The Continuing Support Thread for Anyone Trying to Lead an Alcohol-Free Life Spring into Summer 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.
Lighter evenings, blossom and birdsong are with us once again. Pull up a chair, and make yourself at home. It's going to be alright. x

Good evening shipmates. It's good to see this thread so busy already!

I meant to post last night, but I went to my neighbourhood book group and I ended up staying out rather late (rare for me). The book had a complicated plot and we barely talked about it, we just chatted about our lives. Very enjoyable. Toward the end those who had been drinking were becoming very sleepy, while those of us who had not been drinking were still wide awake. I honestly don't miss drinking at social events at all (except maybe for the occasional very boring social event).

The weather today was gorgeous. I wore my beloved Birkenstocks for the first time this year.

Day 5 for me. I'm feeling a bit anxious because I have just one remaining work task to finish now (final final revisions on an article that's been in the pipeline for ages) and I just don't want to look at it again. Procrastination. This is the kind of thing that makes me think, I'll have a drink and then I'll be brave enough to look at it. Must remember that if I have a drink, I will feel shit about myself and will thus be in an even LESS appropriate frame of mind for work. Anyway I'm determined to tackle it tomorrow.

If social events aren't a drinking trigger for me, work tasks definitely remain a trigger 😢

@SmellyMe and @ThistimeImdone sorry to hear about the DH troubles! It's so hard to have an unsupportive partner. My DH and I are getting on well at the moment, but we've been in some dark places over the years.

It's great to hear from all the NYT puzzle fans. The Strands puzzle was cute yesterday with lots of fancy green colours for St Patrick's Day (yes, I am easily entertained!).

@REP22 I did laugh at the image of Sid baring his teeth exuberantly in the bluebell wood. Very spring-like.

@GreyhoundLurcher welcome and please do come back if you want to talk more. These threads are a great source of support.

Sweet dreams mes camarades.

Evening all and thank you for the new thread @REP22. My sympathies for the knobbery. If it helps you; whenever I get myself mentally over involved with work chaos I visualise how things look if I was a big giant in space looking down at the earth- ie we are but tiny little dots in this big universe and it doesn't matter, and also that person can be squished.
Hope you had a lovely soak @ShyMaryEllenand you're not too sore tomorrow.

What's the book that had the section in it 'The dog food years?' Any Human Heart? It's not that is it.. I'll end up thinking of it in about three weeks time.

Nearly one year @Teaforthetotal- fantastic!

I do wish I'd written more down in a diary when I started again last July. I did make some notes when doing the Alcohol Experiment however I would like to have more to look back on, especially as I'm back to having a few tussles with the 'it wasn't that bad' mindset. Could be the changing weather or the work gloom but I almost feel a dip going back to what it was like six weeks in - feeling great but with that stupid nudge. I know it will pass of course. Maybe I'll write the note to myself now..

Morning all.
Hope you’re not too sore this morning @ShyMaryEllen but glad to hear you got back to your exercise class and it was a bit more peaceful!

Good luck with the work task today @elusivehope - is it a day to be curious about finding different ways to get through it? I had to turn on music yesterday to get through a particularly dull job.

I wish I were better at journaling too @Lavrander - I have a couple of journal entries from the early days (including the memorable line “my hands are shaking less” FFS what was I doing to myself?!).

I wish I’d journaled at the time of my surgery in October, because I forget how bloody awful it was- our bodies are amazing things when you think how well they can heal themselves (mostly!)

Just checking in @GreyhoundLurcher welcome, I’ll post more later but the main thing that got me through early days was alcohol free options mainly 0% beer but there is cider, Guiness, wine - co op £2.95 South African plonk has got me through and I liked to think I was a wine connoisseur ! Ha

Good luck one day at a time, off to tick off St Paddy’s day on Try Dry ;)

Morning all.

I slept better last night and have already had dippy eggs. The DH is on annual leave or I wouldn't bother.

