How does everyone cope when your getting sober but your partner drinks also?

Hi there :wave:
This is a topic that comes up all the time because it’s just so common. My partner not only drinks fairly normally (on occasion overdoes it’s but not regularly) but he also is a beer brewing hobbyist. In early sobriety it was extremely challenging for me. I had to accept that what he chose to do, to drink, etc. had nothing to do with me. I had to make my own choices for my well being. He did offer at times to remove all the alcohol from the house and even offered to quit his hobby but I knew that wasn’t going to be sustainable. I’d have to confront it at some point and be able to say no to a drink. Not easy! But it is simple. Just say no to that first drink and take it a day at a time, a moment at a time.

I replaced my alcoholic beverages with tons of fizzy waters and enjoyed creating mocktails, but sometimes if I was feeling a craving just removed myself or asked him to keep his alcohol drinking to a certain part of the house. But we did figure out a way to compromise through continuous communication. I’m very lucky that he is so supportive, I know not everyone has this experience. Though it took way longer than necessary for him to remember not to offer me samples of his new brews :grimacing::sweat_smile:

I also had to fill in other activities for when I would normally be drinking, since my pattern was one of binge drinking. Got back into hobbies that used my hands a lot like knitting, coloring books, cooking, etc. But that’s just me.

There are several other threads on this subject if you’re interested in reading through them. Here is a link:

Does your partner still drink

The bottom line is that you have to make this choice for yourself and it is possible! Being here for support is great, and seeking support elsewhere might also be something to consider if you are finding it very difficult. Hang in there! And congrats on 40 days!

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