CoalEater

I went back into West Virginia (where I'm from) to visit friends and family this past weekend. I happened to see an old friend, and was sitting on his porch for a bit. He was there drinking beer with his buddies. He offered me one, and I turned it down without even thinking about it.
The next day, I was at my cousin's home, and he offered me a shot of whiskey, and I again declined. I'm proud of myself.

Soberpotamus

Wtg!

CoalEater

Thanks

Pat S

Nice!

I'm going to visit friends and family in July and am expecting a ton of temptation.

Trying to think of a good excuse not to drink...

I'm not ready to completely come forward with the fact that I never intend to drink again.

Ideas?

- Pat

LadyinBC

Coal! Give yourself a high five and yes you should be very proud of yourself.

CoalEater

How long have you been sober? I keep telling myself that even if I took one little sip, I'd be hooked again, and that I have came way too far for that to happen. The first few months, I took a long break from being anywhere near where I knew temptations would be. I've been sober almost 11 months now, so it's easier for me to keep my head straight. I wish you luck.

ScottFromWI

Congrats CoalEater. My first few visits back home after I quit were tempting too, but i survived as well.

Pat - you don't need an excuse. Just say no thanks. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that the vast majority of people don't care if you drink or not.

CoalEater

Pat - I misunderstood you, sorry. Scott is right, when I declined from my friend, he said he was happy that I am doing good in staying sober, and we never talked about it anymore. My cousin looked sad, and told me that he has a drinking problem as well, and he was thinking of quiting, and we talked about that. Most people won't look down on you.

hypochondriac

Well done Coaleater I know that when had to socialise around drinkers I kept practising saying 'no thank you' in my head. It is amazing how strong the instinct is to accept a drink!