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Old 12-21-2015, 12:38 PM
  # 4 (permalink)  
SoberLeigh
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Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 120,886
Nervous and scared to be in triggering situations might not be such a bad thing, Jeff. In a way, those emotions sound better than nonchalance and over-confidence.

You are going into a situation where in the past you have experienced days and days of drinking, especially with your alcoholic brother-in-law.

You need a solid plan in place before entering that triggering situation.

Do you have a set of responses ready to your BIL's invitations (most likely repeated and repeated invitations?) to have a drink or get loaded with him. Maybe, do some mental role-playing in advance so that you are comfortable with your responses.

Do you have a plan for activities which only you and your wife can enjoy so that you are not constantly around the triggering people and places?

Are you staying in a hotel so that you have a place to which to escape if necessary?

Do you have SR set as one of your favorites on your phone or other portable device so that you can quickly log-in to talk?

Do you have a list that you can keep handy in your pocket which sets forth the reasons you do not want to drink?

Keep your mental game sharp, Jeff; spend time when you wake up (and often during the day) reminding yourself of the importance of sobriety; remind yourself of the joys and benefits you have enjoyed in sobriety; remind yourself of the things you don't want to lose.

Have a great and sober holiday.

Safe travels, Jeff.
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