In the early stages of my sobriety, my capability to stay on soda water,

instead of booze, was tested several times at various functions.

At the time, I didn’t have a sponsor yet but a couple of guys from the

fellowship gave me their numbers and asked me to call if I ever found

my willpower weakened and the craving to pick up a drink came back.

That was the first and the most important tool: “Call me before you

decide to pick up. Walk outside as if you are making important

business phone call!” – someone said. And I did.

Nonetheless, the biggest problem for me was to say “No” to anyone

offering booze and subsequently having to make up stories for why I

don’t drink. I thought everyone was looking at me, expecting me to

drink. Going through my AA journey, I learned that usually, the only

person who cared about my drinking was me. In some cases, other

people who cared about my drinking were other potential alcoholics

who forced others to drink to validate their seemingly “normal”

AA taught me I don’t have to explain why I don’t drink and now I cut

this discussion topic short, as long explanations usually invite more