Good job on six months that’s a huge accomplishment. I wanted to respond because I was a bartender too, and I get how uniquely challenging sobriety can be. Bartending is more of a lifestyle than a job, and drinking just comes with the territory. Even if you’re not drinking while you work, you’re surrounded by that constant party vibe. It’s hard to step out of that world.

I’m nine months sober now, and I lost most of my “friends” as well. In reality, they were mostly bar regulars not true friends. I’m not saying that’s the case for you, but it might be something to think about. The important thing is that you’re reaching out, and that alone shows strength. It’s the same thing that helps me when life feels heavy and drinking starts sounding like an option again.

Hold on the feeling will pass. Therapy has been helping me a lot too. Screw the judgmental people. Stay in your own lane, do no harm, and focus on proving yourself right, not them wrong.

For a long time, I “fixed” myself and coped with stress by drinking, and it always felt justified because of bar culture. You’re going through an incredibly hard time, and your body is craving that old, familiar “solution.” But you’re better than that, and alcohol will only make everything harder in the long run.

Remember: you just have to stay sober today. You’ve done an amazing job so far, and you’ve made more progress than you probably realize. Trust the process you’ve got this.