"Cocktail hour" event
 

As the title says I am going to an event tonight at my children's school. Ita called parents night out and I have been having conversations with myself all day about having a drink at it. Why? Have 1 etc... Why does my brain do this. Someone please give me a chant or prayer, something to make me say no and stick to soda. What's wrong with me and alcohol? I am feeling so nervous.

Don't go.

Before you go stuff yourself with some good food. If you are going with your wife\husband, tell him\her your desire not to drink and ask them to hold you accountable. Whats the point of having one if your an alcoholic. You and I know that having one is pointless - we want 10. Having one is just a way your addictive voice can get its foot in the door and convince you to have another.

Also, don't go if you don't have complete confidence in yourself

Our brains do this / say this / rationalize this because we are alcoholics.

This is what normies struggle to understand, but something that only other alcoholics totally get.

If you have to go, get a soda in your hand once you arrive and drink it slowly throughout the evening. Try to remind yourself that the point is to have an evening out without the kids with other parents - not to drink.

If you are in AA, go to a meeting right before you go out, or plan to go to a meeting afterwards. Promise yourself to post on SR right after the event telling us all how you were successful.

You aren't in this alone. Those voices in your head are alcoholism talking. Try to replace them with healthy thoughts like "how nice is it to have actual adult conversations without the kids around..."

Is it imperative that you go? If you're having doubts about your strength to not drink, best to avoid slippery places. If you do have to go, a little thing I tell myself is: "I know I don't want just one. I want infinity. So what's the point of one?" (just like gordano said) At that point an n/a beverage or snack seems to do the trick. Good luck and remember to put your sobriety first!!

The last time I drank...

I was at an event and I felt like I had total control...

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That was your previous post. I second the suggestions that you don't go.

I went to a charity event last night, first time I have been out socialising sober in years. I had a fantastic night and went home feeling positive, happy and sober... having said that from the title of your post it seems the night has been designed around alcohol.. and that is a very dangerous place to be, afterall what if you slip and do have a drink and then do something stupid in front of the other parents and put yourself back to the start of your recovery?... I am not sure I would be brave enough to go to be honest..

Having said that if you do.. why night start a trend on creating non-alcohilic cocktails for you and the others who have driven? My favourite is a Nonalcoholic Mojito Cocktail (Nojito) you make it with:
crushed ice
8 mint leaves
3 ounces lime juice
1 1/2 ounces sugar syrup
2 ounces club soda
garnish with mint

1. Fill a pint glass 1/3 full with ice, then add mint leaves.
2. Add the lime juice and sugar syrup.
3. Lightly mash the leaves together with the liquid using a muddle stick or wooden pestle, careful not to tear the leaves.
4. Fill the glass with more ice, then add club soda.
5. Garnish with mint, serve, and enjoy!

Hope it all works out ok, check back with us later to let us know how you got on.

I would not go.

Sorry to go off topic, but that Nojito recipe sounds awesome, thanks!

It is REALLY refreshing and yummy! and looks like the real thing so if you are worried about standing out you wont! :-) (and hardly any calories!!!) x

Thanks but I have to go, and I will tell myself it's an event for me to meet parents and not make a fool of myself. And remember it all! And not drive drunk. I will be good. My babysitter is here and I will post when I get back. It starts at 7.

If I felt like I was wavering I would not go either Mammy.
There will always be another Parent Night Out - when you feel up to the challenge.

D

Hi. I got home a little after 11. I had a nice meal, coffee and dessert. No alcohol!! None! I had about 6 seltzers and 2 glasses of water.
I feel great and remember every second! Thanks for all your suggestions. I got through it! And I wasn't the only one not drinking!

Glad to hear that Mammy!

I probably wouldn't have gone. But I am really glad it was a success for you!

No you don't.
No more than a person with a peanut allergy has to tour the Planters peanut factory.

Those "should's" and "have to's" can be killers.

Glad to hear you made it.

All the best.

Bob R