whynot4856

This is the year I have decided to get sober. It is also the year two best friends will have bachelorette parties and weddings. It is the same year that I have a NYC trip planned (and booked) in which I will visit my best friend, who happens to be a lot like me, only not sober.

It's going to be a test to do all of these things without a toast, without a cocktail, without a glass of wine at dinner. I don't miss much about alcohol. Not even the way it made me feel. The only thing I will miss is not being able to enjoy one simple glass of wine like a normal person.

Anyone going through something like this?
Any ideas on how to make it through all these events sober and well?

dawnrunner

I so know that feeling - the elusive 'one glass of wine', an animal I have hunted unsuccessfully on many deluded occasions. It always turns out they run in herds.

One thing that helps is to have a very clear plan, a reward, and an escape strategy. The plan for me is what I will drink: club soda and cranberry, or a Virgin Mary, Diet Coke, whatever I am feeling like but I determine it in advance so there is no hesitation when ordering.

The reward is something I will give myself after the party: a nice long bath, or a slice of cheesecake, or a few squares of dark chocolate, whatever you like.

And the escape strategy is: I will be able to extricate myself; "Got to go let my dogs out" (which won't work in NYC for you); need to go make some calls, need to go take a nap, check work email, whatever. You can get yourself out of there if things start to unravel for you and you think you are getting near thinking about a slip.

Good luck with all the festivity and enjoy yourself! (your real self)

whynot4856

Thats great advice!

Also got me thinking, my dad lives near new york city. So if it's too much for me, I can escape for more than just one night & take it easy.

Thanks!

whynot4856

PS - One week today