Holiday weekend challenge

[SoFlo1]

It seem like a bunch of us newbies are facing our first long weekend AF, looking to get through BBQs, beach picnics, etc., not to mention having an extra day of free time. I'm going to take each day as it comes, but I've committed to myself and made it known to those around me that drinking is not an option this weekend.

Who's with me?

[one2many]

Holiday weekend challenge

I am in....

Here are a few hints and tips that might help...


Staying Sober: Dealing With Temptations


Many patients over the years have asked me the same question: "I know I shouldn't drink but how can I avoid it when I'm out in social situations?"
There are variations to the question, such as, "I have a job as a sales representative and, when companies take me out to dinner, I am expected to drink. What can I do?"
Another question is, "When I go out with friends, all of us go to bars and everyone is expected to drink. They're all having fun, what can I do?"

Another variation on the same theme is, "I am invited to a party with lots of old friends. I know there will be lots of drinking but I really want to go."


1. "Be prepared for feeling awkward," says Donna Cornett, founder and director of the Drink-Link Moderate Drinking Program in Santa Rosa, California. She states that being prepared, "kind of takes the edge off of the anxiety and temptation."

2. "Over time, some people get so comfortable with the situation, they don't even think about it anymore," says Mark Willenbring, MD, former director of the division of treatment and recovery research at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. "They order a club soda with lime, and it doesn't bother them."





3. If you are going to a party, picture yourself arriving there, getting a non-alcoholic beverage, eating appetizers, and staying away from the bar area. Focus on conversations and catching up with friends. Decide how long to stay before you even step in the door. It's all right to plan to leave before everyone gets "buzzed."

4. Hold a glass of soda and keep it refreshed. That way, no one at the party has to offer to get you a drink.

5. Learn how to say "NO." Practice turning down a drink beforehand so you'll sound confident at the event, Dr. Willenbring says. "Look them in the eye, say it very firmly, and try not to leave an opening for argument or discussion," he says. "Some people wonder, 'Should I tell them I'm an alcoholic?' But just say, 'No thanks, I'm laying off it tonight,' and if they press, simply say, 'I feel like getting healthier.'"

6. Develop your own personal style for refusing a drink. I know one person who tells everyone in every social situation he is in that, "I am allergic to alcohol and cannot drink," if he is asked. Another individual tells people that he cannot drink because, "I suffer from terrible headaches. Thank you, but, no drink." If pressed he responds, "What, you want me to suffer a headache?"

7. Yet another tactic is to appoint yourself the "designated driver." Most people today are keenly aware of the dangers of driving while intoxicated due to the risk of arrest and getting a DUI. Many people are more than happy to have a designated driver.

8. One of the very best ways of preventing the temptation to drink is to avoid cues or situations that can greatly increase that temptation. This can call for some radical behavioral changes that most of us are unwilling or unable to do, such as, selecting new and non drinking friends, avoiding the bar scene completely, avoiding all parties, refusing to watch the Super Bowl with friends, etc. The problem with this approach is that it can make you feel resentful and end in your having a drink.

9. Whatever the strategies used, one way to prevent yourself from feeling resentful about not drinking is to
stay focused on the reasons for not drinking. Part of this strategy is to think in positive rather than negative terms. Consider the benefits for not drinking. One of the people I know is now able to enjoy the benefits of being free from a hangover the next morning and of feeling good the entire next day.

[SoFlo1]

Holiday weekend challenge

NICE list one2many, I'm definitely going to put a few of these in the toolbox for weekend!

[one2many]

