# Welcome to Talking Sober (TS)! 2026 Update!
**URL:** https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024
**Category:** Announcements
**Tags:** moderators, faqs, rules, guidance
**Created:** [December 18, 2023, 5:53pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024 "2023-12-18T17:53:43Z")
**Posts on this page:** 17
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@SassyRocks](https://talkingsober.com/u/SassyRocks)
#### Post date: [December 18, 2023, 5:53pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/1 "2023-12-18T17:53:43Z")
Hello š and welcome š¤
With more than 50,000 topics, 1.8 _million_ posts and 40,000+ members, it can be hard to know where to start. This topic has been put together to help you with that.
We are people from all over the world who are working out how to do life sober - from alcohol, other drugs, sex and love addictions, self harm and much more . . . we all have different stories and are at different places in our journey, but we are all here today and thatās what matters!
**Rules and Guidelines**
First and foremost, please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the forum rules and guidelines:
> [@Talking Sober Rules and Guidelines](https://talkingsober.com/t/talking-sober-rules-and-guidelines/79120):
>
> The Talking Sober moderation team has reviewed and updated the forum rules and guidelines. We ask all members to read and abide by these rules. We welcome feedback - please send any feedback in a private message to [@moderators](https://talkingsober.com/groups/moderators). This thread is closed to comments in order to keep it tidy for further announcements and updates. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring this community continues to be a positive resource. slight_smile Talking Sober Rules and Guidelines Talking Sober is a communitā¦
Remember that the forum, and therefore anything you post except in private messages (or certain categories like the lounge - more on this later!) is available for anyone on the internet to find. Bear this in mind with your username, profile information and any other details you wish to post. Find out more about the forum at [About - Talking Sober - Addiction Recovery Forum & Support Group](https://talkingsober.com/about) - you can read the FAQ there (quite informative), as well as the TOS and Privacy information.
**The Moderators**
Your Talking Sober moderators are @Lisa07 @Misokatsu@SassyRocks @Dan531 and @acromouse. The moderator team are volunteers and members here too, seeking and receiving help in our own journeys through sobriety. We do not read all posts and rely on the community to help keep things ticking along. Our role here is to help keep things running smoothly, keep the forum tidy and review flags, etc. If you see something that you think is not in the spirit of the forum guidelines, please flag it and we will review.
To contact us directly, send a private message to [@moderators](https://talkingsober.com/groups/moderators). You can also tag us individually or as a group at [@moderators](https://talkingsober.com/groups/moderators).
**Keeping the forum tidy**
Keeping the forum tidy helps everyone find and make the most of the support thatās here. There are a few things you can do to help!
1. Use the search bar š in the top right before you create a new topic - you might find someone has recently asked the same question as you. Joining active conversations is a brilliant way of building a network here quickly, as well as getting the benefit of the information that has already been offered.
2. When you do create a new topic, use the categories and think about [adding a tag](https://talkingsober.com/t/psa-using-tags-for-a-better-talking-sober-experience/84585). This helps people find other conversations and community they relate to, as well as avoiding subjects they may find triggering or traumatic (see more in Seeking Help and also Trigger Warning sections below).
3. Lots of people like to use the forum as a type of journal, checking in regularly to keep track of their progress and get support along the way. Please keep any journal type posts to one topic, rather than creating new check in posts every day. Many people join the Checking In Daily thread as a way to build community and share their progress. Talking Sober also offers a personal Guided Journaling feature that is 100% private, just for you. ([Introducing Guided journaling](https://talkingsober.com/t/introducing-guided-journaling/166837))
4. Those with Regular status (Trust Level 3) can add tags and categorise threads of other peopleās posts, this is encouraged.
**Posting while under the influence and a safe space for troubling discussions**
Posting while under the influence or while actively using is against forum rules. Moderators and members with āRegularā status can move these posts to the Seeking Help category, or you can opt-in to this category if you would like to support those struggling with active addiction. These posts will not show up on the main forum.
Please note that the Seeking Help category is all encompassing. It is **not** just for those actively using, it is for those who want to discuss being sober curious, being āCalifornia soberā, etc.; as well as a place to discuss mental health crisis or trauma. It is meant to be a safe space for potentially triggering discussions to be had off the main forum.
([Talking Sober - Addiction Recovery Forum & Support Group](http://talkingsober.com/groups/Seeking_Help))
**Trigger Warnings**
If you are discussing something that may be traumatic to others, pIease add a trigger warning (TW) to the title of your post. And if you are discussing potentially triggering subjects, please create a new topic with a TW rather than adding this into existing threads. If you do end up sharing in an existing thread, please add a TW at the beginning of your post. Regulars and Moderators can edit existing posts to add trigger warnings and/ or tags by clicking the pencil icon next to the title. If you are not a regular and find a post concerning, please message [@moderators](https://talkingsober.com/groups/moderators) and we will handle accordingly.
