I started this journey on 2/1/2020 and have relapsed several times. After 7+ months of consecutive sobriety, I relapsed last week at a business dinner. I am disappointed in myself and realize that I need to stay more connected with people in this community. What are some tools that have helped at business events?
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Don’t beat yourself up. You made seven months which is commendable. Consecutive days are not as important as how many cumulative drinks you consume during a given period! 🏄‍♂️👍
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What are you doing as a program of recovery? As long as your getting back to being sober every time and trying something different, I think you’ll find your way. Try doing the exact things that your hesitant to to to get sober for good. Good luck
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I think about how I'm less articulate and less smart drunk. At business events, i usually want to seem smart, cool, interesting, and competent. I'm way better at all that sober. Knowing that really helps me feel grateful I don't have to drink around co-workers anymore. No more proving I'm one of the guys or trying to fit in, etc. It takes a lot of pressure off, personally.
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Those events can be awkward. I order a tonic with a twist. That seems to work pretty well. It reduces the perceived pressure to drink.
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Club soda.
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Being in a job that requires these types of environments as well, I hate when people offer up “just don’t go.” I understand the pressures involved and I also don’t think our condition means we should sacrifice our role in those types of situations.
That being said, I’ll text my sponsor as soon as I get there and make sure I call afterward. Makes sure that sobriety is on my mind regardless. Worst case scenario? You slip and end up talking to your sponsor with slurred speech. The accountability is more passive when you set those rules for yourself.
If having it top of mind in that moment isn’t enough, I agree with some of the others above. A club soda or tonic simulates a drink. Occasionally I’ve even asked for a coke in a short glass to fend off unnecessary questions and potential awkwardness.
Most of all? Congrats on 7 months. That’s incredible. Give yourself grace, regroup, and get back to it. This isn’t an approach to living with a temporary window. It’s perpetual. One foot in front of the other.
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Prioritize a meeting before an event, call someone mid event, take a break and read something inspirational on your phone; set yourself up for success! Relapse does not have to be part of recovery. You’ve got it!
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It happens …. I went to rehab in October 2020…. Came out a month later .. stayed sober for 5 months and relapsed… quickly got back on track stayed sober again for 6 months and relapsed ..my last relapse was almost 3 weeks ago …. Just remember 1 day at a time
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