How to Honor Your Sobriety When Everyone Around You Drinks

Staying sober when everyone around you drinks may be challenging and can foster triggers that could lead back to alcoholism and addiction. Nonetheless, it’s possible to maintain your sobriety while continuing friendships with people who drink.

When you’ve recovered from an alcohol addiction and face a sober life, your goal will be to stay sober. Especially at social events, parties, family get-togethers, and many other occasions, it’s normal to have a drink, and very hard to refuse one. Avoiding such occasions is also not the answer. So how can you handle this all-to-real problem?

Decide Who Are Your Friends

Probably the most important factor in your new and sober life is to determine who will be “with” you, and who is not. In other words, which people in your environment will support your sobriety, and who won’t?

This is a key choice to make. Likely, most of your friends may be totally supportive of your decision, yet others may respond in a negative way—especially those you were drinking with. They may see you as a reminder of their own habit, which can make them feel uncomfortable. Worse, they may want to remind you of the “good old days” and urge you to drink because they think you will have more fun together when drinking. They may urge you to take “just one drink,” “loosen up a little,” or not be so “lame.”

Just recognize that statements such as these are not expressions of actual friendship. Instead, they are attempts to make you do the same thing as they are doing. The truth is that your real friends will support and help you, and are positive about your life change.

Will Avoidance Help?

First off, one of the easiest things to avoid having to explain yourself is to go to places that don’t serve alcohol. Coffee shops, movie theaters, museums, libraries, sports clubs, and health-conscious restaurants are some places that aren’t likely to serve alcoholic beverages.

While you definitely can avoid going into bars, there are however occasions you can’t avoid, such as weddings, family dinners, and more. These are usually with family and friends who will understand why you choose soda instead of wine.

But then there are social events that, in some cases, need your attendance. Here you can expect a less understanding audience. Rather than avoiding those events that may have an effect on your career, there are several things you can do to successfully navigate these events.

How to Socialize Staying Sober

1. Where Possible, Bring a Friend.

This is a perfect solution to avoid being uncomfortable when others are drinking. Bringing someone you can trust to support you and stay close to you throughout the evening is not only comforting, it’s an easy way out when you start feeling pressure to drink.

2. Have a Non-alcoholic Drink at Hand.

It’s helpful to have something in your hand at all times. If you are in a place that serves alcohol, grab a non-alcoholic drink as soon as you arrive. People usually won’t offer you a drink when you already have one in your hand. If you go to someone’s home, bring your own drink. With bottled water or a seltzer in your hands, you won’t typically get offers for another drink and it will be easier to decline.

3. Be the Designated Driver.

Many bars and restaurants offer free sodas or non-alcoholic drinks for a designated driver. This can help you save money while providing an easy way to keep reminding others of the reason why you’re not drinking.

4. Some Helpful Excuses.

In some cases, it may not be easy to refuse a drink, for example, at a toast or office party. Someone will stick a drink in your hand and you may become uncomfortable, not knowing what to say. Well, here are some really useful excuses which people will accept as valid, and without further questions:

• I am on medication and can’t mix them with alcohol;
• I still need to drive home;
• I am a bit under the weather so I will stick with water;
• I have to get up early tomorrow morning.

In Case You Need Help

Staying sober is not the easiest thing to do and will have its challenges. The good news is that you don’t have to go this road alone.

At Narconon Suncoast, our drug-free withdrawal and precise, step-by-step regimens address all aspects of addiction. This includes helping and guiding you to stay sober after your recovery. Narconon’s comprehensive, holistic program has helped thousands to break free and live fulfilling lives without alcohol. When you need help, you are always welcome. Call us for a free consultation to learn about our program today.