Ask open-ended questions, actively listen and show a genuine interest in getting to know people. Engaging in meaningful discussions can create memorable connections that go beyond the need for alcohol to loosen up. « It’s difficult to say we’re not going to have any alcohol being sober around drinkers sold in the building because as a result community groups wouldn’t have access to the facilities, » he said. Mr Minns also did not think it would be practical to halt the sale of wine and beer at NSW Parliament House which hosts many functions involving community groups.

That is why you, and most other people who try, fail to socialize sober. But they don’t show you the hangovers, vomit, financial ruin, regrets, and fights. And although you know these things happen when you drink, you still believe that alcohol will somehow cure boredom and make you have more fun than if you were sober. The usual advice given for socializing without alcohol is to spend less time in bars. When you make the decision to become sober, one of the most annoying things you have to deal with is your friends, family, and colleagues trying to convince you to have a drink.

Reasons You Might Feel Bored in Sobriety

It’s pretty normal to reduce the entire experience of boredom in sobriety to missing alcohol and believing that getting drunk is the primary way you (and everyone else) have fun. Be selective about who you spend time with during this transition. Try to spend more time with people who you trust to respect your decision to reduce or eliminate drinking alcohol, rather than those who will judge or pressure you. The sober curious movement has gained steam recently, such as with the rise of interest in “Dry January” — a time when participants decide to not drink for the month of January. Drinking alcohol can be fine in moderation for some people, but alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorder can lead to health issues and personal and professional problems.

“We might’ve convinced ourselves that alcohol gives us qualities, but without it the—often uncomfortable—moments of clarity offer us an opportunity to dig into what we are actually craving. I’ll keep monitoring the Members Feed throughout the days and updating/interacting with people here, so I’ll feel very connected to the online recovery community which will be AWESOME. 2) I pre-plan my non-alcoholic drinks and make sure that I make an effort to fix myself something nice. For my 5pm drinks ice cubes are a must, as is sliced lemon. I also travel with my own tea bags so I can make sure I have my favourite hot drinks in the mornings and evenings. 1) I tell myself to CHILL THE FUCK OUT about other people drinking and don’t let my thoughts start endlessly looping about how hard it can be to be around people whose brains are under the influence.

Take Care of Yourself

In addition to being able to recognize them, it’s important to know when to seek help. One study found that mutual support groups can be as effective as 12-step programs and may help improve the odds of success for people who are committed to maintaining a lifetime of total abstinence. Learn about opportunities to help change the conversation around mental health. It felt like a slap in the face when people were drinking around me, and I was trying to stay sober. Staying sober around drinkers can be tough, but with the right mindset and strategies, it’s possible.

• We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses.
• For any and all suggestions, comments, or questions, please contact Mental Health America.
• It may help to pick a quit date, or a day when you choose to discontinue use of alcohol or drugs.
• « I don’t think it’s fair to require it, but there’s nothing wrong with asking. »
• Some people who don’t drink alcohol have made a conscious decision to eliminate alcohol from their lives, sometimes through the help of a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

If your friends drink too much while you’re struggling with staying sober, know you’re not alone. At Gateway Foundation, we take the time to understand the triggers keeping you from staying sober. For over 50 years, our compassionate team of professionals has helped individuals overcome addiction with evidence-based, personalized, and life-saving addiction treatment. Among recovering individuals themselves, in order to reduce risks, some choose only to attend sober parties or events. In some instances, family and friends may choose to hold their parties without alcohol, or at least downplay the central role that drinking might take.

Have a Non-Alcoholic Drink on Hand

They may even become inspired by your determination and choose healthier habits themselves. I know because there’s always some drunk friend that says it any time she’s had a couple of margaritas. However, I am the only person that ever remembers she said it. One of my college friends used to get drunk and aggressively challenge someone to start naming states so that he could name their respective capitals. He would scream the answers and taunt everyone in the room. No one seriously challenged him, because no one seriously cared.

Almost everyone can think of something they have fun doing while sober. Learn that you have choices and that you can maintain control. If any area of your life is out of control, it will not help you maintain lasting sobriety. Consider reaching out to a vocational rehabilitation counselor or career coach to help you update your resume, practice job interview skills, and locate jobs that match your skills and experience.

Go Places That Don’t Serve Alcohol

Have the phone number of a supportive, sober friend to call if you feel tempted. And decide how long to stay before you even step in the door; you may want to leave before everyone gets buzzed. Avenues NYC sober livings are comfortable, casual, safe environments where residents can forget about the stressors of the outside world and focus on their own growth. Regardless of why you decide to change your drinking habits, socializing sober can feel scary. If you find that you’re struggling to avoid alcohol, or you’re feeling lonely and isolated, consider seeking professional help.

• Others in recovery, have more time or experience in dealing comfortably with such events, and may feel confident in their recovery while being around others who drink.
• That latter experience feeling like everything is gray and dull and lacks meaning?
• Avenues NYC sober livings are comfortable, casual, safe environments where residents can forget about the stressors of the outside world and focus on their own growth.
• In November, I’ll be 30 years old, followed by my eighth sober birthday in January.
• « It’s much easier not to take drinks two, three, four, or five because that initial rush is blunted; it doesn’t do anything for you. »
• Instead, do some sober social networking and stay around people and friends who are supportive of your recovery and won’t pressure you.
• And if you aren’t comfortable publicly owning your recovery, you can create an anonymous, secondary profile to engage with the community.