Over the last decade I find I drink way less than I use to. I usually had a great time "partying" with friends - friends at the time.

I do take meds... and my mental health is getting better and better so I do not have that desire to escape like I use to.

Even though I do have drinks at times... I now notice those old friends and I do not have as much in common anymore. I have other things in my life I am passionate about and would like to share with them - I want other types of discussions... most of those old friends are not interested and are pretty much using alcohol daily.

There are a couple friends (dear to me) that I know are clearly unhappy with their lives and are definitely self medicating.... I see pain and drowning that with alcohol or pot or medications are not helpful for changing their mental health.

I've told most I am on meds... some get it some don't. Some will let you go because they are invested in your sickness somehow and as you get well the sick ones do not want to take a look at their own lives.

And sometimes it's just no fun to be sober if your friends are stupid drunk.

There are those in your life that will understand and love you all the same. As you get better and better you will probably choose to have different people in your own life. It's but a journey... people and events come and go...no perfect situation - make sure you take notice of the good and let the bad fade away.