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.

I’ve had a really wholesome weekend.

Saturday run, dog walk, pub lunch (no alcohol!!), film
Sunday yoga, long dog walk, roast, made tomorrows dinner, bath and tv planned

feel so chilled no anxiety, ready to start week

got weights class booked 730 tomorrow feel ready to attack the week head on

@Feelinggoodabout2026 I can relate to the ‘people noticing at work’ anxiety. Makes me cringe acknowledging it. See also: trying to work out unit maths to make sure I’d be under the limit before I got into my car. Shocking really.

Managed to catch up on a big work report I was behind on today, and have made a big batch of healthy chilli bean soup with my bone broth, so looking forward to feeling fresh and together (armed with flask of said soup) when heading out the door tomorrow 😇

Currently trying to commit myself to getting on my exercise bike before work rather than scrolling my phone in bed, for extra ‘I have my life together’ points at the start of the week!

Really good to read about all these wholesome, lovely weekends including prepping for the week ahead. This is what I always aspired to be like when drinking but after a bottle of wine every night could never manage it!

Another long day, just me and the DC here. Managed sledging, baking, swimming. All wholesome stuff (not shown: frequent bickering sessions, whines for yet more TV, homework avoidance!) Now really want a wine. This is the hardest part of the week for me. Sunday nights. Urgh... longing for opening a bottle of wine at bedtime but persevering.

Day 8 done over here 🙌 and for the longest time EVER (in recent years memory, anyway), I've absolutely zero desire to drink at all. The thought did pop into my head last night but in a sense of 'oh, it's Saturday night, I'd normally have opened a bottle of wine by now!' sense.. but simply having the thought didn't actually make me want any at all.

When I did 3 weeks AF in September, on that first Friday I was really craving wine. I didn't have it, but I REALLY wanted it.

This time, I feel like a switch has been flicked.

One of the things on my mind is that as I carry on without wine, is that people will talk about it. Because I'm a habitual drinker and everyone knows it and will notice if I'm not. I know I'll feel judged if people say it's a good thing (in my mind that reads as them previously having opinions on me drinking too much before IYSWIM), or have to navigate the situations where others are expecting or hoping that I do drink. I've got a social thing coming up in Feb and I've already told the group that I'm currently not drinking and planning not to for a while. We'd normally do bottomless brunch (and then carry on after!) but they've all said we can do a normal lunch so everyone can drink or not, at their own pace. A couple have commented that it'll been weird if I don't drink, but I otherwise feel very supported.

I am sleeping better, slowly. Not seeing any other benefits as yet but they're coming, I know. I've also woken up feeling groggy, but then shaken it off when I remembered the booze free night!

This time next weekend I'll be 15 days in. Love that 🤩

Day 12 for me and my skin is looking fresher but I'm quite pissed off with the lack of energy. I am averaging about 1 hour more sleep a night and not drinking surely should mean my sleep should be more restful yet I feel more exhausted than ever, I feel cheated. I am having some vivid dreams, which is novel because I've not dreamt for years. Maybe that's contributing to the tiredness.

Anyway I'm out of the danger zone for a few days. I stopped daily drinking a couple of years ago (except for holidays etc) so the next few days should be trouble free. I'm intrigued to see if I feel more rested by next weekend, I really hope so or it will be hard to keep motivated.

@GreenCherries I know it’s incredibly embarrassing. I had gotten to the point of showering early mornings before work to limit the risk as much as possible. Humbling to write this.

@Raindancer101 also having those vivid dreams and waking up feeling fairly groggy! Also had headaches but that could be related to the new physio I’m doing (massaging trigger points, muscles).

Another benefits of AF I forgot to mention
TMI I massively struggle with IBS and haven’t had any episodes since I gave up alcohol. This on its own should be enough for me to never drink again!

No visible change to my skin or weight yet but I’ve felt a bit more energy over the weekend.

.

To those who were worried that work could smell alcohol on you - do you really think that’s the case? I drank a bottle of wine a night but never felt I smelt of alcohol the next day after showering and brushing my teeth. But maybe I just wasn’t aware? 😱

@freshstart2026 i really hope not but then I’ve smelled it on other people so who knows?! I never got any comments or looks but didn’t stop me stressing. Also worth mentioning this would normally be if I drank a bit more (bottle and a half, bottle + gin). But the anxiety isn’t worth it even if I start again (drinking in moderation) I’ll be sticking to weekends or special occasions. And that horrible feeling waking up groggy and tired… painfully pushing trough it to get to work. Never again!!! Why do we do this to ourselves…

I think I read it somewhere ages ago and was paranoid ever since as my sense of smell is very poor so I wouldn’t know!

I imagine you’d need to drink a fair old whack to smell of alcohol in the morning really.

@Feelinggoodabout2026 yup - the number of times I’ve had to push through that horrible hungover feeling to get to work. It’s the worst 😱

I’m now in bed - another day done! I’m feeling quite positive this evening - that was the easiest day for me so far. I’m chuffed that I got so much done in the house - not only am I going into Monday feeling relatively organized, the housework was a great distraction from wine. Congratulations to everyone on another day sober!

👋 I’m new to this thread and looking forward to reading and posting on my journey to sobriety.

A bit about me: i have had a drink every day for over 40 years (except for a short stay in hospital for a routine op) working up to 2 bottles of wine minimum every day for the last 10 years or so. During lockdown I started drinking earlier in the day and more recently first thing in the morning to try and stop the crippling anxiety.

My liver results were poor and I have developed peripheral neuropathy so I went to the doctor in December and finally admitted how much I drink. He gave me the number for a local alcohol support group and told me not to go cold turkey.

