Day 4. Going out of town for family party

[Hopeful1976]

AF for 4 days. I feel awesome. I spent time reading some newbie posts last night and found so many people with the exact same habits as me..... cooking for the fam with a glass of wine that never becomes empty while I'm cutting veggies or working the grill. It gave me encouragement to know that others have similar patterns. I am leaving for a family BBQ today and will be away until Sunday. This is where my relapses tend to happen. Right now I have no desire to drink, but I am very nervous about failing, but I know I can be successful.

[Siren136]

Day 4. Going out of town for family party

HI Hopeful!! I would wish you good luck in staying AF during the trip, but I think we make our own luck when it comes to being sober. Have a plan in place for the trip. Rehearse what you will say when someone asks why you're not drinking. Plan to stay full and make sure there are yummy AF drinks available for you at all times.

Visit the tool box (https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...box-27556.html) for lots of other tips to stay AF in these situations. Have fun!

[Texas40]

Day 4. Going out of town for family party

I know exactly how you feel. My family drinks at every function and it is scary to think of being around them and being the only one not drinking. I have a similar family vacation coming up and I have decided to remain alcohol free during the vacation. I know it won't be easy, but I know I have to face these functions at some point and be as strong as I possibly can to not drink. I keep thinking to after the vacation and the pride I will have in myself and how strong I will feel once I have tackled that hurdle! There are so many places that are going to be drinking reminders around, but living life and leaving the guilt and shame behind seem way more enticing than the temporary buzz.

I hope it goes well for you! I am very new to all of this, but there are so many people on this site that have been exactly where we are and faced their demons head on. I hope we can both be one of them someday!

[Siren136]

Day 4. Going out of town for family party

Not everyone wants to come out and tell their friends and family that they have a drinking problem. Here are some good 'excuses'. ANyone else - feel free to add to this list!!

I'm on medication that does not react well with alcohol

I'm on a diet and am cutting back on empty calories as much as possible

My stomach's not 100% and the alcohol wouldn't sit well.

I didn't sleep well last night and a drink would make me really sleepy right now.

Maybe later - I'm thinking about going for a walk/drive/bike ride/nap/other right now

Stuff hasn't been tasting 'right' to me lately. The thought of a drink right now isn't appealing.

It's too hot - drinking makes me sweat.

I'm feeling dehydrated - I need water, not alcohol.

[Hopeful1976]

Day 4. Going out of town for family party

Thanks for both of your replies. I am happy to report that I went AF this weekend and am now on day 9!!! Ice cold seltzer water seems to be the biggest help, especially when everyone is drinking beer. I probably drank an entire case! I'm fortunate that nobody questions why I am not drinking. Most of the women in my family don't drink so I am not the only one. Good luck to both of you.