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 think you should mention drinking, in case they go down another road. The chances are they will ask you anyway, as it will probably be the first thing they think of.

Alternatively, you can get home LFT kits and do it yourself, but tests done in a hospital are likely to be more accurate, and if they show anything up you will need to speak to a GP anyway.

Don't worry - doctors see this all the time, and your confidentiality will be respected. I have alcohol-related liver damage, so I know how it works, and medical staff have all been very kind and non-judgmental.

If the LFTs are out of kilter, the next step will be an ultrasound, to check for scarring. You should ask for a fibroscan too - if you don't you might not get one, and they are more accurate than an ultrasound. But one step at a time - the first thing is to go to the GP and be honest. We will be here for virtual hand-holding.

Finally, it's surprising how much abuse livers can take and be ok. It is the unlucky who do permanent damage, so the odds are in your favour.

Thank you @ShyMaryEllen I have been drinking too much on and off for around 15 years, besides pregnancy and a few other stints. It has got progressively worse the past 5 years, but I have more focused on the immediate issues that I could see. I thought about my health obviously, but buried my head in the sand. You are right, it makes sense to be honest with my GP to get the correct guidance.

Make the appointment, and keep us in the loop. You'll get all the support you need from the shipmates, but the chances are you won't need it, and will be fine. x

Hi @pinkclouds26 .

Please don’t be embarrassed.

I saw the GP last summer (actually my husband ‘dragged’ me there as I was feeling suicidal again) and they wanted to rule out any physical reasons for my poor mental health and ordered a full blood count (I was also honest about my drinking).

It all came back normal, even my liver function.

Speak to your GP and maybe get bloods done. 🌺

I will not drink today

I have an appointment for Thursday, I was shocked they had availability so soon so just took it but now have to make arrangements with work 🙈 but I suppose health is more important and it is not helping my anxiety.

That is very reassuring, thank you.

I did a bit or digging and everything I read anf have seen here does suggest the liver is a wonderful organ that can heal so I am trying to stay positive. Day 24 xx

Morning all.

Off to see a bungalow today (I'm not a fan) but we have to make a decision. Favourite village.
The DH has surprised me by stating he likes the posh cottage (no thatch but the beautiful garden). He thinks it would be easy for me plus the parking is better. Hum.

@pinkclouds26 I had very dodgy liver readings prior to giving up the grog. All returned to normal within 6 weeks.

The only thing I would say as a cautionary tale is I couldn't get life insurance anywhere after I accessed drug and alcohol services through the GP. Five companies turned me down.

It is not uncommon to have normal liver test results even with cirrhosis if you have stopped drinking. This is why it's a good idea to be honest with the GP, so you get an ultrasound as well, which can see any damage.

Oh, I didn’t know that.

Yes, the liver will compensate as long as it can. If you’ve been drinking heavily before LFT’s they can show as out of range even when the liver isn’t damaged, and the reverse is also true. It’s always better to get an ultrasound followed by a fibroscan if indicated, as that way you can see a longer term picture.

Thank you both all for the info, tbh it was the stigma mainly that I wanted to avoid but the insurance issue is something I hadn't thought of. It is awful that people, myself included, are so afraid to reach out for help due to potential consequences. I will still be honest because I do want the full picture to see what I might be dealing with.

Hi everyone, can I join you? I lurked on the last thread and also posted on the 100 days threads that started in January.

After years of drinking way too much I stopped in January - 8 months now and I love being sober. I think I am the only person in the history of the world who gave up alcohol and gained weight - how?? but it is what it is and my skin looks great. Now it is September it feels like a new year too (school year I suppose) so I am committing to exercise and cutting back sugar.

Welcome @anewyearthisyear and many congratulations on 8 months!

Welcome @anewyearthisyear - I'm glad you have found us. Drinking and giving up can play havoc with the weight; you're doing so well. 8 months is brilliant. xx

Hello and congratulations on eight months! 🥳

Incidentally, this is actually the longest stint of sobriety I have ever managed.

