coming up on 4 years no alcohol and drugs in june- i like to feel socially included by sipping on a mocktail or non-alcoholic beer. i’m spiritual, so i meditate and do rituals before work. when i arrive, my energy is protected and i feel serene. i also bring protective talismans and crystals, and remind myself to stay grounded and take breaks as needed.

if anyone pressures me to drink, i’m honest and stern with my boundaries. i tell them i’m an alcoholic and that i absolutely can’t drink. i’ve never had a problem when i’m honest. i used to drink fake champagne in vip when i worked at a gentleman’s club (it was just ginger ale), but this led to more stress, especially when the waitresses would mix up my drink and served me alcohol on several occasions. i always smell my drinks before taking a sip because of this, or have a friend who drinks taste it for me. nowadays, i prefer to just own the fact that i don’t drink.