Most of your first times with new experiences in your life alcohol free will bring up thoughts leading to uncomfortable emotions and feelings. Know this is an amazing opportunity to create new neural pathways in your brain. 

The more you experience getting through events without drinking, the easier it gets. Eventually, even if you're surrounded by alcohol and people drinking, you'll notice the old thoughts leading to worry won't be there.

• Make a plan - set yourself up for success! Use the If than tactic. If this happens, then I will do this. 
• ​Visualize yourself at the event and how you’ll respond  - see yourself following through with how you want to behave. See yourself responding in a way that is comfortable for you. 
• ​There will always be unknowns 
• ​Have a committed listener on call - someone who knows what you’re doing, that you’re committed to being alcohol-free for the event, and who you can speak with (at the event or by phone). Sometimes we just need to say what we’re feeling and thinking, to someone who’s in our corner.
• ​Leave if you need to! Know where you can go and how you can get there - home, your hotel, a friend's place, etc. You are free to leave and it doesn’t mean anything about you if you choose to.

If you have a question you'd like me to help you with, then let me know here - https://www.jumpseatcoaching.com/AskDebi

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