The support thread for those trying to lead an alcohol free life - Summer 2026

[Lavrander]

Hello and welcome!
This thread is for anyone who is trying to live an alcohol-free life. It was first set up by @drybird and has grown into a safe, supportive space to share thoughts, ask advice, swap experiences, or simply check in as we give up and keep off the booze.
There’s no judgment here – just encouragement. Whether you post every day, once in a while, or just read along quietly, you’re part of the group. Many of us have found this thread invaluable, whether brand new to abstaining or years into AF life.
Wherever you are on the journey, someone here will have been there too. Don’t be shy about posting – we love celebrating successes of all shapes and sizes, and we’ll support you through the tougher times as well.
The only thing we ask is that your aim is complete abstinence. If your goal is moderation or a break, there are a couple of really good threads on this board that will be a better fit. That doesn't mean that slips don't happen, and we'll support you in picking yourself back up and carrying on.
So climb aboard and join the shipmates (as well as our dog mascot Sid!) and see how good alcohol free life can be.

Hello Shipmates,

Good morning from the lower decks. Sid is not enjoying the heat. Decks may go unswabbed. So glad I'm not in my drinking days - it's easier to bear and survive if sober in this weather. Stay safe out there.

Strength and courage. It will be alright. xx

Hello team.

Hope everyone’s doing well. Had some annoying / disappointing work news but felt fairly chill with it, possibly because my head is clear and I’m anxiety free?!

Someone recommended the Since I Quit app - which is great - I have apparently saved £76 since last Sunday. Bonkers but probably about right! Sadly hasn’t taken in to account my new found fever tree habit.

Well thank you for your support dear friends. I was crying most of the morning.
I spoke with my cousin and for once she didn't recommend a drink! She's an interior furniture dealer.

I tidied up the house photos with a computer (go me) and found some that hadn't been used (?) and then I reduced it again. After that the sh*tty bank can have the bloody keys. I've done all I can.

I’m sorry @WendyWagon coukd you move out and rent it for a bit? Is that a possibility?
It does sound like labour with new leadership might do something with stamp duty to stop the big stagnation in the housing market. There are 2 houses for sale on our road and one has fallen through twice and the other not sold, any other year and they would have been snapped up in weeks.

Husband bought me 0% Stella from the supermarket yesterday - absolutely rank. Then I never liked Stella.

Too hot!

@WendyWagon I’m sorry you’re having so much grief with the house sale. I think there’s just less movement overall, no jobs to move closer to, no optimism that you’ll get a payrise and afford something more extravagant etc. I think that’s impacting everything.

They agent admitted today that mine isn't an easy sell. We have three floors apparently that's for teenagers. I wasn't aware they didn't exist anymore! We have a 1000+ pupil school locally.
I try not to regret things but it feels like I backed a pony.
We get all these clicks. I wish I could write so what do you want, you nosy buggers!
HMO buyer offered again but subject to planning. I might have to forget my principles.

@WendyWagon you loved the house when you bought it. There’s bound to be someone else who sees the same good things in it as you did 🤞

I think HMO’s get a bad rep but when I first moved to London I lived in one there were about 10 of us and it was a great house, I was the only Brit in a house full of Aussies, we were all in our 20’s, all of us worked long hours, I don’t think we were any issues to the neighbours. So morals, schmorals:)

Good morning lovelies.
I'm shocked to say I slept. Just heard some thunder.
The dog has had his breakfast.
I do think there is a problem when I eat bread or pasta. I never noticed when I was drinking and scoffing. I puff up like a balloon.

Cottage viewing today.
One has parking the other is on street. Big difference in cost. The fancy one I saw two weeks ago. It's adapted for disability.
The new drugs are working but who knows. The track record so far is they work for ten years tops. Mind you if I live to 70 I suspect I'll be in a home!

You are right @postcard I do love this house but the stairs and cost are a killer. I don't have the right furniture for it and my pictures look naff. I thought I could remortgage but I can't. Long story, too boring and upsetting.
The DH will buy the cottage if it suits. We can perhaps rent our current home out and weather the storm. I will need to call the auctioneers in. And I'll miss the fitted wardrobes!

@Onewildandpreciouslife my dog sleeps under our bed if it's too hot.

Morning shipmates!
How is everyone doing?

I've applied for two jobs this week. Both feel like quite the step up but I've had feedback before that I undersell myself so no harm in seeing if they bite. You can see on LinkedIn how many click on them and it's always 70+

Latest brain trick is 'go on.. it could be a good experiment' - PAH. I believe my former self thanks.

@Lavrander go girl I say. We are only limited by ourselves.

Good morning Shipmates,

Unbearable here. Although Sid and I are coping with the heat OK. On M duties, who is playing "pained holy martyr" for all it's worth. In a dress pulled up to her below bits 🤢 FFS, kill me now.

