Early recovery is a fragile, powerful time. You’ve made the courageous decision to step away from alcohol or drugs, and you’re beginning to rebuild your life. But then comes the invitation: a birthday party, a wedding, a sporting event. It sounds harmless—fun, even. But for someone with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD), these environments can be emotional minefields.

As an addiction specialist, I’ve seen countless people relapse not because they didn’t care about their recovery—but because they underestimated the power of triggers in social settings. Let’s talk about why these situations are risky, and more importantly, how to protect your sobriety when the pressure hits.