From month-long sobriety challenges to the Sober Curious movement, more and more people are taking how to not drink alcohol when everyone else is a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their lives. Whether one of these examples perfectly matches your situation, they can still be used as a go-to method for how to say no to alcohol. Practicing your tone, confidence, and delivery can help convince others not to ask you again. Choose a method that either aligns with your reasoning or makes you feel confident using it. Having more time and energy might motivate you to continue abstaining from alcohol. When you walk into a situation believing that you can’t have fun sober, this is likely to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
- If you’re having difficulty sticking to your goal or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching out for professional support.
- You have a fantastically supportive community here and in other online spaces.
- Even if you’re not someone who struggles with alcohol addiction, it can be hard to decrease your alcohol intake.
- The fermentation process that creates alcohol also creates congeners, which are byproducts like acetone, acetaldehyde, and tannins.
Supporting Loved Ones with Substance Use or Mental Health Disorders During the Holidays
Whatever the reason, I get it if you’re not quite ready to confidently reply, “No, thanks! That sounds a little intense, but that’s because (sometimes) it is. Whenever you question whether you made the right choice by giving up drinking, remember your reasons for choosing sobriety. Avoiding the boozy scenes may mean that you’re doing some earlier-in-the-day small group or one-on-one meetups with your friends, and that’s okay. There is no law that says your social life is only valid if it’s happening at night. Exploring, in writing, what you find difficult and when you most want to drink can help you notice patterns that offer more insight into your alcohol use.
Always Keep a Beverage in Your Hand
- Quitting alcohol alone is harder for some than others, but there’s no need to go it alone.
- If you try to politely and vaguely tell someone you don’t want a drink, and they continue to push the point, you can matter-of-factly tell them what your situation is.
- Let your friends know well in advance that you won’t be drinking during social gatherings.
- Perhaps you’d appreciate a sober buddy, or someone else staying sober with you when you go out or helping you resist the temptation to drink.
- It’s important to surround yourself with those who will be supportive.
„Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.“ „From an individual health perspective, from a public policy perspective and certainly from a public purse perspective, any reduction in drinking should be categorized as a success.“ „I have had more than one client refer to alcohol as the love of their life and their best friend,“ she said. In a separate study, Miller followed people who chose to moderate their drinking.
- A quick search for hashtags that mention sobriety can help you get started on Instagram.
- Teach us to walk in self-control and discernment, avoiding the pitfalls of excess and always seeking to glorify You in our actions.
- If you go out with people who are drinking and you’re not having fun, or you’re really tempted to drink yourself, then you’ll want to leave early.
- From office happy hours to dates over drinks, it can seems that nearly every social event revolves around alcohol.
Keeping A Sobriety Journal Can Help You Stay Sober. Here’s How.
But author and journalist Maureen Palmer and her partner Mike Pond believe the ways we think about problem drinking could do more harm than good. At Grüvi, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy an evening with a cold one in their hand. That’s why we developed our delicious non-alcoholic bevies — because you deserve to be there for every moment and memory. Lauren Booker has been alcohol-free for over eight years – and she knows that you don’t need alcohol to have the social life you want. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, help is available. Get more of SELF’s helpful mental health tips delivered right to your inbox—for free.
It can help https://ecosoberhouse.com/ if you accept some of it is going to be inevitable. Long-time pro-drinking friends may tediously bring the issue up every time you go to a bar or party together. If a situation seems like it might be triggering but you really want to go, set yourself the goal of a ‘power hour’. Go for one hour, and if you aren’t having a good time after that or you’re feeling uneasy, give yourself permission to leave. In the early days of my sobriety, I found this a really helpful strategy to help tackle the more daunting social situations. When people call you out for not drinking, the natural reaction is to be uncomfortable and become defensive.
Find a sober buddy
Seek out like-minded friends what is alcoholism or family members who understand and support your decision not to drink. Their presence can provide encouragement and make it easier for you to resist peer pressure. Seek support and connect with like-minded individuals who share your interest in alcohol-free socializing. Look for local groups or online communities that promote sober social activities or host alcohol-free events. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can provide encouragement, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.