**Sensitive Images**
Please be considerate when sharing sensitive images. If it may be triggering or disturbing to others, please mark it using the blur feature and add a trigger warning / TW to your post/thread. If you spot sensitive content that is not blurred and marked appropriately, we ask that you contact [@moderators](https://talkingsober.com/groups/moderators), so we can edit the post and blur it.
The blur feature can be accessed by tapping the gear icon when preparing your post. Then tap āBlur spoilerā. Like this.
Members then have the option to view the blurred text or pic at their discretion by clicking on it (click again to re-blur).
Sometimes we donāt realise what we are discussing could be problematic for others - and thatās OK! We assume everyone posts with the best of intentions and moderators are on hand to help tidy things up as needed. The moderators rely on people flagging or messaging us when they see issues, and we also rely on the support of members with regular status to make changes as they feel appropriate. When you do make changes please let the moderators know that you did!
**Trust levels and āthe loungeā**
When you join the forum, the functionality available to you is limited. The more you participate, the more you are able to do here. Note that the easiest way to increase your [trust level](https://blog.discourse.org/2018/06/understanding-discourse-trust-levels/) is to read lots, which is also likely to be pretty useful for your sobriety! When you achieve Regular status (Trust Level 3) you get access to the lounge which is a category that is not visible on the main forum.
**Respecting personal boundaries**
The connections we forge here, often while we are at our most vulnerable, can feel incredibly close. This is of course one of the amazing things about the forum, the support that we all give and receive, but it does occasionally lead to emotional entanglements that may not break the rules, but can be challenging to deal with. We are all adults and free to make our own choices, but it is something to be aware of when entering into conversations, particularly via private message. [Respecting personal boundaries in recovery](https://talkingsober.com/t/respecting-personal-boundaries-in-recovery/84271)
**A few frequently asked questions to get you started**
The frequently asked questions thread has a collection of some really useful topics and questions that pretty much all of us have asked or thought about at one time or another. Some of the posts are quite old, but there is some universal content there. We highly recommend reading thru theseā¦and please let us know if any links are broken. š
> [@Frequently asked questions about sobriety for newcomers](https://talkingsober.com/t/frequently-asked-questions-about-sobriety-for-newcomers/32401):
>
> Below is a list of common questions that newcomers to the community ask. This FAQ is a Wiki and is maintained by our long term community members. Anyone of Trust level 3 and higher can edit and contribute to this. Advice for the newcomer [Advice for the Newcomer and Constant Relapser](https://talkingsober.com/t/advice-for-the-newcomer-and-constant-relapser/11064) ([What's YOUR plan?](https://talkingsober.com/t/whats-your-plan/177233)) ([Different Aspects of Recovery](https://talkingsober.com/t/different-aspects-of-recovery/6571)) [Resources for our recovery](https://talkingsober.com/t/resources-for-our-recovery/52812) ([What was anyoneās experience in the first month of sobriety?](https://talkingsober.com/t/what-was-anyone-s-experience-in-the-first-month-of-sobriety/83444)) ([Tips for getting and staying sober](https://talkingsober.com/t/tips-for-getting-and-staying-sober/71003)) ([Good riddance to hangovers! ā¦](https://talkingsober.com/t/good-riddance-to-hangovers-and-other-things-i-dont-miss/60887)
**In closing**
One of the best pieces of advice we see and share often is to read, read and read some more. You might be surprised at how much you can relate to someone on the face of it very different from you, or you might find just the answer youāre looking for.
Keep checking in and reach out whenever you need to š š«¶
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### Author:  [@SassyRocks](https://talkingsober.com/u/SassyRocks)
#### Post date: [December 26, 2023, 6:41pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/3 "2023-12-26T18:41:45Z")
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### Author:  [@Thirdmonkey](https://talkingsober.com/u/Thirdmonkey)
#### Post date: [December 26, 2023, 8:40pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/4 "2023-12-26T20:40:40Z")
Feela like we just did thisā¦the year went fast
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### Author:  [@Soup](https://talkingsober.com/u/Soup)
#### Post date: [December 28, 2023, 5:56pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/5 "2023-12-28T17:56:44Z")
Is there a possibility to add ADHD/ND and or chronic pain as a hashtag?
Different neurology affects people differentlyā¦
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### Author:  [@Soup](https://talkingsober.com/u/Soup)
#### Post date: [December 28, 2023, 6:02pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/6 "2023-12-28T18:02:31Z")
RSD (Rejection sensitivity dysphoria) and ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) are a big thing in a lot of peoples recovery with different neurodivesions and hase a big effect on people.
