How to Stay Sober

[hal72]

I managed to stay sober for years at a time. Recently, it hasn't been so great. However, I do have some tidbits of advice for people trying it for the first time, and I hope others will add to it.

1. No Shame When Ordering: one of the biggest hurdles for me was when the waiter or waitress came and asked me what I wanted to drink. The first time, the urge to order a beer was overwhelming. It took me forever. Whenever somebody asks you want you want to drink, just remember two words: "Water, thanks." It's not unusual, it's not unhealthy, and it doesn't scream to the world that you're an alcoholic. Once you get used to it, you start to realize how many other people are doing it too.

2. Psychiatry: there's a lot of cultural prejudice about psychiatry. Some people think only "weak" people need it, for others, there's a strong family or cultural bias. While psychiatry may or may not work for you, remember this: they can't tell anybody about you, and they can prescribe you anti-depressants. Even if they're total quacks, these two reasons alone are enough for you to see one.

3. Situational awareness: be aware of situations where you usually drink. It may be a particular hangout, it may be a particular activity, or it may be a particular group of friends. Whatever it is, you have 2 choices: A) be brave and tell them straight up that you are no longer going to drink with them, or B) flee like the coward you are and don't go those places or see those people. A) is tough, but if you can do it, you can do anything.