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.

Thanks all. I kind of knew I hadn’t got it but it still hurts nonetheless!

I’m also in awe of people who can have a blip then get back on the wagon, as I too am someone who would go back to daily wine if I had a slip. I really wish I didn’t have that all or nothing mentality - it’s really not helpful.

I had a bad sleep yet again but remain hopeful it will improve. I can’t believe we’ll have done 3 weeks after today!

One other positive is that I’ve been taking my anxiety meds daily since Jan 1st. Normally I’d stop and start them due to drinking, forgetting to take them some days. I’m really looking forward to having them work properly - I think the full effects are felt after six weeks but I can already feel a big difference!

Morning all. Just checking in. The start of the fourth week for me and most of us tomorrow. This is where good things happen apparently!
Im getting off to sleep much quicker and starting to feel better when I wake. Tend to get a headache most afternoons though.
Still no weight loss but not bothered.
My DS went out last night just for a few and was dying this morning. Stank of booze and will be late for work. It was a good reminder that I can’t tell you how many 1000s of mornings I’ve had like that and I don’t want to do it again!
Im out Friday but with a supportive friend and not for long so think I ll be fine with af beer or whatever.

Morning all. Sorry about the job @freshstart2026, don’t let it knock you back. As per your username, it’s a year of new beginnings for you and we’re only 3 weeks in - plenty of time for good things to come x

Thanks for sharing, @Feelinggoodabout2026. Not gonna lie, feeling a bit envious of your big fun night out, but the thought of a massive hangover actually turns my stomach, so I guess I’ve arrived at the point where I’m fully on the fence rather than firmly on the booze-is-totally-worth-it side!

Hoping for some changes soon @SwiftyFifty 🙏. Day 21 for me and I’m still sleeping patchily, feeling quite tired and a bit thick-headed in the mornings, getting the odd headache. I started a new skin regimen which seems to have done nothing but given me a breakout, and I’ve actually put on weight and feel weirdly bloated. Still here on the wagon and feeling quite proud of myself, but I have to say that just a small sign - something … anything! - that my body and brain are feeling the benefit would make everything so much easier and more worthwhile.

I hear ya @EnjoythemoneyJane but looking back to how I was early January I do feel better in myself. My sleep is improving and I can actually go back to sleep if I wake at five or whatever whereas in my drinking days I wouldn’t. Hilariously I notice thst my duvet barely moves now whereas before I would be thrashing and tossing and turning and sweating and my duvet would be in a ball! I don’t look better ot hsve not lost anything despite eating way less Carby hangover food. I feel like less of a loser though and less guilty all the time do I ll take that! Hopefully by the end of the month you will start to see some good signs!

A motivating read for anyone who’s having the urge to drink. In summary, it just isn’t worth it!

www.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/comments/1qi3wcm/i_drank_after_3_weeks_sober_heres_how_it_went/

Hi all.

Just checking in quickly to say I'm still here and hope everyone is doing ok. Day 21 for me...

Been trying not to be on my phone too much in the evenings after kids are in bed, it doesnt help with my sleep at all!

Been a bit low these last few days - like some others, bloated and feeling heavy and sluggish. Could just be from eating too many heavy dinners at 8pm or after (my DP makes amazing curries, which is great.. but not so great for my waistline and gut!). Making a few social plans for Feb and i know this is where I will be really tested. But reading all the stories about how it's not worth it will help me I know!

@freshstart2026 so sorry about the job, but massive well done for not reaching for the wine - thats a real feat!

Evening all! 3 weeks done ☑️ I’ve been feeling a bit rough the last week but now I feel better and a few little twinges of cravings are starting to kick in. I’m finding the AF beer around 5:30 helps a lot though

Flat day here. Unproductive. Tired.

Been struggling to get to sleep despite early nights, and I think the cumulative effect makes me feel like I’m running out of batteries!

Desperately need a productive day tomorrow to meet deadlines so hoping to feel fresher in the morning!

Good morning all! Day 22 here. It really feels like we’ve got a sizable chunk of the 100 days under our belts now.

Not much time to type this morning, but I hope you have a better day today @GreenCherries.

Morning all - it's grim weather here, I guess many of us in the UK have rain at moment. I managed to get out for a run this morning though and whilst I was out it got me thinking...

