Hi,
You don't have to explain to anybody why you're drinking or not drinking. A simple 'Yes, please' or 'No, thanks', should be all that is necessary. There is no reason to give people the information that you're an alcoholic, unless it is a close and very trusted friend, in my opinion. Nor would you expect someone you met to tell you their darkest secrets either.
Alcoholism is never a phase. It's forever. There is a line which we cross, an invisible line, and when we cross it, we can never go back.
And, you can learn healthy ways to relax. Yoga is great, as is any kind of exercise and meditation also helps.
It's hard to stop drinking and to begin to heal, but we are here to offer support and please know that you can do it.
