The date thing is a funny one, and it is best to do what works best for you. I know that if I allow myself slips it won't be long before I am saying I'll just drink at weekends etc... but it isn't about allowing yourself anything really, it's just about not beating yourself up. If it helps to start from scratch then by all means do but it doesn't take away what you learnt before. Oh and distraction is totally okay as long as it doesn't make you drink so if you find yourself with 20 new pairs of shoes...
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