Juneof44

The wife and I used to go to the drive in and get plastered. I usually passed out in the car during the second feature.

Tonight we took our son to see Alpha and Omega. My only drink was an ice cold Coke and some Reese's Pieces. I'm still awake, and I can remember the entire movie! (not bad for a kid's movie, either...)

Anyway, I'm slowly learning to enjoy going out sober. It was fun tonight, and I hope it gets even better down the line...!

Bellerophon

If I ever had to wait for anything I would look for a bar. Pantom of the Opera 1999, DEC 31? Too drunk to appreciate it. The Nutcracker Ballet at the Symphony on Christmas Eve? I had to find a bar until just before the show. Plane? Drink. I was Unied Airlines red carpet club...drink.

Waiting for family to show up for the dinner party? Waiting to coach a little league game? Drink. In between rounds of a video game? Drink.

God, looking back...I didn't care how sick I was. I just partied like a rock star when I wasn't working, being a devoted husband and father and being a disciple of Christ.

I saw the pattern emerging to social drinking-indulgence-confidence-arrogance-carelessness-recklessness and then later repentance. The next night and morning...more of the same.

So to remix? Just removing alcohol from my lifestyle is a huge remix. Maybe grape juice instead of wine...virgin vodka tonics...and still have fun.

Holidays are coming. It gets tougher.

Bellerophon

Do I have the power to stop drinking? YES.

Do I have the power to control my drinking? NO.

This will be my first sober Halloween in years. Damnation.

3RIVERS

Good post Juneof44, one of my fears about quitting was how to cope with activities without drinking. At almost 30 days sober, I can't believe how much I've enjoyed the social situations. I actually listened to people.
I used to be focused on the alcohol. What is strange is that no one has said anything about me not drinking. My wife, any of my family or friends. I feel self conscious about it because it was just definitely not me to not drink. I'm not sure why no one has said anything. I guess I really wasn't hiding what a problem I had as much as I thought.
Anyway, I'm glad your staying sober and enjoying your family.

Kmber2010

Good work June.

I also enjoy remembering my days now. While I haven't found a drive-in in years....man I loved them growing up. Good times with my family and recall always wanting to go to the concession stand with my Dad and brother...LOL.

What I do now though is watch the endless collection of movies I have because most of them were watched when I was drunk so guess what? Its like a brand new movie to me.

Thanks for posting and it really got me reflecting!

Ghostly

Nice job all of you! Yes, the things you did while drinking can be either replaced, or you will find doing those things sober can be fun too.

What an inspiring thread, thanks for starting it June! My first sober Halloween in years too.

CarolD

One of the unexpected pluses of my recovery has been the
beginning of new family and friends traditions.....

My current AA home group of 13 years has many holiday events
all that include food ...family and fun.
Coming up....after a meeting....Haloween Party crasy outfits...board
games inside....danceing on the deck.

My family celebrations work just great ...we toast with Coca-Cola

Get inventive....make new sober traditions...especially
. if you have youngchildren to consider. It's a win win deal.....

I've never regretted any sober holiday ...sure
not true of the past drinking ones...

coming_clean

Everything is better sober.
Addiction is just trying to convince you otherwise.
I love remembering what I did today, yesterday, last week.
My perception of the here and now has gotten so much better too!

take care,

LaFemme

Today will be my first sober October 8th in a very long time:-)

least

Same here... I've never yet regretted not drinking for any day, holiday or not.

Bellerophon

I think that is a fantastic point to pull out alcohol out of our family get togethers NOW, while the kids are young. I think it is brilliant.

I'll have to think of a suitable toast other than wine or champagne. Coke is out of favor in our house (ironically). I got it!

Our kids took great pride in inventing a drink that combined diet 7-up and sherbet iced cream. That's it!

Juneof44

I might recommend toasting with Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Juice!

coffeenut

We never went to movies. Took too much from our drinking evenings.

It is amazing, the things I can do (and remember), now.

Bellerophon

I am on a business trip.

I missed my first flight yesterday, but caught it today. Out with the team tonight...I was the only one not drinking. The pressure can be tough to drink especially as I am a known drinker...but I withstood and faced it down. It had a difficulty rating of 4 of 10.

I believe since I withstood tonight that the rest of my life will be no problem. Holidays will have a difficulty rating of 8 of 10 and loss of parents 9 of 10. But I have no doubt that I won't slip.

What's alcohol going to help with anyway? My pain? Yes, but it is a trade of one agony for another.

Bellerophon

Eh, I am back to day zero. I am nowhere near drunk, but I did drink.

I drank at a business dinner function. I drank with dinner and among friends. I didn't drive. I didn't say anything stupid or make an ass of myself. I drank, listened and praised the men around me. I drank but I stopped after five

Unfortunately, I drank.

I can stop at five but I have been powerless to stop at just one day, or event or night.

I am an alcoholic and I took a detour out of sobriety but I will return tomorrow.