Sid is being a good boy and keeping hydrated. We went out first thing but even then the temperature was creeping up quickly. I'm grateful that he's not brachycephalic or too fluffy. I do worry about him in the heat.

Glad you had a better night @WendyWagon but sorry the house and other stuff drove you to tears. These days will end. Better ones will come. ❤️

I hate the heat. But I am reminded of how very, VERY much worse it was when I was drinking. I wonder how many heatwave deaths are alcohol-related? Getting so p~ssed that you can't regulate body temperature, doing something stupid, jumping into unwise water, passing out in the sun, etc. But that doesn't get mentioned really. Stay safe out there lads. ⛱️

Here's Sid - highly aggrieved after getting an utter soaking in the rain on his holiday last year. Hope it helps to make you feel a little bit cooler.

Strength and courage. xx

@Lavrander Sid and I agree with @WendyWagon - absolutely go for it. You have nothing to lose and it could be the speculative spark that lights the fire of a bright future. You'll never know if you don't try. All power to you. xx

@Lavrander good luck, go for it.

A hot day here. The cat doesn’t know where to stretch next, she’s left fluff everywhere.

Thanks all. Appreciate the cheerleading :-) I wish I'd spent a bit more time updating my CV but I wrote a good cover letter for both so we shall see. I'll let you know!

I'm not sure how I survived drinking in prior heat waves. It really doesn't feel that safe does it?

Good luck, @Lavrander! We’re all rooting for you.

Yes good luck @Lavrander x

@TickleMeElmo1 oooh, a year abroad - how exciting. How are you feeling about it? When dd went to uni in September I fully redecorated her room so she has had to declutter- I’m not looking forward to all her bits and bobs coming back from uni 🙄 she’s not the tidiest and her room has been so lovely and I’ve been able to have the door open without cringing each time I walk past it

@Lavrander how exciting, keep us posted and good luck!

@REP22 look at Sid!! My dog has been suffering with the heat too, he’s a cockapoo but thankfully he had a groom on Monday so he’s not as fluffy. He’s been moping around and can’t settle - currently laying in front of the Shark turbo fan

hope everyone is ok, today has been so yucky here. The temperature on my landing thermostat is showing 31.5 - yuck!

The calorie counting has gone out the window this week lol, I’ve not felt like cooking so been really unhealthy with toasted bagels and air fryer meals - too many ice creams and pop. I did my dance workout this morning so there is that - I must be crazy 🥵 30 minutes and I was drenched

Morning all.
The DH made me tea so I'd get up for the tip run. He's just gone out with Mr Tiggle.

Well your old friend Wendy had a spot of luck yesterday with a family member wanting to buy the house. BTL landlord!
The DH and I went off to see the very old cottage (c1500) and it was a delight.
It has a fab utility room and a very sweet patio garden. Needs full redecoration but I like that bit. Very reasonable price too. We'd have to buy parking permits. I'm off for a second viewing next week with the bff.

I think the safety around alcohol and extreme heat is something we don't think about but I couldn't drink booze if I tried. I can barely eat. If I was trying to sweat out alcohol I'd be pretty ill. Blonde, fairy skinned dolly me.

Good morning!

@WendyWagon that’s good news on both the selling and buying sides. Would you be needing planning permission for the old cottage?

@TickleMeElmo1 I had great plans of giving the DD’s room a proper good tidy and clean while she’s at uni, but I haven’t so far. DS’s room is similarly unsorted and a dumping place for all things. Once other DD goes to uni I’ll have nothing to do with my time. Apart from working to pay for them all :) Not for DS, only the occasional £ spending money for holidays.

@postcard morning no planning but I need to put in a downstairs loo. It has a shed next to the kitchen and I think that could have been a privy.
I would be getting out the lime paint as it would sweat otherwise. No carpets downstairs so I could be rug fantastic (no sniggering at the back).

Oh @WendyWagon this is such good news!

Fantastic news @WendyWagon! About bloody time you had a spot of luck with the house.

Well I didn't get a stylist booked, but I have got an appointment with a seamstress on Saturday. I'm taking lots of clothes to be altered as well as a couple items I'd like her to remake into something else. Then I'm going to cast a critical eye on what I need to bring it all together. If I even need it. I shall be pinned and styled on. Wonderful!

DH had some wine last night. I didn't sit with him when he had it. I just thought YUK. Fancy having that sloshing around in your stomach whilst trying to get to sleep at 30 plus degrees.

That’s a great idea about the seamstress @Lavrander You know you love those clothes or fabrics if you’re going to the trouble to get them fitted. I find that every so often I want a style change and I just buy what’s just more of the same, ultimately, even when it’s new and supposedly in fashion then.