So, guys, what are your drinking triggers?

For me, one of them is sitting at the computer, surfing the internet. Another is social situations in which I feel somewhat uncomfortable or awkward. A big one, of course, is bars and parties, but that's a no brainer. First, second, third dates and maybe even beyond that can produce massive cravings, too-- I usually like to drink a little before them, to prepare myself. Sometimes, sex itself can be a trigger-- I like to be somewhat tipsy or buzzed before engaging in it (which, despite never having thought about it before, is somewhat disturbing behavior).

That's all I can think of for now, but if I come up with more, I'll post them!

Anyone else??

Friday night is the biggest for me - trying to find a way to blow off steam after a long work week, and be social (I spend a lot of time alone in my office all week). The rest of the weekend is easier. Bars are MUCH worse for me than parties, for some reason. Karaoke nights are a bit of a trigger but as I found out, I love karaoke even not blind drunk Friends visiting, special occasions, that sort of stuff.
Occasionally, I will get a strong urge to drink on a really boring evening. Then it's definitely just boredom.
EL

Emotions:

A feeling of accomplishment. Feeling sad. Being afraid. Being happy! Ah, it got to the point that any strong emotion became a trigger for me. Even weak emotions, like boredom, became triggers.

Events:

Any social gathering; being alone; a date; a relationship; watching sports; eventually playing sports! Having sex. Not having sex. I think you get the drift...

My original trigger was Friday night, a feeling of accomplishment and a feeling I deserved a party to let loose. After twenty-plus years of that, it spilled over into everything. Which is why alcoholism is a progressive disease: more and more thoughts and events become triggering events until it reaches the point you have no rational control over your habit. But thankfully, TSM puts an end to that.

Triggers
The end of the day, end of the week. Anytime I had to exercise control over myself or be responsible (work, kids etc) as soon as that responsibility was over or could be relinquished to someone else it was drinking time. Some of the worst drunken episodes I've ever had happened in my own home, hosting others. I knew I wouldn't have to drive so I would pre-drink and then really overdo it.

When I feel happy which is most of the time because I always thank my lucky stars for the wonderful life I have,then I feel like drinking and it always brings me down in the end.

phoenix I have to agree with you. Feeling happy and proud of myself is, unfortunately, my biggest trigger - much more than sadness, anger, boredom, whatever. IT's a bit constraining to always feel like you have to police yourself when you feel good

Work, teenagers, boredom, depression and yes even happiness. But usually if I am entertaining and in a good mood I am fine. I think Work is my major trigger. Dreading Monday usually brings around a blackout Sunday night which just leads to more stress on Monday.

Shiwa

Hi - My trigger is discomfort....any discomfort whether it be emotional or physical. My other trigger is the time when I get home from work and pour a glass of wine to sit for a minute before I have to make dinner for the family. However, with all of that said there are many triggers that have been extinguished since I started TSM and pixeldoll thanks for bringing this topic up so that I thought of them. It is always encouraging to realize you are making progress with TSM.

1. Going out to dinner or to a party used to produce the trigger to drink before, and usually I had to get a good buzz before going. Now, I can leave without any wine in my body and find that I drink less out than I do at home now.
2. Friday night used to be a big trigger and I would always drink more that night. Now, I find myself staying at work later and drinking just about the same on Friday as any other night.
3. I think bars will always be a trigger but I do notice reduced consumption. I can go out and have one or two drinks now at a bar or out to dinner.
4. Having people over used to be a big trigger and I would typically have a couple of glasses of wine before to take the edge off. Now, I don't have to do that.

My biggest trigger still remains that time of day when I like to have a glass of wine to unwind before dinner in my chair! I think I will buy a new chair and move it to the other side of the family room.