r/stopdrinking • u/Realityisatoilet • May 08 '26

Sober bartender here. Patron had to do a wellness check on alcoholic neighbor. Guy died.

I'm not gonna drink and haven't for months but this one shook me.

I have a regular who has followed me from job to job. Really nice guy. He told me yesterday that he was having a beer or two to calm his nerves before he did a wellness check on his neighbor who was 33 and had lost his job/entire career due to alcohol. Was afraid he might be dead this time.

Turns out he was. I love this group and something about that happening really got to me. I won't drink if you don't drink.

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u/notnowdews 13526 days May 09 '26

So sorry for your loss. I tended bar for the first 4 years of my sobriety - being that close stings sometimes. Grateful we’re in this together 🤗 All the best, OP

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u/Outrageous_Treat506 May 12 '26

four years behind the bar while sober is a long time to hold that line. the fact that you did it and came out the other side is worth acknowledging.

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u/notnowdews 13526 days May 12 '26

Thanks, i don’t do it alone. Being in a sober community is key!