an experience of it getting easier....
I'm about a year and 4 months without a drink, and this past Sunday my family and my good buddie's wife threw us a joint 40th surprise party at his house (I turned 40 in Oct. him in December). A few old friends showed up and I had a ton of laughs and good times, such a good time I had to pull my friend's wife aside and ask if the seltzer/fruit punch I was drinking had any booze in it. I was litterally, naturally buzzed! I had no worries as I watched a few friends thinking about beer supply, if they needed another one or not, etc. I felt good as I kept the same frame of mind and clarity while I watched my friends go through beers. I had no problem with any of it; a far cry from a year ago when I really wanted to join in. So, newcomers out there, keep going, it gets easier and so worth it.