Holiday weekend challenge





101 Things to do instead of Drinking

1. Read a book
2. Take a walk
3. Play a musical instrument
4. Knit
5. Clean your closets
6. Research your genealogy
7. Cook a gourmet dinner
8. Write an article for your local newspaper
9. Go take some pictures
10. Clean the mildew in your bathroom
11. Start writing that book you've been planning
12. Plan a garden
13. Plant a garden
14. Play with a pet
15. Read to a child
16. Visit someone in an old folks' home
17. Watch a news special on TV
18. Set up a family budget
19. Make a web site
20. Take up archery
21. Exercise
22. Go to an online recovery meeting
23. Surf the internet
24. Call your mom
25. Learn a foreign language
26. Write a poem
27. Play golf
28. Take a bubble bath
29. Draw
30. Teach a parakeet to whistle
31. Take a nap
32. Listen to music
33. Paint
34. Clean your desk
35. Start a stamp collection
36. Go window shopping
37. Browse in a book store
38. Go to an art gallery
39. Go for a drive
40. Paint a room
41. Watch the clouds go by
42. Play darts
43. Do target shooting
44. Do home repairs
45. Clean your garage
46. Sort your photographs
47. Make a scrapbook
48. Climb a tree
49. Plant a tree
50. Make marmalade
51. Make a list of things to do
52. Write a letter to the editor
53. Volunteer somewhere
54. Take a hike
55. Take a college class
56. Try yoga
57. Meditate
58. Get a massage
59. Make fruit smoothies
60. Bake cookies
61. Do a crossword puzzle
62. Go to the gym
63. Plant a color bowl
64. Sharpen your pruning tools
65. Change your engine oil
66. Sew
67. Groom your dog
68. Go see a play
69. Write a sonnet
70. Sort your recipes
71. Play solitaire
72. Go bird watching
73. Write a letter to a friend
74. Read a poetry book
75. Repot your houseplants
76. Go to a movie
77. Mow your lawn
78. Put up (or take down) your Christmas lights
79. Make pickles
80. Go jogging
81. Watch sitcoms
82. Plan menus for a diet
83. Do a jigsaw puzzle
84. Play chess
85. Write a country-western song
86. Watch a video
87. Go for a bike ride
88. Plant an herb garden
89. Start an online journal
90. Dye your hair
91. Go to a restaurant
92. Lift weights
93. Bake some bread
94. Learn a martial art
95. Polish the furniture
96. Make a flower arrangement
97. Read the newspaper
98. Start some seeds
99. Sort your magazines
100. Do some laundry.
111. Take a nature walk
112. Play with your kids
113. Volunteer at a homeless shelter
114. Volunteer at a school
115. Pick up garbage in a park
116. Tickle your kids
117. Play basketball
118. Volunteer at an animal shelter
119. Read to a child or pet
120. Sign up for obedience training with your dog
121. Take a walk and pick up litter you see on the way
122. Spend time at the library
123. Sort all your digital photos and make an album to print for holiday gifts to family.
124. Help your kid organize his closet.
125. Figure out the melody and chords to your current favorite tune on the piano.
126. Practice your holiday cookie recipes
127. Make crackers from scratch (that one didn't go so well).
128. Make tortillas from scratch (better).
129. Reread a book you haven't read for years.
130. Tango
131. Learn about someone else’s religion.
132. Reread one of your college textbooks.
133. Key out a wildflower.
134. Do your nails.
135. Do word puzzles.
136. Play a board game.
137. Burn CD’s of some of your favorite music for a friend.
138. Plant a bonsai.
139. Play Mad Libs.
140. Speak only in heroic couplets for an hour.
141. Read poetry online.
142. Ride a stationary bicycle.
143. Set up a domino topple.
144. Play backgammon.
145. Build a house of cards
146. Make an entry in Wikipedia.
147. Read a world almanac.
148. Publish a family newsletter.
149. Throw cards at a hat.
150. Go to bed.

[SoFlo1]

Holiday weekend challenge

151. Thank One2many and all those further down the path than me ;-)

[Spinning J]

Holiday weekend challenge

I'm in!!!

[OverIt2007]

Holiday weekend challenge

Hi SoFlo!

I am with you for sure, although I may have a bit of an edge as I have to work, so therefore alot of temptation might be taken away, not sure though, as my drinking never really has to make any sense.

I had a really bad drunk on Thursday.. One of those ones where you realize, I really DO have to change! So... Ill join you in a AF weekend, for sure Buddy

Overit

[SoFlo1]

Holiday weekend challenge

Awesome AF day with the family, looking forward to tomorrow. Passed by a park where some vets have put a flag display together for the weekend - one for each soldier fallen in our two current conflicts. I think it was the first time I've stopped to think about what his weekend is about in a while - partying and planning to party used to be full time jobs...

OverIt & Spinning - Hope you're doing well.

[Spinning J]

Holiday weekend challenge

Sounds like you had a good day SoFlo I had a lovely AF day yesterday too. I went out for lunch with friends and drank water and coffee they don't drink so it wasnt that hard! Luckily no temptations for me today. Overit I too this week realized I do have to change this time for good so I came here. Day 3 AF for me (this time!!)
Still getting my head around this posting lark I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon!

[Panno]

Holiday weekend challenge

Spinning fantastic on day 3 AF :goodjob:

One2many - thanks for posting this list - I'm printing it off think it will come in handy today

[hillsidetime]

Holiday weekend challenge

Hi Soflo1, it is great to hear how focused you are. That is the attitude you need. I am also getting through this weekend, beautiful weather, beaches, bbq's, and doing it without booze. One2many, great post. All the best,
Hill

[OverIt2007]

Holiday weekend challenge

SoFlo,

Glad to see you are doing so well and sounding so positive! Yes, what a shame when we are drinking all the things we really do miss out on or do not understand because we are so self absorbed. We fail to consider those around us. Yes, Memorial Day is about people who gave the ultimate gift to service, the gift of their lives to their country. Makes me feel very shameful at my past self absorbed ways, but we do have the opportunity for real change if we want it!!

No drinking for me yesterday, still tramatized by my Thursday drunk. I think it will carry me sober for a long while, and if not, I have Antabuse to take as well.

I went outside this early morning, (LOVE hangover free early mornings) and saw both a beautiful sunrise and as I was amazed at the beauty of it, I looked back and saw the calm coolness of a blue moon. I stood stunned at the double beauty of the beautiful blue moon and the bright sun peaking over the clouds.

Now we can start appreciating some of the real beauty in life without the booze glasses.

Keep up the great work, it really WILL be worth it of course.