9 months and counting....worried about tonight

[maddiemookins16mum]

Hi all

I stopped drinking in Feb this year. For context, I’d happily down a couple of bottles of plonk several times a week (and had done for a long time). I know I had/have an issue with booze.
I joined AA for a few months, kinda helped but then started a new job and couldn’t go anymore.
Tonight is our Christmas work do, it’s a big posh do. Lots of free booze.
Has anyone tips for getting through it. I’m also nominated for an award (announced tonight) so I know I’ll be nervous/excited about that too.
I keep thinking one won’t hurt 🙁🙁

Just think about what one drink could lead to, and how staying sober will be great - sober you'll stand on the stage accepting your award professional and smiling, not wobbly. Sober you'll wake up in the morning smiling about the memories of the night, not wincing. You'll also wake up looking great!

You can do this

No, don't have one. It may undo all your hard work. Not worth taking the chance. Could you drive to the function so you will not be tempted?

It's that thing about watching the film right to the end.

So - you have a drink "to give you confidence", even though giving up alcohol for so many months is a massive achievement, far greater than anything you could win an award for. Why do you need confidence to get up on the stage, when you've already achieved so much more?

And let's say you win and have a drink to celebrate. And you know you won't stop there. And pretty soon you'll be disgusted with yourself, on a night that was supposed to be really happy and a great achievement.

Or you might lose and drink to commiserate. Only you'll feel 100 times worse if you drink as well as losing. You'll feel a complete failure.

A friend of mine stopped drinking altogether by reading Jason Vale's book Kick the Drink - she said it was fantastic how it changed her point of view.

Hi Maddie

One will hurt. You know it will. You'll be devastated tomorrow.

Can you remember a morning in the last nine months where you've regretted not drinking the night before?

Visualise tonight now. What will you wear? What will you drink? What will you do if you win the award (or don't)?

Leave early if you want to.

It will be great and you will be sober and what a relief that is. You don't have to deal with all the shit that comes with drinking any more. You'll be a year sober in just a couple of months, which is amazing and must make you so proud.

I survived, alcohol free! I never won (not really too bothered as my lovely colleague did). Did leave early though as it was already getting messy at 10pm. Feeling great this morning. Thanks for the support.

I'm so pleased to hear this update. Good work OP.

Well done Maddie - you did so well. Xxx

Fantastic!!! Well done! I always think to myself, will I be pleased with this decision on the morning... no, I will not!

It gets easier ;)