CD-RUN

It has been almost 3 years since I've stayed sober for this length of time. I'm over 5 months sober now. In the past I've allowed my friends talk me into drinking on several occasions, after I'd quit drinking. Quickly slipping back to daily binge drinking.

Well, a long time friend who I've known since childhood stopped by yesterday. He walks in the door with a bottle of Jack, just like he has many times in the past. I didn't say a word. After his 2nd or 3rd drink he asks why I'm not drinking. I told him I had quit and he was free to drink all he wanted but I wouldn't be joining him this time. He looked confused, then insisted we drink together because it was the holidays and knowing in my past I was never one to turn down a drink or 10. At this point he even pours me a drink. I held my ground and he finally dropped the subject.

That was a huge accomplishment for me. I tend to go with the crowd most of the time. I no longer go to bars and such, as I've avoided situations like this at all cost this time around. I'm very thankful I'm still sober and the half bottle of Jack that was left is now in the sink.

Aysha

Great job...And congrats on 5 mos +.

ExNavyInHouston

I'm so glad you posted this. I was about to sit down and write an email to my to best friends from childhood. One lives in Missouri, and one here in Texas near me. I was going to write them and let them know I had stopped drinking.

To double the coincidence ... as I was writing the paragraph above the friend from Missouri called and it saved me from writing the letter.

Both of these friends are close enough and have known of my life-long struggles with alcohol. I think both would have been just like your friend and backed off. They would have both known I would not be troubled by their continuing to drink in front of me.

Your thread and thoughts remind me (us) just how much our drinking gets intertwined into the cause or development of some relationships/friendships or acquaintances. It's always amazing to watch how those relationships change or even disappear when we stop drinking.

You won't lose your friend no more than I will these two I spoke about, but it will be interesting to see who leaves my life and who comes because of my decision to stop.

TryingSoHard

Wow, CD, that's awesome. GOOD FOR YOU. I'm glad your friend backed off - or else I'd have to question the sincerity of the friendship.

Congrats on your 5 months, too! Stay strong.

StrongBird

Wow, very awesome and inspiring! Way to go, you should be very proud!

chick3

Good for you, that is a great accomplishment! Keep it up!

Anna

Good for you, CD!

And, ExNavy, you are right to keep an open mind about what recovery will bring. I think that is a good attitude to have.

JoJoHender

jh1

Wow thats a tuff sitation. I can relate a lot to this, because there's been times before for one reason or another i didnt want to drink that much a certain night but all my bros are taking shots and before i know it im blacked out again. Me, being a recent sober guy am very worried about the situation you described. I really dont know how im going to handle the pressure when i hang out with friends-i just hope ive gone long enough without anything that i can deny it. Good job to you, that was a really big step because it could've been so easy to drink with your friend, but you stayed strong.

CD-RUN

Thanks for the support guys. That is one more situation I know I have the tools to overcome. Pouring out the half empty bottle of Jack strengthened my resolve, and made me proud of my progress.

ExNavy your absolutely correct about drinking with friends, and how getting sober affects those relationships. I have some acquaintances who were merely drinking buddies. In the past 5 months I've all but lost contact with those individuals. In those situations I don't think we ever had that much in common other than getting drunk. It is fascinating to watch myself grow as a person, and change for the better. Some people are supportive and some aren't. Those that aren't, well I wasn't associating with them for the right reasons anyway.

And jh1 I've been in that same situation many times before and always let my guard down. Three times in the past year I've had a month sober and got drunk hanging out with friends. If I was only 30 days sober I don't think I would have held out. I'm doing things different this time and feeling better about myself every day. I've made it a point to stay away from drinking situations if I could avoid it. Best of luck.

CarolD

When I decided to quit drinking....I also decided to make my apartment
a no drinking zone. No alcohol...ever..by anyone....

Some friends drifted away...some honored my request.
I wanted to move forward and
my new AA friends have enriched my life.


Good to know your continuing to make progress
Congratulations!