Sin City
 

Going to Las Vegas this weekend. This will be a 1st since sober, but I’m looking forward to going and doing it without drinking. I’m not really looking for advice as to whether or not I should go, but thought it would be a good idea to post just to keep myself accountable for my actions. I expect there will be a lot of triggers around, but I feel pretty strong about being able to resist. I know I’m still early in sobriety (6 months) and maybe Vegas isn’t the best place for someone new, but I think I’ll feel a lot stronger having made it through. Not sure of what internet access I’ll have, but I’ll try to keep up on SR. Take care.

BBR

Good luck. I relapsed there so I hope you fare better than I did.

Have Fun! I am sure that since you made it to the 6 month mark, that you wouldn't have made the decision to go in the first place, if it would jeopardize your sobriety.

However, I certainly can understand your thoughts as I'm sure the entire city just reeks of Booze! Temptation Island for sure.

You'll be fine and there is so much to do there besides sin, and you'll actually remember all of it and get to come home and lay back in your own bed without any regrets. Now THAT sounds like FUN!

Catch you when you get back, be safe!

<3 Dream

Lots to do there that doesn't involve vices... Great restaurants, shows etc. I've always thought it would be fun to go just to do some photography. Have a great time!

How the **** is going to Las Vegas a good idea for anyone in early recovery regardless of what addiction you have?

Thats bad enough, but whats worse is someone who is supposedly an alcoholic or addict then saying it is ok, have a good time lol

Ridiculous...there you go BBR i think it is a crazy idea at 6 months...and, IMO, a perfect example of abstinence vs recovery!

Good point yeah...

but...

I just thought since the decision was already made (and it wasnt mine), I only had support to offer.
<3 Dream

Good call on posting to stay accountable. I did the same on New Year's Eve. Before I went to a party, I first went into Chat. After the party, I reported back into Chat. I look forward to reading about your progress towards recovery!

I ditto what Seeker said. Posting before/after is a great idea - sort of like knowing your parents are going to be counting the minutes until you get home safely. I'm definitely going to use the idea with a couple things coming up.:c011:

When I reread your post, you said you felt "pretty strong" and that you knew there would be triggers everywhere. I wish you felt a little more confident, but really, I'm only reading a few words and have no idea how strong you really are inside.

p.s. Another issue for me would be gambling. I find it hard to walk away after spending a preset amount, so I know it's not healthy for me to go to casinos anymore. That being said, there's alot of shows and other things to do in Vegas besides gambling.

Hope you have a wonderful (sober) time!

Well, clearly I'll get slammed for this, but I think you will go, BBR, stay sober, and have a good time. I was in Vegas for a long weekend at my 9-month mark. I'm sober, don't smoke, and don't gamble -- or frequent stripclubs -- and still had a fine time. (I hit several shows, including the Divine Miss M, but that's me...) Yes, drinking is everywhere in Vegas, but guess what, folks: drinking is in a lot of places. I love Major League Baseball, and I have yet to visit a ballpark that isn't a monument to alcohol.
All the rules regarding sobriety apply as much at an impromptu backyard BBQ, a sporting event, a summer festival, or a holiday weekend rendezvous – as they do to a weekend in Vegas. You need to have a plan for Vegas just like any other situation where alcohol is present.

Every morning I wake up not hungover and thankful for not drinking is a blessing. Falling asleep in Vegas cold sober and knowing I would wake up in tip-top shape stands out as one of my finest moments during my first year of sobriety.

I went to Vegas at about 4 months sober. It was a business trip, so not a party trip. I just didn't attend the cocktail hours, etc. I spent my time just walking the strip and seeing the sights. It can be done. I don't know what your motive for going is, but I wish you the best.

Well, since we're talking about visiting Vegas, it seems appropriate to discuss gambling.

Las Vegas thrives on the reality that the odds are always in its favor; that what you may win today, you'll surely lose (and then some) tomorrow.

I think that looking at recovery through this lens is helpful. Playing the odds is smart.....taking the least amount of risk is smart. Being mindful that, while sometimes risks pay off and some people win....usually most lose.

Recovery isn't just about losing money....it's about losing everything. Why would I want to risk that, when the odds are always stacked against me?

Why would I assume that I had become "strong enough" to take on that 800 pound gorilla that had thorough bashed me time after time? My odds of winning....even if they were 50/50....it's like playing Russian Roulette, but with three bullets instead of only one. Wisdom is me never again climbing into the ring with that ape, with visions of winning the prize.

But it's also understandable in that, at six months....with my brain really just beginning to heal, most of my decisions were questionable. The only part of me that thought I could go up against my alcoholism and win....was my ego (that is to say, my alcoholic thinking). One of the plainly stupidest ideas entertained by newcomers is to "test" their recovery by putting themselves at risk.

Are you willing to die to be entertained? And if you don't think that's a possibility....well....I've buried two people already this week.

blessings
zenbear

WOW cunning and baffling this addiction surely is as I can completely relate to all of the posts in this matter, and I appreciate this thread, b/c its really got me thinking and opened my eyes to the differences in thinking of people with more clean time vs. less clean time, and just different viewpoints about how to beat this and maintain sobriety.
Its not going to be easy (for me)
<3 Dream

I myself abstain from gambling in the same way that I do drink and drugs. I never really gambled but I think of it in the same way as drinking and drugs. Yer, I'm an addict so gambling is a strict no for me. I would consider gambling a relapse for me personally as it would indicate a lapse in my recovery. The booze or drugs would soon follow, or if not then a massive gambling addiction!.

BUT you are going so what I would do isn't really of any importance. The important thing is to make sure that you keep yourself sober at all costs. Keeping yourself accountable and active in your recovery is essential. Post and sign in to SR as much as possible and also go to AA meetings if you can. I don't know if there are any in Las Vegas. It isn't a place that appeals to me whatsoever but that's irrelevant. Enjoy your trip and stay sober one day at a time, the same as always.

All The Best

I promised to keep you updatded if I could, so here I am after the 1st day. Short story is, I did not drink!
As anyone who goes to Vegas knows, there is tons of booze all over the place. The pools, the streets, the casinos, the restaurants... lots of triggers! But though I felt occasional urges to have one, they were never overwhelming. I did some time by the pool, sightseeing, had a great dinner, played some blackjack (gambling is not is problem for me) and in general had a good time.

Woke up this Sunday morning feeling great, which is probaly more that I can say for 90% of the people I saw on the strip last night at 2AM. Take care.

BBR

YA HOO!!!!! :) So glad to hear!!!!!!! :)

bbr...if you have put your mind to staying sober and just having a good time....you will. :You_Rock_I was never one to drink in such social settings. Never know what could/would happen.

Hi all. Well, I made it back from Vegas without drinking. There were some moments when the urge was there, but nothing overpowering. I actually had a good time. Lots to do and see and I was able to do it and have fun without alcohol. Great weather.. lots of pool time... excellent eople watching. Thanks for the support.

BBR

Glad to hear it. Congrats. While I can understand the reservations held by some, I also recognize that some of us must learn to be sober in all kinds of situations and locations. After all...what do the recovering alcoholics that live or work in Vegas do ??
Anyway, we must all make our own decisions and I'm glad yours worked out well.

Just wanted to say congratulations on staying sober in Vegas! My hat goes off to you!!!:c011:

congratulations!
I am off to Vegas next week! its very encouraging to hear that it can be done!!!