Hi Nancy Jo, this could be a tough one! I hosted a BBQ and drinking session about 3 months after I stopped drinking. It was hard. I managed by buying in loads of alcohol free lager (Shame that you can't get alcohol free whisky).
On the plus side, it was really funny watching all my friends falling over P***ed and I wasn't!
It's a big test for you, go for it and enjoy the fun.
All the best.
Chris.
__________________
"Computer games don't affect kids; I mean if Pac-Man affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in darkened rooms, munching magic pills and listening to repetitive electronic music." -- Kristian Wilson, Nintendo, Inc, 1989"
Here are some tips I thought I'd pass on to you I've learned through the years. Hope they're helpful.
1. Always have a glass of something non-alcoholic in your hand that could pass for a real drink, even water with a couple of ice cubes. This is a good way to avoid people pressuring you to have an alcoholic drink and them asking why you're not drinking.
2. Always keep an eye on your drink if you set it down. It's not that people might spike it but that you may pick up the wrong drink by mistake and gulp it down before you realize what's happened. This happened to a sponsee of mine twice in as many weeks.
3. If people do end up asking you why you're not drinking you can simply say 'I'm not drinking today'. If they ask why you can give a medical excuse like you're on medication, having tests tomorrow, etc. If you really want to brush someone off tell them it's none of their business and walk away.
4. Bring along a buddy from the program if possible. Mutual support will almost guarantee neither of you will drink, especially in front of the other.
5. Eat lots. Cravings are much less severe on a full stomach.
6. Relax and have fun but don't be afraid to bale if you feel the need! There is absolutely no sense in trying to be brave. A slip is far more deadly than a social faux pas like leaving abruptly. You can always explain then or later that you were feeling sick
7. Arrange with your sponsor or a couple of other people to be available by phone should you start to get nervous. In fact bring a whole list of numbers and keep dialing until you reach someone.
This actually gets easier over time but if you find it a trying experience best stay away from 'wet' parties for awhile.
Hey NancyJo, Did you get any numbers at the AA meeting the other night, you might want to call someone if the party gets to be a bit much. There is an AA book called"Living Sober", great suggestions on what to do at parties, one, is never set your glass down, and don't drink from someone elses drink.
I read your post about your back, an MRI sure can't hurt, and I pray they can do something for the pain.
Have fun, stay sober, and I pray you have a painfree day.
Yeah...I always drive myself so if I need to leave I don't feel guilty about pulling someone else away from the party, always have a couple of phone #'s handy, and always have a glass of coke in my hand. That way if someone tries to get me a drink I can hold it up and say I have one already. And keep a look out, you may see someone there that you met at the AA meeting...if you do you can take them aside and ask them to stick nearby so if you need them, you can talk to them. Have a great time....sober!
Cancelled the last party invited to.
....The temp here is going to be 95-100(God knows with the heat index is gonna be!).