Last night my DP opened a beer after the kids had gone to bed, which is rare. He occasionally has one with dinner but rarely later (it was 8pm). For the first time this year I was briefly tempted but I knew I wanted to go out for a run in the morning so I used that as my 'reason' not to have it. I have realised that long term, slightly more nebulous reasons (like living a long and healthy life!) don't really work to motivate me. In the moment I can't link that one drink which I want with whether or not I am going to die young. I think this is pretty common - people often find it hard to be motivated by far off uncertain consequences (although some people are much better at it than others). The thing that motivated me was the run the next morning - it's close, it's basically guaranteed to happen (if I want it to) and it's something I enjoy. It's a direct benefit of not drinking that I will feel / experience soon.

What things do you think about in the moment that stop you drinking? Are they specific things like mine or more big picture things like 'being a better parent'? For me the issue with the 'being a better parent' thing is that I can wriggle out of it by convincing myself I can be a good parent even if I am drinking (I don't think I am bad when I am drinking but I am undoubtedly better when I am not) so the lack of definition in that goal let's me off the hook.

Life just keeps on giving… 😆

The car’s been assessed and the damage is £1,250. Turns out that if I’d been allowed to claim on the insurance back in November after a small bump, this could all have been avoided. But no, apparently the cooling system was damaged, which has now snowballed into a bigger issue, overheating an injector and killing it completely. Brilliant.

When I got that call yesterday, I was absolutely hopping mad. Old me would have poured a massive glass of wine without thinking twice. But I didn’t. And that feels huge.

I’ve been running around in a hire car at stupid expense, which goes back today because I naïvely assumed I’d have my own car back by now. Nope. Two-week wait for parts, possibly longer, early Feb if I’m lucky 😩

And the cherry on top? My ex has two brand new cars sitting on his drive and hasn’t even offered to loan me one. Says it all, really. I could rant about the bastard all day, but what would that actually do for me?

So… it’s buses, taxis, walking, and sucking it up. Two incredibly understanding teens getting themselves to school however they can, without complaint - and honestly, that makes my heart full. It’s grounding. Humbling.

And here’s the thing: my drinking started because of that man. Years of control, infidelity (yes, an actual double life), and narcissistic behaviour pushed me over the edge, wine became my crutch. Compared to what we’ve already survived, this is just a bump in the road.

Yes, it’s a pain in the arse. Yes, it’s stressful. But no one died. We’ll walk more, probably be healthier for it, and we’ll get through, just like we always do.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this: life will throw stuff at us. Stuff that makes the “fuck it” button look very tempting. But what does drinking actually solve? Absolutely nothing.

I’m not letting this break me. And I’m sure as hell not going back to coping through blurry eyes and a foggy head. Tackling life sober - even when it’s hard, is infinitely more powerful.

If you’re wobbling today, take this as your reminder: you are stronger than the moment 💪

That’s an interesting thought @2026xI need to be present for my teens and going through life half pissed most of the time isn’t the way forward. I am all they’ve got, being healthy, able to navigate whatever is thrown at us and making better choices is what makes us a strong team. Doing that minus alcohol is definitely better!

LOVE your post @reset100 - well done for navigating all that crap without reaching for the bottle! It’s so tempting in the heat of the moment but you’re right, dealing with life’s problems is soo much easier with a clear head rather than a raging hangover. “You are stronger than the moment” is a great mantra - I’m going to keep that in mind.

Good question @2026x. The morning coffee is a good one for me - it’s only a small thing but I do think about how I’d like to wake up the next morning and relax with a lovely coffee in bed and a smug feeling of not being hungover, rather than feeling rubbish due to drinking. Work is also very busy at the moment, which is helping me stay on the straight and narrow. I know I’d be finding it much harder if I was going into the office hungover. AND I’m trying to lose 21lbs, which is very motivating. Alcohol plays havoc with my weight - I’ll be down on the scales the morning after drinking due to dehydration, then eat a load of junk to survive the hangover and be 3lbs heavier the following day. It’s good not to have that!

Edited to add one more thing - money! Saving loads of £££ is also motivating for me. I’ve saved £315 so far (I calculated I was spending about £15 a day on booze - no wonder me and DH are brassic).

