What if bars had warning signs

Recovery
#1

Last night I went to the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, FL. Though gambling has never been a problem, I noticed tons of signage about what to do if you're wondering if you have a problem gambling.

There was even a number to call if you realized you wanted to leave the casino but couldn't pull yourself from a table or machine. It made me wonder what it would be like to see signs like that at bars/liquor stores/etc. (Not that I would have listened! Lol)

Either way, it was awesome to be in an adult nightlife space and be healthy and enjoy myself without needing to engage with my DOC, alcohol. I didn't even gamble, just people-watched and ate fancy ice cream til late and took pictures.

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#2

Fancy ice cream!!! Now I am jealous. Good to hear you had a good time. The smile says it all!

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#3

:pray:t4::heart:

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#5

That's a neat idea!

I'm glad you had a great evening enjoying fancy ice cream.

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#6

Thank you

#7

Amen. :heart:

#8

Great job

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#9

I’m so glad you had a fun evening out. I agree w the signage thought. Why isn’t there a sign like that in bars for people that may have a issue w drinking? However, a sign wouldn’t have kept anyone I knew from over indulging. Wasn’t there a sign in the bathrooms that referenced don’t drink & drive due to the MADD movement? Who knows?
Im truly happy that you were able to have a nice evening out and isn’t it fun just to people watch? Beautiful picture btw. Thanks for being such a great example for others. You can find fun in sobriety!!!! Patience my friends. Thanks for your post showing others there is fun to be had without using.
Blessings….:blush::heart::blush::+1::+1::+1:

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#10

That’s a great point. The sign wouldn’t have stopped me lol, but it prob would have made me pause privately in my head and think, “hmmm, maybe there is a point there.” Lol. Sometimes even if there is no action, an attempt at creating awareness can help too.

And thank you! I’m grateful to be at a place where I can have fun and go anywhere confidently.

#11

Great post!

1 Like
#12

Thank you!

#13

I haven't been back there since I quit drinking. Last time I lost $200 in like five minutes in the poker room. I know a couple that go there about once a week. I may join them sometime, try out that poker room sober.

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#14

Go for it! And have a plan to leave if it gets uncomfortable. I did gamble once about a month ago and lost $60 instantly and it was enough to turn me off. :rofl: This time I was like I’m just going to eat, y’all can lose your money.

#15

This couple I mentioned is aware of my issues, and they would not be upset if I just up and left. As far as an exit strategy, there's always Uber.

The only trigger I've noticed, so far, is others in crisis. I try to help them, but I have felt the desire to drink when talking them down. Not sure why, but I should explore that more. Maybe in my next therapy session?

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#16

On the subject of warming signs, I had a similar thought not long ago.

What if we could renounce our right to buy alcohol? What if there were some sort of stamp or endorsement on our driver's license that gave us the ability to purchase it? It would at least create a roadblock or self-imposed barrier to obtaining alcohol.

#17

I think signs that say anything else other than "Please Don't Feed The Bears" to be obnoxious. There should be a warning sign about too many warning signs. Most signs are only there to alleviate any lawsuits for the establishments. We just have to come to terms with being accountable. We already know the consequences.

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#18

Oh yeah if the couple you go with know that’s a big help. I was with my sis who is a big ally in my sobriety. I don’t go places where there is a lot of activity without having a trusted person. And yeah! Definitely a good topic. I go to therapy too, big help.

#21

I was in Vegas sober last fall and that was pretty awesome. I saw a show then it was surreal. Vegas spots are definitely nicer than the hard rock! Lol