 🥰

@Lavrander thanks for the new thread, I’m so glad I found it and the support I’ve received.
Day 70 today - for any lurkers needing the kick up the bum to quit, I’ve lost 1.5 stone, I’m happier and I’d hope much healthier. It’s so worth it, the first bit is the hardest, but if I can do it, anyone can.
Is anyone else watching I’m a celeb? I thought Lisa Riley was very brave talking about her sobriety last night x

I haven't watched it yet @FiloPasty
I like to fast forward through the adverts. Do like a bit of celeb.

We're docked ready for boarding if you'd like to sail @Carpetburn@EastCoastDamsel@FaithHopeCarnage@Freedombeckonsme@HorrorFan81@LillyPJ@NorthernDancer@REP22@Swimfreak@TwoNicePuppies@Whenindoubthugitout@Womanshour@elusivehope@postcard@taylorean @wendywagon

Thanks @Lavrander - very much appreciated.

I've just downloaded the Try Dry app; going to give it a go.

Strength and courage my friends. xx

Morning all.
Thanks @Lavrander for the new thread.

@REP22 you’ll love it! I’m 1.5lb away from my next sticker in SW too very motivating and also helping my sobriety too.

I managed to gain 3 stone over the 8 years I was dry. To be fair, that included lockdown, and I was treated for a thyroid disorder for part of the time, but I was am very disgruntled 😡.

Thanks @Lavrander
Day 27
let’s go…..

@ShyMaryEllen sorry to hear that I’m actually only trying to lose the 3 stone I put on after my hypothyroidism diagnosis. I always wonder if it stopped working because of my boozing. Really does take a while to settle.

It's frustrating, isn't it? Mine was diagnosed in the first year of sobriety, so maybe it was caused by my systems getting confused. I eat reasonably well, and am not swilling huge amounts of wine calories, so in theory the weight should have dropped off, but it didn't - it piled on.

Hi all, thanks @Lavrander - hoping a new thread will continue to spur us all onwards!

Hello everyone, love and warm wishes to you all. Thank you for the new thread- I am still quietly lurking in the background and still read every single post every single day, but (almost) never post myself. Because of the heartwarming support I get from you all, I can say I am at day 323, and looking forward to my first ever AF Christmas as an adult. Thank you all, and know that all your love, support and kind wishes are very much reciprocated. You're all AMAZING x

I’d very much like to sail, thank you @Lavrander 🚢

Thanks for the thread @Lavrander !

On thr weight loss topic i lost 50lbs over 15 months or so. Previously when ive managed to lose weight it has gone on again quite quickly - 99% due to booze calories. Ive managed to maintain my loss now for 8 months despite eating a decent amount of chocolate. I am very active but even with my step count and gym work outs, if I had still been drinking I would have piled most of that 50lbs back on by now (and probably been really confused about it because I was 'eating healthy')

Hope you are all managing to stay warm 🥶

Wow that’s amazing @HorrorFan81 very impressive you must feel so different in yourself! Very inspiring, it’s definitely helping to keep me motivated.
Very very cold here, fire is on, which is a bit triggering for me as fire on, glass of wine a very ingrained habit. Might have to try hot ribena as a warming substitute.

Evening! Thanks @Lavrander for setting up the new thread. It's so cold I've put a vest on, plus my new fleecy lined trousers and my warmest jumper. My boiler is temperamental so I'm constantly on edge in case it throws a tantrum. On the plus side, I whizzed around this morning, got loads done and worked up a bit of a sweat!

Aha! I was scrolling down to find 'Page 39' so I could find the link to the new thread

But - this is the new thread!!! Thank you @Lavrander ❤

Thanks @FiloPasty - I do feel completely different!

Know what you mean about the red wine. I would usually infusing myself with mulled wine by now, I make a lovely one from scratch and have a pan full of it going from mid November onwards. I am embracing all the tea and hot chocolate instead and trying to avoid all the signs advertising mulled wine everywhere I go 😑

I do think the 0% reds would probably make a good substitute and one of the infusion bags. I am full of cold and feeling rubbish. No work today though so I’m going to laze on the sofa

Ahoy, shipmates! I was here before under a different name (Cuddles) but had tech ishoos and had to rejoin... Anyway, on Day 5 and, after four grim days of fatigue and rubbish sleep and crazy moods and wild dreams, I slept all last night through and am annoyingly perky this morning! 😜

I know from experience it's not a linear process, but I'll take the good where I can find it... I gave severe side-eye to the Christmas booze offers in the supermarket yesterday, I know that will be a challenge - alcohol and Christmas really are synonymous in the UK... But for me that always meant 'may as well start in November' and feeling sick and grim by mid-December...

But for those missing the mulled wine, I recommend the 'berry cordial' type drinks! As festive as mulled wine, as easy to make as hot Ribena, and you can drink it any time and drive home like a boss! 😇

And @Lavrander , thanks and respect due for taking the helm again! 🙏

You can buy 0% mulled wine. Belvoir do one, and Sainsbury's did their own last year, although I can't find it yet - maybe it's just on sale in December. The Belvoir one isn't marketed as 'wine' - it's something on the lines of 'spiced berry drink', but it amounts to the same thing. They are very drinkable. I've always taken them to the Christmas meeting of a group I attend in a Methodist church hall. They are very strict about not having alcohol on the premises, and there are drivers at the meeting, so the AF ones are ideal. I warmed it in a jug then poured it back into the bottles for transport. At home I pour it into a mug or Irish coffee glass and warm it in the microwave.