I don't know how long you've been sober, but if you are still new at this then it's a good idea to stay away. I had to miss a number of events when I first began quitting, because I knew I'd fall on my face if I went.

Now, if you end up going anyway, EAT. Don't be afraid to eat the food, cake, and whatever else they serve. Also, immediately pick up a soft drink - right when you walk in the door. If you do this, it will dampen the urge.

there has been booze around me since the first day i was sober back in 2001. In todays society it is almost impossible to go any where where there isnt booze. I know in aa the bb says that any plan which proposes to shield the alcoholic from the drink is doomed to failure. That seems pretty bad. Maybe if you take someone with u who knows u need to stay away from the drink. AS for me I needed a way to be able to go every where.

1st, remember why you are sober, before you go.. Then it does not matter what anyone else says or thinks.. Always have a water, or like Jacker said a soft drink, then people will less likely offer you a drink.. Go there with the intentions of enjoying yourself, your friends. Not the intention that you want a drink... My first real social event, actually confirmed my sobriety.. I saw people acting asn saying the dumbest things.. I never want to be that person, again.. Good luck, and you can do it...
If you are doubting yourself, stay home, whats one more missed event, vs another day of sobriety worth to you...
Best to you... Enjoy yourself, and be true to YOU.......
You are worth it..
Peace...

Oh, and keep us posted... Enquiring minds, want to know..(Winking)

Peace...

Elena, I will be honest-I have avoided booze for a year, with a few exceptions. I simply will not put myself around others who drink. It is not a risk I am willing to take. Thats just me, and I really don't mind it at this point. I do feel sad that I cannot go out with people who drink for dinner or something, but I just cannot! It may sound isolating, but believe me I am ok! Sober is good, better than missing a few social events for this gal.

My advice -- which I'm sure it's too late for this situation, but maybe for the next ... drive yourself there - if you can, good reason not to be drinking, and you can stay only as long as your comfortable. Have an excuse to leave already in your head -- you know, another party to go to, have to take the kids somewhere, whatever. Don't even say anything about this other commitment, unless you feel like you need to leave. Have the soda or water or whatever non alcoholic beverage is available (or bring your own). You're driving, I say you're allowed.

Try to have fun and not dwell on the fact that people are drinking. If you said they weren't big drinkers, hopefully there won't be stupid, drunks (those can be hard to be around, I think).

Most importantly ... leave if you feel the least bit squirelly using your "prior commitment" as an excuse. Wah lah!

Hi, I want to thank you all so much for your help, however I now realized I had relapsed before I even set foot in the door. I did drink, I had four drinks.. I think in the back of my mind I already knew I was going to drink and I made excused as to why I "really should" go to this party. Sad thing is, there were a lot of people at the party who were not drinking, I probably would have felt very comfortable not drinking, but the evil gremlin had already taken over.

I had actually made a plan so that I could leave. I planned to meet my sober boyfriend later. When I did, the first thing he said was, "wow, you smell like alcohol." So much for that. So, I am just trying not to have a pity party for myself, get refocused, and will probably go to a meeting later.

I really do appreciate the advice, and will probably be a lot of help some day when I am really ready to be at that point. Unfortunately I was already gone... I just thought I could do a last ditch effort for help!

Ok Elena, write down the entire incident, from where you started going down hill in your mind to the first taste of liquor at the party. Include everything. Now re-write this story on how you should have handled it to avoid drinking at that party. Should you have called someone? Should you have went to the gym, etc? Re-write history. See if this helps for the future dealings. Life is a series of learning from your mistakes-so use this one!

Every time I see the topic of this posting on the list, I read it "Fear of Panties"

I know I know "THANK YOU FOR SHARING"

LOL... I am sure there is a support group somewhere for that! :-)