Jack465

This might be a stupid question, but I thought I would ask it anyway because I don't want to risk doing anything that could jeopardize my recovery, and I've seen similar questions posted on here.

Someone recently gave me beer in return for a favour I did for them. I told them they didn't have to give me anything, but they gave it to me anyway. They have no idea about my drinking problem and I couldn't be bothered making up excuses, so I took the beer. I wasn't planning to drink it. I tipped it down the drain.

So obviously I could smell it when I opened the bottles and tipped them out. Is that bad? Is there any chance alcohol could get into your system that way?

Thanks

sg1970

Next time you might consider telling them thanks but you don't drink and it will just go to waste. Insist that they keep it. Wouldn't want to be wasteful, right?

I wouldn't worry about accidently smelling it too much. We can't live in a bubble.

CAPTAINZING2000

My mouth waters at the smell of beer from a tap

Ariesagain

Unless it was really warm enough to vaporize some of the alcohol, I wouldn't think you got much? Maybe what's important is whether it triggered a craving?

If not, great! If so, and you didn't act on it, greater!

Smells nasty, doesn't it?

Jack465

Definitely see your point, but it was my dad and he knows I used to drink so it would have raised more questions. I haven't told him about my drinking problem and I'm hoping I won't have to.

Hawkeye13

It won't be absorbed, but many people find the smell triggering
and it makes them want to drink.

So that's usually why people post about it and it's a good idea to avoid
in the future until you are solid in your recovery.

I find for me, the smell of nice single malt scotch makes my mouth water
and is a little triggering.

Most of us have our "thing" so we take care to protect sobriety

thisisme

I used to do that too.
Now I tell them "I don't drink".
If they care, inquire and want me to explain then they are alcoholic.
If they don't care and think nothing of it then they are "normal".

The smell certainly gets into my system.
It makes me puke.

sobriety26

I don't think so,I was scared to put anything with alcohol on my skin and still is scared to put anything with alcohol on my skin because I heard anything you put on your body your skin absorbs but I don't think smelling something would effect you


stepfanie!!!

Dropsie

Its only a problem if its a trigger, IMO.

I understand not telling your parents. Although if you need help down the road you might reconsider.

Whatever keeps you sober.

Gottalife

Fumes. Alcohol comes in many different forms. Spray cans and paint, some glues are things that come to mind. With my boat work I have to be very careful about the fumes.

I don't think you are in any direct danger from ordinary drink smells, but definitely be careful around solvents and things. That is the attraction for huffers.

MIRecovery

Not a stupid question at all. In fact I think the role of smell should be talked about more

Smell for me is a huge trigger and I have been sober for over six years. My wife is a normie and drinks wine. Every once in a while I will get a large wine whiff and my alcoholic brain lights up like a Christmas tree.