Chalm don't worry about your friends. Our book says that we can go anywhere a free person, that eventually we quit fighting everything, even alcohol. When we are truly ready to be honest open and willing, and when we truly want sobriety, we can go anywhere and see anyone and stay sober. No one can make us drink, just like no one can get us sober.

Just last night I was at my pool league, and the bouncer at the pool hall asked me talk. He's sober, coming up on 8 years, and he moved here just over a year ago. He's struggling, not with staying sober, but with life issues, and needs to plug back into the fellowship. It was awesome that he came to me for help. We went outside for a smoke and this guy walked up who's a regular at the pool hall. He hasn't had a drink in 20 days. He looked shocked when 4 of us out there said we're sober. And we're still going to the pool hall. Granted, it took me awhile to feel comfortable going back to a pool hall, but I had worked my steps and the book says "we absolutely insist on enjoying life" and that we can go anywhere as long as we have a good reason.

There's no point in getting sober to be miserable. That's the beauty of the fellowship of sober people and the steps that have worked for me. I can still associate with old friends but I don't have the urge to drink.

So don't worry so much about the friends. If you truly want to be sober and happy, you will be.