Or maybe you’d still like to hang out together, but not in bars. You might even still like to do the same things—such as playing cards or watching movies together—but without alcohol. It’s up to you to decide how much information to share and who to share it with. Everyone has their own choice to make, and no explanation is needed. If you’re in early recovery, you’ll want to stay away from any situation where alcohol or drugs are involved for some time.
- Mark Willenbring, MD, former director, division of treatment and recoveryresearch, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
- That’s because drinking can also be about sharing an experience, says Sheinbaum.
- 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?
- After recovering from alcoholism and becoming sober, the goal shifts to maintaining recovery and avoiding relapse.
- Virgin mojitos are especially tasty and look like the real thing if you are trying to avoid prying questions about your beverage choice.
Press Play for Advice On Achieving Sobriety
Olivia Luppino is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health where she covers health and fitness. She previously wrote for The Cut, POPSUGAR, and Salon and has written about everything from New York Fashion Week to dating app trends to the United States Women’s National Soccer team (a.k.a. her heroes). When she isn’t writing, Olivia is likely catching up on Bravo shows or running late to barre class. I was shy, awkward, and lonely until my mid-twenties and created this site to be the kind of guide I wish I’d had at the time.
Making a Serious Plan to Stop
Additionally, carrying a non-alcoholic drink, practicing assertiveness, and educating yourself about the effects of alcohol can help you stay strong in your decision to abstain. Remember, your sobriety is a personal choice, and you have the power to enjoy social gatherings without alcohol. When you find yourself in a social setting where alcohol flows freely and everyone else seems to be indulging, it can be challenging to abstain from drinking. Whether you’re avoiding alcohol for health reasons, personal beliefs, or simply because you don’t enjoy it, navigating these situations can be tricky. However, with some strategies and a strong mindset, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ it is indeed possible to stay alcohol-free in a society that often revolves around drinking. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to resist the urge and maintain your sobriety while still enjoying yourself.
Tips to Help You Stay Sober
Since alcohol is high in calories, another white lie that may work for your situation is to say that you’re on diet. Most popular diet plans discourage drinking entirely, but you can always joke that you’d prefer to save your calorie allotment for a particularly delicious dessert. A common excuse people give for not drinking when they don’t want to share the details of their sobriety is that they’re taking medications that can’t be mixed with alcohol. It’s common knowledge that antibiotics, cold and flu meds, and prescription pain medications shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol, so this excuse is unlikely to be questioned. Practicing saying no ahead of time can be a good way to boost your confidence if you’re in the early stages of sobriety.
- A lot of times, people will force you to drink to make you loosen up and have fun.
- Long-time pro-drinking friends may tediously bring the issue up every time you go to a bar or party together.
- If you find that you’re struggling to avoid alcohol, or you’re feeling lonely and isolated, consider seeking professional help.
Staying Sober When Everyone Else is Drinking
If you’re attending an event where alcohol is present, call ahead to ensure the venue has alcohol-free options. Before attending a social event, remember why you chose not to drink alcohol. Establish clear intentions and goals for the gathering, such as connecting with others, having how to not drink alcohol when everyone else is meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying the company. Setting goals can help you get the most out of the gathering and navigate tricky situations. Have an exit strategy if needed, such as checking the nearest bus stop, pre-booking transport, or calling upon a sober friend.
If you’re feeling sad now because your entire social circle seems to have abandoned you, please know that you are not alone. Don’t waste a lot of mental and emotional energy Alcoholics Anonymous trying to dissect what that means in the long term. If things have gotten awkward since you stopped drinking, putting a little space between you and your friends is fine, especially if yours was a boozy bunch.
Behind the Scenes: My 2024 Struggles and How to Start Fresh with Dry January
If you’re trying to stop drinking and all your friends are drinkers, it can be tough. Here are some tips for how to deal with peer pressure from friends when you’re trying to quit alcohol.1. This is probably the most obvious solution, but it’s also the most difficult one. If you don’t have any friends who don’t drink, try joining a club or group that has like-minded individuals.2. If you feel comfortable doing so, explain to your drinking buddies why you’ve decided to give up alcohol.
You might even isolate yourself or hold back from having a good time—which will then reinforce your belief (and others) that being sober makes fun impossible. You have a fantastically supportive community here and in other online spaces. Recovery Twitter is incredible, and there is always your local AA or other recovery programs you can turn to.
Tips For Avoiding Triggers That Lead To Alcohol Relapse
If someone continues to pressure you to drink, the best approach is to simply leave the party. Don’t put your sobriety at risk by continuing to spend time with people who won’t honor the progress you’ve already made in your recovery journey. Distraction can work wonders when it comes to gracefully avoiding sticky situations.
Learn From Your Experiences
The question is — how do you quit alcohol if all your friends want to do is drink? When you decide to become sober, some friends may feel wary or suspicious of your motives or think you’re not as fun. Peer pressure surrounding drinking and sobriety can be intense. Luckily, being sober around drinkers is possible — even if they are your friends. People who have been drinking are more likely to do certain activities over others.