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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> how to have fun in a social situation without drink
Post Info TOPIC: how to have fun in a social situation without drink
windowview


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how to have fun in a social situation without drink
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I'm going out for lunch with some family this afternoon, I always used to have some lager at these times. But now I've realised I'm an alcoholic don't want any more of that. I found myself googling how to have fun without alcohol. Just goes to show you how dependent I was becoming a!

 

Anyway found this which says its for a party but I think it'll map well into most social situations where theres food/drink

 

http://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-Yourself-at-a-Party-Without-Drinking



-- Edited by StPeteDean on Saturday 14th of May 2011 06:46:54 PM

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pinkchip


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I talked about tools of AA in my last reply to you. These are things that will keep you from relapsing: If you had a sponsor, you could be on the phone with him before, at parts during, and after the occassion so that you will be accountable and ensure you wont get it into your head to drink. This is called bookending. It should be done for all stressful activities or situations that used to trigger drinking in the past. You can also leave at any time you start feeling vulnerable. You can also choose not to go to the event and your family will understand. I went to only AA functions for the most part of almost a year because I was desperate to not relapse.

At this point, I can go to any function and be okay but it took a while and I needed a firm foundation in sobriety. I would tell a newcomer to do their best to simply avoid all situations where alcohol is present for a few months. This is your life we are talking about. If you have an attitude like "Gosh I hope I don't drink," You are going to drink. This whole thing has to be undertaken like aggressive chemo only the chemo is the program of AA, the steps, fellowship, meetings, having a sponsor. It sounds cultish and perhaps it is, but that is what is needed to fight a true addiction and create a real and lasting behavior change.

Mark

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leeu


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good book called Living Sober

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TwelveSteps


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Living Sober is a great book. Personally, I don't need to worry about having fun in certain situations without drinking, because I don't put myself in situations that aren't any fun without drinking. Why bother with events that are only fun if alcohol is involved?

If I'm not there to enjoy catching up with friends, doing a fun activity, learning something new -- all things that are enjoyable on their own, without alcohol -- then why would I want to be there? Sure, I miss out on some activities others find enjoyable, and I generally like to leave a party before midnight when the drinkers start getting sloppy (and less interesting conversationalists). But there are only so many hours in the day, and you don't need to be anywhere that's not fun for you if drinking's not involved.

It's also made me more creative and interesting. If I want to see some friends, I find out what activities are happening in our city and invite them out to a street festival, for a hike, to go climbing at the rock gym, see a band, etc.... rather than getting together at a bar and sitting there boozing it up. My life is a lot more full as a result.

GG

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StPeteDean


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Arrive late, socialize, tell a few jokes, pinch a few qirls, leave early and stop for some ice cream on the way home.
That's what I do. imslow.gif

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Mr_David


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Thanks...windowview for your share.

One can only admire your bravery and resilience, and certainly would applaud your efforts to remain sober, especially in any setting where the drinks are flowing -like lunch dates. I may also applaud your exit strategy as well; knowing what the possible consequences could be for any recovering alcoholic when temptation throws them a curveball -which could happen. We can only give you a gold star for sticking to the game plan, and following through on your promise to remain sober, if your successful -which we hope you are. Please, remember to safeguard your sobriety by any means possible, especially in any non-sober arena where there is much temptation -regardless of the circumstances. 

 I would not spend too much time in any non-sober environment that can trigger a relapse and would advise anyone who has a history of relapsing in similar settings, like alcohol induced environments, to do likewise. You can hold your head high, for now, knowing you lived another day without picking up a drink -if successful. We hope you are for today; and with a firm resolve, wish you many more enjoyable sober moments -one day at a time.aww

~God bless~







-- Edited by Mr_David on Saturday 14th of May 2011 11:36:08 PM

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