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.

Well done on nine years since the big switch-off @ShyMaryEllen , even if there were some blips in the way.

Belated happy birthday to your DD @WendyWagon and I hope the cottage comes through for you.

And thank you for the positivity @Lavrander and keeping the thread going these past few months.

DH, with whom I’d been doing this, is slipping a bit. Only a bit, but it means I have to keep extra vigilant for myself.

I will not drink today 🌾

Just a thought @Lavrander, how about having Dolly's Get To Livin as our ships song and having the lyrics on the opening introduction to this thread. Of course it's up to ships company and Sid too.

Brilliant idea. It's almost time for a new thread to see us through Autumn. I certainly like the idea of having it on the intro.

Would anyone like to captain the next one? It's open to anyone.

Morning all.

Up early for the rental lady.
One of the letting agents told me something outrageous yesterday.
They don't take military tenants!

As my father was an army officer I'm super disgusted. Has anyone ever heard of this?

No drinking thoughts as we have plenty of lovely marks orange juice.

When I moved to London Wendy we rented out our little flat to an American military tenant. Best tenant ever, he completely repainted the flat and left us loads of cool gadgets like ice crushers and some nice furniture as he was going back home.
Very hard these days to get on the property ladder, my friend and I bought that flat on a northern rock 100% mortgage!

Good morning Shipmates,

Lovely rain here today. Have had a good week at Slimming World this week. Trying to make more of an effort. There are so, so many empty calories in alcohol and attendant mixers. Someone mentioned that there is a new AF Beefeater gin on the market that is completely points-free. I'm not tempted, as it was never about the taste for me, but it did remind me of how well I did, weight-wise, when I gave up the grog.

Sid LOVES Dolly @mermadeincornwall - he heartily endorses your nomination for ship's song. Though, if you were to direct the (wonderful) lyrics in his direction - "People always comin' up to me and askin' "Sidney, what's your secret?"" - I suspect the answer would invariably be "chops".

But he will, without dint of variation, ALWAYS love you. ❤️

New cottage sounds promising @WendyWagon - how high is the elevated garden, a couple of steps or Hanging Gardens of Babylon-type stuff? That's very unfair about the military tenants - why should they be any more of a "risk"? They are gainfully employed after all. Madness.

Thanks for the thread reminder @Lavrander - you are a fantastic captain to us all. Happy to take the next one, unless anyone else would prefer to have a crack. Sid always happy to continue cabin boy and powder monkey duties... He is a dedicated professional.

Strength and courage. It will be alright. x