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Alcohol support

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

985 replies

Lavrander · 20/11/2025 06:58

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.

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CarrotSeeds · 28/11/2025 14:01

@WendyWagon all the best for tomorrow. Hope you are up and about in no time ❤️

FiloPasty · 28/11/2025 16:49

If you can pick up winter spice ribena with hot water it’s not a bad mulled wine dupe :)

strength and courage for the weekend shipmates

REP22 · 28/11/2025 17:19

FiloPasty · 28/11/2025 16:49

If you can pick up winter spice ribena with hot water it’s not a bad mulled wine dupe :)

strength and courage for the weekend shipmates

That's a lovely one @FiloPasty I had that last year.

I'm a devil for the Vimto as well. x

Carpetburn · 28/11/2025 18:42

@Lavrander that does sound hard. But irritation rather than envy is no bad thing. My DH barely drinks so that’s not an issue in my house but the poor sod does a multitude of other things that irritate me. This has eased since I started HRT!!!😃
@ShyMaryEllen thanks for the Vit B1 tip. Totted up my weekly units and think I’m definitely in repair and care territory.
@WendyWagon hope all goes well tomorrow x
Day 5 done.

postcard · 28/11/2025 19:27

@WendyWagon best wishes for tomorrow. Rest well tonight.

taylorean · 28/11/2025 19:38

Brilliant @FiloPasty :

"drank the whole bottle went to bed and woke up feeling great"

😁

Onewildandpreciouslife · 28/11/2025 20:42

All the best for tomorrow @WendyWagon x

Womanshour · 28/11/2025 20:43

Good luck tomorrow @WendyWagon x

EastCoastDamsel · 28/11/2025 21:16

Good luck for tomorrow @WendyWagon

elusivehope · 28/11/2025 21:38

Warmest wishes for you tomorrow from me too @WendyWagon ! Thinking of you.

wonkymumbun · 28/11/2025 21:58

All the best for you tomorrow @WendyWagon, thinking of you and strength to you all- we can do this together ❤️

NotTonightDeidre · 28/11/2025 22:55

New here. Just wondering how the hell I'm going to navigate Christmas.

Support thread for anyone trying to lead an Alcohol free life - Winter 25
Onewildandpreciouslife · 29/11/2025 06:54

Morning all.
Welcome @NotTonightDeidre and congratulations on your first month!

Christmas sober isn’t easy, but it is possible. It’s often a question of planning- what have you found works for you so far? We are all in this together, so we’ll get there!

Carpetburn · 29/11/2025 07:35

@NotTonightDeidre Welcome! I am back in early sobriety but did an AF Christmas last year. I think it depends what your Christmas looks like on how you plan for it. Last year I kept lunch a quieter affair than usual which I actually really enjoyed. I’m doing the same this year and looking forward to it. I’ve got 2 Christmas parties to navigate which I’m a bit more worried about. But I might just not go to them!

Lavrander · 29/11/2025 08:16

Morning all,
Wishing the best for you today @WendyWagon

Welcome @NotTonightDeidre. You've got through those first few tough weeks. Write down now if you haven't already all the reasons you want to stay sober. Also what will you gain from drinking over Christmas? Vs what will you gain from not?
Lots of AF choices in the shops now so you can still feel part of the action without the grogginess, hangxiety etc.
For me, I'm having AF Bloody Mary in the morning, also buying some Thomson and Scott 0% sparkling, AF amaretto for the evening. And like I would have done with regular fizz - I am stocking up properly so I'm not tempted with the other stuff.

Christmas decorations coming down from the loft today and I'm also off to the gym in a bit. Haven't yet had a word with husband. If rugby is on today I shall need to.

OP posts:
mumzof4x · 29/11/2025 10:57

@NotTonightDeidre lots of useful advice on here and welcome.
I did Christmas AF for the first time in decades last year and was around a month into being AF at the time. I look back and can honestly say “do I have memories of Christmas being ruined or terribly strained through craving the bubbly ?” No
I do remember it was a lot easier as I was a month in by Christmas though plus I spent a fortune on AF alternatives .
I remember thinking a few times how badly I needed a drink but reminded myself it would last 12 minutes max.
My advice would be to play the tape forward …..play both sides…. How do you want your life to feel in January? How will you feel if you don’t drink or if you do?
You absolutely can do this. You show up for you every day because you are so worth it.
Blimey I’ve clearly been reading too much quit lit !!
Ive lapsed over the summer but today I will choose not to drink with you x

Carpetburn · 29/11/2025 11:17

Had my feeling a bit hurt this morning. Told a friend I’m not drinking. Explained how awful it makes me feel and it’s really affecting my sleep and causing massive anxiety. She said “you’re always doing this. Going on these health kicks without thinking about anyone else. Why can’t you just do dry January?

Kipperandarthur · 29/11/2025 11:24

Carpetburn · 29/11/2025 11:17

Had my feeling a bit hurt this morning. Told a friend I’m not drinking. Explained how awful it makes me feel and it’s really affecting my sleep and causing massive anxiety. She said “you’re always doing this. Going on these health kicks without thinking about anyone else. Why can’t you just do dry January?

That is a very selfish friend indeed. IGNORE.

FiloPasty · 29/11/2025 11:33

@Carpetburn wtf, that says an awful lot more about your friend. Not helpful at all, what did you respond? We need to think of some witty one liners for you x

@Lavrander wheres the 0 amaretto from? Last night I tried the 0% Captain Morgan £12 in sainsburys and it’s great. My non bar is coming along nicely.

Welcome @NotTonightDeidre thr first month was the hardest for me so you’re in great stead for a successful Christmas.

postcard · 29/11/2025 12:00

@Carpetburn wow, your friend, what an undermining thing to say. You’re doing this for yourself and trust in yourself that you can.

@WendyWagon I hope things are going along smoothly for you at the hospital.

Welcome @NotTonightDeidre

Carpetburn · 29/11/2025 12:01

Thanks @Kipperandarthur its quite out of character for her which is why I was a bit taken aback. She’s had awful perimenopause symptoms like me so I thought she would get it. But I wonder if she’s not doing very well herself hence being a dick! It’s definitely been a boozy friendship but it’s always been ok before when I’ve had breaks. I’ve always been a gym/exercise/fitness fad person who goes through phases of being super healthy/quite healthy/unhealthy!
@FiloPasty i didn’t really know what to say! So I just said “I’m doing dry winter”. And that was the end of it.
Also treated myself to 0% gin with my shop this morning. Have tried it before and thought I’d take advice of others and stock up on AF drinks options.

Onewildandpreciouslife · 29/11/2025 12:04

Wow, just wow @Carpetburn . Why is what is in your glass so important to them?

Lavrander · 29/11/2025 15:48

Lyres alcohol free amaretto @FiloPasty- they stock it in Ocado.

OP posts:
Carpetburn · 29/11/2025 19:48

Evening shipmates. Hope your Saturdays have been peaceful and your evenings are the same.
Haven't heard from my friend but will steer clear for a bit. I’m feeling less wounded now tbh. We have got into some right states together in the past and I think it’s probably far more about her and I was just the target in the moment. I’ve tried my 0% gin tonight and quite like it although interestingly 1 is enough!

FiloPasty · 29/11/2025 20:02

@WendyWagon i hope it’s all gone well today x