Triggers in Recovery

Congratulations on starting a fantastic journey; one that will hopefully last the rest of your life. Two months is a relatively short amount of sobriety, but only you can determine how strong your recovery is. If you feel playing hockey keeps you sane, then, by all means, play hockey. I will be honest that I didn't go anywhere that served alcohol or participate in activities that involved drinking during my first year. These are personal choices that each person in recovery must make for themselves. Consider the strength of your sobriety program and the support you have from other people in recovery. This is certainly a conversation to have with your sponsor for his recommendation.

There is no problem with your friends knowing you're in recovery, but please don't make it their responsibility to not ask you along for beers after a game. Your sobriety is your own responsibility and will be from now on. This will not be the only situation you will encounter in recovery in which you will have to make a decision about whether or not to attend an event because there will be drinking involved. Normal people drink and it is our job as persons in recovery to adapt to their world, not the other way around. Maybe you could say something like, "I'm kinda worn out tonight and think I'm gonna go home and get some rest." You don't have to tell people why you don't go or why you don't drink, unless you choose. I wish you the best of luck with your sobriety and your season!!!