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 am sorry for your loss @needastrongoneagain - may your DF rest in peace x

Right - I’m washed and dressed for the first time in days.. I’m genuinely noticing a clearer, fresher face and more energy now – and it turns out this is exactly when a lot of the real changes start happening.

Some actual evidence-based benefits around this stage:

• Skin starts to improve as inflammation drops and hydration balances
• Eyes look brighter as sleep quality improves and blood vessels calm down
• Sleep cycles begin to regulate (even if falling asleep is still tricky for some)
• Anxiety levels often reduce because alcohol stops interfering with serotonin and cortisol
• Resting heart rate and blood pressure can begin to lower
• Liver starts repairing itself within weeks
• Blood sugar becomes more stable (fewer crashes, fewer cravings)
• Mood becomes more consistent instead of the alcohol “rollercoaster”

If you’re hearing that little voice saying “go on, just one wine” – that’s not your body talking. That’s habit and dopamine withdrawal talking. It passes.

The truth is: if you’re struggling right now, it’s usually because your brain is healing.
That’s not a sign to quit.
That’s a sign it’s working.

Read this next time you have a wobble, we all need reminding of the benefits now and again.

Also remember your why?

My why is simple and uncomfortable to admit: my relationship with alcohol isn’t healthy.
I don’t stop once I start. I get blackouts. I send messages I wouldn’t send sober. I wake up with regret. I’m not fully present for my kids. And over time it’s drained my motivation and dulled my spark.

I don’t want to live half-awake anymore.
I want clarity. Self-respect. Energy. Real memories with my children.

That’s my why. ❤️

@needastrongoneagain sending love and strength your way today xxx

So sorry for your loss @needastrongoneagain. I understand the bittersweet feeling of relief though when they have been on EOL. He's at peace now.

Day 14 for me and I have nothing to report but it's nice to check in. I'm looking forward to checking off the next few days as that will be halfway through dry Jan. I'm in it for the 100 days but I always do better if I split a big goal down into smaller more achievable goals as otherwise things feel impossible and I get overwhelmed and throw in the towel. I'm hoping being half way will give me a big push for the weekend. I've also booked a gym class for 9am on Saturday.

@needastrongoneagain I am so very sorry about the loss of your Dad. My Mum died in November and the overwhelming feeling of relief that she is at peace and no longer suffering has brought me huge comfort these last 2 months. Being alcohol free in the months leading up to my Mum's death was so beneficial in so many ways as I would have drowned myself in wine and not have been able to function properly throughout the trauma (I increased my alcohol consumption steadily since the death of my Dad 17 years ago). Being 100% present was a strength in itself.

I am almost at my first year of being sober- 16th January. I will do a post then about the many benefits of being AF. It is the single best thing I have ever done for myself, and I say that having lost 6 and a half stone since September 2024, so that should demonstrate the magnitude of my sheer relief at giving up wine.

I am on my last few days of a 2 week holiday, wonderful sunshine and restorative rest. It is fantastic not drinking on holiday.

I am feeling the grief take a hold now, but can face it head on if that makes sense. My lovely Mum was so proud of me giving up alcohol as she knew it had got a grip of me and championed me throughout my journey, so I am glad she held my hand throughout and I am eternally grateful for that💗

You are all doing amazingly well, and this thread is great. I promise to write a list of all the positives of being AF when I get home. For now, I will say this. I cannot think of a single negative of no longer drinking and I mean that sincerely. Old habits are replaced with new ones. I do not miss my nightly ever increasing wine consumption ritual and never will. I cannot think if a single occassion where alcohol would make things better. Hope this helps those of you who worry about missing drinking. You'll get to a stage that not only will you not miss it, you'll wonder why you ever did it.

Thanks @FizzPleaseIm sorry for your loss but handling it alcohol free was very strong of you but probably beneficial as you dealt with your feelings rather than hiding them in a bottle? ( think I’ve become indoctrination by Ian C!)
I can’t wait to hear about all the benefits. I was only thinking last night, I have never heard one person say oh I wish I didn’t give up, life is no fun etc. I mean we are all dating or thinking it now so for you when did the thought that this is it I’m done and I’m so glad I gave up kick in?
after the last two weeks of daily feeling physically and mentally better, now comes the “ boring” bit ( for me anyway) where you just have to crack on as I don’t want to undo all thst I have done BUT the novelty is wearing off a bit!
Congrats on your sober journey, I am very impressed!

