First big "party" concert sober....
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 82
First big "party" concert sober....
I Love music and concerts were always my favorite things to plan and go to with friends. and a reason to party. One of my favorite bands is Phish, somewhay known for the decadence at their shows, which I took a great deal of enjoyment in in the 25 or so shows I went to back in theday. However I love the music just as much sober (see screenname ) I'm travelling to NY to see them tomorrow and its my first big show in years. I'll be with my brother (another big fan and my best friend) for the weekend. I'm not nervous about drinking/drugging, just being around so much of it, and getting cravings for getting home. Stoked for the show but a bit nervous.
Any thoughts, advice, etc?
Any thoughts, advice, etc?
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
side note: I had to 86" music from my life. Major trigger and not drinking is more important than "tunes".
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 403
I Love music and concerts were always my favorite things to plan and go to with friends. and a reason to party. One of my favorite bands is Phish, somewhay known for the decadence at their shows, which I took a great deal of enjoyment in in the 25 or so shows I went to back in theday. However I love the music just as much sober (see screenname ) I'm travelling to NY to see them tomorrow and its my first big show in years. I'll be with my brother (another big fan and my best friend) for the weekend. I'm not nervous about drinking/drugging, just being around so much of it, and getting cravings for getting home. Stoked for the show but a bit nervous.
Any thoughts, advice, etc?
Any thoughts, advice, etc?
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 103
I hope so so much you have fun! "Jam" bands and the festie circuit has been a huge part of my life as well. Im 5 months sober right now and I am thinking of attempting a Panic show in September. I still listen the music at home without getting triggered and still enjoy it all so much. I am really hoping I dont have to give up this part of my life. There are recovery communities at the shows, with meeting at set break... I know Panic has the Gateway and Dead has the Wharfrats. Cant remember what Phish's recovery community is called. Look for the yellow balloons. That is where you will find other sober heads. Good luck and please report back.
Bring someone in recovery with you, let everyone you are with know you are in recovery, let at least one person in recovery know where you are going, have someone in recovery "on call" when you are there so you can call them, have an escape route and leave before you use, not after.
What are you doing for a recovery plan in general?
What are you doing for a recovery plan in general?
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 103
Its called the Phellowship.
On another note, I wanted to add that I believe (I am truly truly hoping) that sober shows are going to be WAY better than the drunken drugged debauchery I used to experience. The hangovers were getting to be sooo bad. I saw Phish at Merriweather last year and couldnt even keep any food down for 2 days after that weekend. Not worth it... the substances that is.... the music is worth it. Sober, we are going to get a chance to really notice all the nuance, remember a setlist, not spend crazy amounts of money on cab fare, and actually be able to function after a concert.
On another note, I wanted to add that I believe (I am truly truly hoping) that sober shows are going to be WAY better than the drunken drugged debauchery I used to experience. The hangovers were getting to be sooo bad. I saw Phish at Merriweather last year and couldnt even keep any food down for 2 days after that weekend. Not worth it... the substances that is.... the music is worth it. Sober, we are going to get a chance to really notice all the nuance, remember a setlist, not spend crazy amounts of money on cab fare, and actually be able to function after a concert.
let us know how it goes.
personally my sobriety is more important than a concert, especially if ive seen the band many times before.
and yes, I understand. I was a ted nugent freak in the 80's and cant say how many times ive seen him in concert.
but then I got sober and my perspectives changed.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 82
Thanks for all you're varied responses. My brother is one of my biggest supports and he is meeting me there (Im coming from NH, him Cleveland). He may have a few beers. however he doesn't drink/drug to any extreme since he became a father and would not around me. Big support. I can't "86" music...it's something I enjoy in sobriety.
I stoke to jump in the car and have an adventure today, enjoy the music, look for the Phellowship table. If it's too much, I wont go next time. Thanks all have a great sober weekend
I stoke to jump in the car and have an adventure today, enjoy the music, look for the Phellowship table. If it's too much, I wont go next time. Thanks all have a great sober weekend
Are you bringing your cell phone? Because we'll all be there in your pocket with you! Post if you feel you need to.
