What a great reminder MIRecovery. I have had a few moments like that where suddenly I get anxious or, more likely, very annoyed and uncomfortable around a lot of drinking and need an escape route.
I remember that piece of advice from Dee when I first got on SR and was asking about having to attend parties/work events where everyone was drinking. "Always have an escape plan, " was the advice. And I always do.
I don't know if it ever passes. I haven't had a dead-on craving for alcohol in quite a while but I do know this disease is cunning, baffling and powerful. And if I am starting to feel anxious and uncomfortable for any reason and there's booze around...I leave. Don't really care who it upsets, it is not worth my life.
And that, as your post reminds us, is exactly what we're playing with every time we put ourselves in situations that potentially compromise our sobriety.
Thanks again for the reminder and the inspiring post!!