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.

Morning all.
I had some urges for the cool glass last night ,(it's been a rollercoaster week) but I got myself upstairs and away from harm's reach. I watched the surgery of the super rich instead. Hum. Not something I would do but if you've got the money and can afford the recovery then each to their own!
I must sort a pile of clothes I found in a drawer. Some lovely things but winter weight. I don't want extra stuff to pack.

Morning Shipmates! After the week from Hell at work (always like that returning from a holiday) plus a domestic issue rearing its head out of the blue yesterday, I was really on the edge last night, I was so tempted to get wine - the only thing that stopped me was my certainty I would feel 1000 times worse this morning if I gave in. I dragged my husband to the cinema in the end which was a good choice as it 'swallowed up' a difficult evening and took my mind off things, even if part of that was getting annoyed by some idiot bloke in the row in front of me messing about with his phone while the film was on.

Changing the subject, I was interested to read that under-16s will be banned from buying energy drinks. They didn't exist in my youth (except Lucozade in cellophane if you were ill 😃) and I have never been interested as an adult because I'd rather 'spend' the amount of caffeine I can consume without affecting my sleep on tea or coffee, but I wonder about the relationship between energy drinks for young people, and alcohol - the basic idea of a drink affecting your mood, giving you some kind of buzz.

My understanding (again from what I read) is that young people drink much less alcohol than Gen X did at the same age; if they are drinking energy drinks instead of alcohol, is that really something that should be discouraged?

@Lavrander you have no idea how grateful I am for such a warm and humane reply ❤

Unusually, I got feedback yesterday from a recent interview - the interviewer thought I would be knocking around the sector for a while and wanted to give some insight into the game! They said the numbers of extremely-qualified people applying right now are unprecedented, and to just keep going.

I work all available hours on extra projects. I know it will pay off eventually but it feels like life is all Finals. Opportunities are so thin.

I've also realised that salaries are just generally low.

My pension is in a good place, but I'd like to be able to pay down debt more quickly. Moving sector is expensive, plus Cozzie Livs and expensive children. Thankfully they love charity shopping and Vinted - but sports, music and wraparound care have got costly very quickly.

I know I have to pivot towards friendships and wider interests, but I'm not ready.

@PhantomOfAllKnowledge the DD is gen z and drinks iced tea ( we call her the southern belle). She's very anti alcohol.
The DS drinks rarely but likes champagne. He was one of the people I gave up drinking for. He has told me frequently it ruined his childhood. I think he had a lot of privileges but he remembers too much that boy!