I've attended concerts sober even when I was actively drinking because, well, I didn't want to waste the money that I paid not fully experiencing what I went there for. I'm a huge RUSH fan and I wanted to hear every word, note, and drum beat. Being under the influence would have deadened the experience.
It's a world of difference attending a concert sober. Go and have a great time and remember, we are there with you!
I've attended concerts sober even when I was actively drinking because, well, I didn't want to waste the money that I paid not fully experiencing what I went there for. I'm a huge RUSH fan and I wanted to hear every word, note, and drum beat. Being under the influence would have deadened the experience.
It's a world of difference attending a concert sober. Go and have a great time and remember, we are there with you!
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
let us know how it goes.
personally my sobriety is more important than a concert, especially if ive seen the band many times before.
and yes, I understand. I was a ted nugent freak in the 80's and cant say how many times ive seen him in concert.
but then I got sober and my perspectives changed.
personally my sobriety is more important than a concert, especially if ive seen the band many times before.
and yes, I understand. I was a ted nugent freak in the 80's and cant say how many times ive seen him in concert.
but then I got sober and my perspectives changed.
If your brother is a big support (I assume he knows about your sobriety if he is your best friend?) then stick VERY close to him! Like you would a boyfriend
Enjoy the show- go armed with real water bottles, eat/snack (take that, too, whatever fits in a bag that you would like to carry) - if you can't take stuff in (bags are checked, whatever, like a lot of places do these days) then spring for buying stuff!!
I don't do crowds, never did very often unless with my big Panic fans (some fun NYEs there! I didn't run as much with a Phish crowd) and I definitely don't do "stimulation" sitchs now.
Do you have someone sober you can step out to call, or at least text? My sponsor told me about her first big outing and she and HER sponsor worked out that keeping in touch would be a BIG part of getting her through that event sober.
Good luck - stay strong with your plan.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 403
Its called the Phellowship.
On another note, I wanted to add that I believe (I am truly truly hoping) that sober shows are going to be WAY better than the drunken drugged debauchery I used to experience. The hangovers were getting to be sooo bad. I saw Phish at Merriweather last year and couldnt even keep any food down for 2 days after that weekend. Not worth it... the substances that is.... the music is worth it. Sober, we are going to get a chance to really notice all the nuance, remember a setlist, not spend crazy amounts of money on cab fare, and actually be able to function after a concert.
On another note, I wanted to add that I believe (I am truly truly hoping) that sober shows are going to be WAY better than the drunken drugged debauchery I used to experience. The hangovers were getting to be sooo bad. I saw Phish at Merriweather last year and couldnt even keep any food down for 2 days after that weekend. Not worth it... the substances that is.... the music is worth it. Sober, we are going to get a chance to really notice all the nuance, remember a setlist, not spend crazy amounts of money on cab fare, and actually be able to function after a concert.
I've struggled with this one myself, as I am a huge music fan. In the past, drinking at shows would go without saying. It's a big difference sober. I've had to accept that that part of the experience is gone. It's difficult, but there are advantages. I remember every live show, so that's a big one. I go and have a nice meal and a coffee before the show. The best part is waking up the next morning knowing that sobriety has not been compromised.
Be sure to eat plenty when you're there. That will lessen the chances of cravings. Take or buy plenty of treats like sweets, good food, etc. So you'll have something to enjoy/ heighten the experience. Pull up SR before, during and after. And if you think that your sobriety won't survive the concert experience, don't go.
Be sure to eat plenty when you're there. That will lessen the chances of cravings. Take or buy plenty of treats like sweets, good food, etc. So you'll have something to enjoy/ heighten the experience. Pull up SR before, during and after. And if you think that your sobriety won't survive the concert experience, don't go.
exactly. escape routes don't necessarily mean leaving the concert.
it would sure suck to end up next to a group of people smoking dope and drinkin like fish during the concert. id have to go somewhere, even with a few years sober.
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