I immediately started to taper down and have now been AF for 5 days and have never felt better. That’s me and I am determined to not return to the sheer and utter pointlessness of drinking.

it’s great to find a group of likeminded people here! 🩷

@TheDogLassie that is amazing and so brave of you!! 100% worth it. Do you have good support? Were family and friends aware of your drinking? Have a job etc? Wish you all the best and glad you found this thread x

Hello @TheDogLassieand welcome! Well done on your journey so far - it’s really inspiring to read ❤️

Welcome @TheDogLassie. We re a very supportive and unjudgemental group and I’m really finding it’s helping me. Writing your feelings and experiences down is very cathartic. Doesn’t seem like your doctor was very supportive though? How bad were your liver results- I just ask as mine are a bit off too but from online research, they can massively improve in as little as a month. Good luck in your journey and we re all here for you

@Feelinggoodabout2026 thank you! All of my friends and family have always known I like a glass of wine or two! If anyone ever suggested going for a coffee I would roll my eyes and sulk 🙈 No-one knew about my recent slide down the slippery slope of early afternoon and morning drinking, not even my DH.

MY DH drinks even more than I did. We are/were at home drinkers. We even have a separate fridge freezer just for drink! He is still drinking and is not particularly supportive either way, all he said was “don’t expect me to stop”. I’m actually glad he’s not going sober with me as this is my journey and I’m doing it for me 💪 He went off to bed at 8pm as he’s been sitting on the sofa drinking all day so I had a lovely bath, watched a bit of TV and I’m now going to try to finish a jigsaw.

My mum has dementia so will no doubt forget I am not drinking 😊 My best childhood friend is being fantastic. She doesn’t drink - doesn’t like the taste - lucky lady! She has never pressured me into stopping or criticised but she is so proud of me and is so understanding. She even said if you do give in to temptation and have a drink, you just brush yourself down and start again. That’s the kind of friend you need ❤️

I have my own business and tended to book appointments to fit in with my drinking. I honestly can’t believe I am saying that. In this last week I have been fully present and engaged in my work and have loved every minute.

WHY, OH WHY, DID I NOT DO THIS YEARS AGO?

@TheDogLassie truly inspiring thank you for sharing. It’s mad how much drinking can dictate your life, commitments etc.

just this week being completely AF I have enjoyed

• being able to drive to pick up my children AFTER 6pm
• sharing a photo of our family roast with no wine glasses on table
• Showing up for brunch Saturday morning not worried people would think I looked hungover. Instead I looked fab, like really!

i really wish you the best and look forward to your updates on this thread! Goodnight everyone and well done x

Welcome @TheDogLassie

It is never too late to start. I am late starting myself but just glad I am here now.

I can actually answer my own question.

i have never tried to stop drinking as my dad was a chronic alcoholic and we were often drinking buddies. I saw my dad ruin his life, lose his job, home etc. and experience the worst withdrawal symptoms imaginable. He was found dead, alone in his flat 3 years ago. Instead of this being a wake up call I think I resigned myself to being like him and at the same time I was scared, terrified of withdrawal. I shouldn’t have been but I can’t change the past only my future. I am sad he couldn’t do that.

wishing you all a restful night x

Hello lovely lot! I’m still here, alcohol-free and pushing through this god-awful flu. Had a nap on the sofa earlier and now I’m wide awake 😆 Currently on a hot chocolate before I try for proper sleep again.

I think I’m through the worst of it now. Still no car, done very little this weekend… but you know what? I didn’t drink. And right now that absolutely counts as a win.

Day 12 for me. No glowing skin or wild bursts of energy yet, but considering I’ve been flattened by illness, I’ll give myself some grace 😆

Honestly, seeing others joining in has been so uplifting. My heart is full, you are all doing brilliantly and should be seriously proud of yourselves. We’re past the second weekend of January and we’re still here. Still showing up. Still choosing ourselves. That matters. A lot. 💛
This week might bring stress, tiredness, boredom, temptation - all the usual triggers. Let’s go into it with our eyes open. Keep your evenings planned, your AF drinks stocked, and don’t romanticise “just one”. If you wobble, post here. If you’re struggling, say it out loud. If you’re smashing it, share that too. We’re doing this together.

Much love to you all xx

Thanks for sharing @TheDogLassie( and everyone)
Im getting so much positive motivation from reading everyone’s posts. I’ve previously tried (unsuccessfully)to do this on my own but it really helps to check in every day on all the posts on here
It’s helping me to stay on track. Sleep well everyone

I am not noticing the benefits lots of posters are mentioning. I’m still very tired, falling asleep on the sofa when I sit down to watch a film with my family. I woke at 5.30am this morning so that’s better than the run of 2am and 3am, but I’m just so fatigued. Not sure if I look clearer eyed or my skin is less puffy. I feel that I look the same, and I haven’t lost weight.

I’m about a stone and a half overweight, have been craving sugar but haven’t really over done it, a couple of Lindor chocs, literally one or most two each evening and maybe a midmorning biscuit or two (usually one) that I don’t normally eat. My energy levels are a bit higher, I’ve been very productive at work and more patient with DC, but I’d hoped for a bit more wow.

Please don’t be discouraged, If you’ve spent years drinking regularly, your body needs more than 12 days to repair. That doesn’t mean it’s not working - it means it is working quietly in the background.

If you stay consistent, by early/mid February you’ll almost certainly be noticing visible changes. And by March? You’ll be wondering why you didn’t do this sooner 🤩

And you’re already through the hardest bit. The first two weeks are the grind. After that, it genuinely gets easier. Stick with it, those changes will come.