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

Morning @WendyWagon .

May I ask what drug you’re talking about? Is it ADs?

@GunnelVallquist I'm on filgotinib for my RA.
They use it in short courses for Crohns I believe too.
It turns the autoimmune disease off. It's also a nature identical so no animal products bar a lactose coating
I'm thirteen weeks in, best results for at least six years

Morning all.
Loads to do around the house today. Off to the cinema tonight - we are taking alcohol free tins.
Keep going @GunnelVallquist. You can get through today too. Whatever it takes.

Ah ok.

Glad you’re feeling better. 🌺

Thank you @Lavrander .

What film are you going to see?

Practical magic 2! I loved the first one - very 'my era' and the clothes and look is just like a big autumn hug. This one I'm sure will feel very nostalgic.

I'm looking forward to the new Sense and Sensibility. Loved the Merchant Ivory one. It's my favourite book. I think I'm well enough now to sit in a seat for two hours .
Practical magic is a goody too. Enjoy @Lavrander

Hope you have a great time.

Good morning shipmates!

Well done for not drinking @GunnelVallquist - Sid is sending extra wags your way. I know the battle you have fought; it is a desperate struggle but the victory is mighty.

I won't drink with you today either @mermadeincornwall - your determined spirit in posting is wonderful to see. Your five words delivered to the thread speak more to courage and resolve than any of my wafflings.

Sid and I are off out for a little adventure and perhaps some celebrity-spotting. We wish you joy of your day. Strength and courage. You are going to be one of the ones that makes it. xx

Thanks so much @REP22 (and tell Sid thanks for the wags!).

Celebrity-spotting sounds exciting! Hope you and Sid have a great day too (weather not looking too good here).

Good morning, Sober Lovelies!

@GunnelVallquist , well done - a night of shitty sober sleep still beats a night of drunk sleep - it's more efficient and effective. But early sobriety is notoriously knackering, and being tired is a huge trigger! So do catch a nap if you can; otherwise, an early night. It will get better!

Glad to hear about the wonder drug @WendyWagon - there was talk in the air about the -mab, -nib - etc biological drugs when I had Graves (also AI), but talk as in 'it's really expensive and we can't afford it'... I would roll my eyes, but I can't do that any more thanks to the Graves... 😆

I hope the slebs spot you and Sid today, @REP22 ! Sid should wear something spiffy for the occasion...

Strength and health and pozzy vibes to all today!

🤩

Oh, oh, and the Great!Christmas films are back on! They are deliciously terrible, I love that about them! Everyone is botoxed into immobility, the heroes are milksops, the plots identical...

And why are the actresses all dressed so badly? The dreaded Burgundy Coat, tight leggings, massive high heels in the snow... never a leavening scarf or interesting jewellery... I mean, I know why - budgets, continuity, having to film Christmas in the summer... but I hold on in the hope of some Nordic sweater inspo...

These days, though, I'm clearly not to identify with the heroines but with the 'twinkly, wise old lady' category, constantly baking cinnamon cookies and organising the annual lighting/carol/nativity event that the heroine was going to miss until Events conspired to keep her in Christmas Village, which is like The Prisoner with snow...

Love it, I say... 🧑‍🎄🎄❄️

I'd love a cinnamon cookie..

My mother loves the dreadful Christmas films. I do not, but she explains the 'plots' to me on a regular basis. They always end happily, which takes any suspense out of the equation, but that's what she enjoys.

However. If anyone new to sobriety wants something easy to watch when they wake in the night, I can recommend A Place To Call Home on Prime. There are numerous episodes (96, I think) and it is an easy watch, so if you put it on in a moment of sleeplessness and nod off, you can easily catch up. It's set in 1950s Australia, and is quite 'soapy', but there is enough bite to keep it interesting. I weaned myself off with Stella and Downton Abbey (sorry, @REP22😂), which are the same sort of thing. Knowing you can go to bed regardless of sleep and have something to take your mind off insomnia is very helpful, IME.