My task today? Sorting my shoes for donating. The DS has instructed the husband (from afar) to make me choose so the dressing room doesn't look like the Young Ones!
I live in sketchers but they're not getting me to part with any serious kit, cold hands my friends, cold hands.

Sun shining here on the downs. Thank the Lord or whoever.

The sun is shining here too @WendyWagon, things you love to see!

Really looking forward to finishing up work for the week, been so drained, had a cold threatening for a few days but hasn’t seem to come to anything but feel a bit blurgh because of it.

Zero weekend plans for me, really just looking forward to a quiet couple of days to reset.

Sun shinning here too! I didn't see it yesterday as was laid low by D&V, well just the d but felt sick as a dog. On the mend today thank goodness, now just trying to get through work best I can. Slightly apprehensive as I'm meant to be running a half marathon Sunday but I can't even really walk down the stairs without getting tired today 🤣🤦

I definitely agree music gets me through many a hard /dull work day, I have the Alexa in my work room and it's on most the day. I did also used to do the "I'll do it with a glass of wine" thing @elusivehope and I hate to think of how bad some of the work was as one would turn to two huge glasses 🤣🤦

Thank you @elusivehope , marriage isn't easy is it?!🤣🤦

Well done @ShyMaryEllen fingers crossed she's moved on! Hope you're not too sore.

Lol @WendyWagon completely understandable!

Hope you manage some rest @Adsy1988

Have a good day all x

I'm not too sore, thanks. I plan to do a YouTube version when I finish my class this afternoon, punishment glutton that I am 🥳

I've had a landscaper out to look at putting a new front garden path in, and think of ways to make the back garden look better. He's going to get back to me next week. I hope he's happy to take the job and that the price is right for me to go ahead, as it's been in dire need of sorting out for ages.

Evening shipmates! Playing catch up as ended up having an early night last night which was very restorative! And when I walked the dog this morning it wasn’t dark!
welcome @GreyhoundLurcher we are a friendly and supportive lot at various stages on the journey.
No grand plans for me this evening. I have developed an obsessive need to put my pjs on as soon as I get home which is great for winter but as the lighter evenings come I suppose I’ll have to stay dressed longer for the sake of decency! Nobody knocks on the door when it’s dark but the lighter evenings bring more sociable times.

Evening shipmates. Good to see familiar faces and fabulous to see so many new.
I’m still here just not checked in for ages I’m sorry. Life just got lifey !
But every day I am still choosing me and loving my sober life.
One day at a time I continue to choose me. It’s the best gift I ever gave myself xx
Wishing everyone a kind Friday and let’s hope the sun shows herself ! X

Morning shipmates.

I am definitely changing.
Fifty plus pairs of shoes chucked or donated. The DH found the handbag box!.

Good morning Shipmates,

First day of Spring today. We've made it through the Winter. How are you doing @GreyhoundLurcher? Hope you are OK.

Very odd dream last night. I had been hospitalised due to drinking. I'd sneaked some into my hospital bedside cabinet but found I didn't want it and threw it away. As I got more mobile, I was able to engage with other patients (all frail and elderly). A few more mobile ones were, I noticed, often heading to the private side room next to my bed, only to glare in and walk away, sometimes also muttering filth through the door. Curious, I peeped in. It was Donald Trump in the bed, with Melania sitting at his bedside. They couldn't understand why no-one was visiting or being nice to them. Some terrorists tried to storm the hospital but were fended off with kindness and empathy for the situation that had made them so desperate - they ended up helping the patients. A military helicopter summoned by Trump hovered overhead and then disappeared without helping him. Melania was in tears trying to get his coat on him so that they could flee on foot. Not sure what happened next, because Sid woke up and accidentally headbutted me.

I have odd dreams sometimes. But - equally oddly - I didn't mind this one because (a) I only have these odd dreams when fully sober in every way; (b) at no point in the dream did I actually WANT any drink - the very reverse in fact, I had plenty at my disposal and threw it away; and (c) DT was having to face the consequences of his foul actions (the least plausible aspect of the dream, probably). It's not usual that an odd dream is a good dream. Possibly I will eat less cheese before bedtime tonight though...