@reset100 you are so right, I need to be present for my children too but somehow I know that won't stop me picking up a drink. That's awful to admit but what I am realising is that I am a bit of a chancer / blagger in life and I have almost always got away with it. You wouldn't think this of me if you met me, on the surface I am doing the right things, I am a good citizen, I have a well paid job - I am not running round conning people or doing bad things but for myself, I always make short cuts. I KNOW I need to be sober to be a good mum and yet I think I can push my luck and get away with it (like I have been doing my whole life). My DP is SO conscientious in his behaviour; he is terrible with admin and files his tax returns late but he turns up for people he cares about, he always does the right thing, even if he thinks he can get away with not doing the right thing IYSWIM. Urgh, how do I change this about myself?? Why am I such a fuck up??😂

PS - you are a hero for not caving in this undoubtedly shitty situation. You've obviously raised good ids if they are stoically getting on with it without complaining 💗

@freshstart2026 coffee, weight loss and extra money are all great things!!

I think knowing what helps us in the moment might help us all stay on track for longer 🙌

Great post @reset100 - well done for rising above 💪

Interesting question, @2026x. I agree totally - in the moment when the Wine Witch grips me, it’s unlikely that vague and lofty aspirations for future health and happiness are going to stave off the urge!

I’ve never really thought properly about it, but I think what most often rushes in to save me is a very vivid and immediate recollection of self-loathing. Not necessarily because of the big obvious moments - crushing 48 hr hangovers or humiliating drunken antics. Just the daily grind of waking up feeling groggy and disappointed in myself. When I’ve not been drinking a ridiculous amount; when it’s not been for an occasion or a celebration or a big night out, it’s been drinking for zero reason whatsoever, just a habit I continue to perpetuate even when I don’t really feel like it 🤷‍♀️.

Spending mornings constantly telling myself how pathetic and ridiculous I am, furious at my inability to do something as simple as not have a glass of wine (then 4 or 5 more). Hiding my headache and snippy mood by being breezy and busy, whilst ruminating on my stupidity and vowing not to reach for the bottle again tonight. Then doing exactly that and triggering the same cycle all over again. God, when I write it down like that I feel exhausted just thinking about it!

@EnjoythemoneyJane - I don't necessarily identify with the self loathing; I didn't feel good about myself but (as per my previous posts) I do mainly find it easy to let myself off the hook to be honest (not a good quality!🙄), although I was noticing this inbuilt resistance to holding myself accountable was starting to wear down, I definitely was feeling worse about myself.

"Hiding my headache and snippy mood by being breezy and busy" absolutely OMG this - secretly taking painkillers or saying that I couldn't get back to sleep after one of the kids woke me up, that's why I am so tired. 😔

OMG @EnjoythemoneyJanethat is exactly what I went through. Just uncanny! Like you say it’s the dribking to excess at home - feeling rough- having word with self all the next day but then doing it again and again and again. I can’t believe the time, effort and money not to mention health risks I have subjected myself to and for what!? The mild buzz you get and burst of energy followed by a day of self loathing. When I read your post I had to check I hadn’t written it myself- esp the bright and breezy etc I would just blame my tiredness on my “ insomnia” ( thst I don’t really have !)

Another benefit I’m really enjoying is not having to factor in the hangover when making plans. Or rather, not making them because I know I ll be hungover. It’s very freeing

Same here and for many of us I expect!

Even though I have found the last few days a bit trying (low energy levels and feeling a bit down in the dumps) at least if I wake up tired I don't go through a whole negative thought process of - "Why oh why did I drink last night, I definitely won't tonight...or will I? ad infinitum...!) Urgh hate it!

@reset100 so sorry about the car. I sympathise- we've had endless very expensive issues with our car over last year or so - also being without it for periods (good for the step count but also a bloody pain)

You sound like such a strong woman and you're doing so well especially in the circumstances. Thanks for all your fab and motivating posts!

or saying that I couldn't get back to sleep after one of the kids woke me up, that's why I am so tired. 😔

@2026x I have used this excuse so many times.

In December weeknight drinking crept back up and one thing I was hyper aware of was driving to work and trying to calculate if I would be over the limit? I'm a night owl so when I drink, I'm starting at 10pm and continuing to midnight and beyond so the mornings are sometimes probably borderline. Not doing this morning mental maths has been so freeing.

I'm meeting a friend tonight and usually we'd share a bottle of wine then she, who is sensible and can moderate, would go home and go to bed whereas I'd go home and open another 🥴 This is my first social event of January as I've been hibernating 😂 but I feel surprisingly fine about it, not even tempted atm.

