Alcoholism Support Group

Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.

4,518 Members
34,168 Posts
1 Online
Addiction & Recovery
/ Alcoholism Support Group

Shocked I almost drank again!

Egwene
Egwene
I had a very close call on Saturday night after over 5 months of soberiety. It was my first true party since I stopped drinking so I went along feeling slightly anxious but mainly strong and commited to my sobriety. The fancy dress party with free alcohol put me back amongst the social scene that I used to be very much a part of and it wasn't long until I started telling myself it would be a good idea and perfectly alright to just have one glass of wine so I could get into the relaxed party mood with everyone else. This temptation grew stronger as I watched others, already quite intoxicated, heading to the dance floor and letting themselves be caught up in the music - laughing and having fun. I sat alone for a while feeling like an alien as I seemed to be the only one not drinking. The voice in my head grew louder tempting me to just add a little wine to my lemonade 'you'll be fine - one won't hurt' it continued. Thank God I didn't listen and somehow managed to find the strength to resist. I have been deepening my spiritual journey to enlightenment and was reminded that it was alright to sit with suffering as this is where we will find true Grace and Love - or what some call God. This has opened my eyes to how vulnerable I can be when surrounded by others who think it is normal to drink and get wasted in the name of a good time. But it also proved a great test to my conviction on my new path. I consider myself lucky that I had a near miss and shall remain vigilant in the future.
deleted_user
deleted_user
That is so good to hear, Im glad you were able to stay sober and didn't give in to the desire to drink. This is what is really getting me though all this, it really is one day at a time and every time we make the decision not to drink we can at least take comfort in the fact that we're making the right decision. I think when we overcome those urges we need to pat ourselves on the back. It's not always easy but it's always worth it!
Deogee
Deogee
Hi Egwene,
You did great! You deserve many pats on the back. I know it is difficult to be in a situation like that. For me, I probably couldn't even be in a situation like that and not drink. But you did good! Thank God you didn't listen to that voice in your head.
Zachary18
Zachary18
I am glad to hear you didn't drink. Being aware and vigilant about our emotional state and our reaction to things going around us is as you say critical.
stickywick
stickywick
So glad you didnt pick up that first drink. I found it very important in early sobriety to have an exit plan in any event that served booze. I went to many open bar events in my first year...many. And most I was just fine. I would visualize leaving sober, going home, writing in my journal, doing a 10th step, praying and going to bed sober.
I'd also make sure I gave myself all options to leave the event if I felt as you did. And I did....and I left. My sobriety has to come first. As without it, its a quick descent back into active alcoholism. And who knows if I'll ever be graced with sobriety again?
Good FOR you for now picking up. And remember we can go anywhere, do anything, so long as we are in fit spiritual condition and --- have a reason to be there other than...drinking!
CoogeeMum
CoogeeMum
The words that jumped out a me were "commited to my sobriety". Keep that contract with yourself and mentally it's going to be a huge part of your sobriety. Temptation comes knocking, draw on that want to stay sober. Good on you Egwene.
whodathunk
whodathunk
Good for you Egwene. I am glad you posted this. I went to a party Friday night with my wife, a pool birthday party. Live band, food, beer and wine, and around 11:00 Fireballs came out (I had never heard of those). Anyway, as usual, I started getting tired and bored early watching everyone drink and get happy happy happy. I was drinking diet cokes. I part of me got REALLY jealous and I felt like such a victim (for a brief period of time) that I could not look that uninhibited and be like everyone else who were having so much fun. But I kept my head about it. Still, I felt it like you. I did not almost drink, but I definitely was WANTING to just to experience what everyone else was experiencing. Finally we left around 1:45 am and I was feeling pretty darn good on Saturday while my wife was dragin her wagin like everyone else I am sure.

I know now that when those situations come up that it is only a temporary feeling that will go away. Then I remember what being in jail was like and blacking out and not being able to remember anything.

Great job, and thanks for this share.
Egwene
Egwene
Thank you all so much for taking the time to share your beautiful support and comments - it means such a lot to me. I now truly understand the meaning of 'one day at a time!' The vigilance and commitment ARE key and I like the idea of having an 'escape plan' ready in case required. Thank you for sharing your experience too Whodathunk and I also admit to a certain smugness the following day when I was bright and fresh compared to my partner and the other attendees :)