You know whenever I get really anxious I go fishing, and the only time I’m able to hang out with people is when I’m doing something like fishing, because conversation isn’t forced and we have something to focus on. I haven’t been lately but I have to get back out there. It’s especially hard in winter months though. But you never know and just being near water is peaceful. Thank you!
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Absolutely! It took me for-evvv-err. 
but in time with honest practice and effort -- it gets easier. 
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That’s so nice thank you! I’m starting to make some friends from AA but it’s been hard because I started going right before the holidays and have been away a lot lately. I’m going to hit up a meeting tonight even though I’m in a new state and don’t know anyone. Thank you for reaching out!!
So true. I just moved to a new city and can’t wait to make friendships where I feel comfortable. I’m aiming towards feeling comfortable sitting with myself and my feelings and not numbing them. Finding strength through prayer and meditation. Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing! Im starting to think everyone feels the way we do and that’s why they drink when they’re social situations. Im praying for strength to be able to face the world head on.
I feel so much better when I tell people I don’t drink. I shouldn’t put myself in situations where everyone’s drinking! The holidays were hard but I’m going to find more sober friends
I think I’m going to start hitting up the AA social events that’s a good idea. At least those people will understand how I’m feeling even if I am anxious and will understand if I need to leave. Thank you for the advice if it worked for you I’m sure it could work for me!
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Yeah, one of the many things I learned by going to meetings was how to sit still. My god, it was difficult to sit an hour or hour and a half. I wanted to bolt 15 minutes in lol. But I eventually could sit through a meeting. As they say, this too shall pass.
Just hang in there.
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I am going through this right now. I e gone out a handful of times and being relatively new to sobriety I don't think I should be in bars, clubs or casinos just yet. I do hit the gym and grab a bite with friends but it doesn't feel the same yet. I thinking this is normal and since I didn't form a drinking problem over night, so I'm not going to figure out sobriety over night either I think I'm going to get a dog this year and focus on finding friends for adventures like hiking and skiing more. Good luck it should get better
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Lauren
I totally get what you're feeling right now. That first year is a real challenge. The only thing we have to change is everything.
It may not feel that way right now but it is all going to come together. When I was deep into my alcoholism I used to sit around wondering how people could have fun in life without drinking?
I mean, what is there to do if you don't drink? Boy was I ever wrong. There's a whole life out there just waiting to be lived but you are the only one who can make it happen.
You're in your first year so give yourself a pat on the back.
Eventually you can try new hobbies that will help you reap new freinds too. But be forewarned that life goes on and drinking is all around us.
I don't hang out where there is alcohol or people drinking but I can if I have a legitimate reason for being there; family, company luncheon, etc.
For me, alcohol is poison.
Just take things a day at a time and keep up the good work. You're coming up on 1 year in 3 months.
Congratulations!
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Go hiking, bowling, museums, ride bikes, get active or find a place to relax. There are so many things you can do that don’t involve drinking. If those around you can’t do that without then go by yourself. Don’t let feeling lonely keep you from living. Get out and live and you might just meet some people with similar interests!
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Hey Dave, thank you so much 
that was really reaffirming and put me at ease I appreciate it
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You’re so right. Thank you, we have the strength to get through this!
Same! The first few meetings I’d have a cig break in the meeting just because I couldn’t sit still! I’m learning to be calmer and comfortable with sitting with my self. But dam, its work
Yes, yes, I can identify. When I started going we still had smoking meetings. Ash trays on every table 
I still couldn’t hang. Lol But in time it got better. I just tried to listen closely and see if I could identify with anyone’s share. That helped. Also, I asked my HP for help.
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I’ve been told that there comes a point where you’re not triggered by drinking around you. I experienced that when I was sober for a long stretch and decided I wasn’t going to drink while entertaining clients in the UK, which is a nation of alcoholics from my experiences there, and I did successfully do it while they got smashed and still had a lot of fun. I just told the bartenders that when I ordered a gin and tonic to leave out the gin. They did and nobody knew the difference. Fishing is a fun way not to drink while everyone else is drinking around you. My relapse weakness is coming home and having an alcoholic ex put a bottle of vodka right in front of me. I don’t know if it’s because alcohol has eaten holes in my brain, but I have fun out without it regardless whether others are drinking—lol. Keep on keeping on.
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Entertaining a group of clients in UK?! You deserve a gold metal for that holy sh*t! Haha. I hope to get there some day, it’s nice to hear there’s light at the end of the tunnel and I won’t be a hermit forever, I love socializing and love people I’ve always been an extrovert so I think I can get there someday- wait I know I can! Especially in knowing people like you are out there doing it. Thanks so much for the response
I felt this way over the holidays. Dreaded going. But forced myself and said I'd only stay a hr. Both times I stayed 3 hrs. And i enjoyed myself. I mean this was with family.
Try lunch or coffee. Night time is kinda triggering to me to wanna go out, I won't.
Lauren: Yes, I actually went for a week that trip and successfully completed the trip without drinking even though I was paying for drinks and entertaining Brits breakfast, lunch, dinner, and after until I had to put all my drunk friends on trains home. I am an extrovert and loved the company. Brits are quite funny, especially when they get lit. I get the worrying about what people are thinking about you. I hit my absolute rock bottom 48 days ago on my last relapse. Shunned by some family and friends since, which really bothered me at first, but now I’m just concentrating on my self-care and creating the life that I’ve always wanted and staying busy with work, recovery, and hobbies and interests and things are getting better and unexpected good things are jhappening in my life on an almost daily basis. Just got and incredibly good sponsor, whom I talk to everyday, which really helps. I can see things getting better, which creates hope and happiness. Hang in there. There are plenty of people here like me that are willing to help and support you without judgment. We’ve all been there. I’ll send you a friend request. Up to you whether you want to accept it. Won’t hurt my feelings either way. Cheers!—lol.
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I am 27 months and still can’t be around a lot of alcohol. I don’t see my family for that reason. I am told this is normal.
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