I had to post this because I am so happy today. A week ago, I went to a birthday party and fell right back into my drinking pattern. I had another birthday dinner last night and decided to create a plan for myself to stay sober. Here is what I did:

1) I called my friend and told him that I was an alcoholic and that I quit drinking, and he was very supportive.
2) I also told him that if I felt like drinking I would not go, or I might leave. He understood that as well.
3) Decided ahead of time what kind of non-alcoholic drink I would order when I got there (Thai Iced coffee, mmmm!)
4) Told my sober friend where I was going and that I might need to call.

So once I put that in place, it was so much easier. It didn't bother me that everyone was raving about the yummy pommegranite martinis. And no one offered me a drink or asked me why I wasn't drinking. I had a good time. Normally I would be the "entertainment of the night" by the end of the night but instead I got to have nice conversations like a normal person.

They all decided to go out for drinks afterwards, I was tired anyway, so I said good night and went home. I think I can get used to this. :-)