I’m 22 and have shown a pattern that I can’t drink in moderation. I’ve decided to get sober, which I realize means abstaining from alcohol completely. I have a festival coming up, which I’ve been looking forward to. I would like to drink during it, in moderation of course, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea. I’ll be camping there so I won’t have to worry about driving or rides, which has been my biggest issue thus far. I guess my question is, is this allowed? If I truly do limit myself and restrain from drinking the amount I WANT to, can I? Or am I just making an excuse for myself. I’m sorry if this is a stupid question, I’m just curious if anyone has any thoughts on the matter.
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People who aren’t alcoholics, don’t ever ask themselves this question. It never even occurs to them and they never have to wonder if they are making excuses. Why? Because they aren’t alcoholics.
In my addiction I have an allergy to it. I am allergic to my addiction. I can’t have it for the same reason a person allergic to peanuts can’t have peanuts. If I do, I am playing with fire, and I may die (and inevitably I will die if I do it for long enough).
What if you change your music scene? There are lots of sober music spaces. You have to look them up but you can find them. There are also virtual concerts you can attend.
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The alcohol is masking something for you, something you are scared of, something you are trying to hide. It isn’t your introversion (that is not a problem, it’s just a personality trait).
Your alcoholism is masking something and until you dig deep and figure that out it will be a problem.
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And in the next few sentences:
This is the insanity of addiction 
Your question about is it allowed?…
You can do whatever you want, depends how much you want recovery or whether trying moderation at a festival is more important.
I couldn’t have survived a camping out festival in the early days (not sure how long you’re sober) but that’s just me.
I hope you make the right decision for you 
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You are rationalizing when you know full well you cant moderate
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You are in charge of you and can therefore do anything you choose.
Unfortunately,
you can’t do both of these things at the same time. I tried to moderate my drinking and monitor my intake for many years. I gave up trying to do that when I realized that addicts can’t moderate their drug of choice. I don’t think a single addict would recommend that you try to control your drinking. Your choices are yours alone but we’ll be here if you need help on the sober path.
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That’s why I had to stop. I thought I could moderate and I can’t. I needed to stop.
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This was a perfect way to put it and you’re completely right. I used to have a friend that was legitimately allergic to alcohol. I always thought, “wow I’m so glad that isn’t me”… well it is me now in its own way. If I pick up a drink then I might die, or something really bad might happen. Thank you for your response, I really appreciate it.
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Good for you, chloconut! You came to this forum to think this out, may your inner wisdom see you through this and any other situation where the “wolfie” voice (the one inside your head that says it’s ok if you drink…a term coined by someone else, but I like it) pops up. Hugs.
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