I loved that series @ShyMaryEllen someone on a thread about an American period drama recommended it and I thought it was really well done.
My comfort show has always been the old Colin Firth/Jennifer Eyle version of Pride & Prejudice but I don’t mind the Keira Knightly version too. I’m really looking forward to a cinema trip for the new Sense & Sensibility too @WendyWagon

@Lavrander let us know about Practical Magic 2 I think I need a refresh watch of the 1st one.

Back from the lunch and a cuddle with Sid. There's evidence! Mr Tiggle went mad obviously when I came home. Dog smells.

No tea for me I'm stuffed.

@FiloPasty - Netflix has got a new version of P&P coming soon. Emma Corrin as Elizabeth; Olivia Coleman as Mrs. B, Fiona Shaw as Lady C, Jack Lowden as Mr. D. Not sure... The 1995 Jennifer Ehle/Colin Firth one can't be bettered in my opinion. Other P&P related things I have enjoyed are The Other Bennet Sister (on BBC iPlayer) and Death Comes to Pemberley (Anna Maxwell-Martin as Lizzy, Penelope Keith as Lady C. On U available via Channel 4).

Well lads, after an unfortunate delay (2 x road closures) we did, indeed, spot our celebrity, and a very lovely time was had by all. Sid naturally demanded a selfie. Here he sits, a grumpy little thorn betwixt two lovely English roses.
You will see that he did wear something spiffy @Gribouille - though it didn't permit the addition of his rakish bow tie.

Sid had an operation yesterday; I've not mentioned it before now but the cone couldn't come off for his celebrity selfie, so I ought to tell you. He's fine, absolutely fine, but the look on his face tells you what £1,018-worth of vet-based hilarity brings). Be not deceived, however - he had a lovely day out and delighted in the fabulous company of our own wonderful @WendyWagon.

And he would like to particularly apologise to her and to Mr. Tiggle for the aromas, both fur-based and that toxic gas borne from the little "tommy squealer" he unleashed in Wendy's face when he jumped off the banquette. Sincere apologies.... still, healthy bowel; happy life, eh...? (ahem) 😳 But Sid hasn't been this star-struck since he almost head-butted Hugh Bonneville in the garden centre. ✨

Strength and courage. xx

Ahhh, you and @WendyWagon know each other ‘in the flesh’ @REP22 …how nice!

Love that photo. Poor Sid with his cone. (My boy had to wear one twice in his life…he hated every minute of it and made sure to bump into every piece of furniture multiple times a day. Undoubtedly hoping we’d take the thing off!)

Hope he gets better soon, extra TLC needed methinks.

P.S.: Did you really meet Hugh Bonneville or is that a joke?

😁

@REP22 I’ve watched and loved all those x

We did meet each other through this thread, we've been veterans together for a few years now and met up properly last year, as this time, halfway between our respective places. @WendyWagon is lovely IRL and every bit, actually slightly MORE, glamorous as you might imagine. Sid loves having a Wendycuddle.

It sounds like Sid is a chip off your boy @GunnelVallquist - he too is trying the "oops I've just caught it on something" strategy to unclip the Cone of Shame - he succeeded in getting it off earlier - but his liberation did not last long. I was forewarned of such tactics a few weeks ago with the Affair of the Grass Seed, and so have engineered a bit of puppetry with a bit of garden twine to hold up the cone to stop it "accidentally" dragging on the ground as he walks (which is a genuine source of frustration and discomfort to him). It's mildly amusing to watch him being grateful and livid at the same time.

He's taking it easy for the next few days (it was quite a big op). so deck swabbing or cannon wick trimming may temporarily slacken. Sid has, however, appointed an understudy in case of emergency. One of the never-seen ship's rats from down in the hold - occasionally their leader can be bribed into doing Sid's foul bidding in exchange for cheese and gossip. If you run out of gunpowder, knock three times on the hold deck's hatch boards and ask Blitzkrieg if he will come out and show you his sack. Go armed with Babybels.

(Yes, I have indeed met Hugh Bonneville. But Sid was not involved.)

Strength and courage brave friends. xx

@FiloPasty there's going to be a Christmas special of The Other Bennet Sister. x

I will not drink today

Morning all.

Day eight.

morning all day 29, stomach bug hit our house hard so we are all floored, hope Sid feels better soon xx