“So our rule is not to avoid a place where there is drinking, if we have a legitimate reason for being there. That includes bars, nightclubs, dances, receptions, weddings, even plain ordinary whoopee parties. To a person who has had experience with an alcoholic, this may seem like tempting Providence, but it isn’t. You will note that we made and important qualification. Therefore, ask yourself on each occasion, “Have I any good social, business, or personal reason for going to this place? Or am I expecting to steal a little vicarious pleasure from the atmosphere of such places?” If you answer these questions satisfactorily, you need have no apprehension. Go or stay away, whichever seems best. But be sure you are on solid spiritual ground before you start and that your motive in going is thoroughly good. Do not think of what you will get out of the occasion. Think of what you can bring to it. But if you are shaky, you had better work with another alcoholic instead!”-from the chapter “ Working With Others”
– from The Big Book Of Alcoholics Anonymous
Even though we are receiving addiction recovery this does not mean that we avoid living our life and going out into society. In fact it is encouraged that we go out and enjoy ourselves and our lives to the fullest. While it is smart to be cautious about the scenes we are hanging out in like bars, clubs, and parties if we are spiritually fit we can go anywhere and do anything. We got sober in order to be happy and functioning not isolate and be shut off from the world. When we go to detox, AA, or Above It All drug rehab we receive the tools necessary for dealing with different situations, and live life on life’s terms. Through taking our recovery one day and even one situation at a time we can become happy, healthy functioning members of society. If we are diligent about doing the work we will be able to stay sober through anything.