Share Tips About Dealing with the Holidays

ANONYMOUS ALCOHOLIC ^ | 12/16/04

[SweetCaroline]

I guess the author doesn't dance?

YOUR RIGHT.My husband and I use to dance before he hurt his leg, and you know we could drink all night when we danced!

[Joe Bfstplk]

I simply say, "Thanks, I've had enough already."

[xcamel]

I guess you took care of the "Recovery Thought of The Day" for me.

Thanks!!

JSC

[SweetCaroline]

Is peer pressure still really that strong?

I think it is when your young,especially for the men, like, "WHAT'S A MATTER BOY YOU CAN'T KEEP UP WITH ME".

[Who dat?]

I'm sure that if I start drinking again, it won't be long before I die.

I’ve heard a lot of people say that.

I must be really weird. I don’t know if I was (am?) an alcoholic. I drank heavy for 25 years though. Literally would burn through a 12 pack of beer before lunch but after work was when the drinking really started. I’d go through one of those 1.75 liter bottles of Seagram’s in two days.

Did that day in and day out for decades. Then one day I was doing something and realized I hadn’t drunk anything in three or four days. Haven’t touched any since.

It isn’t anything I consciously tried to do… just sort-of got bored with it or “forgot” or something. Sometimes it’s nice being sorta dopey.

[Baraonda]

"I drink either Diet Coke (blood sugar probs) or ginger ale and bitters...in a short glass, with a sip stick."

My advice is to stay away from diet drinks. Bitters and ginger ale is fine. However, if you can have bottled water for these latter two's do so.

And, since your username has cake in it, here's is another great piece of advice: stay away from layer cakes and anything with so-called butter cream. They will kill you! I know, I was in the business.

BTW, I'm a diabetic.

[SweetCaroline]

"No thanks. I'd rather have a Coke."

I don't have a problem with it now ,but, I did. I don't know why, probably because I did want another. LOL

[crude77]

God knows I used to be a drinker. Sober since 2-3-98. If I am offered today I just say "No, I quit drinking." If they want to know why-I tell them. It's suprising how often people want to know more about alcoholics and AA after that.

It has provided me with more than a couple of opportunities to be of use to someone.

Am looking REAL forward to the food though.

[SweetCaroline]

This is why God created potted plants!LOL

YOU DIDN'T DID YOU?

....so that's why my plants look so sick after the holiday's!

[SweetCaroline]

I'm sure that if I start drinking again, it won't be long before I die. ....you know that's the same way I felt. Even still, it took me awhile to quit. I feel my body & mind repairing it's self more and more each day! THANK YOU GOD!

[SweetCaroline]

My family is very cool and a tremendous amount of fun to hang with

My family was the same way, we were all happy drunks and had a ball. Even my ex-husband wanted to spend the holidays with us. He said his family was dull!

[codyjacksmom]

During a relapse, one doesn't "start over", one picks up where they left off. I also drank for 25 years. By the time I went into treatment, I was drinking between 1 1/2 and 2 CASES of beer a day...and people still couldn't tell I was wasted. I would only "sleep" (more of a pass-out/blackout) 2-3 hours a night and drank constantly during all waking hours. I am not a very big person either. It's something I don't ever want to go back too.

I say "Way To Go!" to you...you are an extremely fortunate person.

[SweetCaroline]

PING

[netmilsmom]

>> I learned that no one cares if I'm drinking or not and that "what" I carried in my glass was rarely noticed by anyone. <<

Sorry, but I have had different experiences. I have noticed that many people comment and get crazy about what you have in your glass. I have been called some unfriendly names regarding partying when I would stick to just Diet Coke. Now I get a Diet Coke and stick a lime in it.
It tastes good, low in calories and everyone thinks it's a mixed drink.
I have never been a drinker. People somehow are amazed (and pushy) if you do not indulge in alcohol. It was my easy way out.

[Skinn_dogg]

Alcohol has never been a part of our family gatherings. In-laws or my own, so I must be the only one who knows my drinking is going to slow down during the holidays because I know it's not socially acceptable.

Even during work parties, I find it difficult getting your "drunk" on in front of other people.

I guess that's why I'm more of a closet alcoholic.

Nobody knows except my wife.

[OldFriend]

Sadly, peer pressure only increases as we become adults.

[SweetCaroline]

People somehow are amazed (and pushy) if you do not indulge in alcohol.

I know this is true, but I think it out of envy. I know when I was a heavy drinker, if I saw someone wasn't drinking I wondered why I couldn't be like them. BUT, I never tried to make them feel uncomfortable. Since I have quit drinking, I have run across some people who have tried to make me feel that way.

In my mind there are different kind of exes, (be it drinkers, smokers,eaters etc. )those that ridicule , those that envy, or those that celebrate with you are some examples. Even though you have never liked drinking you will meet up with the same kind.

[IamConservative]

"Why is that such a tough concept for some people?"

It is very difficult for some. So difficult that millions die having been unsuccessful. Not saying "No" to a host, passing on the alcohol. I have been to the edge, thinking I was in control and just having a good time. Soon, having a good time starts having a price and self denial begins.
Quitting is the most difficult thing I have ever attempted. I say "attempted" because it requires daily vigilance.

[Bluegrass Conservative]

I think it is when your young,especially for the men, like, "WHAT'S A MATTER BOY YOU CAN'T KEEP UP WITH ME".

I'm relatively young and never had a problem with that. I usually shot back, "You're looking manlier right now, but which one us is going to be able to get an erection later tonight?" Usually shut them up quickly. : )

[SweetCaroline]

When I went to a gathering like that, I always went to the restroom and took a sip from the little bottles that were in my purse. Of course I was fooling no one.