You always only have yourself to answer to.
I got sober to live a better life. I got sober for my children, yes, but ultimately for me. When I travel, and I do often, I'm on my own at night. I'm in a hotel, with a fully stocked bar, and a bunch of people at the bar who don't know anything about me. I could have a drink or 10. I sure as hell used to. The thought has crossed my mind from time to time, but, I've never had a craving for a drink in the way I did when I was drinking. I know that if I drink, that first drink, everything will slowly but surely go to hell.
I could make the choice to go there but I chose sobriety today.
And if I do the same things tomorrow and the next day to ensure my mind set is growing away from that drink, vs toward it, its not likely I"ll pick up that first drink tomorrow (s) either.

who would know? YOU would know. There's no such thing as 'getting away with it'. You'd totally regret picking up again, and you'd be a mess again or worse. I'd suggest getting support people in your life to get through this.

I know....and I really can't picture myself actually buying alcohol let alone drinking it. I guess it's just disappointing that it rears it's ugly head just because I have an "opportunity."

Claire, I was faced with business trips after my sobriety. Before, I looked at them as a great opportunity to visit bars of the cities i was traveling too. No wife or kids. Just me and booze and a good time.

I realized it was just another work day. And I went to my hotel room and went to bed.

Pretend hubby is home. Put the kids to bed and crawl into yours with a good book, or the TV, or your computer. If you are temped to have a drink, pop onto daily strength.

We will be here to play the role of your hubby, and help you get through the night sober. 8 months is great!

The one last thing I will say. To answer your question of "What do you do when you only have yourself to answer to?"

You need to first and foremost be sober for yourself. Not for your husband or kids, or boss, or family, or friends. It starts with you wanting a sober you.

Remember that and it won't matter who is around and who isn't when it comes time to drink. A mirror is all you need to remember why you are no longer drinking.

I agree with those who say it's necessary to want to be sober for yourself. I've tried to stay sober for many reasons other than that and it did not work out for me.

The alcoholic delusion is very powerful and that's why I personally needed spiritual help and a programme of recovery to learn more about exactly what I was dealing with. I need to answer to myself every day and I do that through self-examination, prayer and meditation.

Thank you Jeff and Antonia....I really am staying sober for myself and it has been much easier this time. I've had a couple of 6 month stretches before but I don't think I believed back then that I was quitting for good.
I will post on here if I need to. Thanks everyone, it's great to know the support is there when you really need it.
Xxx

I had one of those times on a flight to Europe for a business trip. Not only would no one know, but it was 30,000 feet in the air, I needed to get some sleep, and they were handing out free champagne! Didn't I deserve a pass to have a drink?

But of course it isn't about deserving a drink, or who would know, or whether the circumstances call-out for one. For me it is about who I am and how I want to live my life. And I don't mean that who I am is an alcoholic so I shouldn't drink. Who I am is a person who made a commitment to myself to be sober. How I want to live is with the integrity to keep my commitment.

Find a new habit or special treat for after the kids are in bed. Bubble bath by candlelight. Read a book you never give yourself time for. Start a meditation practice.

And of course, come hang out if it gets tough.

(((Hugs)))