The Continuing Support Thread for Anyone Trying to Lead an Alcohol-Free Life Spring 2026

[REP22]

Hello and welcome. I’m glad you’ve found your way here. We are a bunch of people who are trying to give up and keep off alcohol. No judgement, just honest support and kindness.
The original thread was started by @drybird2020 in 2020 and we have plenty of veterans and newer members who can offer advice and signposting. You are welcome here, whether you post several times a day, once or twice and then never again, or if you only just come to read but have no intention of ever posting.
Whatever your stage on the AF journey, and whatever you’re going through, someone here will have gone through it too. Don’t be shy about posting, we love to celebrate your successes of whatever shape and size - and will support you when things get challenging. We get it, we've been there too.
All we ask is that you’re genuinely trying to abstain. We don't encourage moderation-only here, as it can be triggering for some to read. If you’re looking to moderate your drinking rather than quitting it altogether then MN has another long-running and very active moderation/abstaining thread that’s always near the top on the alcohol support board. Lots of fine support there from those worthy people too. Keep trying. Sobriety may not be easy - but I guarantee you that it is worth it.
I started trying to give up drink in 2018, succeeded (mostly) in 2019 but had a few “wobbles”, one of which led me here in April 2023. I still struggle sometimes but the posters on this thread have been an absolute godsend of wisdom, support and encouragement, along with my dog - known here as Sid (not his real name), and they keep me going. I hope you find strength and comfort here too. This thread and its wonderful posters has been a lifesaver to many, and have certainly seen me through many good and not-so-good days.
These books were particularly helpful to me and I still go back to them from time to time: The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley (Amazon - Sober Diaries) and The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray (Amazon - Unexpected Joy). Others have found This Naked Mind by Annie Grace (Amazon - This Naked Mind) helpful. There are Apps that help track your AF journey, including Reframe and the ones I use, I Am Sober and TryDry. Podcasts can also be helpful. I have found One for the Road by Sober Dave to be a good listen. But different things work for different people. Feel free to post and ask. There is solidarity, wisdom and support here. This is a safe space where your voice will be heard, understood and valued.
Warmer weather is coming. Keep an eye out for that first daffodil waving in the breeze, and make yourself at home. It's going to be alright. x

They’re strictly limited to two drinks apparently.

I'm a devil for a biscuit @Lavrander - I had some cookies the other day from Lidl with jaffa orange bits on them. Lush. But not Slimming-World friendly, hehe. Preferable to the booze though.

I too, seem to notice drinking more onscreen. I can't imagine drunkenness being a good recipe for Traitors - the wrong 'uns would reveal themselves almost immediately. And I strongly suspect that, sadly and as we see repeatedly mirrored in REAL life, anyone choosing a non-alcoholic drink would be deemed "a traitor". Sadly. See you in the Turret with my glass of AF fizz! x

Another fan of The Traitors here, and of biscuits! Trying not to feel too guilty about the latter though- it's better than wine. Yes, I am very aware of being aware of the alcohol consumption on TV, it seems to be everywhere. That's a lot of wares/wheres!

Congratulations @TheMentalMentalLoad on 28 days, and feeling no draw to the drink- both awesome. Enjoy your treats this eve!

Sorry, missed some- congratulations @Carpetburn on your 60 days, and to everyone on all your milestones. All blinking fabulous however many days. Happy Friday everyone x

You absolutely should not feel guilty about biscuits @IChooseTo 🍪

The thing is that there is a LOTS of sugar in almost all alcoholic drinks, not to mention the mixers (and attendant munchy snacks). When we give up the drink, especially if one is at the upper end of the drinking scale, like me and most of us on here, our bodies crave the sugar they're suddenly not getting. We have to almost 'wean' ourselves off it by stealth. Biscuits and chocolate are the natural way to go.

I have always said that, when the cravings are bad, reach for those sweet, sweet nuggets of joy as much as you need to. Any weight added can be lost. If it helps you to keep true, booze-wise, then it's fair game and entirely worth it. Toffee Crisps, Lion Bars (sorry Sid) and Double Deckers were my drug of choice in the beginning of my sober journey. Eventually whittled down to a little cup of Sainsbury's TTD White Chocolate and Raspberry Milkshake before I went to bed at night. There are plenty of people who can get and keep sober without the need for recourse to sugary treats, but I'm not one of them.

I'm a bit worried about @Becky3825 - hope you are OK lovely.

Especial strength and courage as we head into the weekend. xx

Enjoy Traitors. Especially from one who walks among us... 😉

@REP22 sid looking particularly fetching! Just checking in and catching up on traitors ready for tonight!
It’s wild weather here this evening. Quite pleased to be on a metaphorical ship this evening!

Sid’s the new traitor with a yellow cloak!

