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

Morning all.
I’m so sorry to hear that @Adsy1988 but glad you’ve posted. Hope you find a supportive meeting

Well done on the brunch @VillageIdiott - I love the feeling of control you get socialising sober. It’s so much easier to move in and out of conversations- maybe it’s because I feel more self-confident, which is really weird because I spent 30 years believing alcohol gave me confidence

Love your description of fire in your belly @TheMentalMentalLoad . Yes!

Morning all.
I've had a wagon fall too.
Big legal challenge back with evengance.
I'm really stressed. Horrible things popping up. I wish the DS was here but he's not.

I'm looking at two cottages this morning. I've got to get a cheaper and easier option.

Ah @WendyWagon I’m sorry to hear that. Don’t let the bastards grind you down, as my dad used to say

Well I saw the cottages. One was lovely and already discreetly adapted. It use to be a sweet shop.
It would be easier for me to maintain.

I didn't go mad yesterday I was just in pain and stretched so thin. I stopped before I became a pain!
However I've just had an investor offer on my house! It's low but no EA fees so it might be doable

@Adsy1988 glad you posted. Hang in there and keep in touch. Have you been to meetings before?

@WendyWagon great news on potential offer and great you were able to stop before it all got out of hand for you yesterday.

Sending virtual hugs to you both 💐

@TheMentalMentalLoad what a great thing to be involved in!! I’d love to hear more but appreciate you don’t want to out yourself.

This ‘ Sober me just has so much more hours in the day and fire in my belly. I love sober me‘ needs to go on a plaque or at least somewhere you can see everyday!! Love it

I’m just so ashamed of myself. I have made things 100 times worse for myself. Why on earth did I did this?

I’m sorry @Adsy1988 . There was a poster on here a few years ago who used to say “it’s feedback not failure”. It may be too soon to try to find wisdom in this - for now, just be kind to yourself. You’re dealing with the horrid after effects of alcohol, so your mental and physical health will both be quite low. But you CAN come back from this. Hang in there x

Virtual hugs to you @Adsy1988 and @WendyWagon .

Adsy, what Onewildandprecioushope says is very wise. I always feel shit after a relapse. But if you don't drink, you'll feel better.

@WendyWagon fingers crossed for you about the investor offer, and the cottage you saw.

I feel vulnerable right now because whenever I have contact with my family of origin, it brings up so many feelings. My niece has also been messaging me about feeling alienated from her mother (her mother is my estranged DSis). I want to be a support to her, but I also need to stay calm and level-headed and avoid drama.

I feel emotionally exhausted. At least the weather is cooler! And DS2 got his braces off today, so he's over the moon.

Evening all.
@Adsy1988did you get to a meeting? One foot in front of the other.
I've been socialising for four days with family and without alcohol. I'm utterly exhausted! I've come to my bedroom to get some peace and quiet.
Not tempted though - I find it easier with my resolve when I'm with other heavy drinkers because I can see so much of my old self in them. It's not the fabulous social party animal that I thought I was! They've been fun. I am trying not to judge. But I do think it would be a bit less repetitive and definitely fewer arguments if they were all drinking my Noughty sparkling!

Very inspiring to see the list @TickleMeElmo1... I shall be stealing quite a few for my own.

Congrats @lavrander on weathering all that socialising!

@TickleMeElmo1 thanks so much for your list, I completely forgot to comment on it, but I love it! So many good ideas. You're more ambitious than I am though; some of those things I would be far too lazy ever to undertake, unless I have an unexpected personality change 😂

@WendyWagon I also forgot to say I’m sorry about the legal challenge rearing its ugly head again. That’s so shit 😢

But we’re here for you and you will make it through this 💪

@WendyWagonand @Adsy1988im sorry to hear you’ve both had a slip - one fall doesn’t not undo the time you have spent sober and the battles you have fought and won. Forgive yourself for being human and climb back aboard. We will hold you until you settle again. That’s what this group is for.

Im sorry to hear others are having a tough time. We will not drink with each other tonight. WWNDWEOT.

Good morning.
A good sleep was had.
No sweaty tossing and turning.

We've rain here but I don't mind.
I came home from the cottage viewing to an offer on our house. Too low but something.
I did like one of the abodes but it's the same price as our current house and much smaller. I don't need the cache of the posh market town but I did love it. Beautiful carpets and a snazzy kitchen.
I popped into our estate agent and was met with huge compliments so that was nice. My old friend the big cheese was there and he looked shocked re my size ( always tough for men as the good ones don't know what to say). If he said I had shrunk he'd be fatest or he could referencing my weight loss through illness. It was like he was catching fish! A confidence boost.

Popping out with the bff today for beauty treatments.

Morning,

Sorry to hear about the data points @Adsy1988 and @WendyWagon .

2 year soberversary for me today.

Can't quite believe it. And this group has been such a huge part of it. Thanks everyone for your kindness, support and brilliant humanity .

Amazing @EastCoastDamsel. You must be so proud 💖💖💖💖

Really quick post - has anyone tried the Free Spirit drinks?

Many congratulations @EastCoastDamsel xx

Huge congratulations @EastCoastDamsel
Two years is fabulous 💖 🤩

Congratulations @EastCoastDamsel what an incredible achievement! 🤩

Morning all.
Up with the dog again. His ears are a bit better.

I had a bad experience waiting for my friend yesterday in the salon. I shan't be going with her again. I'll do mine, she can do hers.

I have a bit of research work tomorrow but nothing more on the big cheese jobs. I don't want the commute but I suspect they can sense that.

Are you ok @REP22 or recovering from the hols?

Congratulations @EastCoastDamsel🎊

Morning all.
We are 30 posts away from needing a new thread! Would anybody like to volunteer to host, to give @REP22 a break if she’d like one? I’d be happy to do it but am on a walking holiday next week so service might be intermittent!

There’s no rush at the moment but we’ll need it in the next day or so

@Onewildandpreciouslife would you take it on please as I'm due new meds next week and I'm not sure how I'll react. I'll do the next one.

I'm happy to host the next one

Thanks @Lavrander - that would be great