This thread is nearly at it's end, so you'll have to start a new one soon :-)

I reached 1 year sobriety on 16th January and as promised, I am back with the list of positives of no longer drinking alcohol. I never really paid attention to the alcohol threads on Mumsnet until I was seriously worried about my drinking and knew it had a grip of me and I needed to stop. I got loads of help and it was definitely the turning point to get me sober, so I hope this helps.

After this, I will bow out of your thread and let you all get on (happy to answer any questions though, but otherwise I will leave you all to it). Wishing you every success in your journeys whether it is 100 day reset; moderation or stopping completely.

POSITIVES

• Lots more energy. I am the fittest I have been in 20 years (I am 55)
• Proper deep restorative sleep throughout the night. Every night
• No waking at 3a.m. onwards (with all the anxiety, heart racing, over-thinking, remorse, guilt, self-loathing, etc)
• My face is defined with cheek bones, decent neck and collar bone, and no longer has the telling roundness/bloat that was my drinker’s face
• My eyes are clear and very white
• My skin has a glow that everyone comments on. I get comments about how amazing/young I look (it is significant weight loss, but I attribute my former inflamed look and previous round face to drinking excessive amounts of wine)
• My visceral fat is gone (it fell off under my bust/liver area as soon as I stopped drinking)
• For the first time in my adult life, I have overcome obesity and got the weight off (I do keto/low carb) and 4 months in, I was questioning how I could eat nutritionally dense food and be in ketosis, yet I was filling glasses with wine night after night. It made no sense and I admit to realising that it was a significant factor in previous unsuccessful attempts to lose weight. I was sabotaging my attempts as I was addicted to alcohol
• I am calm and measured all the time, not prone to mood swings, low mood or grumpiness
• I am always present (this is one of my favourite things)
• I never ever have to worry about being over the limit while driving (I used to drive myself insane by counting how many units I’d had the night before and when I could safely get in the car. It wore me down)
• I no longer plan my life around drinking; when to plan appointments, meetings, etc (ALWAYS afternoon because of driving). It is freeing
• I no longer create opportunities to drink (every occasion my first priority was how I would incorporate drinking – nights out, weekends away, occasions, etc. Expensive hotel stays so I could avoid driving kind of thing)
• I no longer stress about drinking a lot faster or more than my peers and making a huge effort to slow down – my glass was always the first to empty on a night out among friends. My tolerance was always higher than everyone else's
• I have loads more time – I am never hungover so can get straight into my day. My evenings are so free now, and I get a lot more done; working down my lists, etc (previously my evenings consisted of opening a bottle of wine from 6pm (if I could wait til then), drinking til bedtime and repeat
• I can drive anywhere any time
• I no longer drink alcohol around my granddaughter (which ashamedly I did since she was a baby), and while I did moderate significantly when I looked after her, I would not have been able to drive if I needed to. This pains me a great deal and I am so glad not to be in that place anymore
• Driving back from a night out is exhilarating and makes me feel joyful
• Waking up from a night out is exhilarating and makes me feel joyful. I never have to re-run the night in my head and attempt to reassure myself what I said to whom; did I slur my words; appear drunk, embarrass myself
• I will never ever vomit from drinking excess alcohol
• I am free and no longer a slave to alcohol, which in truth, was ruining my life and my health. I was consumed by the age-old “I won’t drink tonight”; “I had far too much last night” to “I’ll buy a bottle of wine on the way home…better make it 2 as 1 won’t be enough”
• While I still worry about the physical effects of drinking to excess most nights for many years, I am glad I am in recovery and hoping I am reversing any damage to my organs and general health, risks of disease, cancer, etc
• I have saved thousands of pounds. At my worst I drank 1 and a half bottles of wine every night and the units per week were huge. That, as well as all the extras on occasions – holidays, events, easily totalled over £4000 a year. That is an eye-watering amount of money and makes me feel very sad, but glad that I am no longer robbing myself. Money is a lot less tight and I can afford little luxuries and helping out my family more now

NEGATIVES

• I cannot think of a single negative to no longer drinking. Every single aspect of my life has improved and every occasion is enhanced by being sober.

Hope this helps.

Wow @FizzPlease truly inspirational I am going to screen print to fall back on. You sound so happy, contented and strong. Thanks for sharing