This also might be a good time to call on the friend you’ve told about your decreased-drinking goals. If you know you’re heading to an event where you’ll be offered alcohol, prepare what you’re going to say before you get there, says Young. You don’t owe anyone a lengthy explanation, but coming up with something short and sweet beforehand can help minimize attention to your lack of drinking and make you feel more confident about navigating the convo. If these emotions become excessive, they can hold you back from recovery.

If you feel like alcohol helps you in a social setting, whether it’s by making you more calm or confident, just know that there are other, potentially healthier options for getting that effect, says Gardner. It’s kind of like exposure therapy for not drinking for longer periods of time. You’ll get better at navigating spaces without an alcoholic beverage in hand and build up the muscle to deal with the anxiety you have about not drinking. Ordering a drink upon arrival to your destination might feel like an icebreaker or a way to ease yourself into a social situation, and it often happens out of habit.

Embrace the Joys of Sobriety

• The best way forward for your recovery from alcohol or substance use is to incorporate a wide variety of strategies that will help foster success.
• It’s a blanket approach which isn’t for everyone, but I’ve found it works well for me, and below I’ve tried to outline the reasons why.
• Embrace the opportunity to connect with friends on a deeper level and enjoy the benefits of sober socializing.
• Like that idea of being restricted, it might be hard for some people to figure out what they’re going to do with themselves without alcohol.

One patient told me that his father — who he knew liked a drink — always abstained when they were together in drinking situations out of solidarity and support for his son. Yet, the patient reported that having at least one other supportive “abstainer” with him made him feel better and more comfortable. Joining a support group is an excellent way to find sober friends.

Finding Sobriety Among Friends Who Drink Is Possible

By New Year’s Day 2024, I was ready to try an entirely dry spell – here are five things I noticed when I stopped drinking. But I would only ever drink socially so when the first Covid lockdown hit in 2020 my relationship with alcohol went out the window. It was at this point I started to notice how much better I felt without it. As another Dry January draws to a close and people prepare to resume old habits, this positive experience has persuaded me to give alcohol a miss for the foreseeable future. It’s a blanket https://thecinnamonhollow.com/a-guide-to-sober-house-rules-what-you-need-to-know/ approach which isn’t for everyone, but I’ve found it works well for me, and below I’ve tried to outline the reasons why.

How To Stay Sober (When All Your Friends Drink)

Being sober-curious shouldn’t feel restrictive, whether it’s for a night or more long term. At its best, it’s about discovering new ways to connect, celebrate, and unwind. As you continue beyond Dry January, focus on the possibilities rather than the limitations. Each time you connect back to your “why” and experience an alcohol-free social event, hangover-free morning, and authentic connection, you prove to yourself that you can do it. Part of the challenge of being sober is that sometimes you can feel like you have to keep it a secret.

I don’t know how to be around drinking people sober

I remember the first party I went to sober which was quite early days after I’d stopped drinking. I was confident that I’d be able to go and not drink but I was dreading it because I thought I’d be bored out of my brains. I thought I was going to be the most boring and unsociable person there. I felt like I didn’t have anything in common with the people that were going to be there. It was to do with my partner’s work and I was only going because I wanted to support him as he had to be there.

LAMB OF GOD’s RANDY BLYTHE On Being 14 Years Sober: ‘I’m Not Afraid Of Being Around Alcohol Or Drugs’

While he says you don’t have to be ‘broadcasting it’, it’s worth letting those you go out with know. But if you A Guide To Sober House Rules: What You Need To Know are struggling, ‘just leave’ as he says it’s not worth forcing yourself through something. And addiction expert and psychiatrist at rehab clinic Delamere, Dr Catherine Carney, says it’s helpful to find new hobbies. Legal | Privacy PolicyInformation on this site is provided for informational purposes.

• Most people who make their way into recovery have left a lot of pain and suffering in their wake.
• “I knew she had them in her suitcase in our guest room closet,” she told the publication, crying at the memory.
• Joining a support group is an excellent way to find sober friends.
• Having an exit strategy or a supportive friend who understands your journey can be immensely helpful in navigating these moments.
• In the early days of learning to live your life sober, you might decide that it’s easier for you to avoid situations where you’re surrounded by people drinking.

For that reason, I haven’t drunk since, and while I wouldn’t rule out a few glasses at a wedding or major event here and there, I don’t see alcohol becoming a regular fixture in my life for the foreseeable future. Admittedly, I tend to leave these activities and go home a little earlier than I would have done previously. But I still have a good time, and the occasional early exit feels like a small price to pay for feeling fresh the next day.

Relationship expert reveals the three green flag traits people should look for in a partner

In these cases, I started a challenge because I thought I “should,” but I kept up the lifestyle shift because of how it made me feel. If you’re anything like me, you may have fallen into sobriety without really considering how to navigate your new life — especially socially. If you say you’re trying to eat less chocolate or exercise more to improve your health, people generally accept it. People want a reason why you’re not drinking and, if it’s not strong enough, many of them will try to persuade you to “just have one or two”. I continued to use booze as a social lubricant into my twenties. I found happiness harder to come by in the days after a heavier session, the hangovers became unbearable and my post-night-out anxiety skyrocketed.

“I like to say that humans are social creatures, but they’re not very good at it – that’s the problem. Small amounts of alcohol make humans what they want to be.” explains Nutt. If you want to feel motivated and positive about your alcohol-free life…

Instead, focus on things, experiences, and activities that will support your new, healthy lifestyle. By actively choosing alcohol-free venues and engaging in non-alcoholic activities, you can create a supportive environment that aligns with your sobriety goals. Remember, sobriety does not mean missing out on socializing. Embrace the opportunity to connect with friends on a deeper level and enjoy the benefits of sober socializing. When planning outings with friends, consider exploring options such as coffee shops, tea houses, juice bars, or restaurants that offer a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages. These venues provide a comfortable and inclusive environment where you can enjoy the company of your friends without feeling pressured to consume alcohol.

Like that guy from that probably stolen Dane Cook sketch, drunk people just “gotta dance.” A couple beers and everyone is oblivious to their surroundings. At Ria, we offer weekly meetings with certified counselors to help members stay on track and build skills for long-term change. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective. Quitting alcohol completely can be a challenge, but there are more ways to do it than ever before. Here is our guide to giving up (or cutting back) on alcohol.