It’s been over six years since I first started seriously questioning my relationship with alcohol and considered a life without it. That’s six hard, beautiful, glorious years during which I not only stopped drinking, but also finally moved on from all recreational drugs as well as a history of bulimia. Incorporating this strategy as part of your plan not only aids in avoiding temptation but also allows for more enjoyable social experiences while maintaining sobriety. Remember that it’s okay to lean on others – we all need support sometimes. The best way forward for your recovery from alcohol or substance use is to incorporate a wide variety of strategies that will help foster success. Remember to care for yourself, seek supportive relationships, and consider seeking help from a therapist.
- So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it.
- It’s why nothing seems fun or exciting, and you struggle to motivate yourself to have a good time.
- When I stopped drinking, not only did my recovery dictate that I needed lots of time to myself, lots of self-care, and lots of nights in, I discovered that I was, in fact, someone who relishes in alone time.
- They connect individuals with certified therapists who specialize in addiction counseling via secure video calls or text messages, making professional assistance readily accessible whenever required.
- In some cases, this can mean changing your social group and spending time with different people.
- In the meantime, the Soberish community is here to support you and help you get there.
Total abstinence may be the goal, but the reality is that setbacks are common. MHA Screening is an educational program intended to help inform people about options they have in getting help for mental health issues. It may suggest tools and resources that offer information, treatment services, self-help (or “DIY”) tools, and/or ways to connect with others. For any and all suggestions, comments, or questions, please contact Mental Health America. COVID-19 safety precautions have prevented social events for now, but you can always connect with other sober curious people online or through sober curious events.
Reclaim Your Life
Alcohol-free cocktail competition and tasting event at Artifact Events. Ramos still primarily runs bar services himself but collaborates with a team of talented friends for larger pop-ups and social media content. He takes his mission to destigmatize cannabis and normalize its presence in beverages seriously. While Ramos admits that people get cross-faded (the term for being high and drunk), he’s not encouraging that behavior on Up Elevated’s watch. While there are always going to be those who choose to use, you have the choice to not use.
This can be hard if your social life previously revolved around drinking. It’s even harder if your loved ones don’t support your sobriety. A home bar doesn’t have to be filled with just whiskey and tequila. There are more and more non-alcoholic being sober around drinkers spirits options on the market these days, many of which can be used to recreate classic cocktails or to create new ones. Alcoholic drinks offer the possibility of a buzz, but also serve a real function, especially during a meal.
I don’t know how to be around drinking people sober
If you must dig WAY back into childhood for this answer, then do that. Sometimes boredom in sobriety looks like not wanting to be around anyone. When I quit drinking, I was lucky to have a spouse that supported my decision.
- Not exactly, but it can make you feel better, which has a ripple effect on whether or not you enjoy your life.
- Your doctor may even prescribe you supplements to correct vitamin deficiencies, which is why I always encourage them to visit their doctors and have an honest conversation about their alcohol consumption.
- But for most people, staying sober isn’t that straightforward.
My biggest fears in life include being in large groups of strange people, standing at parties by myself, and really just people in general. Drunk me didn’t have to worry if I was alone at a party because drunk me didn’t abide such things. Drunk me didn’t worry if she belonged, or said the right thing, or had to have small talk because drunk me just handled that. In these moments, I have to remind myself that recovery isn’t just about not drinking; it’s about remembering that I am first and foremost responsible for advocating for my own well-being and boundaries.
The 50 Worst Decisions in Movie History
One of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re feeling bored in sobriety is to find a way to serve others. It also opens up space to approach your internal world differently. One of the biggest impediments to my sobriety during my relapse days was my inability to avoid getting consumed by emotions. You have to understand what you’re feeling and WHY you’re feeling this way in order to change it.
Staying sober around drinkers can be tough, but with the right mindset and strategies, it’s possible. Communicate your concerns respectfully, and seek professional help from healthcare providers specializing in addiction recovery if needed. Maintaining sobriety around drinkers can be challenging.
Avoid Old Routines and Habits
There are more kids now than in previous years (all my siblings and cousins have been busy breeding!) so it’s less boozy than it used to be, but still the 5 o’clock habit is there. This might seem like a terrible thing; this is not a terrible thing. This is a JOYOUS and wonderful thing because it easily sorts out the ones that have a weird relationship with alcohol, or the ones that just aren’t for you. It will hurt (pretty bad at first), but in time you will come to see it as the gift it is—and you won’t waste time getting to know the wrong person. If people press that response, I’ll either stare at them and hold an uncomfortable silence (this is enjoyable at some point), or just change the subject.
- But the biggest step drinkers take to become sober is a courageous one.
- If PAWS is severe or if you’re experiencing prolonged symptoms, a medical professional can help you work through them and remain in recovery without relapse.
- Only a doctor can decide if it’s appropriate and tell you about the risks and benefits.