First concert in recovery
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 415
First concert in recovery
Hello everyone!
I used to go to shows a lot, mostly hardcore/metal shows. And that was while I was using although I rarely ever got high before or during shows because I feel like it takes away from the beauty of the music. But when my using got really bad, the past few years, I never went to shows because I was too busy getting loaded and had no money.
But my Dad, for my birthday, bought tickets for me and him to go to this led zeppelin tribute band tonight. I'm really excited, but I have this projection in my head where there will be a bunch of people dropping acid and getting drunk. I talked to one of my friends in recovery earlier and she said that the theatre where the show is isn't "that" kind of venue.
I just got 4 months sober and I'm doing well, but I guess I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with going to shows in early recovery..
Thanks.
I used to go to shows a lot, mostly hardcore/metal shows. And that was while I was using although I rarely ever got high before or during shows because I feel like it takes away from the beauty of the music. But when my using got really bad, the past few years, I never went to shows because I was too busy getting loaded and had no money.
But my Dad, for my birthday, bought tickets for me and him to go to this led zeppelin tribute band tonight. I'm really excited, but I have this projection in my head where there will be a bunch of people dropping acid and getting drunk. I talked to one of my friends in recovery earlier and she said that the theatre where the show is isn't "that" kind of venue.
I just got 4 months sober and I'm doing well, but I guess I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with going to shows in early recovery..
Thanks.
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Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Western NY
Posts: 1,209
Jake - I haven't faced that scenario yet, but really want to go to see Motely Crue this year. I am also anxious about it because I have the same thoughts about everyone being high / drunk there. Anyway, I don't have any advice, but wanted to let you know that you weren't alone. It has been stressing me out too.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: My city of ruins...
Posts: 593
Congrats on your sober time!! I used to go to shows a lot and have not done so since I entered recovery but I do miss it. I think as long as you have an escape plan and sober support you will do just fine.
I'm finding that all the things I used to do drunk and assumed everyone else was too are actually enjoyed by many who aren't drinking. Like flying. I always thought everyone on the planes were as drunk as I was but now I see that most people don't drink on a plane. It amazes me that people actually just drink the free non alcohol beverages and don't order 3 beers at once.
Enjoy the show - I love Zep. Tribute bands usually do an amazing job recreating the music and I know you will have fun...sober.
I'm finding that all the things I used to do drunk and assumed everyone else was too are actually enjoyed by many who aren't drinking. Like flying. I always thought everyone on the planes were as drunk as I was but now I see that most people don't drink on a plane. It amazes me that people actually just drink the free non alcohol beverages and don't order 3 beers at once.
Enjoy the show - I love Zep. Tribute bands usually do an amazing job recreating the music and I know you will have fun...sober.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 1,534
Jake, I did go to a concert in a bar venue when I had about 2 months. I was surprised at how many people were not drinking or drank very moderately. I always assumed when I was drinking heavily that everyone else was too. I hope you have a similar experience. Enjoy the show!
Sober since October
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In the world in my eyes...Somewhere I've never been before...
Posts: 7,355
Hi, Jake)
Though, my experience was not in early recovery, but still I've decided to share.
I was at Depeche Mode concert two weeks ago (17 months sober). A lot of people smelt booze soooo hard that I kind of started to worry that just inhaling the same air I will have to go to SR next day and report a slip))
If seriously, I had great time, enjoyed the concert IMMENSELY. Never was triggered or even "romanticezed" having a drink before or after.
I don't know what are rules at the venue you are going to , but where we were alcoholic drinks were not allowed.
I hope you'll enjoy the concert)
Though, my experience was not in early recovery, but still I've decided to share.
I was at Depeche Mode concert two weeks ago (17 months sober). A lot of people smelt booze soooo hard that I kind of started to worry that just inhaling the same air I will have to go to SR next day and report a slip))
If seriously, I had great time, enjoyed the concert IMMENSELY. Never was triggered or even "romanticezed" having a drink before or after.
I don't know what are rules at the venue you are going to , but where we were alcoholic drinks were not allowed.
I hope you'll enjoy the concert)
Mini Novel Post Writer
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 3,649
Hi jakec
Yes indeed, Ted Nugent was my first concert and this was just last year. It was in a venue that had alcohol and there were people around me drinking but I noted the same thing that GotGrace did. I only had one person who was in front of me that was soused and all that I thought to myself was "why even pay the money to go?" Stupid to pay that money and to not even remember it.
The best part? I was waiting to hear Stranglehold which is one of my favorites by him. He didn't play it until the last song of the night and it ROCKED! The old me would have never had the chance to see this.
Keep this in mind
That is spot on! Go and enjoy yourself. Be happy that you're going to get to actually enjoy the music 
Yes indeed, Ted Nugent was my first concert and this was just last year. It was in a venue that had alcohol and there were people around me drinking but I noted the same thing that GotGrace did. I only had one person who was in front of me that was soused and all that I thought to myself was "why even pay the money to go?" Stupid to pay that money and to not even remember it.
The best part? I was waiting to hear Stranglehold which is one of my favorites by him. He didn't play it until the last song of the night and it ROCKED! The old me would have never had the chance to see this.
Keep this in mind
And that was while I was using although I rarely ever got high before or during shows because I feel like it takes away from the beauty of the music.
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Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Here, EH!!!
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Interesting, a thought comes to mind. When people around you are smoking the magical herb and you can smell it and still stick around and not leave. Means you are injesting it, knowingly. Be like hanging out at a place where they cook meth, or process cocaine but you are there to watch the 10,000" Plasma 100-channel soround sound TV audio system.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 170
Hi Jake, haven't been to a concert since sobriety (2 months), but really looking forward to it!! Last one I went to I was pretty drunk. Not out of my mind drunk, but got really tired and sluggish about an hour into it. Think of all the energy you will have to really enjoy yourself!! Zep tribute sounds great!! Enjoy!!
as a sober contributor
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: California
Posts: 1,312
I go to a lot of shows, Jake and they are WAY better clean and sober. You will have clear memories of the entire show and you won't have to leave your seat to hit the bar or bathroom.
As far as second hand pot smoke goes.... forget about it. Unless you have someone right next to you blowing it directly into your face, it won't have any effect.
Have a great time!
As far as second hand pot smoke goes.... forget about it. Unless you have someone right next to you blowing it directly into your face, it won't have any effect.
Have a great time!
Mini Novel Post Writer
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 3,649
Originally Posted by matt4x4 
Interesting, a thought comes to mind. When people around you are smoking the magical herb and you can smell it and still stick around and not leave. Means you are injesting it, knowingly. Be like hanging out at a place where they cook meth, or process cocaine but you are there to watch the 10,000" Plasma 100-channel soround sound TV audio system.
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