The Continuing Support Thread for Anyone Trying to Lead an Alcohol-Free Life Summer into Autumn 2026

[REP22]

Hello and welcome. I’m glad you’ve found your way here. We are a bunch of people who are trying to give up and keep off alcohol. No judgement, just honest support and kindness.
The original thread was started by @drybird2020 in 2020 and we have plenty of veterans and newer members who can offer advice, solidarity and signposting. You are welcome here, whether you post several times a day, once or twice and then never again, or if you only just come to read but have no intention of ever posting.

Whatever your stage on the AF journey, and whatever you’re going through, someone here will have gone through it too. We love to celebrate your successes of whatever shape and size - and will support you when things get challenging. We get it, we've been there too. You're here because you are strong and want to pull free. However ashamed and wretched you are feeling right now, as you read this sentence, I can absolutely guarantee that someone here has felt exactly as you do now and knows what you are enduring. It can change. You are not shameful. You are strong and you CAN do this.

All we ask is that you’re genuinely trying to abstain. We don't encourage moderation-only here, as it can be triggering for some to read. If you’re looking to moderate your drinking rather than quitting it altogether then MN has another long-running and very active moderation/abstaining thread that’s always near the top on the alcohol support board. Lots of fine support there from those worthy people too. Keep trying. Sobriety may not be easy - but I guarantee you that it is worth it.

I started trying to give up drink in 2018, succeeded (mostly) in 2019 but had a few “wobbles”, one of which led me here in April 2023. I still struggle sometimes but the posters on this thread have been an absolute godsend of wisdom, support and encouragement, along with my dog - known here as Sid (not his real name), and they keep me going. I hope you find strength and comfort here too. This thread and its wonderful posters has been a lifesaver to many, and have certainly seen me through many good and not-so-good days.

These books were particularly helpful to me and I still go back to them from time to time: The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley (Amazon - Sober Diaries) and The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray (Amazon - Unexpected Joy). Others have found This Naked Mind by Annie Grace (Amazon - This Naked Mind) helpful. There are Apps that help track your AF journey, including Reframe and the ones I use, I Am Sober and TryDry. Podcasts can also be helpful. I have found One for the Road by Sober Dave to be a good listen. But different things work for different people. Feel free to post and ask. There is solidarity, wisdom and support here. This is a safe space where your voice will be heard, understood and valued.

Evenings are drawing in, the season of hot chocolate approaches. Power up with your favourite anthem (The ever-fabulous Dolly is reminding us "Better Get To Livin'"; and the Wilson Phillips girls "Hold On" in hot pursuit) and find your safe space here. Pull up a chair, and make yourself at home. It's going to be alright. x

I was an at home drinker and a party animal, so I was screwed. It's a miracle I've managed to keep going as long as I have!

That's really tough re. the house move @WendyWagon and a shitty thing for your 'friend' to do. Moving house is stressful enough, never mind when people can back out. I'm up in Scotland - it's rare for house sales not to go through here. I hope it works out for you.

When I was searching through the notes on my phone today I found a list I'd made 3 years ago of all the things alcohol takes from me, and how I'd benefit if I didn't drink. I think I'd signed up to a free trial with OYNB and started a 30 day challenge. Deep down I didn't want to give up alcohol entirely, but knew I had a problem. This time I will succeed. One day at a time.

Hi all! You might not remember me from the last thread as I only popped in periodically. My first goal was 100 days with no alcohol. I smashed that at the end of September. Now it’s ’sober October’
Ive been 130 days without alcohol and cigarettes and I quit vaping in August and have remained off that too.

Im still not ready to say I will never drink again. But I must admit, it feels a little pointless to me now. Especially if I can’t smoke at the same time. Weird, I know!

I hope you’re all doing well

I agree with what @LlamaFluff said, you almost make it into a bigger deal in your own head. I just sometimes say 'I'm not drinking at the moment.' and only go into more detail with closer friends. Even with those closer ,they get more used to it as time goes on and you build up your sober muscle.
It's great that you've had sober streaks though @WhatMaggieDidNext Keep going with it.
And hi to everyone and hope you're all doing ok. This thread is such an amazing source of support, strength and wisdom. Happy autumn everyone. The poem This is the Time to be Slow by John Donohue is on my mind :)

I am 18 months sober today.

Morning all.

I had such a crap night. The weather didn’t help mind.

Feeling really irritable this morning.

Congratulations @Teaforthetotal , that’s amazing!

Hello 👋

<Im still not ready to say I will never drink again.>

This is where I’m at. When I stopped for eight months ten years ago and then for seven months two years later I never consciously thought ‘This is it forever’. Weirdly I think that helped.

I think I’ll have to reframe it and tell myself I won’t drink for now. And just take it one day at a time, like I did back then.

Rather than piling on the pressure.

Morning all.

Up with the dog who was looking for breakfast.

Morning @WendyWagon .

Sounds like a lovely weekend @needastrongone .

@Teaforthetotal congratulations on achieving 18 months. I will be feeling very proud of myself if/when I get that far.

@WendyWagon you are amazing how you are dealing with the ups and downs of moving house. It will happen.