I cannot avoid it as it has been planned for months and he wants me to do some photo-work for him.
Ok, this is never popular when I say this but
nothing is unavoidable in early recovery.
Going to an opening a bar owned by a big drinking friend this early in recovery is a terrible idea.
I think you'd agree with me if anyone else posted this.
I realise it's the eleventh hour now tho.
(Sometimes I really think the AV wants us to procrastinate on making a decision until the last moment - it would have been easier to cancel a month ago, for example.)
If you feel a sense of duty and you feel like you
have to go - be a professional photographer.
Have plans for what you'll do if cravings strike, have a plan for what you'll say if someone offers you or a drink or asks why you're not drinking...and have an escape plan, own car etc..
I would not stay overnight on a mate's sofa so the hotel is a good call..
You can stay sober. Read around in Newcomers forum today for people who thought a few drinks wouldn't hurt.
If you don't believe that you will stay sober, I reckon you really have no business going BTL.
D