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 getting to day 16, and getting through your friend’s visit sober! 👏

The experience of being sober changes quite a lot over time, but I wouldn’t worry too much now about how you will feel in a few weeks time! Do you find having targets helpful? Maybe set yourself a 30 day target, then shift to 100 days, and so on?

Morning all.

I had a setback in the legal matter yesterday. Petty and ridiculous on their part. I had to put myself to bed and make sure I didn't buy booze. I'll be ready for their butts Monday. It was hot and sticky here so it didn't help. I hear the dambusters tune in my head when I'm planning my next move!

I'm hoping to move at the end of August or early September. As my buyer is family there is flexibility but I'd like to get our purchase underway. I've not made an offer yet on the town cottage. I'm still thinking about it.

I shall be sorting clothes out this weekend. I opened a drawer and found fab stuff I thought was missing. I really do have a lot of clothes. It dates back to my childhood.

@VanGoSunflowers 30 then 100 days are real milestones. Well done for not drinking with your friend

Hi everyone. Have been reading the posts. Great progress team. I’m almost three weeks in. A weekend away with some friends which would have ordinarily been very very heavy on the booze and instead I was up and on the (very windy) beach with my son at 8am.
I am waking up still feeling a bit rubbish most mornings - don’t think I’m drinking enough water (plenty of tea, coffee, diet cokes and AF beers though) - any tips for how to ensure I’m drinking enough water?!

Hope everyone has calm weekends ahead.

@VanGoSunflowers I get what you mean about a fad. I was vegan for a few years. Fully committed, at home, on holidays, visiting friends etc. Took all my leather bags to charity shops or gave to DDs, no more leather shoes etc. Then cost of living meant I couldn’t cook separately and I also got a bit bored of same options when eating out. So I slid back. I don’t want this to be the same. I’ve just achieved my first year. I need to keep going. Go back to the ‘why’ and keep motivated.

@Onewildandpreciouslife I definitely think focusing on smaller targets is the way to go. First one being 30 days. I’ve often had three weeks off the booze as a ‘break’ but then slipped back, so I will feel more proud of myself if I can make it a whole month. From what I keep reading, that seems to be the milestone when you start noticing more of a tangible difference?

@Booksandstuff I find drinking water is one of those things you have to keep doing until it turns in to a habit. I started when I was 18 when I didn’t even like the taste of water. I feel weird now if I don’t have a bottle of water next to my side and almost crave it most days. Do you have a nice, decent sized water bottle? I’m sorry if I have missed it, but what do you think is causing you to wake up feeling rubbish other than water?

@postcard Im glad it’s not just me. If you have done a year that doesn’t seem as though it’s a fad so well done to you. My fads tend to last weeks, maybe months at most!

Happy Saturday everyone. I’m low of mood and VERY tired - par for the course in the early days I know. It’s 43 days until my 10k though so I’m staying on track, but I took the dogs for a walk first thing and then went back to bed for a nap 🫣

Have a busy afternoon planned sorting out the camper, which we’re selling and doing a little run at some point - I’m keeping it chill and allowing myself to walk if I need, just building it up gradually and listening to my body.

@VanGoSunflowers I too can be a bit ‘faddy’! No advice as such but having an awareness helps. I recognise that drinking is beginning to have a detrimental effect on my health, both mental and physical, so I’m hoping this will keep me on a steady course.

Love and strength to everyone, hope you all have a lovely weekend ☺️

@Booksandstuff well done and keep going. The first few weeks are so tough but you will be reaching that point where it’s getting easier and then normal and so very worth it.

@WhatMaggieDidNext good luck with the walk-run, something is better than nothing. I might have missed it, is the 10k a charity run? i saw inside a new friend’s new campervan a couple of months ago. It looked great, a real home from home.

I’m tidying up and cleaning a DD’s room. She’s back from holiday this evening. She’ll probably object when she sees it, but she’s not going to do it otherwise and I need to check there’s no mould or other surprises. It’s my house and carpets too 😀

Have a nice Saturday. The football is exciting, isn’t it? We thought we’d boycott it but it brings joy, so I’m watching it.

