I know I speak often of work here. One reason for that is that my social life is currently in a state of transition between my old one that revolved around drinking, and my new sober life. The other reason is that many things at work are very much related to sobriety. Now, the job I currently work was one I had while in the last desperate throws of active alcoholism. I was a hot mess. Everyone I work with has seen me at bottom, and seen me initially get sober.. And now a little bit into sobriety. I rarely talk of sobriety at work- people know I don't drink anymore. Maybe 2 people know I'm in AA. It's not my thing to showcase it or pass judgement on others that are into drugs or drinking heavily. There are many ( more than not) coworkers of mine that are into that scene. It's accepted in my line of work, its just part of the culture. Since becoming sober, I've seen a few chefs come and go- they've gone due to alcohol and drug related incidents or behavior. One in particular I knew from meetings in the area. He was living on the streets, then in a halfway house. Upon his first day of moving out of halfway house he was drinking vodka on the job. Poor guy that I pray for, but that's all I can really do to help. Another guy who has been in and out of detox for years got hired around the same time as me.. So we've become friends. This is one of my favorite people on the planet-very smart, sweet, funny, a hard worker. All around good guy. I love him, and he often brings up the topic of sobriety. He always asks " you still hangin in there with the not drinking thing?". All I say is " yup!" and he then proceeds to confide in me about his own drinking, and his attempts at AA, how he is not 'that bad', how he has it under control...and I can see him rambling on with excuse after excuse and the DENIAL. Well, it's exactly where I was at for a long time. I always listen, not really saying anything that could be construed as anything other that " yeah, man, I totally get it". But I know he's watching me, to see an example of sobriety. I know he's probably thinking exactly what I thought when I was where he's at. I thought sobriety would suck, I'd never have fun or smile, it would be excrutiating etc. I find that this actually helps me- I make an effort to always be in good spirits at work.. And if I have a moment of frustration it's just that- a moment. I don't lose it like I used to, or stew in it. I've realized that I have a responsibility to show by example (not pushing anything on anyone, but by actions) how great sobriety can be.