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I am finished with my temporary job tomorrow. Happy and sad. People want to go out for drinks after work. I have never done this without smoking. I’m nervous and scared about it. Any suggestions how to get through this? Thank you
If you feel like you must go, limit yourself to just one drink or one beer - and figure out ahead of time a good excuse to leave that you can use if the need arises. If you start to waver, get thee OUT of there! Even folks with longer quits have lost them to the "just one won't hurt" pitfall. It will ALWAYS lead to another - ALWAYS!
Let us know how you do!
Nancy
Drinking was a trigger for me, i avoided it for the first year. If you go, bring some mints or something(gum, candy) ...
My first thought is that this is an opportunity to prove to yourself that you can win the battle. Imagine how awesome it will feel to have gone out for drinks and NOT have smoked at all.
I'm a regular beer drinker and was worried it might be a trigger once I decided to quit. To my surprise, I found that after a few drinks I became defiant. I wasn't going to allow any temptation to come between me and quitting for good.
Ultimately, you know you better than anyone else could. If you're legitimately concerned that a few drinks might mess things up, then don't do it. However, if you think you're up to the challenge, this might be the chance to prove to yourself that you're the one in control of how it's going to be.
Be strong, and don't hesitate to reach out for support!
I had the worst trigger after a drink. Many quits are lost like that. I would abstain and order a non-alcoholic drink. You and your quit come first. You can do this.
I lost two big quits from drinking...early in the quit, you really need to avoid alcohol....it goes hand and hand....so politely say “you can’t go” and do something else...or get a tonic with splash of cranberry and a lime...no alcohol...and prepare to leave if the urge arises...it isn’t worth putting yourself in this situation...unless there is no choice...Gotcha in my thoughts ~ keep us posted....~Colleen 340 DOF
Definitely DO NOT drink, and if it’s too much to be around smokers that are bound to be at the doorways outside...I wouldn’t even go, protect your quit at all costs...blessings
My advice if you feel as if you must go Go. I would stay away from alcohol this early in your quit. Nothing wrong with enjoying a coke which I have done on many occasions Realize the goal of going out for drinks really isn't about the drinks but enjoying the people you are with Can yo o this without drinking? Please be careful
You've gotten lots of advice, what did you decide to do?
Barb
Your CHOICE - YOU said YOU NEVER done this before - YOU have YOUR OWN answer ALREADY - WHY YOU asking????
I had to make the decision to not drink alcohol at all when I first quit if I wanted to be successful. At about 6-8 weeks quit I was confident enough to try a glass or 2 of wine but would not let myself drink anymore than that, My quit was just too important to gamble that I might lose it by drinking and I am so happy I did that. You will eventually be able to drink until you pass out without the thought of smoking.
I didn't allow myself any alcohol at all for the first few months. Now I can enjoy an occasional glass of wine. But to this day, I refuse to drink around smokers. It's too big a trigger. After one glass of wine, my inhibitions are lowered to the point that if someone is smoking near me, I am tempted to bum one.
Just put your quit first. And do whatever you have to do to protect it. That's really all I can add to the great advice you've gotten already.
Thank you all it’s 500 where I live and haven’t gone out. Still struggling with this whole stupid smoking thing anyway.. ugh I appreciate each and every one of you.
How are you? Let us know how you are doing. What you decided, and how it went. We are in your pocket.
You have to continue with your life don't feel that, not smoking is a punishment you should enjoy being smoke free and share it with your friends and if they are friends they will help you out or join in your quit but either way enjoy a couple of drinks just keep yourself conscious of your decisions to stay smoke free enjoy 
Thank you for all your advice. I’m sorry to say I had a cigarette last night and one this morning. I’m still trying though. I can’t beki how quitting is affecting my whole life. I didn’t expect this at all. I started reading that book today I hope that helps me stay free and clear.
So did you go out for drinks after work? Was that a trigger?
Yes it was the trigger! I knew it would be.I tried the gum for a bit that seemed to work most of the time. I still gotta figure this out.
Suzanne Swanson
Sent from my iPhone
I feel like it's a big deal that you now know for sure that's what the trigger was. I also love that you still seem determined to figure things out and fix it. I had a rough day myself, but I just kept repeating, "Be strong; you're doing the right thing." Are you still committed to quit?
I am sorry you smoked Swanbird ... start your quit over...don’t wait too long...do the work and now you know you will have to avoid alcohol till you get stronger...~ Colleen 341 DOF
I know! Thank you
Suzanne Swanson
Sent from my iPhone
No need to put yourself in a risky situation this early in your quit. If you feel you can handle it, go for a short period of time and don't drink alcohol. Best wishes!