I've been watching Bettney Hughes. Excellent series. In-between I'm sorting bits in the garden.

@postcard no not a charity run. Just an annual event in the town nearest to us. I last did it 5 years ago when I was about 2 stone lighter and a lot fitter!

I’ve found I’m really struggling when my DH is on nights and and I’m on my own. My default has always been to open a bottle of wine, buy a pizza and some snacks and watch something on the TV. I need something different to break this habit.

Morning all. Off out to see DH's family.

Afternoon all.

Well done on a year @postcard!
I am also prone to a 'fad'! I've found with AF because it had been on my mind on and off for such a long time it was really less of a fad and more me just being actually me. But I did find throwing myself into it like I had the eleventy million different life style choices I've tried quite helpful - reading all the books etc. It stuck because it genuinely has made my life better. Veganism made me quite stressed.

Water drinking - get yourself a 2 litre water bottle and drink it. I know lots of people say we don't need as much water as we have but I do feel better for drinking it. @Booksandstuffare you taking thiamine? I'm wondering whether it's the water that's the issue or you need some b vitamins?

Well I saw my friends this week and feel bad for how much I built up how Mr Moderator would be. He was great! One question which was something like 'do you think this is it for alcohol for you now then', I replied 'yes' and he just went 'okay cool' and then we continued with dinner. I was astonished. Just shows how you can build stuff up in your head. Also how things have changed - it's just not a big deal any more. I guess I still think about the girl I knew at uni who didn't drink that we all thought was weird.

@WhatMaggieDidNext I have AF beer or cordial nowadays for those times when I need to wind down.

@Lavrander I’m glad your dinner was uneventful. You’re right, it’s so much better accepted now not to drink. A friend’s DP doesn’t and I cringe to think how I thought it was a good thing as he could drive to the shop and get us more wine and drive me home too.

It’s v hot here. How’s everyone doing? @WendyWagon hope the visit to the in-laws is going well.

Morning all. I did not watch the football 😁

Morning all.
I wasn’t planning to but woke up at 3 and thought I’d check the score …
Think the Tube will be even quieter than normal for a Monday this morning!

Morning!
9pm is too late for a match to start let alone 1am for me. I do love a good night's sleep.

I must get to the gym this week. I signed up for an event in September that I want to do well at.

Good morning. I didn’t watch the football either, I have work today 😥 It does read like it was an exceptional match.

@Lavrander how often do you train for your sporting event? I’d love to re-kindle my love of exercise. I have the weights staring at me mournfully every morning.

C’mon @postcard ! Pick them up! There is never the perfect time to start something, there is only now (sorry … do I sound too much like an inspirational Instagram post? 🤣)

Morning lads.
The SIL and nephew were fine as always.
Terrible traffic.

Legal matter is clouding everything so a challenge not to be self harming with booze (DDs analysis as a trainee quack).

@postcardfor the past few years I've had a PT once a week so even if all else fails I've had that. It is a luxury but it's the one thing I think I'd try and protect if I had to cut back on the budget. But otherwise I tend to arrange to go once a week with a friend. Honestly it tends just to be a lovely hour catch up where we go around and do weights whilst catching up on life. So I do enjoy that. But it's not enough for what I've signed up to. It's not hyrox but a similar kind of thing and I hate burpees! However the consistency does mean I'm rather strong now even with just twice a week.

@Onewildandpreciouslifeis right. No time like the present! Consistency is everything. Much better to do a little bit for a length of time than a lot and then lose interest. I wish I'd worked that out sooner before buying all those online training plans, insanity DVDs etc.

hang in there @WendyWagonx

Really difficult and upsetting tasks today. I got through it without buying booze. Proud of me.

Proud of you too @WendyWagon x

Morning shipmates.

I survived the night. Go me!
Twas very hard but I managed to get to sleep.
I had a difficult childhood and the last few years have been bloody awful. I thought at 60 I'd get some peace.
Things are sent to try us but it wouldn't be helped by being drunk. I owe it to my family to have a clear head.

Well done Wendy. Childhood things never leave us do they