Is this a town with a heavy drinking culture? Nuclear option is moving somewhere with more to do outside/less of a drinking culture. Chicago is pretty boozy in my experience.
My alcohol abuse was my dirty little secret so I joined outpatient group therapy program (at a d/a thetapist’s recommendation) and it was so easy to share my struggles and accomplishments (in sobriety) w them !!!
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Hi Q,
I had to make that same decision many many years ago.
The old saying is "To avoid being hit by a train...stay off the tracks".
I can't plead with you enough to try AA OR NA. They are not cults.
They are not religious nut jobs. They do not want nor need your money. They already know why tou will be showing up. There is just something about being with someone who understands. Not who knows. Who understands.
Leave the ladies
alone. Its not a pick up bar. You are there to feel better.
At the beginning they will ask if anyone is new.
We do not keep a list. We just wanna know your name so we can chat like adults. Tell them
why you are there.
It's scary.
Tough guys breakdown all the time. If it happens you won't be the first.
Stay until the end.
Help clean up. Its the least you can do by stacking a few chairs
or cleaning a coffee pot. Sometimes folks go grab a bite after.
Ask. If they do, ask to tag along. If they don't its ok too.
Ask for phone numbers!!!
People will volunteer.
If they pass, screw 'em. You didn't want their number anyway.
They will usually give
you a white
chip to carry in your pocket. It's symbolic.
White is the Intl color of surrender. The chip
gibes you something real to hold on to until you talk with
or go to your next
meeting.
Take advise! You might be smarter but they have been through this before you.
I expect you to reach
out tomorrow after and report back!
AA and meeting lists
are all available
on line as well as emergency phone support.
You got this!
Brent S
South Florida
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Surrounding yourself around positive people. Sometimes we have to change people places and things in our life in order to stay sober. Get to a meeting get numbers reaching out finding a sponsor work the steps . Yes reaching out in this community is great we’re all here to support one another. Best wishes pm if you need to chat.Next month I’ll have 4 yrs. Sending good vibes 
one day at a time.
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Wow
Love the solution about staying off the tracks.
I will pass that one on.
Thx
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Great app on the AA website for finding meetings these days too.
I stand behind what Brent said.
Great advice!
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Thank you for that!
I’m 23 this is my 4th time doing sobriety… all my friends drink all the time I still go to the bars mostly every day and I do not drink. I play pool at the bar, I’m in a poker league, and I bowl sometimes. Also have a motorcycle, best feeling in the world… you just have to keep your mind busy and control it. don’t let it control you.
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Reach out! I am here 
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I can so relate. I just celebrated 29 months and haven’t seen some family yet. They are mad at me because I “ruined” my husband’s life (mine you this is my family). I haven’t seen friends because still not comfortable around alcohol. Just get into meetings (if you can get to in person that’s perfect). Make new sober friends. Believe or not they are out there. If your friends can’t support what your trying to do “they are not your friends”. Good luck
Hey Pat, that’s so tough.. it’s really hard to be around others that are drinking. You already made a step by linking on here. Anytime u feel urself losing that motivation to keep going talk to someone on here. It does help!
At first it will feel like that, for a while you will have to cut people places and things out and focus on your recovery. The will to want to stay on track should always be greater than. It’s already within you. Listen to podcasts, create a self image journal, workout, reach out to like minded individuals. I have created a podcast to share my story that can also be an outlet. Use your creativity to guide you. It gets easier
Group therapy has definitely been very helpful. The meetings I chose to attend typically have a small group at the end that I find helps me to realize I am less alone than I most-all times feel. Yes, REACH OUT. After all it has been the failure to do so amongst other things that has allowed our disease to spiral so out of control, to begin with.
In my opinion, it isn't friends that you need, as much as it is positive and sober role models. Then again I cannot pretend to really know you nor your needs.
Go to a meeting. You’ll meet so many ppl that’ll help and/or listen to you.
Also they say You need to change ppl, places and things. That’s a huge step as well. I had to do the same. I lost a lot of “friends”, I could go to places we hung out and change some daily routines, etc. yes it’s hard but you have to do it for you! Good luck!
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I watch tv Netflix and Hulu listening to music writing in my journal sometimes crying idk it depends on my mood honestly
Lots and lots of mtngs. Getting a sponsor, a commitment at a mtng, and building a sober support group. Hang in there man. Don't quit before the miracle.
Don’t be shy to say it’s your first meeting - my first meeting (they ran a first step meeting for me) - was gritty - unforgettable- but nice to know I wasn’t alone.
Check out sober meetup groups in your area, or just people who do generally sober things like hiking. They often grab lunch or do a potluck after. Also, the AA communiqué sometimes has bowling, dancing or hiking groups. Another thing I would recommend is just raising your hand on a meeting and ask if anyone wants to get coffee. I know so weird but I promise someone else wants your company.
Great information!!!
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