MidnightRider

Tomorrow marks my 6th week with no alcohol. I am clean and sober and loving the feeling!

So it is Labor Day weekend and I will be heading to the beach for a long weekend with the family. This will be the first time going on a trip to the beach and not drinking.

I am trying to prepare ahead of time for any cravings. I have the whole ride there to think about it and make a plan.

I may need you some help and guidance!
I will be checking in later this afternoon.

So anyway....... Here's to a sober weekend for everyone!!

Lightning Bug

The AV is a frat boy who will always show up at a party just for the keg. Tell that frat boy to pack sand.

Soberwolf

Were available 24h a day if you need help @ any stage were there bud

MidnightRider

Interestingly, I wasn't anxious until I started to pack my bag.. "Trigger"?

Lightning Bug

Overthinking. Maybe you are putting expectations on the trip. Like you expect to succomb. And thinking about failing is making you anxious. Relax. Breathe. You are not going to fail. You are going to have sober fun.

Quincy

Maybe embrace that you actually "get to" go to the beach sober. I went to our lake cabin last weekend sober for the first time in years and was very nervous about the trip throughout the week (even thought I would pack a bottle just in case, but didn't). Once there and sober it was the best weekend I had there in years.

Hopefully, the beach will be the same for you.

Ooona

My husband told me I tend to be a 'worst case scenario' person about everything. That was really an insight because I didnt see that in myself but being that way ( expecting the worse) really increases my stress and anxiety about any given situation. Could you also have similar thinking patterns? If so maybe you are expecting the AV and thus having unwarranted anxiety and actually triggering yourself unnessarily?

Changing the thinking helps alot. Sending messages of well being, of strength, of the fact that you have a TON of support. You're going to be juuuuussssst fine buddy!

We're here for you, check in here often!

MidnightRider

Thanks .. Great responses.

Got here and feel great. Not going to drink,

Gonna soak up the late afternoon sun and sea breeze !

alyssa11

This weekend is definitely a tough one, I think key is to focus on how great you've been feeling sober and try and remember that every time you start to feel anxious about drinking. You've seen the other side and how that's how you truly want to live your life. Believe me, I know better than anyone how difficult it is to get outside your own head - but try and have an amazing (booze free) time this weekend. I'm kind of pot calling kettle black right now, because I haven't even gotten to that point myself, personally. Just what I'm trying to do. I'm envious actually, because I still haven't even seen that other side yet.. I've seen glimmers of it, but the days are still rough. Just have to keep fighting. Best of luck!!

JoeyG1000

Think about how great it will feel when the trip is over and you don't have any regrets regarding alcohol, that the trip was actually fun and relaxing.

Tonymblue

You can do it. Log on if you need to.

Dee74

Have an escape plan if you need it.

Think about likely scenarios too - being offered a drink, wanting a drink, being resentful...you can plan for all these things and nip the AV in the bud

D.

August252015

You can do it! Like Dee said, an escape plan - things to keep your hands occupied (I ALWAYS have water, diet coke, something with me and I am nearing 7 mo) - focus on the kids/tasks/whatever - take a walk if you need to - gum.....

I am also a big fan of Sending Myself To Bed Early. It is a tool I use when I get emotionally tired/strung out/"something" - just did it big time one day this past week. Morning will come early- and you'll feel much better, if something had been bothering you the night before, and you'll be sober to have it in the best perspective.

Enjoy your trip.

Dame

I'm feel'in ya.
The city where I live treats alcohol like a "given" . Who in their right mind WOULN'T drink?
As I've said before, people here 1) Work, 2) Shop. 3)Eat, 4) DRINK ) "Fool around" with people not their spouses.
Actually, I could put Drink as #1.
Most of my years on Earth have been sober years, but - jeez - this kind of attitude doesn't make sobriety any easer.
Best luck for you this LD weekend. I will be hanging around here too.

MidnightRider

Checking in and all is well.
Doing great !

Was offered a drink...
Just politely said no thanks. Preferred soda.

Great feeling to be in control and no cravings.

MidnightRider

Well...... I made it though the weekend.
Didn't drink and feeling great.

Thanks to all for the support.

August252015

Great job! Relax and rest this evening? Sometimes after I have an "event" or such, especially a couple of days worth of social stuff, I need a little down time to "recover" from the good.

Take care!

MidnightRider

Good advice... Gonna just kick back and watch some tv.

WhiskeyBent

Good job mate.

happywithme

Awesome. Glad you had a successful weekend, way to go :-)