Dry Jan 2026- anyone care to join in?

[BigButtons]

Since there doesn’t seem to be a dedicated dry Jam thread I thought I would start one and see if I get any company.
I so need this. Drinking has made me feel sluggish, anxiety ridden and awful. I remembered how great I felt doing it last year but slipped back into old habits far too easily.

congrats all on our first AF weekend of 2026! 💪
I am full of cold, I think sometimes we wear ourselves out on autopilot over the festive season, then crash and burn a bit when we stop shovelling food and drink down ourselves in January!
I still have no desire to drink at all after my appalling NYE consumption, the thought of booze at the momjyst makes me 🤢, so hanging on to that feeling for now!
Back to work for me tomorrow, Christmas decorations down and being packed away today, so bring ‘26 on!

Im just wondering if there's many on here using wine etc as a means for forget their problems? Its certainly one of the reasons for me. Sending solidarity ladies

Good morning all, day 4 for me and wow do I feel brighter this morning! Woke up for the first time in a while without feeling groggy and still feeling tired so that’s a win as i’m back to work tomorrow so hopefully won’t struggle to adjust my body clock to getting up early again after almost two weeks off. I want to be fresh and focused at work, that’s one of the reasons i’m doing this.

Almost caved last night as I was cooking dinner but dug my heels in - I find that once i’ve eaten the craving isn’t there. I love the buzz from my first glass before dinner, but then sometimes dinner ends up being later and that one glass becomes several - awful to admit I know, however at least I know my pattern!

DH had a few beers and I had diet coke and peppermint tea. He asked me if I wanted a wine as it was our ‘last night off’ and I almost caved but it was 9pm by this point, i’d never usually start drinking that late so I refused and i’m glad I did.

Keep going all 💪🏼

@Helplessandheartbroke I certainly do. I numb out on it. I also have an infernal, probably ADHD related chatter going on. It drives me insane and alcohol has been my only way to get it to switch off.
I am sure many of us drink to forget.

@Helplessandheartbroke I am trying these tablets called Demoxan. They blunt the nicotine receptors so although I am still technically vaping atm not much is getting through. I am only on day three. It is like weaning yourself off without the withdrawal being too hideous.
Yes it would be much harder for me to stop vaping if I were still drinking- so although it’s a bit hardcore it seemed sensible. The vaping bothers me more than the alcohol tbh. I am sick of it.

I'm also up for dry January as part of kick starting my diet. I do love a drink but drinking every day over the holiday has made me feel puffy and bleargh.

Im having a harder time now dealing with my thoughts and past mistakes etc with no wine. BUT I do feel better in the morning. Im a vaper but low nicotine and really dont want to quit

@BigButtons would it help to know that nicotine isn't actually physically addictive? Think about it; smoking or vaping doesn't get you high, you don't feel the need to smoke/vape more and more, you stop for 6-8 hours every night without withdrawal symptoms and there's no warnings on the packets to seek medical advice before giving up. The tobacco and pharmaceutical industries perpetuate the myth that nicotine is as addictive as heroin. It isn't. The addiction is psychological, it's a habit. Does that help?

Well done everyone so far. I had a great nights sleep finally last night and was lovely to wake up this morning with a clear head. I go to yoga every Sunday morning and was nice to do that without feeling groggy and wobbly. I normally have a wine on Sunday with dinner so will be another tester. Am feeling motivated though so hopefully that will see me through.

Thanks! It does give a dopamine hit though and I think that is the issue.

Do you feel pleasure or reward when you smoke? There's a tiny rise in adrenalin from smoking but the chemical hooks are minimal, you could easily replace the dopamine by watching funny videos.

On the other hand it is popularly accepted that giving up smoking/vaping is really difficult and, if you believe that, it will be, because your mind always looks for proof that your thinking is correct (irregardless of fact). If you've ever been on a low haul flight where you absolutely know you can not smoke for many hours you won't have a craving, because your mind knows it's futile. You wouldn't be able to do that (comfortably) with heroin or alcohol.

Long, not low!!

Checking in for day four!
Well done everyone for not giving up, especially over a weekend! 🥳

I have had a browse on the 100 day thread and there is some really helpful advice over on there... would it help for us to share tips and tricks on here?

I would particularly love any sleep advice!
Didn't manage to sleep until after 2am and lots and lots of waking throughout. Back to work tomorrow and not sure how I will manage the 7am alarm 🙃

@Eyesopenwideawake for me that is true to an extent but I certainly do have cravings at times when I have to go a long time without a vape.
I think mostly though is is a kind muscle memory hand to mouth movement that will be the hardest thing to break. I am deformed though and these tablets mean that I am getting barely any nicotine anymore anyway.

I'd love to join too please! I haven't had a drink since NYE and I try to do Dry January most years.

I'm peri and will admit to sometimes having a drink to help me fall/ stay asleep. My hangovers are terrible now though and def not worth it! I hardly ever used to get them.

I don't usually drink during the week but weekends are my downfall, especially after a stressy week. I'm back to work tomorrow so Friday will be hard!

I've been drinking ginger beer/ale as I like the kick and the fizz 😂

@Crocodocodile definitely tips are helpful!
I saw that thread but knew I wasn’t going to be doing 100 days so gave it a miss!

@HelloHelloHelloHowLow yes I love the fizz too. I can fool myself with that-

Also have ADHD with a relentless, busy almost tortured, bastard, overactive mind - wine has seemed to dampen that chaos into sublime numbness but the after affects and self- loathing are far, far worse, so no more alcohol, more self care and relaxation, especially fresh air xx

Day 4 here. I feel like i have achieved something having a dry weekend. I wouldn't ever drink on a Sunday apart from when I am abroad so today isnt an issue. I am also on a health kick as i have 1st 3 pounds to shed which has gone on in the last year. I made myself little local frozen yoghurt and option button mix. I mix a low fat option sachet and a muller light together then freeze little portions in ice trays. They are a nice treat.

It’s approaching my dangerous time. I have a fancy small carafe and a crystal glass that has been mouldering in a cupboard for years. I’m going to drink water from it in the hope that I convince myself that that is all I need to get over the stresses of the day.
I usually need a drink to be able to cope.
Still I’ve managed so far- if I can get through today that’s a whole weekend!
It’s encouraging to be in the same boat with everyone- thanks!

Day 4 checking in. Felt good about having a weekend without wine/gin. At work tonight on a nightshift so no temptations here. I'm so determined to do this. Been relying far too much on alcohol. I vape but on a low dose. Thats the next thing to go. All in good time. Good luck everyone 🤗

One thing I picked up from reading on here was, "same glass, same time, different drink".
I ALWAYS crack open the wine when prepping and cooking on a Sunday. Today I have prepped and instead of wine had, Tonic water, ice, elderflower cordial and a slice of lime.
Obviously it doesnt have the same impact but it felt "right" to be sipping on a drink of something nice whislt faffing in the kitchen.

I just went for a walk to avoid the wine witch, but it’s recycling day tomorrow and all I could see were wine bottles everywhere! I’m going to cook tea and have another fizzy rhubarb. Even though it’s only been a few days , getting through the weekend feels like an achievement.

We went for food with friends today and I almost ordered a beer! Dh was driving. I quickly stopped myself and got a diet coke instead

Hard today - in-laws left and I’d love to pour myself a big glass or three of wine to wind down. Has anyone tried any of the non-alcoholic drinks that are meant to give you a buzz - either trip, g spot or sentia? Xx