Calling time on wine: 100 days sober - starting 01/01/26

[reset100]

My wine drinking has slowly spiralled into a daily habit and I’m calling time on it. No drama, no rock bottom - just the realisation that it’s become a crutch and I want out of the swirl.

From 1st January, I’m committing to 100 days sober and I’d love others to join me. This isn’t about moderation or “just weekends” - it’s about a clean break and supporting each other to go completely alcohol-free for the full 100 days.

If alcohol has crept in as a daily default, if you’re tired of negotiating with yourself every evening, or if you simply want a proper reset with people who get it, you’re very welcome here.

No judgement. No pressure. Just accountability, honesty, and support.

Yes! Guinness 0.0% is great. It's what we have planned for tomorrow evening 🙂 I'm planning to grab a few fancy m&s nibbles on my lunch break too, to make it more of an event.

@freshstart2026what is it that you're worried about missing out on?
Try and view it as an experiment. Your brain is telling you that you need the drink to have a good time because of good times you've had whilst drinking. But was it the drink or the company/ environment that made it brilliant? What are you actually gaining through drinking vs gaining from not?
Our brains are tricksy when it comes to alcohol. You can absolutely do this.

Nearly caved tonight but poured a Trip drink instead!
Now watching Corrie and will head to bed soon.
Well done everyone!
we’ve got this x

Thanks all. I have terrible social anxiety (always have done) so get really nervous before I meet people - even friends! I worry that I’m dull and boring and have nothing to say for myself. Alcohol takes away my inhibitions and helps me relax in groups. So that’s what I feel I’ll be missing out on - something to take away my worries before an during the meet-up.

Good work!
I found Trip a lifesaver when I did my dry stint last year.. totally hooked and it's not cheap but really delicious and satisfying. I liked the basil mint one most but haven't seen that one around for ages..
I might commit to a subscription this time but so far have just bought from Waitrose at £5 per set of 4 (special offer)

Yes!! Well done CocoBean 💪👏

So, playing it forward - how will I actually feel tomorrow?

Waking at 3–4am with a racing heart

That dry-mouth, sour stomach feeling

Low-level dread - I’ve done it again

Re-reading texts / WhatsApp / socials and cringing

Snapping at the kids or feeling disconnected

Being tired but wired all day

Promising yourself again you’ll not drink tonight. .

Eugh all so true! And with that I'm off to bed...sober!

Today I had to play it forward.

Had a gruelling work day and very nearly cracked in Tesco.... swerved it and had a whole bottle of AF red wine and snacks on sofa with TV. Was surprisingly relaxing and very proud of myself.

Another AF recommendation - a small glass of kefir, sprinkled with cinnamon if you like. Perhaps because it's fermented, it seems to kill the desire for an alcoholic drink. It's also really good for you! Hope that helps someone...

Sounds like you’ve done the playing it forward bit, @freshstart2026, but maybe try to change your mindset going in? You’re already miserable because you’re telling yourself you’re ‘missing out’, like a punishment, and therefore it’s going to be a bit shit. Which means you’re feeling disappointed about the whole weekend before you’ve even got there.

But you’re not actually missing out on anything - you could drink if you wanted to, but you’re actively choosing not to, which is such a powerful, positive thing to do for yourself.

It might help to decide exactly what AF alternative you’re drinking beforehand so there’s no dithering over decisions at the bar or wherever, and then just focus on having a good time with your mates. It won’t be the usual pissed-up-bad-sleep-hanging-in-the-morning-wracked-with-beer-fear fun, but I bet you still have a good night, and an even better Sunday!

Sorry, @freshstart2026, just seen your update re: ‘missing out’ being the social confidence alcohol gives you. It’s exactly the same for me, and it does quell that adrenaline surge of anxiety when you first arrive somewhere, and quickly brings out the side that feels like a more fun version of yourself.

But maybe just think about it as engaging with your friends in a different way on a night out? Booze might turn me (in my own mind!) into someone who’s chatty and funny and first on the dancefloor, but it also eventually makes me talk shit, talk too much, removes inhibitions to the extent that ‘bants’ can become rude or (inadvertently) hurtful, and means after a certain point I can sometimes barely remember the conversations I’ve had with people.

It obviously may not be the same for you, but I know I’m a nicer, more circumspect person and a better listener when I’m sober, because I’m actually present in the room with my friends, rather than manically throwing drinks down my neck to displace feelings of discomfort as quickly as possible. Maybe it’s all about getting comfortable with discomfort, and just riding it out until that first wave of adrenaline-fuelled anxiety has passed?

This is so true of me. I’m finally realising that most people in my life much prefer relating to me when I’m quiet and sober and thoughtful ( my true self)
Rather than the fake “fun” version that alcohol produces and then makes a mockery of.

Woke at 3am again and can’t get back to sleep.

Hi @Feelthejoy....where do you buy your kefir? 🥰

Sainsbury's! Other supermarkets are available 😉 By Biotiful or Yeo Valley, or in the Polish food section. I like it plain and sugar free, but there are fruity versions too.

Hi everyone ,

It’s Friday . Today is the most likely day for people to pick up a drink .

I get it , it’s cold , it’s wet, there’s a storm , some have snow - and in this moment , I couldn’t think of anything better than snuggling in my pyjamas with a glass of wine . But this evening , when the moment comes to pour a glass after the end of a rubbish week back to it, I’m going to think of how happy I’m going to feel waking up by up tomorrow morning , how clear my face (and head will be) , the things I can get done tomorrow with the increased positivity - but most importantly for me , how present I’m going to be with my children . We can all recover from the week together , them getting the best version of me and me being present with them.

happy Friday everyone - we can do this

My DDs are out tonight so just me DH and DDog. Going to make a fish pie and watch a film. Going to have a mocktail. Some chocolate.

