Achara

I have a sister who is recovery now for 19 years and visits from the west coast.
She is knowledgeable but I dont understand why when I mention a party reunion she thinks everyone else who drinks is an alcoholic! I said well alcohol is not the focus of the party it is byob, and we are not encouraging drinking, we have activities planned. I am not an alcoholic, thank the Lord but I dont understand why she thinks everyone else is when they are not. How come she makes these statements about people that she doesnt know??
Is this something that alcoholics in recovery do??

I basically can take it or leave it, I am not an addictive personality so I dont even think like this. help me to understand this as I find it judgemental on her part.

Kindeyes

I think there is a bit of hypersensitivity involved when someone's life has been seriously negatively impacted by alcohol. I tend to notice when people drink a lot. Sometimes a gathering is an excuse for some to "let their hair down" and sometimes it's a real drag to be around a bunch of people who are beyond just "loosened up".

I don't like to be around people who drink a lot. Not because I dont like them or am judging them but because it makes me so uncomfortable due to the damage drugs and alcohol have done to my family. It has much more to do with me than it does them. Perhaps she feels the same way.

gentle hugs
ke

Achara

THank you for your insight, I dont like baing around drunks either, but I know the difference between social drinking and abuse.. I guess it is her filter of things , i try to focus on the positive stuff. even though people are in recovery i still find them heavy and negative to be around. Lighten up a bit!

Ann

I too may have a glass of wine with dinner once in a while, but aside from that I don't drink at all, and I dislike being around people who drink at parties, weddings, special dinners...because eventually some of them have had "too much" and I definitely don't like people when they are intoxicated.

Your sister has far more reason than I for not wanting to attend. Her sobriety probably didn't come easy and the fact she has been sober all these years shows she has made some very good decisions along the way...including staying away from situations where there will be drinking.

Respect her choice, and then enjoy yourself.

Hugs