Originally Posted by
FreeOwl 
Just "steering clear" on the one hand seems to help, but on the other hand means that what I'm doing is avoiding, versus re-wiring myself.
This is a great point and I agree. We (I) need to be able to be in situation where alcohol is around and offered and be able to say NO. It's empowering and liberating. The flip side is that until you feel you are ready, you should probably avoid it. I've had. few situations where alcohol was around and offered in my now 12 days of sobriety. I obsessed over the situation and rehearsed in my mind how I would handled them. when I did, it was a powerful feeling.
pakman