so im pretty early into recovery still & havent been in many situations where there has been temptation, & if i have there has always been sober support around me or family. i want to go to a concert with my sister & a really good friend of mine, but neither of them are like me. they dont drink, but they do 
& dont understand that this is life & death for me. the big book says we can do everything others can if spiritually fit, which i believe to be, yet it still makes me nervous. what are your thoughts?
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I remember going to "Ribfest" in northern Illinois, the first month or so of my sobriety journey. I let my sponsor know I was going to go and asked what my intentions were in going. I like food, I told him to eat various ribs and spend time with my family. We came up with a plan that if I started to feel funky/triggered i would call him. It was also suggested I pray before hand. Asking for help to do the next right thing, and help to do it.
I get to the event grounds purchase admission and walk in. I see the various stands and all is good. Then it happened. The beer tent is coming up ro get to tje next rib vendor. There was no way not to pass it. And it hit me lk8a freight train, the smell of stale beer. Yup, I started to feel funky.
I let my, now ex, wife what I would need to do if I got triggered prior. I excused myself letting her know i needed to make a phone call. He doesn't pickup which he told me might happen, he has a life. I find a quiet spot (was hard to do) and pray. I asked in the prayer for help to stay sober for 1 minute, I can handle a minute. Then I ask for another, and then more time until I'm spiritually fit to go back.
I do go back and some additional 24 hours later I'm still sober with the help of a bigher power, working a program, asking for help, and being of service.
I knew what my intentions were and that I had support to stay away from a drink. Pray about what yours are and if you have a plan if asked to partake.
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I don’t go - I can’t take the risk - it is literally life and death and I will sacrifice some entertainment where there is alcohol to not be tempted - I even change my driving route to not drive past liquor stores
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this was really helpful, thank you so much!
that’s how i’ve been really this past year, but i don’t want to constantly live my life in fear of relapse. i love doing these types of things & want to experience them sober i just am not sure how to be rid of the fear. i didn’t get sober to hid in my house alone all the time, i did enough of that in my madness. i just want to find a way to navigate my paranoia.
thank you for your response!
Absolutely! You're welcome! Giving back what has been freely given to me. I hope you found a glimmer or something you'll use.
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I do believe there is a time when we can handle these things fear free and you will know it in your gut and that you will be ok - in my case, I already am saddled with cirrosis and kidney disease so I have to say nope - trust your gut and your God and you’ll make it! Best of luck on your journey!
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yeah, maybe it is a little soon. thank you for the advice & your wishes!
Hi Cali
Thought I’d share. Big Book bottom page 101 and page 102 gives great advice. My sponsor always took me to the BB if I had a question. The key, spiritually fit and what can I bring to the occasion. Working steps places us in a position of neutrality when it comes to liquor. This is where I’d consult my sponsor if I wasn’t sure.
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yes! that’s what i was thinking. i haven’t had a chance to talk to her yet, but im planning to a little closer to the event. thank you for your feedback!
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