Strength and courage as we head into the weekend. We can do this. It will be alright. x

Hello all.
Blimey @REP22 - that IS a weird dream 🤣

Well done on your clear out @WendyWagon

Just popping on to say I am 4 years sober today.
I think the immunotherapy is starting to impact my energy levels - I’ve been really tired by lunchtime the last couple of days - but at least I’m doing it sober!

4 years @Onewildandpreciouslife congratulations!!! I remember all your kindness and wisdom from when I joined the thread as a wretched, pathetic creature. I rejoice in your success. 🌟❤️🌟 x

Congratulations one precious x

Congratulations @Onewildandpreciouslife that’s just incredible! Hope you’re managing to get some rest when you need it?

I'm finding that I’m having to find my way a bit with the lighter evenings and warmer weather. Definitely felt a bit lost when I finished work today after quite a busy week and wasn’t quite sure how to mark the transition into the weekend. Was a bit wistful and started some dangerous thoughts. Put some tv on with my DD and before I knew it, it was time to make dinner and then pick DS up and now I’m in bed with my book. Still feel a bit wistful though. Got through it easily enough but it’s not like it was a particularly exciting evening.

Congratulations on FOUR YEARS, @Onewildandpreciouslife !! That’s a real achievement.

Wow, 4 years, that’s inspiring @Onewildandpreciouslife! CONGRATULATIONS!! 🥳

Congratulations @Onewildandpreciouslife. Truly inspiring. And yes at least doing the immunotherapy sober. How long is this cycle for you?

How are you feeling @ThistimeImdone? Can you drop it down to the 10k if you're still not 100% or is that not your style?

I too am struggling a little with the wistful thoughts @eekwhatnow. It's just that I haven't flexed those muscles enough, so I still have the beginning of pub garden season to get used to. But, plenty of AF drinks available and I had a look back at my first post on here the other day. The annoyance, frustration and sadness is palpable. I do not want to be her again.

Off out to see an old friend today. I've been thinking far too much about my outfit and how to look like I just threw this on. She is always so very stylish.

Wow, congratulations on four years @Onewildandpreciouslife, that is incredible.

Looks like another nice day here, loving the good weather and good vibes at the moment!

Morning all.

Off with the family to DS's new house.
I'm taking sandwich fillings apparently!

I've been up since 3am as the dog has sore ears (cockapoo) so they inherit some bad bits. Poor duck.
I think I might tog up as he'll expect it. No gardening jumpers, more Margo!

Thanks @Lavrander I actually don't think I'd manage a 10 unfortunately 😩 I'm just going to have to call it sadly. But actually I used to be someone who'd always push hard and not rest but this time round I've been really trying to work with and listen to my body, so this actually feels like the next step and I have no choice 🤣 don't want to yak mid run 🤣

Amazing @Onewildandpreciouslife congratulations!. And I hope immunotherapy is going okay.

Oh poor pup @WendyWagon and hope you're not too tired! Have a lovely time with the family today.

My brain is doing this a bit too @Lavrander and @eekwhatnow but I'm actually quite looking forward to exploring all the AF options there are over summer. And @eekwhatnow I think my evenings were the same boring I just used alcohol to numb me if that makes sense?

That is quite a dream @REP22. I've noticed since being sober I dream a lot more - makes sense as drinking suppresses REM sleep.

Oh and I almost forgot!! 100 days for me today!

Enjoy the sunshine all x

Congratulations @Onewildandpreciouslife 4 years is simply amazing!
And congratulations to you @ThistimeImdone on 100 days which is also pretty spectacular! We are at a similar stage-I’m a couple of weeks ahead but hitting triple figures feels great doesn’t it?
Ive had an industrious morning of gym, walking the dog and various unexciting household tasks but enjoying a sit down with a cuppa and a catch up on here!
Hope everyone has a fantastic Saturday. It’s sunny here which definitely raises the spirits.
Hope your pup is doing better @WendyWagon and you get a decent rest tonight.