I agree embrace the sugar! I’ve still lost 2 stone since September and am fond of chocolates, biscuits and even put a little sugar in my tea!

Hope everyone has a lovely sober weekend x

@Lavrander as others have said there is a strict two drink limit in the traitors, same as love island now. Think they instigated it when one of the girls was arguably too drunk to really consent. I remember reading an interview with one of the later ones saying they were going round trying to sneak more drinks and production basically told them they would be packed off home if they didnt stick to two so think they tske it pretty seriously now
Man, some of the chaos in big brother back in the day after the booze. Id be horrified to have any video evidence of some of the states I got in, never mind have it broadcast on tv 😬
I do remember seeing a few obviously drunk people on MAFS aus so they obviously don't have that rule there

Evening all.

Ive had a very busy day.
Bun fights at the Cosmetics Coralle.
I gained an ally. Scary shareholder lady. She's on the case now.
Popped to the quacks and ended up at the hospital again. Frequent flyer me . More tests.

Have a sober night ladies.

Evening! Had my Friday night treat of a steak and tried some Reggae Reggae jerk barbecue sauce with it (impulse buy) which was amazing! Now relaxing in front of TOTP2 - 1981 - with trusty bottle of Lilt - trying to banish thoughts of work until Monday. Hope everyone is enjoying their sober Friday night with the prospect of a lovely hangover-free Saturday - we are planning a fairly early start and a train trip.

10 minutes until Traitors!!!
As others have said - @Becky3825 hope you’re ok, come back and talk to us ❤️
@REP22 the orangey cookies sound lovely, must have a trip to Lidl to scout them out!
@TheMentalMentalLoad somehow I missed that you’d got to 28 days. Bloody well done, I’m a bit behind you but staring to feel so good.

The work email thing was escalated today but I’m fairly confident all will be well and my direct colleagues and line manager have been really supportive. I will say that previously this would have reduced me to an anxious, tearful mess but I have managed to stay calm and reflective, haven’t let it take over my every thought and have managed to feel relatively happy with life, despite this going on. Such a massive improvement in my attitude and mental health - it can ONLY be due to being sober 😁

Omg I am still recovering after the traitors final. And so glad I watched with a Mother Root and got to experience it all fully present. Brilliant tv 😀

Don't watch Traitors here - tonight was TOTP2 with Bottlegreen lime and mint cordial with fizzy water - v nice indeed! Also choccies... I'm letting it roll during January, still better than booze...

If you want to see drinking on telly - and be put off it - try some Real Housewives... oh god, so much alcohol, and probably freely-available pills too... They lose their goddamn minds... I watch in fascinated horror...

We were going to go and watch a Welsh Morris Dancing/Wassaiing thing tomorrow but the weather looks really sucky... it's fun, but a long day to be standing in the cold and wet at our advanced age... jigsaw it is, then!

I keep forgetting I have a bottle of MotherRoot in the cupboard. I've been on Kombucha, and I also keep forgetting that it, er, stimulates the digestive system 🙄. I shall turn to the MotherRoot tomorrow.

Wasn't Traitors good? I was pleased with the outcome, and wasn't sure how it would end until the absolute last minute. I'm off to the bath now, and then an early night. Sleep well, shipmates. Sid is reminding me of Tutankhamun in that outfit - very regal.

Sid has a supermodel's capacity to match his expression and attitude to the outfit, doesn't he... 😍 I think he's giving a bit of Blue Steel there, @REP22 ... 😚

Well, rather unfairly, after drinking through December with nary a puke, I ate a healthy meal last night and upchucked it at bedtime! It was leftovers that I'd zhuzhed up with a few dollops of jar sauce, so either the age of the leftovers or the richness of the sauce made my delicate digestion say 'Nah...'. I've come to grief with leftovers before now, usually chicken... Must learn my body is not a bin! 🙄 At least it reminded me how dreadful hangovers are... 🤮

Just a thought - if you've got through a hard craving and resisted it, do you find you feel almost euphoric and energised the next day? It's like a hardening-off process, leading to self-growth... 😁

Have a goodly day of Sat, you swashbuckling lot!

Afternoon all.

I've been watching James Martin he's my crush. When I was ill he encouraged me to eat however I now get too hungry! He likes the booze apparently.

Twenty three days until the DS moves, I'm counting, he's been pretty rude the last few days. Families eh.

Do it @ShyMaryEllen . Love my Mother Root. I actually added a dash of ginger shot to it (the MOJU) one and it was even more delicious 😋

Afternoon shipmates! I’ve had an industrious morning -gym, dog walk, various tedious household jobs. The flip-side of that is it’s noon and I’m already tired!
Im supposed to be meeting friends later -one of whom I think might comment on me not drinking. It won’t tempt me to drink I just can’t be bothered having to explain myself or put up with endless -why, when, what questions.
The weather is horrid here too so the idea of tv, PJs and movie later is tempting. But I do want to see folks so suspect I shall go and if I’m irritated I’ll have to vent here. Apologies in advance.

