But maybe you’re unsure about quitting completely and don’t want to hold yourself to that goal. Knowing why you drink is essential, says Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC, a Virginia therapist specializing in addiction treatment and alcohol moderation. When the 30 minutes is up, feel free to order an alcoholic drink if you want one—or maybe you end up opting to wait another 30 minutes, and then another 30, and so on.
Final Tips to Nail These Drink-Refusal Skills
Focus on the positive aspects of socializing without alcohol, such as clear-mindedness, better sleep, improved health, and the ability to fully experience and remember moments with friends. Embracing sobriety can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling social life. 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.
Reach out for support
- If you already gave an excuse and people are still pushing, it’s not your obligation to give them a full story about your life choices.
- „It is not for kings, Lemuel—it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.“
- Choose a method that either aligns with your reasoning or makes you feel confident using it.
- Having ‘just one’ might be a slippery slope for you, so making sure you already know what you are going to drink before you get there really helps to navigate this.
Exercise is great for everyone, especially those in recovery. Exercise can relieve stress and anxiety, improve mood and release feel-good neurotransmitters. Healthy movement also helps you heal your mind and body from the damage often caused by addiction. Our free, confidential telephone consultation will help you find the best treatment program for you. We can also guide you in approaching a loved one who needs treatment.
Maintaining social relationships while sober
They also like doing certain things for longer than sober people would. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ When you’re sober, sitting around and talking can make you feel a little restless after a while. If you like dancing, you’ll do it for hours when you’ve got some alcohol in you. If you don’t drink, it’s helpful if you can still keep up with these activities.
Develop a Few Go-To Responses
Let’s say someone does catch on to the fact that your cup is alcohol-free. Then, casually assert that you’re perfectly happy with what you’ve got, Lucero says. It’s a simple, nonconfrontational way to stand your ground and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth. You have a fantastically supportive community here and in other online spaces. Recovery Twitter is incredible, and there is always your how to not drink alcohol when everyone else is local AA or other recovery programs you can turn to.
Tips for Socializing Without Alcohol
Keep in mind, this might not work if you Ubered to the event or if you know your problem-solving BFF will offer to drive you home. Generally though, Lucero explains that it’s much easier for others to accept your no when it’s tied to something universally respected and nonnegotiable like, uh, not drinking and driving. 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. Freedom is one of Canada’s leading and most innovative alcohol and drug addiction recovery homes. Freedom From Addiction is a leader in drug and alcohol addiction recovery, offering a host of superb Sober living home addiction treatment programs and services for youth, adults, families and employers.