8 Ways to Socialize without Alcohol

I know people who drink and aren’t alcoholics who have embarrassed themselves, at least a time or two, while indulging in alcohol. The beauty of socializing sober is that you don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself! Of course, it’s possible to make a mistake or do something silly while sober, but not to the extent that I used to do it when I was drinking. Having a go-to non-alcoholic drink solves several problems at once. First, you don’t have to make a decision every time someone asks you what you want to drink. You just ask for your regular non-alcoholic drink.

Everyone was new once and everyone wants you to feel welcome. Keep it simple because one hello can turn into full-blown conversations.

Center your social life around activities where drinking isn’t involved

A therapist can support your efforts and help you find the strategies that work best for you, your health, and your life. While sober networking some of your friends may be totally supportive of your decision, others may seem indifferent or respond in a negative way.

Along with drunk connections not being genuine, they also don’t have substance. When I got sober, I left a lot of friends behind because I realized we had nothing in common. What we had in common previously was drinking and drama. Once you leave that stuff behind, you realize you need to socialize with other people who have similar world views and goals.

No. 8: I have the choice to socialize or not

As a person who has been known to order something I didn’t really want, simply because I was caught off guard at a restaurant, this very much resonates. Lennox Terrion recommends asking yourself how risky the situation will be for your sobriety, examining the setting or context, and thinking about who you will be with. Then determine how safe it is for you to be there—in some cases, you might not want to go at all. Often you may think that you are not connecting well with others when you are really holding yourself back. Instead of worrying about what you are wearing or what you are saying, just be your authentic self.

Certain situations carry more inherent risk, said c, vice dean at the University of Ottawa and a professor of communication who specializes in substance use and treatment. Neither AddictionHope.com nor AAC receive any commission or other fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a visitor may ultimately choose. For more information on AAC’s commitment to ethical marketing and treatment practices, or to learn more about how to select a treatment provider, visit AmericanAddictionCenters.org. If you cannot find the sober setting that you desire, then create the sober social event yourself. You can still live an exciting and fulfilling life clean and sober with those who want to do the same things as you.

“Why aren’t you drinking?”: How to Respond

You may find yourself invited to a function where they serve alcohol. Talk it over with your sponsor to see if you are ready to go somewhere where alcohol is being consumed. If you are, you may be worried that people will ask you why you are not drinking. First of all, why you are not drinking is nobody business but yours, and you certainly do not have to disclose why you are choosing to not drink in the first place. When someone asks, feel comfortable telling them that you just aren’t drinking today, which is the truth anyway. People who have seen your behavior before will be happy that you are not drinking.

Finding ways to connect with others is an essential part of the addiction recovery process. Sober socializing, however, can sometimes be challenging for individuals who have struggled with drug or alcohol addiction. A few helpful hints can go a long way toward learning how to socialize when sober especially for those that are new to the sobriety lifestyle.

Talk about your sobriety

Or maybe you’re like Gary, the guy who is already outgoing, but gets a drink or two in him and really becomes the life of the party. Most people who prioritize fitness or exercise avoid alcohol as a lifestyle choice. They may not share your experience with alcohol, but they are just as great an option for meeting people and having fun as any other sober activity. Drug and alcohol-free meetups are a great place to make new friends, many of whom share the same experiences and beliefs as you do.

• Many community colleges offer recreational classes that are open to everyone, so check out their offerings to see what’s available.
• Exercise can include a variety of activities like yoga, pilates, playing sports, swimming, kayaking, and more.
• A couple of others have drifted away without any trauma on either side—I suspect my sobriety may simply have accelerated an inevitable growing-apart process.
• Remember, you always have the right to choose to do what’s right for you.
• Your sober friend doesn’t necessarily need to be someone who is experienced with recovery.
• Call a trusted friend or family member or go to a meeting at a nearby support group.