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

Amazing, that's ever so helpful @TickleMeElmo1 - I will get myself some.

I've just had a small victory - I have successfully changed the rear numberplate lightbulb on the Sidmobile all by myself (well, with the help of a Youtube video). I'm rubbish with mechanicals, so I'm feeling very pleased. In these small wins lie our greatest triumphs.

Keep smiling. xx

Thank you @TickleMeElmo1 I've posted a link to the DH. I refuse to add to the riches of 'him on the Internet'.

Morning shipmates.

One thing that helps my sobriety is always having AF beer in. I feel zero guilt for having 2-3 a night. They totally scratch the booze itch for me. I believe they’re 0.05% but I’m okay with that. Be warned though Corona Zero causes the worst farts.

@TheMentalMentalLoad Marks do a 0.5% cider. I wouldn't have known the difference. It's lovely.

@WendyWagon its available on Amazon too if he has an account. lots of good reviews on there - looks like they changed the packaging too https://amzn.eu/d/03Gkw2Ul

I’m tempted to get some AF beer for the weekend. Doing my weekly shop in morning so will see what’s available. Any Aldi recommendations?

@TickleMeElmo1 The AF Prosecco I get is either Blusecco in little tins, or the Freixenet one in mini bottles- it tastes better but costs twice as much. But I live abroad so I‘m not sure if these are available where you are.

@elusivehope all I could think of was thank goodness you were sober so could take care of your DS! It makes me feel sick to think of all the times I‘ve been home alone with my DC and off my face once they were in bed. If anything would have happened, I would have been in no state to be a responsible parent.

@REP22 feeling much better, thanks for asking. I‘m actually looking forward to this weekend, knowing I won’t be waking up tomorrow feeling shit and having to hide my hangover from DH. I can finally make plans at the weekend without letting anyone down. However DH has got a rotten cold- at least I can be relied upon to get up with the kids tomorrow and entertain them. Most weekends DH got up with DC while I nursed my hangover in bed. That’s something that I feel quite ashamed about and it is motivating me to do better.

@Franksnidebottomhave you heard of box breathing? Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four - do it four times. It will help to calm you down.
The other one that I think is helpful when you're feeling overwhelmed is 5,4,3,2,1 grounding technique - look for five things you can see, four things you can touch (so that could be your feet on ground, touching the desk, material on your skin etc), three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Takes you out of your head and in to the moment so I find it's really good for anxiety.

Would try that Thornit powder for Arthur if only he'd let me near his ears. He is incredibly protective over them ever since he had an ear infection and the vet dared to take a look. He'd rather have them chopped off thank you very much.

@Franksnidebottom My sympathies. I've made a complete fool of myself at work events over the years - literally fell down drunk one one occasion; been indiscreet and subsequently haunted by it; a couple of things I can't even bring myself to write down, but trust me, they were bad. I find work social events an ordeal and tend to clam up with nerves, so drinking was the only way, I thought, to relax and talk to people.

But I have had to accept I am incapable of moderation, I cannot stay at the relaxed and chatty stage. Ultimately, having spent an evening being quiet and tense is a much better outcome than having ended an evening being so drunk I can't control myself at all.

The silver lining is that the 'morning after' when sober feels absolutely marvellous, being confident I 100% did nothing I regret, and being fresh as a daisy amid colleagues with various levels of hangovers.

The sense of shame will fade, and workplaces move on quickly these days, your social event will be 'yesterday's news' very soon. If anyone should say anything to you, own it and apologise, you had too much to drink and have taken it as a lesson (you don't need to expand on that).

Next time, prepare your non-drinking strategy in advance - use whatever decline wording you feel most comfortable with (remembering that you don't owe anyone an explanation for not drinking). I now say 'I don't drink alcohol' as I find it affirming to build my identity as a non-drinker, but you could say 'I'm not drinking tonight' or simply 'No thank you' if someone offers you a drink.

And finally, don't beat yourself up about this. You have acknowledged your remorse and regret, which is healthy, but you are allowed to draw a line and move on now.

Thanks for the tip @WendyWagon.