Tomorrow going to run, walk DDog and have a productive day.

feel like having plans for avoidance is half the battle.

good luck to anyone socialising. You got this.

I sometimes wonder if I should go to the GP and explain what happened and ask if I could still be referred - it's a while ago but it feels unresolved.

It might be worth a conversation. Some people can stop drinking (or drink much less) just by breaking the habit because the only reason they drink is the addictive nature of the drink itself and the fact that they have drunk a lot in the past. Some people drink to deal with some unresolved trauma in their lives and unless they deal with the central issue ('do the work' as the saying goes) then they will always keep coming back to alcohol because it is a crutch. I am not saying you are the latter, I am just saying you might want to give it some thought. 😊

Morning everyone. Well done to everyone who has had the urge and swerved!!

My sleep is on the up! I actually felt rested this morning.

I've had a reflective moment this morning, with it being Friday and a guaranteed wine day. There isn't a single part of me that wants any?! I'm not sure where this renewed sense of strength and change in outlook has come from, but I'm embracing it and harnessing it as we head into the weekend.

I'm enjoying having a nice cosy brew or fruit tea while snuggled up in a blanket in the evenings, particularly in this weather! I've also picked up a new book this week, which I haven't been bothered to do for far too long. Each little win counts, rights?!

Appreciate all the AF alternative recommendations. At some point I will try the Freiznet 0%, but not this weekend. My drink of choice is exclusively fizz or white wine, so some of the other alternatives aren't to my taste. Has anyone found a nice flat 0% white that is drinkable? A friend bought one on NYE and it smelt and tasted of farts 🤦‍♀️

Weirdly, on the Trip drinks... I would never even question spending ££ on wine in the supermarket, but I always look at those and think "that's a lot for a soft drink, no thanks"?! Are they nice??

It obviously may not be the same for you, but I know I’m a nicer, more circumspect person and a better listener when I’m sober, because I’m actually present in the room with my friends, rather than manically throwing drinks down my neck to displace feelings of discomfort as quickly as possible. Maybe it’s all about getting comfortable with discomfort, and just riding it out until that first wave of adrenaline-fuelled anxiety has passed?

Thank you @EnjoythemoneyJane - this is very helpful.

I’ve said to DH that I’d rather not see anybody for three months (ie avoid social situations altogether) as I find it so hard without alcohol. He was a bit miffed and said I can’t expect him to go to everything we’re invited to on his own for that length of time. I see his point but it does make it harder for me.

Perhaps this is where @EnjoythemoneyJane’s point comes in - I do need to face up to my social anxiety if I’m going to stop using alcohol as a crutch.

Trip are cbd, though I prefer Good Rays which have a stronger taste (and double the cbd!) whether they work or not is debatable, but I think a really good option when you are stopping drinking alcohol as something that gives you a feeling of having an ‘adult only’ treat and relaxation/ calmness. I love them but my partner is not keen!

I too am a fizz and white wine drinker. I find AF fizz a lot better than AF wines! I like Nozeco and have enjoyed a glass or two in a flute glass most evenings this week; finding it keeps its fizz well the next day! Funny how I’d make light work of a bottle or more of real Prosecco yet one or two glasses of AF is plenty!

The best AF white I have ever found is Natureo, I think you need quite a bit of distance from real wine for it to be vaguely passable though! I think that AF wines are way behind the beer and spirit alternatives sadly.

Did pick up quite an expensive AF white in M&S yesterday (can’t recall the brand). Have put it in the fridge as an ‘emergency’ option so not tried it yet!

Day 10 here, feels good to get into double digits. Tonnes of work to do this weekend as behind on various work deadlines but feeling relaxed about it as suddenly I have so many more productive hours in the day!

Hi all, Can I join you please?
Im over on the dry Jan thread and currently on day 9.
However, I am lurking on here and have found that I completely resonate with so, so many posters here.
I am also finding certain posters really inspiring and motivating. Apologies i cant remember names to thank but in particular, the poster who is now sober and the one sharing Ian C posts.

I haven't fully decided what my next move is after January but for the first time EVER I am committed to completing dry Jan and even the fact that I am considering even longer is new for me. I have a determination I've never had before and as a result, im not saying the last nine days have been easy but, they have "felt" different to other attempts.

Also to add, If anyone is looking for an AF free wine.. Last weekend I tried the aldi sauv blanc and i found it vile. Yesterday I picked up some asda own called studio zero. I dont normally drink rose but thought i would give it a go seen as the white i had before was awful.
Anyway, I tried a glass last night and it is great! First sip gives you that warm feeling going down your throught that actual wine does. (Hope that makes sense!).
This will now be my go to drink. The other drink I have been really liking is sparkling water with elderflower cordial, a wedge of lime and lots of ice.

Happy Friday all!

@Crocodocodile hi and welcome 👋
Thanks for that recommendation. I'm in Asda Sunday so I'll look for it. Like most on here, af white wine is for me as elusive as the Bermuda Triangle. I joked on another thread I spent less time looking for a husband.
I do like af sparkling wine though.
Well done on Day 9. You sound very positive and determined - good for you.
I do know what you mean about The Feeling. Last year, I joined a dry Jan thread on here, but my heart wasn't in it, and I think I only lasted a few days.
It wasn't until May last year when I had a rock bottom moment - I could have died, when I started to think about it seriously.
Anyway, welcome again and you're doing great 💪