Hey all. First day on this app & first day on this journey, though not my first attempt! I wanted to share two things:
- I work at a club, & 99% of the customers & workers are drinking. To make more money for the shift you have to work the customers & they typically buy you drinks. I’ve found that not drinking with them crushes some opportunities, since it’s a club. I have on many occasions said yes to a drink & winked at the bartender & mouthed “waaaterrrrr” so they know I want water & the customer is completely unaware that I’m not “joining the party”. When I first started that job I did better but of course as time went on my decisions went downhill. I’m thinking I should take it slow before going back into that environment.
- I am in DBT therapy, which if you haven’t heard of it, is Dialectical Behavior Therapy. There are several main sections in it, & one is about addiction. In that section it says it’s easier to not say I will never do this again, rather saying, I’m trying & it may happen. Which is supposed to be more realistic. I’m going to open that binder up, read through that section & complete a worksheet if there are any. Can share photos if you want.
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Glad you’re here, this is a good place to find support and good info on addiction and sobriety!
Your job sounds demanding! It also sounds like its impossible to steer clear of alcohol, which must be difficult. The ability to communicate to the bartender that you want water instead of alcohol does seem like a good way avoid drinking in those situations, maybe you could have a discussion with all the bartenders and convey to them how important it is to you to not drink, for whatever reason you feel like giving! Having a plan beforehand can help tremendously in fast paced situations!
I am familiar with and am a big fan of DBT! For me the mindfulness and emotional regulation were the most beneficial, but all 4 sections seem like that have really useful guidelines for living a balanced life. I’m glad you have access to something like this, especially workable pages that you can fill out and maybe return to if need be! I have binders full of old worksheets and papers I filled out during my experiences at rehabilitation programs and re-reading the things I wrote can really help set me back on a better course. I say dive in deep to the information available to you concerning DBT!
I’m glad to hear that you, despite previous attempts, are trying to get sober again! Community and connection are big parts of my sobriety, so if I’d recommend one thing it’s finding a group of people that can understand your struggles and who will listen without judgement! This app is a great place for that, but so are AA/Smart Recovery meetings!
Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need more support! We are in this together! 
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Thanks for responding!
I’m excited for the challenge. DBT has helped me loads over the years. I’m glad it’s helped you on your journey too! I’m going back to work on Monday, so here goes!
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Of course! I’ll be sending good vibes your way come Monday!
@Blacksocks Hi and welcome to the best recovery app in the universe 
I don’t know how DBT deals with addiction, but I’ve found that keeping it One Day At A Time (ODAAT) has worked for me for a very long time.
It’s not forever, it’s just for 1 day.
However, those 1 days start adding up to 1 weeks and then 1 months etc, etc; you get the idea.
I found Sobriety through the fellowship of AA and my Sponsor used to say:
“I won’t have a drink today, but I’ll have a drink tomorrow”.
This threw me at first; but as it’s always today and never tomorrow, you never get to take that drink 
Stay safe, stay strong and above all else stay sober
&
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