I have a work event tonight “Margaritas for Melanie”, someone on my team who got promoted.
Tomorrow is “Beer Friday” at 3pm.
I hate people asking “why aren’t you drinking?” And I hate seeing cases of alcohol in our work fridge.
VERY hard day 3.
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I think I gave you the flu and you are too sick to attend.
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Hang in there. It does get easier.
I can tell you from experience that while people may ask, most do not care. The ones that do care – often have an issue themselves. Get something non-alcoholic to bring with you to work for these events. Ginger beer, something. Having something in your hand often distracts others and TBH it makes me feel less apprehensive that people are looking at me for that.
I was unable to isolate myself from alcohol. It was at the train station, on the train, outside the office door, across the street, in the fridge, in my house, work dinners, at the corner, in the restaurant, all over the damn place and in my face. For me I had to realize that I was the one with the problem – not others. No different than anyone else with a food allergy. Once I was able to come to grips with that – it became much easier for me.
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Thank you. Your tips are terrific. I was sober for 10 months 3 years ago and I came to realize people drinking really Don’t care whether I drink or not…after a long day I’d prefer to just go home, though. I got this!
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Yeah…“Forced Family Fun” can be challenging in a work environment. I occasionally have to attend sales meetings and trainings, or vendor meet & greets, and there’s always a plethora of booze.
I was initially anxious when I had to go to my first one, but then I realize that I am a stubborn guy, and nobody can make me drink, if I don’t want to drink, and I didn’t want to drink.
I’d just say, “thanks, I’m good”, or “you wanna buy me a drink? Thanks, I’ll have a coke”.
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Sounds like someone is getting off at 3 this Friday!
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I had a lot of convenient migraines come on for stuff like that in the beginning! Don’t set yourself up for failure! Another one that worked well for me was saying that I was hitting the gym later and couldn’t drink because of that 
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I think the fact that you are not feeling good about attending is wonderful. Shows that your sobriety is coming first to you. I understand the struggle and know how uncomfortable it can be. Its also can be a big trigger. I had 9 months sober i was in such a great mind frame and on the 4th of July i had a glass of wine. Which wasn’t even my drink of choice and it led to well i already had 1 i might as well have another. Which led to i already drank i might as well continue thru the weekend and start over monday, which continued every day for 3 months straight. We all know why we don’t want to drunk and where it leads us individually, its important to hold onto that. Let that thought lead you and put one foot infront of the other. Good luck
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