I have a large group of friends in my industry with whom I drank and drank hard for years. They are all aware that I am a recovering alcoholic and I believe respect me for MY decision.
Recently at a gathering I was seated at a table with several of them when a waiter asked me "what I would like to drink?" I responded, "A double Canadian Club on the rocks." It was dead silent until one buddy who is a prodigious drinker said, "What the hell are you doing?" I said, "He asked what I WANTED, I am going to HAVE a club soda with a lime." Everyone relaxed and one fellow chimed in with "You scared the hell out of us!"
THESE ARE STILL MY VERY GOOD FRIENDS.
I think those who have known us in and out of our disease are happier when we are healthy. There are friends who just wish us well and hope that WE will see our way out of the darkness.
Jon