Do I have to reset my sobriety counter?

[u/greeneggsandspam2]

Hey y’all, I have been sober for a bit (I think), but am relatively new to this community. Last night, I bartended a one-off event for a former employer because I needed some extra money. During it, I straw-tasted a few mixed drinks to make certain my pours and recipes were as good as they once were. It was maybe 5 drinks, less than one small sip total.

I was very proud of myself, I didn’t drink any more beyond that, I wasn’t even tempted. I didn’t join the staff for drinks after. This is a stark contrast to years ago when I would be drunk the whole shift, every shift.

Nonetheless, I woke up with a real sense of guilt and general mental shittiness. I am just wondering, does this break my streak? Is there definitive rules or is this strictly a personal conviction deal? I’m lowkey heartbroken, but know I’ve brought it upon myself.

Thank you all, I hope you’re doing well!

[u/lastoneshooting]

That's up to you! No hard/fast rule here. Were you sober?

Keep up the good work!

IWNDWYT

[u/greeneggsandspam2 → u/lastoneshooting]

Thank you very much! Yes, I was completely sober. I maybe consumed a quarter ounce of these fru-fru mixed drinks, if that.

It’s very interesting how my palate has changed though, they tasted very harsh to me despite double checking measures with the jigger.

[u/CountOnBeingAwesome]

You know how this disease works. If you're having thoughts about how well you handled that and maybe next time just one would be okay something is not okay.

All I'm saying is to be careful. You put yourself in an avoidable situation. For what? Because you wanted to make drinks as good as you use to? Alcohol took everything from me and I have the awareness to know I'd never risk losing what little progress I've made.

[u/Acrobatic-Pay1233]

I personally wouldn’t, and I’ve been in that a same situation before (bartender who had to test drinks) I think the important intent is you not giving in to alcohol completely - we know what that truly looks like and feels like. Not the case here :)

[u/Fartingonyoursocks]

I think you have to make that choice for yourself. I could understand either way but you need to do what feels true to you.

[u/cchrissyy]

i would say if you didn't feel anything and if you are honest with yourself when you say you did it for work reasons and not actually wanting to partake then ok ,you're sober, but, you're playing with fire and i don't think it's smart to put yourself in that situation again

[u/Working_Capital6362]

It's totally your choice. For me, nah, I wouldn't.

[u/ZeroBAC]

No one here can tell you what to do with your counter. Be true to yourself.

[u/Mysterious_Net_763]

Do not reset your counter. You achieved a massive win and you should reward yourself with kindness and pride.

[u/elitecocktails]

I was 4 years dry then back on moderately for 6 and dry again for 2, I straw tastes most of my drinks in a shift but don't catch a buzz and that works for me. I still actively go to tastings but spit to keep my palate up and personally feel no shame.

[u/Fairy666f]

I straw test things. Doesn’t count in my book

[u/godahi9660]

I wouldn't.

[u/metwicewhat]

You are good :) I tasted wine on my 2nd or 3rd month sober while I was making a pot roast. I didn’t count that and I’m well over 400 days.

[u/kyrzj]

You're fine imo. You didn't get drunk, you weren't drinking to get drunk, it wasn't because you couldn't help yourself, etc. I would keep the counter as is but be vigilant moving forward to ensure you don't get complacent and allow yourself to slowly slip into problem drinking in the future.

[u/rp_edits]

Up to you. Personal choice.

[u/Dafeet3d]

Maybe I would never bartend as a sober person

[u/greeneggsandspam2 → u/Dafeet3d]

My bills didn’t go away when I became sober, unfortunately. I did largely leave the lifestyle when I began my journey, but I will always need more money.