Afternoon all!

Today is a real 'putting the work in' day for not having a drink. Lots of conscious decision making and a really tough time saying now. But I'm home for the day now so into the PJs and refusing to leave the house again!

Wishing you all a lovely a sober weekend.

Aww Sid ❤️.
Had to avoid until now as hadn’t caught up with Traitors. I’m also fine with the ending @ShyMaryEllen although I would like the goodies to win out some time!
@WorkMess2025well done to you. PJs are a wonderful idea.
@Gribouille poor you, it’s wretched throwing up. Very unfair!
I’ve had a bad week. I have one DS with a serious health condition which has taken a worse turn recently and that’s been difficult this week. Whilst also battling some mental health issues for another. We were also turned down for something financial we were counting on due to a bad work year last year. Just one of those weeks you have to put your head down and push through. I craved the numbing effects of a drink but also felt aware that adding the anxiety that drinking causes me on top of all that would not have helped.
Have just arranged to meet friends in the pub early evening today for a drink and some games. I think we need some lightness and fun and I need to put on nice clothes and make up and wear my new top. They are quite drinking friends which could be an issue but I’ve put a strict time limit on it. Might eat my way through it!

Good afternoon shipmates,

Just got back from a lovely walk in the woods with Sid. Sorry to gear that you were sick @Gribouille and that you've had a grotty week @eekwhatnow - I hope the pub and games are fun and that next week will be better. 💐

@WendyWagon - James Martin used to live near me; one of my friends was his book agent. I think he went a bit too 'showbiz' for her in the end. He is very easy on the eye though, hehe.

Strength and courage my friends. We can do it. xx

Day 7 today and I'm feeling reasonably positive! I've made it through the first week of my teaching term, phew.

Thank you @PhantomOfAllKnowledge for the encouraging words.

@WendyWagon I wanted to be in a neighbourhood book group for ages before finally managing to wangle my way into one! They can be surprisingly cliquish. I think I've now been a member for about 15 years or so, but I'm still one of the newest members! Tbh we usually do a lot more chatting about our lives than about whatever book we've discussing, but I like that because the other members are all interesting, intelligent women and I enjoy hearing them talk about their lives. There is always a lot of food and drink, but I'm not the only non-drinker in the group. We meet only every two months, since managing to get together every month is challenging. You could always find a friend and start your own book group if you want to! I suspect once the group is established, more and more people will want to join.

I hope you're feeling a bit better physically today after your stint at the hospital again. Poor you!

@Gribouille ugh about the men trying to chat up women in a sobriety group, just ugh. In AA/NA it's known as 13th stepping. It can be a real problem, especially for younger women in recovery 😥

@WhatMaggieDid that's fantastic that you're managing the work stress. I also deal with work stress so much better when I'm not drinking (despite having tried to use drink to cope with it in the past).

Glad all the Traitors fans enjoyed last night! I'm the only one in my family not watching it. The rest of my family LOVE it. There was much glee last night after the finale. I've watched enough of it in the past to see how people get hooked, but it's just not my cup of tea. I'm usually tucked up in bed with my novel, hearing the shouts of delight and indignation coming from downstairs.

Sending strong thoughts to @WorkMess2025 and @eekwhatnow and everyone else having a tricky time.

I'm having the odd drinking thought tonight myself. Need to get a fancy AF drink prepared and maybe light a smelly candle.

I'll manage to get through tonight AF as I'm picking up teens from 2 different parties tonight.
Nice to know they will be safe and can call on me anytime to get them if they want or need collecting before latest agreed pick up times. Today is my 2 weeks woohoo small steps.

Just a thought - if you've got through a hard craving and resisted it, do you find you feel almost euphoric and energised the next day? It's like a hardening-off process, leading to self-growth..

Yes, @Gribouille - you have summed this up perfectly. That's exactly how I feel. I'm also drawing ongoing strength from having got through Christmas AF because those were by far the worst cravings I had experienced since the start of my journey 18 months before. I'm sorry to hear you were sick - I wonder if the food was a bit rich for you?

Had a lovely day today wandering round the shops in a nearby city. I do so much more now I am AF, in the bad old days I often couldn't stir myself until midday or later on a Saturday after staying up till 1 or 2am drinking (and that was on a 'moderate' Friday night by my standards) and then of course the day felt half over and unsalvageable.

Bargain of the day - I got a great vintage distressed Joe Brown's denim jacket for £10 in Barnardos. I've got about 10 denim jackets all but one from charity shops, and really should donate some of them, but they're all in slightly different styles and I can never choose which ones to cast off!

Congratulations @elusivehope on making it through the first week of term! I'm really glad you're feeling more positive now.