Curl up with one of the dusty books you’ve been meaning to read. The adage in many recovery groups is that “if you stay in a barber shop long enough you will probably get a haircut”. This saying points to the belief being sober around drinkers that the chances of you getting drunk are pretty high if you hang around in places where people get drunk. The same could be said for hanging around with people who often get drunk. While the abstinence stage of withdrawal causes mostly physical symptoms, post-acute withdrawal is very psychological and emotional. The abstinence stage typically begins right after you stop drinking.
- Caring for yourself will help you feel more present and connected in social settings.
- Your sobriety doesn’t have to be something you feel like you need to justify if you do choose to attend drink-filled occasions.
- For four years, I hid my story for fear of how others would respond, but after sharing online, I received nothing but love, encouragement, and support from my community.
- Staying sober long-term is a challenge, but it’s not impossible.
- Many 12-step programs have mastered celebrating sobriety.
How To Stay Sober When Everyone Is Drinking
- This could be as simple as running a warm bubble bath or giving yourself a pedicure.
- But I also know that at some point, I’m probably going to cave and get the nachos, for which I will hate myself immediately (once I’ve recovered from my food coma).
- In some cases, this can mean changing your social group and spending time with different people.
- Many people find that a job that involves helping people helps them stay sober.
- If you’re attending an event where alcohol is present, call ahead to ensure the venue has alcohol-free options.
Triggers can be anything from certain people or places to specific situations that make you want to drink. By knowing what they are, you can prepare yourself to handle them without giving in to temptation. Learn that you have choices and that you can maintain control.
How to socialize without alcohol: 12 tips for a sober social life
These people can understand your experiences better and give you the support you need in your recovery. One of the most important things you can do to achieve sobriety is to recognize what triggers your drinking or drug use. Some studies find that this structure, along with a start date for sobriety and milestones, is important to some people in recovery. If you recently had surgery or an injury, your doctor will be careful with the pain medication they give you, because some of those drugs can make you more likely to relapse. Ask your doctor about nonmedical ways to manage your pain, like massage or acupuncture.
Individualized, evidence based treatment, to fit your needs.
If a 12-step program doesn’t sound appealing, you can look for other support groups. Many will organize substance- and alcohol-free events to help fill members’ evenings and weekends. Besides being an excellent opportunity to meet other sober people, participating in a support group gives you a higher chance of remaining substance-free. Communicate your concerns respectfully, and seek professional help from healthcare providers specializing in addiction recovery if needed. The first step towards preparing yourself involves developing strategies to handle questions or comments about your choice of non-alcoholic beverages.
Enjoying Life Beyond Alcohol Consumption
Now that you are sober, you may have discovered that some of your past relationships were not only unhealthy but downright toxic. It’s not just your drinking buddies and drug dealers who can get you into trouble—sometimes those who are closest to you can contribute to a relapse. Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your sobriety during the holidays. Don’t hesitate to say “no” to situations that feel overwhelming or compromise your recovery.
If you’re attending an event where alcohol is present, call ahead to ensure the venue has alcohol-free options. As humans, we tend to surround ourselves with people who share common interests, ideas, and hobbies. We’re hard-wired to seek similarities in others because it makes us feel heard, comfortable, and safe. It goes without saying that if you used to be — or currently are — a big drinker, then your friends likely are too. In addition to this helpline, numerous online platforms offer addiction recovery services.