I also did seven months and a few stints of three/two and one months.

Did Dry January again this year and started drinking again a few days into February.

I was adamant that 1st May was going to be the last day I had a drink…unfortunately I slipped up on Saturday.

So now I’m back on day three.

I so want to do this!

Sorry, should have said THAT is the longest stint I managed thus far (as in eight months).

I was looking at photos from that time and my eyes look so much brighter and my skin was amazing.

It’s crazy really what alcohol does to us. Not just our minds but also our bodies.

Good evening shipmates.
Pleased to have you join us @anewyearthisyear. Lovely to read you're feeling the benefits, even with the weight. However I'm sure you'll find it easier to have a new routine now the grog isn't disrupting your plans.
@pinkclouds26- knowlege is power. It's great you've got an appointment so soon and such good advice to take in with you. Good luck and here for a hand hold if you're feeling nervous on Thursday.

Looking at booking a holiday and it will be the first one I've actually booked whilst knowing I don't drink. All inclusive was always the top option but DH doesn't see the point if I'm not drinking. It's a shame as I really enjoyed our last AI sober. I like the ease of AI although know it's not everyone's cup of tea. I shall try self catering and aim to get out and about more.

Yes, it affects every cell in our bodies. Scary.

I agree that bright eyes are a very positive sign when we stop for a while. I mentioned upthread the digestive issues that go away, too. There is also the money in the purse (even if you don't notice it because prices are rising, it is there - you'd just have even less if you were spending on booze). I stopped drinking every night nine years ago, and took a while to sort out what I wanted to do with my life, but I have got to where I wanted to be, and have worked through the whole house in the past three years or so because I am not throwing away hundreds a month on wine.

Other physical signs depend on how far gone you were. I'm not going to list the things I took for granted, but if anyone's worried about their health I am happy to answer questions via PM. The chances are strong that I've been there.

But best of all is knowing you didn't behave badly or say something stupid/inappropriate last night. Not having to check social media to be sure, and go through your texts for the same reason. Knowing that you can hold your own in an argument as you are fully aware of what you agreed to do (or whatever).

And better than best of all, for those to whom it applies, is that if you have young children at home you can can opt out of knowing that their memories of their mum in childhood are of someone who was frequently drunk and/or absent a lot of the time. That is something I would give everything to be able to do, but it's too late for me.

I’ve never actually been on a holiday and not had a drink…did it feel weird first time @Lavrander ?

It didn't for me, but at the time I was 100% in the mindset of a non-drinker. I think that is key. For me, that changed when the medics told me that I would never be considered 'cured', but that's an old story with which I won't bore you all again. When i was fully 'in the zone' for eight years, I was absolutely in the right mindset, and that was 100% what got me through.

Hi everyone, I am Day 18, haven't found it difficult however have been ill so I think thats helped with temptation. I gave up alcohol for just under 6 months last year but then went into bad habits again. I would like to abstain for the rest of my life now. I attended a family wedding last month, wasn't drunk but did drink wine mainly with some water inbetween, my memories of the day/night aren't as sharp as I would like so that is my reason for wanting to stop.

My partner still drinks at home anything between 2 to 4 times a week, usually doesn't bother me but he was annoying on Sunday. Each day after alcohol he regrets drinking but not enough to make him stop...longest he has ever went is 6 days without. He suffers badly from anxiety and alcohol makes it worse.

The reason I mention my partner is because we are going on holiday in a few weeks and he will expect me to drink, I'm happy to go to the pub but would like to stick to zero alcohol kopperberg or similar. I feel I am still good fun without alcohol but will be interesting to see how it goes

Powerful words @ShyMaryEllen 🌺.

I can’t remember how many times I’ve woken up with horrendous hangxiety.

Hello 👋

Morning all.

So tired.

I will not drink today 🌿