ChangeIsGood123

Why does it seem like this time of year, drinking is JUST PLAIN EVERY WHERE! It just seems like anything social, revolves around drinking. I hate it. I have been sober for a long time now and lately I just feel so alone in it, like I am just surrounded by drinking. All these people talking about "margaritas by the pool", "tiki bar with so and so", "party at this ones house", "time to relax outside with a beer", " "drinks with the bff", etc etc etc. Alcohol alcohol alcohol! Does anyone do anything without alcohol, besides me? Sometimes I just feel like I dont belong.

Might be time for me to go to some AA meetings, so I can feel like I belong somewhere. I really need to be around some like minded people and stop isolating myself so much.

Dee74

I felt that way in the beginning - now I can honestly say I don't notice the prevalence of alcohol...I've noticed I've even stopped reading the specials at the local liquor shop when I'm waiting for a cab

Maybe you're onto something with the isolating...I find it easy to 'think too much' when I'm not connected with other people?

D

LosingmyMisery

I know that awkward feeling. It takes time to get past it. I think of it this way...I'm going home with my wits about me, with no embarrassing moments because of drinking, and I'm not waking up with a hangover. All of the above would have happened drinking at the tiki bar with many other horrific unmentionables for certain. When I'm around alcohol and drinking, I think better them than me.

camedown

Boy, can I relate. Still new to recovery, but as a restaurant worker, my whole life is innundated by booze. At my station in the kitchen, I have bottles of Jack, Presidente, pernod, and boxes of red and white wine. Step out front, and there is our bar with 16 taps and over a hundred types of vodka. When I get off late at night, what is the only thing open? Bars. Since I love what I do, and have zero plans on changing careers, I have accepted the fact that my resove must be strong to deal with the constant presence of booze.

Zebra1275

Well, it's not quite everywhere.

It's not at my house.

ChangeIsGood123

Thanks for the replys! I think I just need to be somewhere where I feel like I belong and people are more like me. Instead of being odd woman out. Maybe I will check out an as meeting that is up the road tomorrow. I have been sober 1.5 years, but I think I would still be welcome.

Wolfy87

I don't really see alcohol anywhere besides bars, some restaurants, and liquor stores. There are actually a lot of people who don't drink alcohol and there are a lot of places that don't serve alcohol.

tomdecel

Welcome Camedown. You took the words right out of my mouth. I have been battling the lure of alcohol for so many years (make that decades) that the only way I can beat is with a full out counter attack. I take alcohol for what it is to me: toxic in my system. It may not be toxic for others people, but it is for me. I work on my resolve constantly.

It is like when I see a good looking girl on the street (or guy is that is your case). If I want to remain a happily married man I look, but keep walking by. I have open alcohol in my house. I do have friends that I entertain. But my resolve to remain a happily sober and recovered person is a lot stronger than my need to get plastered. It takes work, but it sure is worth it.