bigsombrero

Did anyone else have trouble "letting go" of the lifestyle that alcoholism creates?

For example, my first month out of treatment I went out to lunch, by myself...at a BAR. Sure, the place has a decent menu, and during the noon hours it operates as more of a restaurant. But still. A million places in Chicago and I go to lunch at a BAR. To make it worse, I didn't sit at a table, I sat AT THE BAR while eating my lunch. I didn't drink, I was just there to prove to myself that I still could be in bars and that it wasn't "over"...

I had a million choices for lunch that day. Yet I chose to SIT AT A BAR and have a sandwich. Baffling.

Almost 9 months sober, and it's been 7 months since that experience, but it's crazy to look back on that. How stupid! How naive! What was I thinking? Who was I trying to impress? What was I trying to prove?

Have any of you done similar things to try and "hang on"?

Boleo

I was extra cautious in my first year of sobriety. No hanging around around wet places or wet faces. No dates. No gambling. No alcohol based mouthwash.

However, once I realized it was spiritual fitness that keeps me sober and not psychological tricks & tips, I stopped deliberately avoiding the above activities.

Not that I now seek out any of them. I can now do them in moderation if I have unselfish motives.

FBL

I kinda did the same thing. I went to my favorite bar on Day 13 to see a good friend of mine (who owns the place) and to get something to eat. I guess one of the reasons I went was to prove to myself that I could go there and not have a drink (my friend still says that I was one of his all-time "hall of fame" beer drinkers). I spent an enjoyable few hours visiting with him and some of the regulars. In fact, I still go back a few times a year just to catch up with my friend (I even helped him out with his Super Bowl party a couple of months ago). The whole bar scene doesn't bother me, but I sure don't go nearly as much as I did when I was drinking.

theHomerSimpson

I picked up some hot wings yesterday at my local bar/restaurant but got them 'to go' and didnt stay any longer than the couple minutes for my order. I did see a couple younger guys sitting at the bar talking loud and very intent and close talking with thier big ole glasses of beer and I can only think to myself that its barely noon and they were already buzzed. I grabbed my wings and happily went home, grabbed a water and enjoyed my wings without someone spraying me and my wings with spit and droplets of beer while they yap my ear off about some exciting highlight of thier tiny world! It was all good for me and I dont miss a thing about the drinking life I am leaving behind.

As for your question, I have not put myself in any tempting situations yet but I do have one coming up in April at a casino with open bar. Its an event I have to attend as my wife is recieving an award from employer but I believe I will be just fine with a non-alcoholic drink in hand. Maybe because I have this health issue this time around I am more accepting of the fact I no longer drink or smoke. Good question though Big, interested in reading others situations as they post.

Pat