Hello shipmates, just back from a bright, sober morning out with Sidney. The wheedling thoughts on light evenings get me too @eekwhatnow @Lavrander and @ThistimeImdone - I try hard to "play it forward" - thinking how guilty/utterly sh~t I will feel in the morning. It doesn't always help much though. Distraction is the best thing for me, I've found. Anything - anything - to get my mind off it. Soup-making, reading, TV, anything to quiet the internal noise. I found the film I Swear on Netflix the other night. Not always an easy watch, but I am so glad I watched it. Ultimately uplifting and well-worthy of the praise heaped upon it.

Hope the visit to DS goes OK @WendyWagon - I bet you make an epic sandwich. So sorry about your DDog's ears. Sid is a martyr to his oversized lugs as well. He refuses to accept help in easing them though. Hope all will be well with your lovely hound. If I recall, Margo even looked good in headscarf, jeans and covered in pigswill. But even she can't outshine you. 🌟

I am still making small (very small) steps to make my life a tiny bit better, a wee shambles at a time. Last evening, I FINALLY properly unboxed the Vax carpet cleaner that I got for my birthday, as recommended by @FiloPasty. It was my birthday in October. Believe me, this is progress. I then cleared the little hallway (my first area of despair. Hmmm... "a despairea...?!"🤔😉). This morning, up bright and early, I went to hoover the carpet. Mr. Dyson - Sid's nemesis (another one) - let me down and wouldn't work (b~st~rd). So I refused to be deterred and instead changed our bedding. Another small step, but one which has proved an almost insurmountable hurdle for me at times. That done - I felt brave enough to take an even bigger step - I opened my bedroom curtains. Haven't done that for at least 2 years. The light flooded in and lit up Sid's eyes (see actual pic. taken at the time). Everything looked 1000 times better. Tiny thing; big impact. Only in sobriety can it be truly appreciated.

Less happily for Sid, Mr. Dyson has had his clogged back passage "evacuated" and is ready to be pressed into further service. So the despairea is back on schedule for tartery-uppery tomorrow morning! One more step along the world I go... (who remembers that from school assemblies...?!)

Not too long ago, almost every moment of my weekend would be spent in dark, withdrawn misery, in stupor from the night before as I contemplated staggering to the corner shop for yet more. I need to keep reminding myself that a single step into the true light is worth not having the mere moments of false brightness that the drink pretends to bring us.

Strength and courage my friends. I am so glad that you are stepping this path with me. Together we can make it. It is going to be alright. xx

Sid looks awestricken there, bless him 😂

I've had a few bad nights' sleep in a row, and am tempted to head bedwards to catch up, but if I do that I'll struggle to sleep tonight. I've been out to a literary festival talk this morning, then on to lunch with friends, and I'm shattered. I had a list of chores I'd planned to do this afternoon, but have managed exactly none of them. I need to sort out 'stuff' to put in the numerous bins we now have. Tidying up is so onerous these days - you can't just chuck everything in a bin bag and be done with it. Everything has to be sorted and separated. Anyway, when that's done, I need to wash a million jumpers and put them away for the summer, and my bedding needs to be changed too. Then I need to hang a picture on the stairs, water the plants and move the huge pile of clothes on my daughter's bed (she doesn't live here any more). Instead of just doing any of these things, I just add to the list.

@REP22 There is a documentary about I Swear on Prime. We meet John from the film and a young lad called Greg, who we see at age 8 and at 15. It's worth a watch if you have access to Prime. It's called I Swear I Can't Help It, and Sue Johnston does the narration.

Someone asked on the old thread about dosage of B1. I recommend at least 100mg three times a day. Solgar do 500g tabs but they are HUGE and difficult to take.