social pariah !

bren0803

I have drank heavily for a number of years mainly at social events. This drinking has manifested into all aspects of my life. I am now going to AA meetings after many relapses. My main fear now is how i will be able to go to certain unavoidable social events without needing to fit in and drink. I guess what i'm saying, is there a substitute out there with similar effects that would enable me to attend for a few hours without feeling the compulsion to drink, something to take the edge, something to help me relax without actually having to drink.

Andy-Pandy

Honestly, you sound like your looking for a substitute for booze and i cant help but feel that would lead you down that road again. If these social events (wedding's?) are going to knock you off the wagon, just dont go. Explain to who ever is holding them why you cant go, be honest. There is no shame in AA, in fact it should be seen as a strength in your character that you are dealing with your demons.

AnonoBoy

Replacing booze with another drug is a recipe for disaster.

xzanti

Have you ever tried anything herbal? The health shops have all sorts of alternative remedies for stress and anxiety..

Also, there's Rescue Remedy although I believe that is a derivative of alcohol so you may want to thread carefully there.

Chamomile Tea is also a great relaxant if you were at a wedding or something I'm sure the Hotel would have it to hand, any barista worth it's salt will stock a wide selection of teas and coffees.

Best of luck.

bren0803

hey thanks for that, i was thinking along those lines just need to google some information. I'm not an anxious person unless i'm in social situations where there's drinking involved and that's been ingrained from all the binge drinking. Another thing is im on anti-depressants not sure they do anything but when i stop them i go ballistic on the vodka( drinking on my own ), so obviously they do something ! I'm not too sure you can mix some of these natural remedies ????
It's all in the head probably just need to retrain my brain a good psychology course !

username123

My father was an alcoholic for his whole life, on a few occasions he tried to stop and on one of those occasions he went to an alternative 'doctor' who told him to use Rescue Remedy to take the edge off. We got him a bottle of it and several hours later found him lying in yet another pool of vomit having consumed the tiny bottle of Rescue Remedy and following it up with a bottle of vodka. He claimed afterwards it was the taste of alcohol in the Rescue Remedy that set him off.

Anyway, I agree with the poster who says to avoid social situations until such a time as you are ready for them. As someone who often goes to social events without drinking I can tell you that they are largely more enjoyable sober anyway, plus when you wake up the next day you can actually remember conversations you have had. I have attended weddings without drinking, its not a big deal once you get used to it, although I did used to feel a bit awkward at first.

xzanti

bren0803 wrote: »

hey thanks for that

No problem..

Also, you might find some help and tips here

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1015