@TickleMeElmo1 they do a pilsner one in cans. It’s nice really cold. I tend to go through about 12-15 bottles a week of the AF stuff and I’m totally ok with it.

Actually I might get one now - I’m in my garden in the sun having booked today off weeks ago.

Sorry I’ve just checked and it’s larger, not Pilsner. It’s called Karlskrone.

Afternoon shipmates
180 days today! Woo hoo!
@Lavrander ive not tried headspace but am addicted to the calm app. I love it and have been listening to lots of calming meditations and sleep stories to manage my healing brain!
woke up ridiculously early this morning again but had a little snooze this afternoon which helped. I’m not a napper usually but it’s done me good.
lucky Saint is my go to AF option for a sunny day @TickleMeElmo1

Is it ok to join? Have just been reading back on this thread for guidance! I’m on day 16 of not drinking.

@KittyScherbatskaya of course and welcome!

@TickleMeElmo1 My faves on the AF front - 0% Nastro Azzurro if it’s on tap the Lucky Saint or Estrella 0
I don’t mind the AF wine either now it’s been so long for me not drinking as I’ve forgotten what the decent stuff tastes like. Don’t laugh but the Co-Op £2.95 “wines” are fab. So long being nearly 9 months.

0% Captain Morgan rum and coke decent enough as well

Thank you @FiloPasty . I ordered a load of Trip drinks - they are expensive but I have half a can with fizzy water in. Sipping it in the garden now

Definitely download the Try Dry app, mine says I’ve saved something like 2.5k so that’s given me the visual reminder that I have saved money so I’ve been spending that on exercise classes. I’d probably have baulked at spending like that on myself rather than the kids or holidays etc I hadn’t really realised how much all the booze was adding to the cost of my weekly shop (and the added visits to the corner shop!) so treat yourselves!

Thanks for the recommendation @FiloPasty @Carpetburn @TheMentalMentalLoad
I wasn’t sure at first but now the long weekend is here, I know I will fancy something a bit different , especially when I’m sat in garden. I used to do a lot of damage in the garden…. Unmeasured vodka/rum and cokes was my go to.

@KittyScherbatskaya welcome! I’m only on day 18 and this group is super helpful 🥰

Speaking of saving money, I've just spent £15 on the m&s blanc de blancs AF. It felt very frivolous. I needed to feel like I was having something fancy tomorrow for the bank holiday. I shall report back if it's better than the Thomson & Scott.

I like a Lucky Saint as well.

@KittyScherbatskayawelcome! How's it going so far?

Almost half a year @Carpetburn! Well done!

I Bought that and the Pinot Noir 0% from M&S at Xmas, quite like it but honestly am quite attached to my co op one. I was always quite incredulous that’s there a 0% rose that’s over £30 in Marks but I’ve not tried it!

What's the co-op one please @FiloPasty? I haven't seen it. Might need to go to a bigger one.

I really like the Divin Sauvignon Blanc. It almost tricked my brain into thinking I was drinking wine, and I kept topping up my glass 😂

Haven‘t found a red that is drinkable yet

I woke up this morning with a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. Same as every Saturday morning.

How wonderful it was when I realised I didn’t drown in alcohol last night, I didn’t stay up until 1am, I didn’t pick a fight with my husband, I didn’t throw up, I didn’t write stupid messages to my family/friends, and I don’t feel like death this morning. I don’t have to hide my hangover, I can do something fun with my kids, I don’t need to discreetly vomit and hope no one hears, I can sit and drink my tea then get on with my day, instead of rotting on the sofa.

Highly recommended!

Hi @Lavrander this is the longest I have been AF for many years, day 17 today. I originally set a target of 30 days but right now I want to stay off it for much longer. I don’t seem to have an ‘off switch’ once I’ve had one drink and I got really worried about the effect on my health and my family.

Does anyone have any advice for when the urge hits, apart from having nice AF options?

Good morning shipmates.
I slept longer so I'm pleased with that.
Two Yorkshire teas down.

Off out for salad.
I need to see the sea this year. I didn't last year due to my illness. I shan't try it this weekend, it will be mayhem. However I think a June break would be nice.