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
Hope everyone got through the weekend mostly unscathed?
I had a pleasant afternoon wandering around a local market. So many artisanal booze stands! I'd love to one day see someone come along and do some really good AF stuff at one. But maybe not the market for it yet. But with such a warm day they could be doing AF pimms or something like that.

Hello shipmates,

Late in but love from me and Sid. Hearty waves and wags to all.

@UnderSkies - My drinking was largely to shut out the sound of my own thoughts and to numb the feelings as well. It's very very hard. In not drinking I have had to face the things that were tormenting me - but I am so, so glad I did. The thing is that it creeps up (as you probably know). You need more and more to drown out the noise, and the issues remain with or without the hangover. I'm glad you've found your way to us. The first step is very, very hard. We believe in you - you can do it.

Another heatwave incoming (booo!) - here's Cabin Boy/Powder Monkey Sid in a cool spot, wishing you joy of your Monday and strength of your week. It will be alright. x

Am not looking forward to another heat wave. Everything looks so parched. The grass everywhere is just brown.

Sid's looking charming @REP22

Morning all.
I'm having much better sleep this week. We still have the fan on at night.

I remember the first hundred days mile stone, I hadn't felt as well for nearly twenty years at that point. If you're in the early days that truly is a point to aim for.

I have to start improving my mobility. Once the schools go back I will take myself swimming.

Hello. Well it’s only day 3 for me but I’m already feeling much brighter. Even my skin looks fresher. Today I’m working on my creative summer projects which I’ve neglected so far. Alcohol really dulls my creative spark and motivation and then I end up feeling shit about wasting time, so today I’m focusing on getting back into what I love doing.

Thank you @WendyWagon - Sid likes the fan on at night.

I'm dreading it too @Theworldisyouroystercatcher - it's having serious consequences for me and my colleagues at work, and I worry so much for wildlife too. There was a little hedgehog in our road the other night. I stopped the car to let him toddle off - I really hope he's got somewhere where he can have a drink.

@UnderSkies - that sounds brilliant! Very lovely to hear. I used to think drinking made me creatively better; very much not true. Be on the alert for the little inner voice that starts telling you "you can handle it..." "you've proved you can moderate", "go on, just one to celebrate"... usually around the 4th/5th day mark. Ping them away, they are lies and will hurt you. You don't need the stuff to be the most fabulous version of you. x

Strength and courage. xx

@WendyWagon - or should I say Mrs Corporate-Gorgeous?! - that sounds like such fun! 🤩 I did a gig at the Edinburgh Bookfest many moons ago... lovely atmosphere, hanging out in the Writers' Yurt etc... But too expensive and, indeed, too gruelling these days... I've always found Edinburgh a really exhausting city, for all its loveliness...

I also thought my creativity was boosted by alcohol, but can see what a jip that was now... we're much stronger for cultivating a natural flow by repeated practice, hewing a natural path into that wild part of the mind, than trying to blast our way in there with substances which only leave rubble in their wake...