Wasylena

Yes, that is my issue, too. I will also avoid that situation for now. I have a social thing to go to tomorrow, and am quite nervous....thank u for your post

Berrybean

It's worth making a mini plan to deal with this if it is something you really can't get out of. (I would suggest cancelling if possible though if this is very early days for you ).

These are some things that helped (and continue to help)me deal with social occasions ...

1 - have an exit strategy (if things get too much, get out of there)

2 - know what you will drink in advance if possible so it just trips off the tongue

3 - remember that it is The first one that does the damage - because it invariably is the domino that starts all the others in motion.

4 - have some conversation changers / starters up your sleeve if you think people are likely to ask why you're not drinking. ('I just don't want to today' is as good an explanation as any, but it does help if you can shift the conversation onwards quickly)

5 - take care of the HALT triggers before, during and after the excursion. Hungry. Angry. Lonely. Tired. Those things are all likely to make us more succeptable to our AV (addictive voice)

6 - take a calm break if possible. Socialising is stressful and tiring. Ten mins out to take or make an important phone call can make things much easier.

I'm sure others will add their suggestions and tips.

BB