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.

Hi all! 55 days now since I had any alcohol. I gave up smoking on the same day, and 11 days ago I gave up vaping cold turkey. Nicotine withdrawal was fairly tough on day 3 but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Hope you’re all doing well!

Amazing work @VanGoSunflowers 💪🏻 Hope you’re starting to feel the benefits

Well done. It’s extremely hard giving up both at once.

I gave up booze and vaping 13 months ago. Both together having previously stopped smoking ten years earlier but switched to vape.

You will have ups and downs but keep going.

Thanks everyone, I know this is it for me. I don’t ever want to go back to the old me again.

@VanGoSunflowers that’s amazing, well done and keep going!

@FiloPasty I’m very routine driven too , you’ve done so well staying sober, you’ve got this! Don’t forget to play it forward

Thank you all for your support

I will not drink today

Morning all.
I will not drink with you today @mermadeincornwall

Morning all
Glad to read you've made it through your holiday unscathed @FiloPasty- is it a year now? Hope I didn't miss the celebration if so.
I had an odd craving yesterday as DH had left an open bottle on the side. I had to put it out of sight sharpish. It was just a weird bit of curiosity more than anything. I'm not even going with the 'I can't moderate' line any more. It's 'I don't even want to moderate' - In the same way I don't fancy trying to moderate crack.

IWNDWYT

Morning all.
I'm hiding from the heat today. I had a turn yesterday and burnt myself on the air fryer. Husband likes quiche warm. I had wotsits!

Well sad to say the cottage descended into a bidding war. I left my offer on the table. I didn't do the further viewing as the bff was late and the road had been closed. I'll either get it or I won't.

DD has seen a different degree for this year that she fancies. I'm not sure it's a good fit. However she needs to be quick. I'm not getting involved.

Closing date on the charity job tonight. We'll see.

Morning, hope everyone’s ok.
@VanGoSunflowerswell done in kicking the nicotine as well, reminded me that I used to be a smoker and had totally forgotten about that part of my life! I found it so hard to give up, well done, it’s so worth it.

Day 5 for me - sleep has been terrible and really struggling to get out of bed. Think it’s a combo of the heat and my body getting back to normal. Having the fridge stocked with nice tonic and grown up soft drinks is really helping to curb the habit.

Not looking forward to the hot today…stay cool!

Now not drink related but I trust you lovely online friends.
Cottage one- wreck
Cottage two- all done

The latter is £100k more.
Wwyd?

Personally, @WendyWagon , I'd go for one that's done, because a) I loathe getting work done with all the disruption and myriad decisions and inevitable nasty surprises, and b) anything tradey has gone really damn expensive since covid/cost of living crisis etc...

But I sense you are more intrepid than me, and might relish the chance to have things done exactly as you like them?

Did not know you were half-Welshy! There's lovely! 😍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🧙‍♀️

Been struggling the last day or two, mes amies... Foul heat and noisy Morlock neighbours and wildfire smoke wafting through the neighbourhood and less than 5 hours sleep last night, leading to a banging headache and nausea this morning, and thinking 'Well if I'm going to have hangover symptoms and disturbed sleep anyway, may as well snatch a half hour of relief and relaxation from alcohol...'. 🥺

But I know I'd regret it and that it's just I am desperately in search of some sort of comfort, and booze was my go-to for so long... But I'd be back to square one, climbing The Wall... going through all the withdrawal of the last 3+ weeks again... So I will not drink with y'all today! 💪

I'd go for cottage number 2 @WendyWagon if it's affordable for you. Number one would be akin to signing a blank cheque I fear, and likely to be good reasons why it's £100k cheaper. Sid would get both. But cottage one would be for his nemesis Parsnip to reside in, with no approvements proposed.

Sorry you're struggling in the heat @Gribouille - troubling wildfire not too far from here too. I feel your despair - it hits me too. You're doing really well.

Much impressed at giving up fags and booze in tandem @VanGoSunflowers - I was in thrall to both at one time too. I miss drink more than fags, but dear god, I am so glad these days that I gave up the cancer-wands. Had a couple of (thankfully benign) breast lump scares in the past couple of years - no doubt they'd have been infinitely works if I was still on the smokes.

There has been progress on M's car incident insurance; I was helping to sort it yesterday. But it has incensed me to a degree that I cannot bring myself to account for it in a civilised manner (Sid also) so he and me will remain tight-lipped for now. Grrr...

