You Can Still Enjoy Being Sober While Everyone Else is Drinking

Talk to your therapist, other healthcare provider, or sponsor about how to deal with your anger in ways that won’t cause you to harm yourself or others or turn to alcohol or drugs. Research shows that if you maintain these types of toxic relationships, your chances of relapsing are greater. To avoid relapse and remain sober, it’s important to develop healthy relationships.

Based on this information, it’s estimated that it takes the average person about an hour to an hour and a half to sober up per drink that they have. For instance, if someone has 3 beers that are all 12 ounces, it could take them between 3 to 4.5 hours to be completely sober after having their last drink. When thinking about this process of alcohol metabolism, it can be helpful to understand what qualifies as a standard drink. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Risks of alcohol exposure are also present throughout other times of the year. Whether you attend a Fourth of July barbecue, tailgate at your favorite country concert, or celebrate summer with a pool party, lots of people will be drinking. Because alcohol is so prevalent in American culture, coping with it sooner rather than later may be beneficial.

By explaining the reasons behind your decision and sharing your experiences, you can foster empathy and encourage a deeper understanding of your journey. This open communication can pave the way for more meaningful connections and supportive friendships. One way to make sober friends is through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You might search for groups based on sobriety, interests, or location on Facebook and engage with their discussion posts and events.

At the beginning of the year, a new health advisory was issued linking alcohol consumption to increased cancer risk. After making the decision to quit drinking and live a sober life, it’s generally not recommended to go back to the same lifestyle as before. In some cases, this can mean changing your social group and spending time with different people. Going back to normal life when in recovery is a challenge that can potentially lead to relapse.

I don’t know how to be around drinking people sober

Some https://thecinnamonhollow.com/a-guide-to-sober-house-rules-what-you-need-to-know/ friendships are based primarily on drinking and won’t continue to work during sobriety. Some people won’t respect your recovery and may attempt to bring you back to drinking with them. Remember, it’s important to prioritize your well-being and set clear boundaries when socializing with friends who drink.

• Some friends may need time to adjust to your lifestyle change, while others may naturally drift away.
• Some friends who continue to drink may find it challenging to understand or relate to the decision to be sober.
• By New Year’s Day 2024, I was ready to try an entirely dry spell – here are five things I noticed when I stopped drinking.
• From my experience, people don’t ask questions when you’re holding a drink, and I don’t want swerving alcohol to be my defining character trait when meeting new people.

This article is intended for those looking to change their relationship with alcohol socially. If you are someone who deals with addiction, find emergency hotlines, counseling, and treatment options here. While you don’t need to discuss your drinking habits with everyone, bringing a few friends in on your intention is a good idea, says Treloar Padovano. “Find a believer,” she says, or someone who is supportive of you. For many people with a substance use disorder, it’s simply a matter of never having learned the appropriate way to manage anger.

Why did I want to stop drinking?

My biggest motivation for cutting out alcohol was the impact this had on my mood. As I grew a bit older, the days after drinking started to feel unfamiliarly grey, and I hated how sluggish I felt. I can smell alcohol, serve alcohol, cook with alcohol, be around people drinking alcohol and it’s a non-event for me. Alcohol has become peripheral – it has faded into my background.

This is what allows us to adapt to new situations and facilitate new connections. But it’s also the compulsion that makes it difficult to be the odd one out, even in something that, on the surface, might seem low-stakes, like wearing an “out there” outfit — or saying no to a drink. In the early days of learning to live your life sober, you might decide that it’s easier for you to avoid situations where you’re surrounded by people drinking.

Addressing Health Inequities Experienced by Women

Velez says it’s more about identifying reasonable steps than reacting with emotion. Use “I” statements (“I have noticed you are drinking a lot more”) rather than “you” statements (“You keep forgetting things I’ve already told you”) to keep the conversation productive. Using too many “you” statements can lead to blaming and shaming. “I” statements are also a good way to offer concrete examples of how you’ll support your loved one. 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. I  don’t judge any of my family for drinking, I get what the appeal is.

No one seriously challenged him, because no one seriously cared. If you want to support and honor your friend’s sobriety, the safest choice is not to drink alcohol in front of them. When you and your friend go somewhere together, it’s a great show of support to decline alcohol alongside them. Make choices that align with your sobriety goals without worrying about staining your friendships.

Some friends who continue to drink may find it challenging to understand or relate to the decision to be sober. It’s essential to recognize that these changes are a natural part of the journey and that not all friendships will withstand the changes brought about by sobriety. However, it’s also possible for friendships to grow stronger and more meaningful as you surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand and respect your decision to stay sober. In social settings where alcohol is prevalent, temptation may arise.

True friends will respect your choice and support you on your journey. Having open conversations will help them understand your perspective and allow you to address any potential discomfort or pressure that may arise in social situations. First and foremost, it’s eminent to embrace your decision to lead a sober life fully.

Soothing voice of Mark Williams guiding me through some mindfulness exercises. A calmness and sense of pride that I am not lying in bed hungover feeling like utter garbage as I have so many times in the past. «Just Beyond The Light» was described by Blythe as a «tight, concise roadmap of how I have attempted to maintain what I believe to be a proper perspective in life, even during difficult times.» Like that idea of being restricted, it might be hard for some people to figure out what they’re going to do with themselves without alcohol. And Dr Alex recommends doing a bit ‘of pre-planning’ so you have a ‘stock answer’ for people. He says you can disclose as much as you want but ‘just by giving a clear answer, people leave you alone’ whereas skirting around can ‘leave room for ambiguity’.

• Some friends may need time to adjust to the lifestyle change, while others may naturally drift away.
• Luckily, being sober around drinkers is possible — even if they are your friends.
• For example, you may have developed a co-dependent relationship, or a family member, friend, or employer may have been enabling you without even knowing it.
• In terms of the people that you hang around with, you can put them broadly into two categories.
• Surrounding yourself with individuals who understand and respect your journey can provide the necessary support and encouragement.

If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. Spending more time with supportive loved ones and planning activities for the entire family can also help you develop a healthier lifestyle and avoid situations in which you would normally drink or use drugs. Look for social events or activities that don’t revolve around alcohol. Attend concerts, art exhibitions, sporting events, or volunteer activities focusing on shared interests or experiences rather than drinking. Look for cultural festivals, fitness classes, or hobby-based groups. Exploring new and diverse A Guide To Sober House Rules: What You Need To Know activities can provide alternative avenues for socializing, creating memories, and connecting with others.