I hit a crossroads and ended up almost dying from alcohol poisoning on my 37th birthday. I woke up in the hospital on an IV drip. I am ready to stop. Today is my first day of sobriety but I am a bartender by trade and worried about the temptation that comes with my job. Unsure if I need to switch my line of work entirely or if I can find the strength to stay sober while working in a bar.
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Not this early in your recovery you can't, if you can't change jobs without it screwing up your life you can get medication that will make you violently ill if you were to drink.
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It is a blessing that you have reached the point of willingness to stop. Congratulations on your first day of sobriety. When you're on your feet I would suggest 90 meetings in 90 days, a sponsor preferably a man who will take you through the steps. I would suggest that you take a commitment at the meeting and that'll keep you coming back to that meeting and get as many phone numbers as you can. One thing is for certain that everything has to change which includes familiar playgrounds and party favors. eventually I believe you will get a job away from the bar. While my sponsor was a bartender she is no longer a bartender. I personally could not be around that environment. We all have to earn a living and I pray that if you continue on the path of surrender and recovery you will find another career and way to earn a living. Stay on the path keep up the good work. one day at a time. we do this together stay strong
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Congratulations on your first day of sobriety that's huge 
reach out if you need to vent. God will show you the way of what you need to do.
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I have a lot friends that are bartenders and sober but everyone is different. But it is possible. Do you have a sponsor or what are you doing to stay sober?
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As of today I'm making changes to stop drinking I'm sick of it
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Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! Glad you made that decision!
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No sponsor, just taking it a day at a time right now. My partner and friends are very supportive of the decision.
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Hi! I’m in the same situation. I’m 37, I’ve been a bartender forever and now work in the Bourbon industry. 16 days sober and feeling good about it. For me Recovery Dharma meetings have been helpful
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I quit my bartending job 20 years in the industry I never get tempted at work but it’s becoming so mentally draining and always chaotic that’s what leads me to a drink. I quit two weeks ago and now have an amazing job lined up with benefits, grabbing a drink hasn’t crossed my mind, I go to meetings, I just decided it was best to remove myself from a toxic work environment.
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My advice to you, from a whole life of experience is to stay out of the bars and find a new line of work. Especially while you are in early sobriety
If you hang around a barbershop long enough you're going to get a haircut!
I'd recommend checking out the Everything AA app!
888-235-8008. vivitrolsafety.com. This is the information for the medicine that could help you? Good luck
This is one reason I like going to meetings. I have met other bartenders, people from all walks of life there and have people that understand and can relate with. I really like this online meeting called the Mustard Seed and it’s based in NYC. But there are so many meetings and just keep trying them until you find one that works for you. Connection is the opposite of addiction. So important to build your network of other sober peeps that understand and just get it. At least for me!! There is also a really good book called Living Sober that I highly recommend. It’s the Swiss Army knife of books. Tons of tips on how to handle situations. So glad you also have good support from your partner and friends though too!
Congratulations and yes it is or can be possible just give it time and listen to your body. If the temptation is too much yes find something else temporary. You are in control of your destiny. Keep the strength and reach out for help whenever you need it.