Think about which friendships will be supportive of your sober life going forward. Consider which people are positive influences in your life. Then, identify relationships that might be a problem. Some friendships are based primarily on drinking and won’t continue to work during sobriety.
Giving up Alcohol? How to Tell Family and Friends You are Not Drinking.
In fact, they will keep you away from the drinks when the temptation sets in. Even if you’re not drinking, it’s better to have a non-alcoholic drink in your hand. But instead of sticking to a water bottle, go for colorful cocktails or sparkling water and let people assume that it’s alcohol. Don’t worry, nobody is going to sniff your drink or taste it.
How to Stay Sober and Still Enjoy a Bar
Try to choose something other than water so that you feel like you are having a treat. Mocktails can be made to taste like a wide variety of cocktails and served in a fancy glass, only sans alcohol (so they taste even better)! Virgin mojitos are especially tasty and look like the real thing if you are trying to avoid prying questions about your beverage choice.
Have a non-alcoholic drink in hand
- If you feel like it’s all too much, it’s also fine to avoid gatherings that contain alcohol to begin with.
- What I’ve learned about how to stop drinking when everyone in your family drinks is that you have to make the decision for yourself.
- Dinner parties focus on good food and conversation rather than drinking.
- But, if you’re planning on not drinking for a while or you’re with trusted friends, you might consider being honest.
You might say, “I don’t want to go to a bar, but here’s an alternative suggestion.” Many of us have rocky or turbulent histories when it comes to our behavior while drinking. We may have said or done things we regret, and not everyone will trust your effort or support you initially. But remember, the decision to stop drinking is your decision, and you only really have to answer to yourself. Share this news with others as good news in an optimistic manner. Begin with those closest to you who will most likely support your efforts.
Getting 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep per night can also do wonders for your mental health. However, we should also state up front that a lot of people struggle with sleep in early drug addiction sobriety. If you’re in a situation where people are not entirely supportive or it’s complicated, it’s time to have some difficult conversations.
Contact us today to learn more about addiction treatment programs that can work well for your needs. I’ve spent the last seven years researching and understanding alcoholism, addiction, and how people get sober. Additionally, I examine the way mental and physical health as well as our relationships with others impact the reasons people drink and their role in maintaining sobriety long-term. Taking care of your mental health is a critical step on your journey to quit drinking. Reinventing a social life that doesn’t revolve around getting drunk can feel like learning to write with your non-dominant hand.
Share this Post
You may have started this year with Dry January, but it doesn’t need to stop there. Reducing or cutting out alcohol has major benefits and can lend itself to more authentic being sober around drinkers social connections. Keeping yourself active and absorbed in activities helps ward off boredom, that can lead to a setback.