Below is a quick strategy you can use at the pub with friends, a party or even sitting at home when that little demon (i.e. crave for a drink) kicks up and has you pushing everyone else out of the way to get to the bar.

There's still a part of you that wants to drink because you're stuck in an addictive pattern.

Even if you think you aren't 'addicted' as such, there's a part of you that's still running the 'I need a drink' way of being... and you're fighting against it (because you want to stop). This creates a lot of anger, frustration, overwhelm and other negative emotions - which makes the situation worse.

Yes (don't act on it, just feel into it). 

Can I be ok with sitting with my friends and not drinking? 

No...' 

Can I be ok with being around people who are drinking and not drink?

Yes.

Can I be ok with ordering a soda?

Yes.

Can I be ok with being hassled by my friends?

No 

Now, instead of pulling away from the feeling (which we normally do and that creates the uncomfortable feeling that causes us to drink), you're giving yourself permission and acceptance which relaxes your body & makes you feel better (and therefore less likely to need the dopamine hit from alcohol).

So now, at the pub or in social situations, either don't go until you've got a handle on the 'not drinking thing' - or use this technique.

You can also use this in a daily meditation, where you sit and any thought, feeling or scenario that comes up, ask the question, 'Can I be ok with <fill in the blank>?'.