day 7-a crossroads

[w8liftinglady]

what do you do...when old friends,old situations present themselves?Do you go out,abstain...or do you avoid until you are sure you won't be triggerred?My favorite group of liberals meets tonight,but I'm afraid I will need to pass,for now.the name of the group,oddly enough,is "Drinking Liberally"...I'll be staying home.Thanks,God,for one more day.

[NMDemDist2]

1. I would take another AA member with me in those early days when

I had a function like that.

In your case maybe skipping this month is a good idea?

[jschurchin]

2. I agree with AZDem

Personally, my friends understand that if there is going to be alcohol involved at a function that I will not be there. But then again they all know that I am an addict and they understand.

Perhaps you can convince them to change the name of your group to "Drinking Starbucks Liberally".

Just a thought.

[NMDemDist2]

3. let me just say I don't avoid parties anymore

Being around drinkers no longer bothers me, BUT those first few months I made sure I had a back up and a plan

now is an entirely different story thanks to AA and a daily program of action

hell, I tend bar now and don't have a problem. But if I did, that job would be history and I carry my 15 year AA chip in my apron pocket behind the bar. Gives me a little talisman to remind me what I'm doing there (which is making $$$$)

:hi:

edit to add: but I do find being around drunks whether working or just hanging out is boring. after a couple rounds they tend to repeat the same stupid jokes and tell the same stories over and over :shrug:

[Justpat]

4. In the early day, I avoided situations like that.

For me the "early days" extended to two years.

But now I go anywhere with peace and a sense of stability. I am asked to stay sober today,
and that is how I work it - but in the first weeks and months those days can be long and
tempting.

Hang in there. Go to a meeting. Ask for help. You'll be fine.

[KitchenWitch]

5. I echo what was said earlier in this thread!

I think being absent from that group for a couple of months would probably be your best option. Bringing an AA friend next time you do go is another good suggestion.

To this day, I still like to have someone in recovery along with me when I go to "drinking" functions. That way, there is built in support, and when things get a little weird, you can leave with someone.

:hi:

I say again, I am so proud of you (and MBD). You are both doing it!

[idgiehkt]

6. I would avoid

I think you made the right decision to skip it; I remember the older people in meetings I attended would talk about having a 'built-in forgetter' that makes it hard to remember why not to drink when it is right in our faces. I always err on the side of avoidance...although if I have to be around drinkers I'd rather it be in a bar where there are people that are falling down drunk, like I used to be, than around a group of friends sipping wine or beer. It's always safer to avoid if I am feeling shaky.

[w8liftinglady]

7. thanks for your advice-I "avoided"...

another morning sober.it feels good.Thank you,friends.

[KitchenWitch]

8. I am so glad you chose to avoid this situation

And thank you for sharing your journey with us. It helps me to stay sober to hear all the stories.