After all, everyone else is drinking and one person staying sober makes the rest look bad. One of those drinkers might think it’s a good idea to wheedle the non-drinker into joining the “fun.” Responding calmly and in a low-key, offhand manner tends to deflect any interest. If these emotions become excessive, they can hold you back from recovery. If you are trying to maintain a sober lifestyle, those feelings can become toxic and contribute to relapse if you don’t deal with them properly.
Additional resources to fight boredom in sobriety:
Dr. Lenton also suggests that by announcing that we’re quitting drinking, we subconsciously signal to the group that there is something wrong with THEIR drinking. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. Believe it or not, most people will appreciate that you’re showing up with authenticity and courage. Any awkwardness will pass and is more likely to increase their trust, respect, and compassion – not lessen it. This page may contain sensitive or adult content that’s not for everyone.
- In fact, I recommend starting with one-on-one conversations and expanding from there if and when you feel ready.
- I’ve included this separate from hobbies because I don’t believe that journaling is a hobby.
- Dr. Lenton also suggests that by announcing that we’re quitting drinking, we subconsciously signal to the group that there is something wrong with THEIR drinking.
- Many social outlets may have close ties to alcohol or drug use, making finding new sober friends challenging.
- Look for mocktails, alcohol-free beers or wines, herbal teas, flavored sparkling water, or creative concoctions made with juices and sodas.
- Download my pep talk for a dose of inspiration to keep you on track tonight.
Earth Is About to Start Spinning Faster. Here’s What That Means for Us.
- Just be sure that your rewards don’t involve drugs or alcohol.
- I don’t dislike any of my coworkers or anything like that, but it just felt really lame for me.
- Perhaps you’d appreciate a sober buddy, or someone else staying sober with you when you go out or helping you resist the temptation to drink.
If they don’t support you and respect your boundaries, it can hinder your efforts and derail your progress. One of the best ways for staying sober even when everyone around you is drinking is to find a drink you like. One of the hardest things about avoiding alcohol at times like this is feeling empty what is alcoholism handed. It can feel uncomfortable to be the only one not drinking. However, just having a drink in your hand can make you feel more at ease, even if it’s alcohol free.Therefore, it may help to find a drink you like as an alternative to alcohol. These can taste very similar to a cocktail, just without the alcohol included.
Tips for Socializing Without Alcohol
But, if you are comfortable with the occasion, and your friends may have the odd beer or glass of wine – being the DD will help to get you out while keeping you on track. To make sure that you can leave a situation if you need to, always drive yourself. If you can’t physically book them (such as buying tickets to something) schedule them out on your calendar and to-do list. This turns them from nebulous ‘Oh I want to do that thing sometime’ into something that is happening. So, sit down, grab a calendar, and start planning and booking the things that you have always wanted and meant to do. The best thing to do is to fill this space with new things to do.
You do want to come up with an explanation but not one that makes them feel bad for drinking. There is a fine line between a good friend and a drinking buddy. The right friends will completely understand that you’re a recovering alcoholic and won’t force you to drink. In fact, they will keep you away from the drinks when the temptation sets in. If you just casually toss off this how to stay sober when everyone else is drinking line without any assertiveness at all, you might not even be noticed. The person who makes a strong point of refusing alcohol makes himself into a target.