6 Hour Battle
 

Just felt I needed to post here today.

I finished work at 10.30am this morning (I work night shifts) and I'd pretty much made the decision during my shift that I was going to meet a friend who has recently returned from backpacking around Europe.

From 12 - 6pm I paced round my house, and for the first time since my sober date, (14/6) I actually felt a physical craving which led to some impromptu salivation at one point!

I identified the triggers which are: my best friend's return (my main drinking partner), the sun was shining and I'm off work tomorrow.

I felt very sad that I had to call my friend and make my excuses. I know for a fact he'd want to drink, so I wrestled myself and decided that my sobriety needed to come first on this occasion. He was not best pleased. Moreover, I don't want to be forever running away from social events and hiding away from the real world.

A bitter sweet victory today I guess.

P/s Apologies if this post is a little scattered, my brain feels foggy due to the blow for blow slugging match I've had with my AV.

First, Well Done for not drinking.

I have spent time with people with whom I used to drink. Not saying that's right for you, but I found that when I honestly stick to my guns about not drinking, it gives me a sense of accomplishment.

I've just said, "I quit drinking." When they question me I say, "It doesn't agree with me."

I've left situations where my friend has become intoxicated. That's no fun having to deal with a drunk person, so I excuse myself. As long as I'm honest, I have no ill regrets.

Good choice. It won't always be like that, but early days requires extra attention to the voice.

Good for you for putting your sobriety first. I'm at six weeks and am very careful about where I go and who I choose to spend time with. It's meant sacrificing time with certain friends because I know there will be drinking involved. While it makes me a little sad to have to make those sacrifices, I know that it is in my best interest to avoid. I'm hoping that one day it'll be ok to be around people like that and not drink ... right now it's not and I choose sobriety.

Very wise decision, RunnerBean, which speaks volumes about your commitment to sobriety :bigok:

Maybe meet up with your friend for coffee at some point?

Great stuff!! . . . it's probably a good idea to make a point of mentioned your not drinking anymore, meet up for a coffee sometime rather than avoiding him for ever!!