Ps we are not all “dating” but “ saying”
I find if I go back and edit I often lose the whole post!

Thank you @Swiftyfifty

Great question. I remember going to a a special occasion 2 months after giving up and having an underlying feeling (not so much worry as such but the expectation to drink, and telling myself if I wanted a drink then to have a drink) and automatically accepted the glass of welcome champagne....I couldn't drink it. Not even a sip. At the table I drank sparkling water and my close friend (who doesn't drink) noticed and whispered to me that she was surprised I wasn't drinking. That was a massive watershed moment and I briefly confided I had given up. I knew at that point I wouldn't drink again and really enjoyed my night and the wonderful feeling I had waking up sober and not immediately rerunning the entire night in my head and worrying what I may have said to who. It was an overwhelming feeling of freedom and replaced any notions of boredom or missing my wine friend. Very liberating!

I hope that answers your question. Whie I suspected the switch that I have mentioned (I.e switching from alcohol being a positive to a negative) had already happened, that was a true test and has been tested time and again since - holidays, occasions, previous rituals that came hand in hand with a glass of wine in my hand. I remember having my last glass of wine and knowing it was my last drink as I think the switch had already happened. I really hope that makes sense.

Yes completely thanks. I’m hoping for that moment when I next go out! You’re an inspiration to us all!

I’m so very sorry for your loss @needastrongoneagain x

That is really wise @needastrongoneagain I think quite a few of us are all or nothing types and if I’d slipped up I’d probably disappear, delete MN for a bit and come back with a name change while avoiding this thread. Good to know there’s a better option.

So so sorry for your loss @needastrongoneagain . I lost my DM a few months ago, and being witness to the suffering of the last days is so hard, and so inhumane to see. 😥

Been in a pub for the first time in January - had an AF beer and now I’m going for a run in the rain. Very wholesome January behaviour 🥳

🤩 That’s impressive!!

I’m feeling a bit down tonight. I think it’s the grim weather and also worries about work. I would love a drink - will keep telling myself it will only make me feel worse tomorrow. But it’s hard 😔

So sorry for your loss @needastrongoneagain

Hang in there freshstart. Go to bed mad early if needs be. You'll be glad in the morning.

Sorry for your loss @needastrongoneagain

@needastrongoneagainI'm so sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs.

@needastrongoneagain
Very sorry for your loss. Be kind to yourself. X

Made it to bedtime - day 13 done, hurrah. Goodnight everyone

Really sorry to hear about your DF @needastrongoneagain

Been feeling a bit unenthusiastic today but having climbed into bed I’m pondering various ‘little’ differences to my day.

Pisshead me: wake up feeling shit. Shower, jump in the car feeling crappy and anxious, munch supply of gaviscon tablets in the car on the way to work. Get home after work, open wine immediately, slob on sofa whilst phone scrolling, continue drinking, throw together evening meal, brush teeth and go to bed.

Me today: wake up fresh. Put beef stew in slow cooker before work. Get home, spend productive evening working. Make mash and green veg to go with stew. Floss teeth, complete full (new! 🥰) skincare routine, prep for early start and long commute tomorrow, clothes laid out and gym gear ready to get on exercise bike first thing. Into bed feeling organised and happy.

Little things but gosh I feel so contented tonight. I’m actually enjoying my work rather stressing about it the whole time and feeling not in control. Looking forward to a busy day tomorrow ❤️

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0mt3w8v?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

An interesting podcast on the effects of alcohol - worth a listen.

That is brilliant@GreenCherries
I had a wobble at 6 today but had a flavoured soda water and ate early and the urge passed .
Im now so glad I didn’t give in. I’m really enjoying feeling positive in the morning.
My positives
I’m nicer to my family - less irritable.

I don’t feel the shame and anxiety that accompanied me at least 50% of the time

I have more time and energy and don’t feel overwhelmed by what needs doing.

I look better ( I think my skin is more glowy )

There are other positives but these are what I am incredible thankful for today.

Why, oh why, didn't I do this years ago?

Sleep well everyone x

Having a bit of a wobble tonight myself. I am going to pour an AF hop drink in a minute. I have been pouring biscuits down my throat - being hungry is a real trigger for me. If all else fails I'll just go to bed.

I need to think how I will feel in the morning - getting out of bed clear minded and happy with myself.