For those here in professional services (consulting, accounting, legal, etc.), when starting with a new firm or on a new project, what’s your approach to discussing your sobriety?

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I say I don't drink. If people ask me why I say "I used to have too much fun, but those days are over" and keep it light. No one to date has ever pressed further in such a way that I felt I needed to explain my sobriety journey. However I'm quite proud to be a recovering alcoholic and I like the program so if anyone really asked, I'd probably tell them about AA.

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I avoid bringing it up. Usually, if someone offers a drink at a happy hour meet up, I just ask for the non alcoholic option. If someone pushes about it, I say I have some health problems and was recommended not to drink to avoid future health complications. I prefer the health excuse because people don’t pressure you after

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I also usually just say health reasons

I don't ever mention it unless a situation arises where I think my experience, strength, and hope could be useful to someone, in private.

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Yes I’d say 75% of the time I’ve been in bars post sobriety, someone finds me, starts asking questions and my experience has altered their view of alcohol or they quit all together. Be the beacon of light in the darkness of the bar 🤩

It hardly ever comes up

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I just said I don't drink. If pressed something like I had too much fun. I will say most people just said ok and went on their way. Later as I got to know them better conversations got deeper.

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Thanks for all the responses! I start a new job back in consulting next month and want to get my head in the right place.

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I always like the joke (assuming it’s in the right setting) I say “if you are okay with me burning this place down then sure, get me a drink, but otherwise I think the owners would prefer I don’t.”
Or
“There’s not enough booze here for me so why bother?”
They are kind of dumb responses but it seems to work. Throws them off with the awkwardness.
Otherwise I do t bring it up at work.

Yeah that is a good one. Basically “say we are allocated 10,000 drinks for one lifetime: I’ve already had all of mine so I’m out”

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