Originally Posted by JohnQPublic

Another option that works well for lots of people is to say you don't drink for medical reasons. Which has the added benefit for being true. You can say you are on a medication that you shouldn't drink on or a medical condition. Personally, I prefer the straightforward truth as being duplicitous was part of my addictive behavior.

Also, you said you were doing this alone, you are not alone, you have us. Meetings are great lifesavers for some but are not for everyone. Let this site be your support program. Sending you Hope. John