For me, getting through an event/party sober is just like doing a job.
I have to put my happy non drinking face on, be armed with things to talk about, try to tolerate ridiculously drunk people, and I often give myself something to focus on, like I am self nominated photographer.
I also have a kit bag full of tools.
1. That I will not have 1 drink.
2. I will leave when the party is in full swing and people are too drunk to notice.
If I want to leave without slobbering drunks hugging me and wanting to stay, then I leave without a goodbye and just send a text saying 'you were having stacks of fun and we did not want to spoil it by saying goodbye, so we left but thanks for inviting us'.
3. Quick replies for why I am not drinking - such as I set myself a challenge to give up drinking for a month or likewise.
4. That 'no' is a complete sentence and if someone becomes over forceful with me in encouraging me to drink, I will leave.
5. I observe all the heavy drinkers making a show of themselves, doing all the behaviours I used to do and remind myself why I don't drink anymore.
6. As a reward the next day or the next week, I might buy something nice for me to celebrate not drinking at a party. Even something small like a bath bomb.
7. I have a glass in my hand, so no-one can thrust a glass of booze in my face.
8. I think of the people here at SR, my sober family, the ones I think so much about and how they care for me too. Knowing I can visit SR in my warm cosy bed is what gets me through the evening.
My life is probably a lot more dull now I don't drink.
I don't socialise as much either.
But the peace in my head I get from not drinking really does make up for it 200%.
Not having regrets, not have blackouts or upsetting people or wondering what I did.
My drinking career can be summed up by this statement. Probably my life now too.
I have regretted drinking many, many times. I have never regretted drinking once.
Thats me to a tee!
I wish you the best.