After recovering from alcoholism and becoming sober, the goal shifts to maintaining recovery and avoiding relapse. Being around friends who drink is one of the challenges and triggers you might face in everyday life that could lead back to alcoholism and addiction. Nonetheless, it’s possible for you to maintain your sobriety while continuing friendships with people who drink.
Lastly, carrying reminders and seeking professional assistance when necessary are vital steps on this path towards staying sober around drinkers which we will cover extensively. For those of us that have struggled with alcohol addiction, many of the real challenges in recovery come after we have completed a treatment program. For many people whose lives once revolved around drinking, it can be difficult to avoid every social, and sometimes professional, event that involves alcohol. I love hosting events and creating a safe environment for all guests invited. If you are the host and are close to the sober person, ask them questions before the event about what things would make them feel more comfortable. Invite a couple of other people who don’t drink to the event; many people don’t drink for personal, religious, or health reasons.
Being comfortable around others who drink
But not social situations where I didn’t know the people well. For me, it’s more the occasion and people combined that determine if I can handle it or not. I’m still avoiding some social events at almost 7 months sober.
LAMB OF GOD’s RANDY BLYTHE On Being 14 Years Sober: ‘I’m Not Afraid Of Being Around Alcohol Or Drugs’
By setting a goal to wait 30 minutes before you order your first glass of rosé, you can learn to tolerate any discomfort—and discover that you don’t need the alcohol in the first place. That sounds a little intense, but that’s because (sometimes) it is. Whenever you question whether you made the right choice by giving up drinking, remember your reasons for choosing sobriety. In such instances, it may be best to make no special accommodations for the individual; doing so would only increase a potentially unwelcome focus for that person.
- Seek out new friends in sober communities, support groups, or even online forums that align with your values and where your sobriety is just another fact, not a focus.
- This may involve politely declining invitations to events where alcohol is the main focus or suggesting alternative activities that don’t involve drinking.
- Coxey describes it as a place for people to go out, listen to music and make meaningful connections.
- Most people that have struggled with addiction don’t know how to have fun while engaging in sober activities.
- Reinforce what you’re doing is important, and you need them to be more supportive.
- Your decision not to drink is your own business, and no one else’s.
Because we all need a good laugh from time to time
This can mean beefing up the non-alcoholic drink selection and offering more food options or other treats. Others in recovery, have more time or experience in dealing comfortably with such events, and may feel confident in their recovery while being around others who drink. If your friends drink too much while you’re struggling with staying sober, know you’re not alone. At Gateway Foundation, we take the time to understand the triggers keeping you from staying sober. For over 50 years, our compassionate team of professionals has helped individuals overcome addiction with evidence-based, personalized, and life-saving addiction treatment.
Don’t feel pressured to tell people you’re sober
According to the CDC, all forms of alcohol are linked to increased risks of certain cancers, including colorectal and breast cancers. A small study published in the British Journal of Medicine showed a remarkable reduction in cancer-related markers in participants who refrained from drinking alcohol for one month. You can also take the lead in other ways by volunteering to host or inviting people to get togethers where alcohol isn’t center-stage or even present at all, says Young. Game or craft nights, bowling, museum-exploring, and pottery are all things that can be done sans-alcohol (though your friends might bring some anyway). Have you ever been out to dinner and the first person to order gets an espresso martini and then suddenly everyone else at the table orders an espresso martini?
Ways to Enjoy Being Sober When Everyone Else is Drinking
- By setting clear boundaries and communicating your needs, you can navigate social situations while staying true to your commitment to sobriety.
- You can always decline invitations to events where alcohol will be present until you feel more confident in your ability to resist temptation.
- I hardly even notice if people are drinking around me at this point.
- Going back to normal life when in recovery is a challenge that can potentially lead to relapse.
- Embracing sobriety can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling social life.
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. I don’t care what people do when I’m not around, that’s none of my business, but I just stay away from the drinking situations. Fortunately, all my old friends were drinking buddies at best, so now I’m just not who they want to spend time with.
My first party sober
While the bar sees a mix of locals and guests staying at the hotel, it likes to offer something for everyone, including zero-proof beers and spirits. According to Hosmer bartender Stephen, the most popular mocktails include classic recipes, like a spicy margarita and a smokey old-fashioned, with N/A spirits. According to a Gallup poll from August 2023, 62% of adults under 35 said they drink, down from 72% two decades ago. Local mocktail lounges and bars invite people to get out and be social without the temptation of alcohol, while still offering a sense of craftsmanship and flavor for customers. @Liz22 it’s like pretty much everyone else, the more invested into your sobriety you are, the easier it gets.
For example, try a nature activity, engage in an exercise class or sport, or join a class to learn a hobby. Learning how to stay sober around drinkers is a significant challenge that many individuals face during their sobriety journey. This article intends to offer useful tactics and ideas that can help you handle social occasions where alcohol is served, without compromising your dedication to sobriety. Once you arm yourself with some strategies to fend off even the most persuasive drinking friends, you may have come to a point where you’re wondering how to meet sober house sober friends.
Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ if you have any questions regarding your health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read on this site. In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. If you’re trying to drink less, or you took a break from alcohol and are slowly incorporating it back into your life, try to practice moderation. While you may still enjoy a drink here or there, you should focus on quality over quantity.
Plus, it could be dangerous to exercise while drunk since you could slip, fall, and hurt yourself. In fact, the CDC states that combining alcohol and caffeine could be dangerous. It could cause effects like elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and dehydration.