Finally, it’s important to actually track your progress, whether it’s a dry month or just taking a day off of drinking this week. Journaling helps document how it felt when you successfully stuck with the change you made — you’ll then have that to look back on. If you’re someone who wants to drink less alcohol but you are intimidated by Dry January (or Dry July or Sober October), don’t fret. While cutting it out for a https://ecosoberhouse.com/ month certainly has its benefits, it’s not the only way to change your relationship with alcohol. You may feel more anxiety, a little less relaxed, until you get the hang of it. Give yourself time, and don’t worry if you have an “off” night.

Don’t volunteer the info that you’re not drinking

Not having a drink at a party can sometimes be very difficult if your friends or others attending the party goad you and keep insisting you have a drink. It can be difficult for those drinking to understand why someone else doesn’t want to join in with their drinking. Yet, there is never a good reason for any person to force another person to have a drink they don’t want.

When You Don’t Drink But Your Friends Do

One of the greatest gifts of sobriety is being able to say goodbye to hangovers for good. Plan something fun for the morning after a night out, such as a hike or an early breakfast at a trendy new restaurant you’ve been wanting to check out. While everyone drinks, take comfort in the fact that you will have a productive morning because you chose sobriety. For many recovering alcoholics, it’s too difficult to be the only nondrinker in the room. Whenever possible, ask a friend or relative to attend a social event with you sober.

Have a Non-Alcoholic Drink on Hand

When you don’t drink it can feel like everyone else in the world cares about nothing else than getting hammered and passing out on bathroom floors. In reality, a lot of people don’t drink at all, or only in moderation. They just don’t make as much noise about it, and aren’t as represented in the media. A few friends staying in and watching TV while having a glass of wine each wouldn’t make for a very exciting scene in a raunchy college comedy. For others, being the only sober person in the room can be awkward, and being responsible for getting other people home may be too much pressure. “I make sure that I have my own transportation – either my own car or a taxicab phone number.”

Virgin mojitos are especially tasty and look like the real thing if you are trying to avoid prying questions about your beverage choice. Of course, always be aware of your triggers and avoid drinking anything that may be too similar to the alcoholic drinks you once favored. A lot of times, people will force you to drink to make you loosen up and have fun.

• People who have been drinking are more likely to do certain activities over others.
• They may feel you have something against how they live their lives, or that you think you’re better than them.
• Certain social gatherings may be too difficult to attend at all, especially when you’re newly sober.
• Some people don’t want to be dishonest, and think they shouldn’t have to resort to hiding their non-drinking.
• Having a supportive friend attend the party with you is a good way to protect your sobriety if you’re worried about how to refuse a drink on your own.
• If you show up to a social event and suddenly feel a little overwhelmed and nervous, head over to the bathroom for a deep-breathing break.

Should you pick up a different hobby or change your attitude? Several cities worldwide are picking up on people’s need to engage in alcohol-free activities and find a community with like-minded individuals. Having a drink in your hand is often the first line of defense against pushy friends and colleagues when you are avoiding alcohol. Try to choose something other than water so that you feel like Drug rehabilitation you are having a treat. Mocktails can be made to taste like a wide variety of cocktails and served in a fancy glass, only sans alcohol (so they taste even better)!

Have an Emergency Plan

It’s just that many drinkers have had the experience of having a non-drinker around, and they seemed moody and didn’t want to do anything. Everyone was sure they would have loosened up if they just had a beer or two. If you’re not going to drink, still do your best to be in the mix.

Even the most sophisticated how to not drink alcohol when everyone else is art showing will likely serve wine. Overall though, you can keep drinking out of your life most of the time if you try. This isn’t a practical tip so much as something that may make you feel better and strengthen your resolve. It’s a point that will often be told to university students who feel they can’t relate to the drinking scene on campus.

How to Quit Drinking When All Your Friends Drink

Have you ever been out to dinner and the first person to order gets an espresso martini and then suddenly everyone else at the table orders an espresso martini? That’s because drinking can also be about sharing an experience, says Sheinbaum. The thing is, your shared experience doesn’t have to be with alcohol.

Just accept that no matter what you do there will be times where you can’t win with people

If you’re uncomfortable sharing the exact details of your sobriety, offering to be the designated driver for the evening is one possible approach. Helping other guests get home safely lets you protect your recovery while doing a good deed in the process. The point is that you don’t have to take on the burden right now of deciding what is or isn’t becoming of your friendships. One or two might call you up to grab coffee and chat and it will be like nothing’s changed at all.