Night away with work - coping
Awaiting Email Confirmation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Posts: 19
Night away with work - coping
Hi there
I have been sober for almost 16 months. I have managed so far with the support of this forum, my partner and a few books.
No one else knows that I consider myself an alcoholic (except for one close friend that I have discussed drinking with because he has an issue too). I've no problem with potentially telling people in certain situations, e.g. at meetings, in the future ... I just don't want to tell people more generally (for all the drinking culture, the UK is a lot less understanding about such things)...
It's become normal to me to take soft drinks in social situations. In fact, through sober eyes, I've been amazed at how little non-alcoholics lives revolve around drink. Where I've needed an excuse for being the only one not drinking - I have been fine because I have just made sure that I have the car or said that it is my partners"turn" to drink...
I have an upcoming work do though which has me concerned.
It is pretty much mandatory attendance and involves a day and a night in a hotel. Already there's been a few comments about cutting loose in the evening and getting drunk etc...
I've managed to scrape through other work's dos by taking the car but this will be moot with the overnight stay.
Drinking is not an option. I know this and am 100% that not drinking is achievable... It's just going to be a tough one as I can't avoid it and the pressure is going to be piled on...
One possible option - going for the day and not staying over is a possibility... which would avoid the bar at night...
Any thoughts from the community on such situations?
I have been sober for almost 16 months. I have managed so far with the support of this forum, my partner and a few books.
No one else knows that I consider myself an alcoholic (except for one close friend that I have discussed drinking with because he has an issue too). I've no problem with potentially telling people in certain situations, e.g. at meetings, in the future ... I just don't want to tell people more generally (for all the drinking culture, the UK is a lot less understanding about such things)...
It's become normal to me to take soft drinks in social situations. In fact, through sober eyes, I've been amazed at how little non-alcoholics lives revolve around drink. Where I've needed an excuse for being the only one not drinking - I have been fine because I have just made sure that I have the car or said that it is my partners"turn" to drink...
I have an upcoming work do though which has me concerned.
It is pretty much mandatory attendance and involves a day and a night in a hotel. Already there's been a few comments about cutting loose in the evening and getting drunk etc...
I've managed to scrape through other work's dos by taking the car but this will be moot with the overnight stay.
Drinking is not an option. I know this and am 100% that not drinking is achievable... It's just going to be a tough one as I can't avoid it and the pressure is going to be piled on...
One possible option - going for the day and not staying over is a possibility... which would avoid the bar at night...
Any thoughts from the community on such situations?
Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 645
I second the not staying overnight option. If that would avoid the bar scene, it is well worth avoiding temptation. I do not put myself in situations where I risk drinking. My sobriety is much too important to me. SusanLauren
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,469
Absolutely, go for the day and then head home. And, neither do I tell people in my life that I am an alcoholic. It does not define who I am. And, there are many prejudices and stereotypical beliefs about alcoholics.
And, congratulations on your 16 months sober.
And, congratulations on your 16 months sober.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 8,326
If an overnight stay is mandatory, plead paperwork in your room. Say you're coming down with the sniffles, a headache coming on or tummy troubles. Do not put yourself in harm's way!
I often have to have dinners for business. I usually leave early using the above reasons. I don't like being around drunken people.
Hope this helps.
Love,
Lenina
I often have to have dinners for business. I usually leave early using the above reasons. I don't like being around drunken people.
Hope this helps.
Love,
Lenina
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