I used to have a very popular anthropomorphic dog blog back in the day. Lots of followers, international fans, etc. Today marks 20 years since its creation. 20 years!! I was not drinking then, and had at my side an incredible dog who loved me and made my life better in every conceivable way. I am not drinking now, and have at my side an incredible dog who loves me and makes my life better in every conceivable way - and it is an honour and a privilege to share him with you. We shall speak not of some of the years inbetween. But I am proud of that work and where I have come during those 20 years. Here is Himself, believe it or not, he is mimicking an actual human smile. F~~~ing terrifying.

Strength and courage brave shipmates. We are going to be alright, you and I. Keep fighting. x

@WendyWagon ill join @Gribouille & @REP22 saying definitely cottage 2. We bought a project and I’ll just say it’s still a project! Costs and tradesmen prices are 3 x what they were when we did our last project 6 years ago. We’ll probably finish this off and then sell up again and not enjoy the fruits of our labour.

@Lavrander I’ve one month to go to hit my year. I’ve been having some bad thoughts as the goal I set myself was a year not drinking. I think my brain is doing the dry January option and telling me that I’ve done it so now I can indulge. Truth is I know I can’t! But I feel wobblier now than in other months. I’m still away, in the land of wine and cheese. Lots of 0% beers, much harder to find wine although one hotel had a lovely zero Chardonnay and when I get home I’m buying a bottle of 0% tanqueray bloody delicious!

Husband also treated to me to a v nice handbag so it’s been a great break. Have probably put on 5kgs though so back to Slimming World when I get home!

Another vote for cottage 2 @WendyWagon - a money pit is likely to drain your energy levels as much as your finances, and I think you and I are at the stage in life where we should discern carefully where our energies are best directed!!

Sorry it’s still tough @FiloPasty - time for a new goal?

Hope you’re doing ok @mermadeincornwall

Hang in there @Gribouille

Sleep will hopefully improve soon @UnderSkies, but I must admit I was exhausted for about the first month. I think it helps to reframe it as your body healing

Hello, trying to get my head around my drinking and try to really do something about it. It's been going on for a few years now.
Seems to have reached boiling point in my head because I'm on MJ to lose weight, but the only way I can lose weight and drink every day is to have almost nothing to eat for days at a time and save my calories for wine. It is so, so ridiculous.
I drink because I'm bored and very lonely. I need to make changes, really big ones.

Cottage #2 for me too, Wendy ❤️

Welcome @DidILeaveTheGasOn - glad you have found us. Lots of lovely people here to support and share your journey. It is hard - but I absolutely guarantee it's worth it. xx

Well I'm off to see 'cottage 2' en famille tomorrow.
It's got a pink kitchen (secretly I'm thrilled, my late mother would have done a Lady Bracknell).
And a potager! Need to see if there's room for my chickens.
I've wanted the hibiscus Kitchen Aid mixer since 2023. I thought I was going to be lucky last birthday but no. Tight fisted Wozecks. As I've given up my handbag habit I'm having that as my house warming present.

It's too hot for the blue top but I am on a new eating plan. I've given up meat. It really doesn't digest well for me. Now I haven't got the carnivore home I will be OK. No nectarine is safe.
Have a good evening all x

Just a thought

Morning all.

Too hot to sleep on.

Morning. I quite agree re the heat. Meant to be cooler today but that means a mere 28
If also go for cottage 2
I will not drink today

Just popping in to say.....

I'm sure that this is the type of thread where people arrive, full of energy, and then disappear (this is based on past experience rather than on this thread - I'm new in these parts!). It's the way of it with alcohol (and weight-loss threads, and anything where we're trying to break an unhelpful habit). It's understandable that people come and go - it can be embarrassing when we 'fall off the wagon' (even if that wagon's about cutting down, rather than out) and we start to think "that's not the place for me."

Having been that person so many times in years past, I just want to say that those times are exactly when we should post more, not less. Others who are having the same struggle are not going to be judgemental and it's the times when we slip that we need each other most.

Thanks for reading!

@Headinthecloudsfeetontheground I couldn't agree more.

I post everyday because it's like a diary to me.
When I have had a blip I think oh shoot I have to post and it pulls me back
A couple of years ago I joined the moderation thread but quickly realised it was triggering for me. I like to read about AF alternatives but I can't do the 'I had three bottles last night shtick'. I'd be off round the corner shop if people told me I wasn't that bad (I was) and that's why I'm still here.
I rabble on but having 'retired' I'm a bit housebound. Ignore my house saga if it's boring.

Hello. Got a family do this weekend and there will be plenty of trigger points. I don’t want to let myself down. I know I can do it but the potential to slip is huge.

I used to take four cans of AF gin and tonic. Can you do that?