Really triggered at work yesterday

On Friday we had a group luncheon, pre - St. Patricks day party at the office. It was organized by two of our employees from Newfoundland. It was kind of fun, they made jigs dinner, pease porridge, and a bunch of other traditional Newfoundland foods. One of the guys had put together a powerpoint slide show of NF scenerie, and celtic music was playing. Then the booze came out.

They'd brought 2 bottles of Irish Whiskey (My all time favourite drink) and a bottle of screech (nasty form of rum) that I have fond memories of drinking to excess at parties and bars in NF.

Multiple problems - I totally associate NF with drinking, I've been there multiple times, and there's this street in St John's that's nothing but bars with live celtic music. I've had many great nights partying and getting drunk out of my mind there.

Celtic music - normally doesn't bother me, i play a lot of it, it just happened that the guys selection included a lot of drinking songs, that I've drunk to and sung while drunk.

And then all around me people are pouring shots. Nobody got drunk or anything, because we still had to work that afternoon, but alcohol was definitely consumed.

I was the only person in the group not drinking, and nobody pressured me to drink, thank goodness, but man was it hard being there. I could literally taste the whiskey in my mind. And I felt seriously left out and deprived that I couldn't drink, I also didn't feel like I could just get up and leave since that would have been really conspicuous.

This was really my first time being around alcohol since my last relapse, and it was really hard.

--splitimage

I sorry you're were triggered and it must have been very hard. It's great that you made it though and you deserve a high five. St Patrich's Day is notorius for drinking. I don't drink myself because my brother was a lifelong alcoholic and my mom was a binge drinker. As a result I don't like to be around alcohol or people under the influence. I think I've always been afraid of ending up like them.

I think you held up under intense pressure and temptation. Even though you were triggered, please give yourself credit for handling it this well

Hi Split Image, congratulations on not giving in to the "drink" having self control is something that I admire about people it's something I am working on. Continuing peace and strength.

Well done!! You have done great.

Now you can taste the success of hard work (and not whiskey...) and though it was difficult I bet you feel proud of yourself!

I know what you mean Spitlimage and where I live now St Paddy's day is just another day. But I do go home to Dublin on occassion for the celebrations as I get very homesick. It is so difficult not to take part in the drinking as the dancing and singing, the evil drink relaxing you too into taking part. I feel lie I am an outsider looking in.

I fint it great to move from venue and not stay long in the one place. My friends are great they accommodate my sobriety.

But drink or no drink there in nothing like St Patrick's Day in Ireland.

Yay you, splitimage.