4thekidz

I have a HUGE challenge to my sobriety coming up Tuesday.

I am at 50 days and feeling strong. However, casinos, particularly trips to AC and Vegas are my weakness. All the cues, partying, table games...etc...have proven to much for sobriety in the past. I need help with how to handle it. And yes, I am definitely going for two days to meet my dad. I have a hotel room. I have survived a day trip to a casino but never an overnight, alone in a hotel room.

I don't do AA, but any suggestions would be appreciated.....

Kjell

Hi 4-

You're "definitely" going, you don't do AA, and you don't want to drink on a casino trip.

Not much wiggle room there for suggestions, really.

I used to visit AC and Vegas on a tradeshow circuit I was on and I totally understand the pitfalls there

It'll be interesting if/when I visit those towns again, but I will make sure I've got some meetings lined up for when I go (hint hint).

Best of luck tho!

Kjell~

CarolD

4thekidz....
I hope whatever you are doing will work on the trip...
I do use AA...so that is how I remain sober in all situations and places.

Kjell....
Try the T.I.E. Club if you stay downtown. .. It IS LESS THAN $10 cab from Brennans Horseshoe....Really friendly diffverse members...

4thekidz

Thank you so far!

1. I will attempt to find and attend my very first AA meeting.

2. Virgin bloody marys with extra Tabasco for spice

3. Coffee and water to sip on other things

4. Spa! Gym!

5. periodic SR check-ins.


Anything else.....??

texas729

Get phone numbers at your first AA meeting. If the craving hits you'll have a great safety net if you can call another sober person.

newwings

Sleep. Chat with your Dad over coffee. Avoid the bars. If you need to, call the hotel ahead and ask them to remove EVERYTHING from the mini bar in your room (they will do it, I have a friend who does that at every hotel she stays in!). I'm not going to lie and say this is going to be easy for you, but if you CAN stick it out, it's setting down a new blueprint for when you visit in the future - helping to wipe those associations that you carry with you right now.

Keep strong!!

CarolD

Pay atention to HALT.....
don't allow yourself to become overly
Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired

Keep a snack handy ....and Yes...liquids are a good idea too....

Dee74

Looks like you're determined.

Apologies if this sounds like a downer - I wish you well and I know the need some of us guys have to 'live our lives' again...

but honestly ? my usual advice to anyone is not to go - not at 50 days - especially in your case when you've recently been a little shakey thinking about the 40 days thing.

I stayed out of all those situations until I felt secure - I still consider the few months that took was a good investment for the rest of my sober life.

I wouldn't drink mocktails either 4thekidz - too near old behaviours.

D

bellakeller

Too bad you won't be able to make it. Maybe next time.

yeahgr8

I stayed away from all situations like this for a good while after getting sober this time...before i would have done exactly as you did and go, like a moth to a candle...the funny things is i never ended up drinking on my first "challenge" it would be a few times later when i thought that i had got this alcohol thing sorted and one wouldn't hurt...

ozgoddess

I have to agree with Dee and will also add that if you are already doubting yourself you are risking setting yourself up for failure. We know when we are ready to face these things (in my opinion and experience) because we just know we are ready...

I can totally understand that you want to spend time with your dad but why does it have to be in a place where you don't feel you can trust yourself?

EmeraldRose

Yeah, I think I would skip the virgin bloody mary...keep to 'real' drinks like water, soda and tea/coffee.
Isn't there a place where you and your Dad could meet in not so much of a tempting setting? Does he know of your struggle with sobriety?
Part of recovery is changing habits...if this is a place where you've met in previous years it might be time to change your destination.

michelle01

Things like that are easier for me now, but they would have seriously stressed me out at 50 days. You really have to put sobriety first, that may seem selfish at times but ultimately, it's the best all round for everybody. I can't tell you how many times I fell up between 30 and 60 days, I finally got it together but that time wasn't good for me at all. Sobriety isn't easy to 'compartmentalize'.

Best of luck though, hope it goes okay.

4thekidz

Thanks for all the great advice. I feel well prepared for the casino milieu. I never stress out around alcohol, I either ignore it or I don't. I figure between the dice and the great dinners, and an in-room movie or two, I have enough to keep my brain's pleasure centers occupied.

I'll be checking in on SR....

erikm02

Good luck! There should be plenty to keep you occupied there besides dranking

Def use the HALT thing if you get pissed off from losing your money quickly on craps lol

Mida

Personally, my drinking associations with that city are too strong that I hope to avoid it for as long as possible. I know they have non-smoking casinos but unfortunately I don't think they have dry ones.

I agree with planning for the trip by lining up some AA meetings even if they are not part of your recovery at this time. Also, having some numbers handy would probably help. And an itinerary for some daily structure. Are you driving there? If you have to drive to go places you know you have to stay sober for that.

Hope you have a fun, safe trip and a good visit with your dad

4thekidz

So far so good!

bbr

I've done 2 Vegas trips in my 18 months of sobriety. My wife really loves the place and I felt I was strong enough to resist the booze and I did. I found it helpful to stay in touch with SR while there. Bring your lap-top or smart phone and log onto SR for support.

Mcribb

I would def check in here every chance you get and if you start feeling angry or EXCITED just check in and let those feelings pass. Feeling good was always wierd for me, I had to drink when I felt good.

bellakeller

hoping you made it OK.

take care.