So here I am 16 days sober, full of a cold & generally feeling a bit rubbish. It took a long time for me to realise (well admit) I have a problem with alcohol but drinking 2/3 bottles of wine a night isn’t right. I couldn’t be like others and just have the one glass with dinner. I would only stop once I’d passed out & if the wine ran out I’d start on the beer or spirits. I’ve decided I want more out of life than a hangover, I want to better myself & get out there.
Im doing OK, keeping myself busy but the urge to drink is most definitely still there and I’m stressing about a weekend away I have in a couple of weeks. It’s a hen party! My friend don’t really know about my battle with alcohol and I know they are going to be offering me drinks. Any tips on staying strong?
I don’t believe this wil be to helpful but I would not go if I didn’t feel strong enough. Get involved in something. Do you have a support system in place? Work with that and don’t worry about two weeks away. Take it step by step and see how you feel then. Don’t make the problem bigger than it is. Good luck
A whole weekend away with friends/past drinking buddies sounds really difficult without being honest about your plan for sobriety. You may need to try to gauge your motivation to stop drinking vs. the challenge you will face at this event. I’ve been thinking about this because I have a social event coming up as well. I think the uncertainty comes from questioning my motivation level because I have failed in the past.
If you believe in your motivation and decide to go perhaps a noble lie is warranted in this difficult situation? Something like, “I am on antibiotics and I don’t want to have to restart them.” Not sure if you are in a country where prescriptions are costly but if so you could add something to that effect. You could even bring a pill bottle of vitamins and make a big deal of taking them with food. I am too honest for my own good and I couldn’t do it but I sometimes think it would be fun.
I am also wondering if filling in this worksheet with specific answers for the social event might help:
http://www.smartrecovery.org/resources/library/Tools_and_Homework/Quick_Reference/cba_fourquestions.htm
I think you are right and I do need to take each day as it comes. Im just a worrier! I have my partner to support me. As my drinking was mostly at home most people didn’t see the extent of it and what effects it was having on me. Im sure they would be supportive just would rather not have the focus on me! I’m not great at lies either so reckon they’ll suss it. I am definitely going to have a go at that link, think it’s a great way to keep motivation!
Now to live for today, can worry about tomorrow then! Feeling more positive today.
Think it may have to be the little white lie scenario, I can feel a bad infection coming on already, hehe. I am one of the bridesmaids so not really an option not to go. I feel more positive about staying sober and looking forward to some time with the girls. I CAN do this!