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

Congratulations @EastCoastDamsel, what a fantastic achievement.

I’ve made it to five or six meetings since Monday, last had a drink Sunday. So day 3 just now.

I will not let it define me. But another blip fills me with utter fear, I’m just so glad I caught it after one day. Good luck to you too @WendyWagon, let’s smash it!

@EastCoastDamsel congratulations!! What an achievement - 2 years!! 🎉🎉🎉

@Adsy1988 great to hear you’ve been to a few meetings already. You did so well to stop after one day! You’ve got this!

@WendyWagon - a compliment is always nice too hear- what a confidence boost!!

I’ve just dropped DD at train station. She’s going back to uni for 3 weeks to enjoy some time with her new friends now exams are finished. I offered her my last two bottles of my favourite Sauvignon Blanc, felt weirdly sad when it was packed away- but glad it’s out of the house. I’ve been listening to Sober Diaries (Clare Pooley) - have Spotify premium so it’s free on there. What a fabulous book, so well written and narration is fantastic. It reads like a novel and I can’t seem to stop listening!
The book has reinforced my commitment to stop drinking!

Hope everyone is doing well. I just marked off day 30 on Try Dry

Congratulations on two years, @EastCoastDamsel! That’s a real achievement.

Hi everyone, checking back in. Hope you’re all well ☺️

Morning all
Congratulations on 30 days @TickleMeElmo1 !! I’m glad you’re enjoying Sober Diaries- it’s such a great book. Clare Pooley has gone on to write some lovely feel good fiction that’s worth checking out

Hey @WhatMaggieDid - how are you doing?

Morning all.

I was shockingly ill by yesterday. Big reaction to an all day breakfast. I've no gallbladder anymore but wow the effects were awful. I'm better this morning.

Still cooler here.

Morning all - I recently passed 500 days 🌟Looking forward to 1,000!

How is everyone? @WendyWagon hope you feel better soon. My DH had his removed a few years ago - it's pretty rough when you have that reaction isn't it? 💐

@Adsy1988 how are you doing?

I'm doing ok. Just over 3 weeks. Been tough as I don't want to tell people so I've occasionally found myself ordering wine as a prop to carry around. Haven't drunk any of it and it's stopped any questions but it's not ideal. Physically feeling pretty good but feeling a bit tense/agitated/sad in the evenings.

Also been experiencing pretty awful anxiety. GP prescribed beta blockers - I was wary at first but they're really helping..and I realise a lot of my drinking is about managing my anxiety (and boredom). The medication means I now have an excuse not to drink too which is helpful!

I'm at a lunch event today. I hadn't realised the people I upset when last drunk will be there AND my manager. I haven't spoken to anyone or raised it, so I am incredibly fearful about today. It was sprung on me so I don't feel at all prepared, and will definitely take my medication beforehand. I'm absolutely dreading it, I feel sick at the thought of seeing them, but I know I have to just get it over with, and hopefully after this, I can put it behind me, whatever happens. Urrgghhhhh..the situations alcohol creates... Screw you alcohol. Never again are you taking my dignity or my mental peace.

I will get through this. I will get through it.

Hope you're all doing well

Sorry to hear you weren’t well @WendyWagon, gall bladder issues can be hellish.

@Franksnidebottom, I’m doing OK, thank you for asking. Day 4 now. Still so annoyed at myself but need to pick myself up and get back on the wagon.

Hope REP is ok ❤️

Good afternoon Shipmates,

Apologies for the absence - I was struck by post-holiday lurgy. Been thinking of you all. Thanks for offering to take the helm @Onewildandpreciouslife ❤️

Well - Sid did indeed take to the waters. It was not quite the gentle phut-phut around an island that I had been anticipating (DB booked it). No. It was a power-boat of great might. Sid enjoyed his foray on the waters (apart from the speeded-up mighty waves bits). He has forgiven me, I think.

Strength courage and love to you. xx

@REP22 Yay!! Xx

Hi @Onewildandpreciouslife its lovely to be back. I am (predictably) back at the beginning again but I return with renewed commitment and confidence. I’ve probably missed a lot but I hope you’re all well, keeping on keeping on and that Sid is still his all knowing, authentic self ☺️

Sid looks like he is enjoying himself!

I have a big win to report today (unfortunately not lotto related). I have just submitted a huge assignment for my masters degree. I am celebrating with some nosecco. Having a clear head has definitely helped with this project. Day 19.

DH is off out soon until late. Old me would have got totally smashed due to the relief of the assignment submission and the absence of DH‘s watchful eyes. Even though there are two children in the house.

I like the new me better! And I will definitely be happy I‘m not the old me tomorrow morning!

Sorry folks I'm on the app and I can't do emojis or read forward. It's rubbish. Will need the DD to sort it out.

I've been folding washing as my gig got cancelled. I expect them to pay anyway as they gave me less than an hour's notice. I play Hardball these days. My time has a value. It was for a particular area of the beauty industry where I'm considered an expert and these PE investors treat females as little women. No pay and they can stuff any future help from me!

The DS is with us for the weekend. Mother will be cooking seafood risotto as it's only us that like it.

@taylorean congrats on the big number. How do you feel?

Great news @VillageIdiott. Enjoy that Nosecco!
How did the lunch event go @Franksnidebottom?

I enjoyed seeing Sid on the waves.

I'm back from spending time with family which was mostly lovely. However I can see my father's drinking has started to hugely impact his health even though he denies it. I'm powerless to stop it. I realise there is a different thread for those impacted by someone else's drinking but I still think it's appropriate to say here for anyone that needs to read it. Your loved ones worry more than you'll ever know about your drinking. The biggest gift you can give them is to stop and stay stopped. It's the thing that hangs over everything.

I think we're on the last few posts so I'll start a new thread and post it here.

New thread here https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/alcohol_support/5538382-the-support-thread-for-those-trying-to-lead-an-alcohol-free-life-summer-2026?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

@WendyWagon Feel? Busy and tired as usual 😂

I've been very lucky. It's flown!

@taylorean That is such amazing news! Well done 🌷🌟 xx