What are some ways to deal with temptation to drink when on vacation and surrounded by alcohol?
Drink a sparkling water like a La Croix but not in a rocks glass lol. I always found when I am in an environment that is tempting that sipping a Red Bull or a La Croix always helped. Then actually listen to peoples conversations and how silly some of them are lol. And when tempted I made a list of things that I could lose or that could happen almost for certain and I go over it in my head. It slowly re programs neuro pathways in the brain to think of the negative consequences of using and drinking. It gets easier. You got this. I've been on 2 week cruises and vacations to the Dominican Republic and a wedding in Cancun without relapse.
Hmmm…I still have some issues with this one too. I was recently at a beach resort with some family and friends. I found my self in a real mood. It took me a while to accept that I couldn’t drink and party. I just had to sit with it and think it thru. The drink I wanted is not just a drink. I have to remind myself of what that drink really is. It’s ALWAYS leads me back to a very dark place of destruction. So I stop looking at the drink as fun and good times, and focus on all the consequences of my addiction. Hope this helps…
I have a list in my head of the top reasons I will not drink. The first is that I can’t control it. Drink soda, juice, sparkling water…I like coffee drinks and sparkling juice drinks. If you are going to be with people you know it doesn’t hurt to let them know ahead of time that you won’t be drinking. Stay strong. You got this!
A few of my was of dealing are I’ll order a virgin version of what’s being consumed. I play forward what would happen if I picked up. Mostly, I disappear! Everyone is partying and won’t miss you. I explore, take walks, strike up conversation with strangers. I actually don’t mind being alone, lol… good luck my friend! &
Ask yourself what memory do you want to have from your vacation.do you want a happy memory or a memory of nursing a hangover,some regret or possibly no memory of it at all.if it was me I would choose a happy one
call sponser
read big book
attend mtg
meditate
journal
remove yourself
1’s too many 1000 is never enough!!
Thank you for this, Dan. I'm going to buy these "calming" drinks that have lavender in them as a replacement. And will be enjoying lots of ice cream and all the other things I've been too sick from drinking to eat on past vacations.
Very good point, James. I'm thinking of my honeymoon when I drank so much I got sick in the elevator. Good times. (Sarcasm).
"The drink I wanted is not just a drink." Wow, that makes a lot of sense to me. Thank you.
I like the list idea, Dina. I will do that today. And luckily, I will only be traveling with my husband, who is very supportive and a non-drinker.
Be careful with the ice cream I started eating too much at one point lol. Had to jump back into running and CrossFit doubly hard lol.
I would always find meetings when I vacationed. If I wasn’t spiritually fit to be around alcohol, I would avoid the situation. Club soda with lemon and lime is my preferred choice of drink when I go out now.
If there are crowds notice how many people really aren’t drinking. It will shock you
There are some amazing tips in here so far! My personal favorite Tim, which I practice pretty much everywhere I go, is when I go out for dinner I always make a joke of it and ask “can you make me something that is fruity and nonalcoholic” With good delivery, the whole table usually laughs. The good thing is that once you sober up and you realize how few people actually drink when you look around the restaurant.