Hello Kirb86
Acknowledging there is a problem & wanting to change are the first, most important, steps.
when I quit drinking I didn't have the same social pressure that one feels when it seems everyone around them is drinking. I, too, would suggest talking to the people closest to you about what you want to do, to ask them to please, at least, not expect you to drink when they are. They need to respect your decision & not put any pressure on you to join in. - having alcohol ought not be required for joining in, just as not wanting to eat meat should exclude a vegetarian from the dinner tabee.
Other places where the people there are not known to you are more difficult to feel comfortable in, although I have been to pubs & hotels for lunch & have had coffee, milkshake, juice, or simply water with no-one making any fuss about it.
I accept that at formal functions I am going to feel uncomfortable when it is expected that I will join in a toast & have a glass of wine placed in front of me. I can go through the motions of having a sip, & not sip, & feel like there is a spotlight on me, letting everyone know I didn't drink or refuse the drink & ask for water instead ... ? I don't get much of a chance to do that, being blind, not seeing when someone is going around placing wine in front of everyone.
I've been friends with people who simply refused to respect my choice not to drink alcohol, & sadly, it has led me to say 'good-bye' to those friends. Other friends I've had have been more understanding & supportive.
The most important & useful tip I can give is to have a damn good reason which you can stick into proverbial concrete. My reason was because I knew, on a certain med, the alcohol would have had a more debilitating effect & would then lead me to more & more drinking, so I thought better safe than sorry. I accepted the med & quit the drinking. Just knowing what continueing would likely mean for me & my health. Very scary.
All the best,
Hugzies
mmMekitty
