[TexasCowboy]

I'm not sure where you're coming from, but speaking as a recovering alcoholic, I had to change my playmates, my playthings and my playgrounds.
Any offense that might have caused someone was, and still is, irrelevant.
No drunk likes a sober, so friendship with a drunk is not conducive to my serenity.
If there's anything on this earth I will be selfish about, it's my sobriety.

[maui_hawaii]

I'm not sure where you're coming from

First congrats to you and Rob both.

My post wasn't directed towards either, but rather towards everyone else. Especially those who find themselves in situations where they can influence others.

I am basically saying be aware of those around you and be a real friend--by supporting those who may (or may not) struggle.

[RobFromGa]

The recovering alcoholic is like the puzzle piece that has changed and no longer fits exactly in the space we used to occupy. Since it is not reasonable to expect others to change to accomodate our new shape, we often need to find a new puzzle to be a part of.

Old hangouts, old hobbies and old drinking buddies must be dealt with.

And it will take time for even those closest to you to really believe that you really mean it "this time" as compared to all the past times you had said you changed.

Patience is required.

[maui_hawaii]

I had to change my playmates, my playthings and my playgrounds.

Wise thing to do.

Any offense that might have caused someone was, and still is, irrelevant.

True! If one is making big changes, cut the old baggage loose. Sometimes thats the only way up.

No drunk likes a sober, so friendship with a drunk is not conducive to my serenity.

My post is not directed at drunks vs non-drunks. But rather 'social drinkers' who may not be in either category. The road to hell is a gradual slope, not a cliff.

I think maybe it depends largely on age too...people who are a little older in some ways are better to hang out with than people around the twenty somethings....

Again, I don't drink at all. I am a teetotaler. Not a drop.

If though I go to a social event and people are 'weirded out' that I don't toss a few back... I can only imagine what kind of impact that would have on someone who is struggling with alcoholism.