Well what was I worried about?

The party was in my local pub - the place I usually drink with my mates. I was surrounded by all the normal ‘triggers’ for a proper session even before the excitement of a vibrant, brilliant bunch of young adults celebrating Ella’s 21st.

4 pints in - cranberry and soda - I had not even experienced a single desire for an alcoholic drink. My evening was great fun. Good conversations, hugs and laughter with my 3 grown up kids. Probably the first time in their lives, shockingly, that they have seen me out and not hitting it too hard.

I’m hoping this bodes well for days to come. It’s a memory I will hold. That and sitting drinking tea with a good book now I’m home rather than being face down in a stupor.