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### Author:  [@SassyRocks](https://talkingsober.com/u/SassyRocks)
#### Post date: [December 28, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/7 "2023-12-28T18:34:05Z")
Yes, you can add your own tags when you start a thread. Good suggestion!
The thread below outlines how to add tags.
> [@PSA: Using Tags for a better Talking Sober experience](https://talkingsober.com/t/psa-using-tags-for-a-better-talking-sober-experience/84585):
>
> Do you know about tags? Theyāre a useful tool for finding which topics interest you or not, but on this forum they are underutilized, which is a huge missed opportunity. ([Click here to jump to the most FAQ on how to quickly mute a tag.](https://talkingsober.com/t/psa-using-tags-for-a-better-talking-sober-experience/84585/2)) Maybe you have an uncommon DOC or specific interest, but canāt check every topic, and want to be notified when a new topic comes up discussing it. Or maybe thereās a topic that affects you in such a way you prefer to stay away from it. You can use tags to achieā¦
Hope this helps! ā¤
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### Author:  [@SassyRocks](https://talkingsober.com/u/SassyRocks)
#### Post date: [December 30, 2023, 8:38pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/9 "2023-12-30T20:38:26Z")
It is an open forum, so that we can encourage others in need to read and gain knowledge and perhaps reach out join the community and get support. Many people rarely post or join the community for long, but I do believe they still gain a lot from reading (at least that is what people have shared with me over the years).
The lounge is a good place for selfies that are not available unless someone has joined and met (and keeps!) that trust level.
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### Author:  [@1in8billion](https://talkingsober.com/u/1in8billion)
#### Post date: [January 3, 2024, 2:33am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/11 "2024-01-03T02:33:20Z")
Hi, where can I find the option to hide or show my user profile?
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### Author:  [@Lisa07](https://talkingsober.com/u/Lisa07)
#### Post date: [January 3, 2024, 2:48am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/12 "2024-01-03T02:48:07Z")
Youāll find that option in the interface section of your profile. Click on your avatar in the upper right corner, then click on the person icon, then scroll to the right until you find interface.
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### Author:  [@SolarEclipse](https://talkingsober.com/u/SolarEclipse)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2025, 4:13am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/15 "2025-06-06T04:13:01Z")
Would it be possible to have an option to remove the title bar at the top of the page? I am not always sure whoās on my 6.
Oh and thank you @Mods for all you do here!
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### Author:  [@SassyRocks](https://talkingsober.com/u/SassyRocks)
#### Post date: [June 6, 2025, 12:13pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/16 "2025-06-06T12:13:10Z")
Iām not sure what title bar you mean. You can unpin threads by scrolling to the end and unpinning or generally by reading them. Idk if that is what you mean tho. š¤
(I may move your question to the Feedback category, so Robin can answer more fully if needed. š).
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### Author:  [@SassyRocks](https://talkingsober.com/u/SassyRocks)
#### Post date: [December 30, 2025, 4:08pm UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/17 "2025-12-30T16:08:09Z")
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### Author:  [@AyBee](https://talkingsober.com/u/AyBee)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2026, 2:07am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/18 "2026-02-24T02:07:43Z")
Is there a way to turn off the new daily āStreakā notifications?
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### Author:  [@Lisa07](https://talkingsober.com/u/Lisa07)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2026, 2:24am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/19 "2026-02-24T02:24:11Z")
I think I found it. Edit your tracker and change the heading type. I changed mine to savings and Iām not getting the āstreakā anymore. Thereās an option for ānoneā too.
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### Author:  [@AyBee](https://talkingsober.com/u/AyBee)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2026, 3:26am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/20 "2026-02-24T03:26:25Z")
Thank you.
Shame though, I like the milestone progress indicator. If I change it to savings it gets cross at me for not having any data in the daily spend field, which is a really ugly text box to have on the landing screen.
Will experiment a bit with other settings access see what happens when opening on a new day.
Cheers
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### Author:  [@AyBee](https://talkingsober.com/u/AyBee)
#### Post date: [February 27, 2026, 2:22am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/21 "2026-02-27T02:22:46Z")
@Lisa07 didnāt work. The streaks all came back today.
Nevermind.
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### Author:  [@Lisa07](https://talkingsober.com/u/Lisa07)
#### Post date: [February 27, 2026, 2:43am UTC](https://talkingsober.com/t/welcome-to-talking-sober-ts-2026-update/176024/22 "2026-02-27T02:43:49Z")
Mine did too. Ugh! Iāll check with Robin to see if thereās a way to turn it off.