I felt like I didn’t have anything in common with the people that were going to be there. It was to do with my partner’s work and I was only going because I wanted to support him as he had to be there. I couldn’t imagine meeting anyone that I would get on with.
Can Drinking Wine Make You Feel Depressed?
Being in a positive and nonjudgmental environment can make the experience more enjoyable and fulfilling. Before attending a social event, remember why you chose not to drink alcohol. Establish clear intentions and goals for the gathering, such as connecting with others, having meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying the company.
Stigma of Alcoholism: How Perceived Judgment Causes More …
Like that guy from that probably stolen Dane Cook sketch, drunk people just “gotta dance.” A couple beers and everyone is oblivious to their surroundings. Take a person who’s pleasing to the eye, intelligent, put together, and when sober, brazenly competent, and confident—but https://ecosoberhouse.com/ after a few whisky sours, that person turns into a paranoid mess of self-doubt.
Tips for Staying Sober Around Drinkers
Most people suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) are likely to have been a high-functioning alcoholic at one point. “High-functioning” meaning no discernible or public consequences have occurred (yet). This means they’re able to hold a job, maintain relationships, and continue their drinking patterns. But, if and when a drinker quits, they have every right to be proud that they can do it.
- Sobriety in this sense is an ongoing journey of aligning our lives with God’s standards and growing closer to Him.
- Developing strategies to handle friendships with those who drink can improve the odds of continuing to live successfully with your sobriety.
- If you’re newly sober, Coulter says to recognize you’re learning new patterns and behaviors.
- Consider which people are positive influences in your life.
You never know when an overserved person will trap you in conversation.
Whether your sobriety has you wallowing in boredom or self-pity, please know that it will get better. Even if you have no idea HOW things can change, trust the process and keep working on it. It’s likely your doctor will order some bloodwork, which can be the start of your path to physical recovery.
Sometimes being sober is boring because your life revolves around alcohol.
But if you’re not seeing your pals because they’d rather get shit-faced Twelve-step program than hang with you, that’s on them. Either way, you don’t need to concern yourself with this stuff today. One or two might call you up to grab coffee and chat and it will be like nothing’s changed at all. Or maybe everything has changed and that’s what they want to talk to you about.
To Drink or Not to Drink Around Sober People
He simply decided one day that he was going to drink no more. He describes himself as being “sober curious – interested in questioning his drinking habits for health-focused reasons.” He says that he is not in recovery and does not have an alcohol dependency issue. Getting sober is like learning to walk again after a terrible accident. You should be able to go about living your life without drinking alcohol, but you feel utterly useless and have no idea what to do with yourself. Of course, every individual in recovery is an individual.
Volunteering is a great way to reconnect with your community. Helping others actually boosts our own mental health and feelings of self-worth. Plus, it helps us with our emotional sobriety and wellness. On the one hand, you have no idea what being sober around drinkers you’re supposed to do with yourself.
- Attempting to drink alcohol after achieving sobriety can be a dangerous path.
- I’m still avoiding some social events at almost 7 months sober.
- It’s on billboards, it’s on the side of buses, it’s on TV, it’s on radio, it’s in magazines, it’s on social media, it’s in pubs, it’s in restaurants, it’s in cafes, it’s in supermarkets, it’s in corner shops.
- If you want to enjoy and feel liberated by sober-living…AND to do all of this happily and healthily…
High-Functioning Alcoholics
You’re getting met with eye rolls, calls to lighten up, and advice that you should learn to take a joke. And then they’re going to make a conscious effort not to be bad friends. Reinforce what you’re doing is important, and you need them to be more supportive. I would NOT recommend doing it in the middle of dinner or your bestie’s housewarming party but find a time when everyone is coherent and calm. Talk to them if you feel the vibe is off or they’re being pushy with you, even if it’s passive-aggressive.
- This unwavering commitment to sobriety can lead to a more fulfilling life than when they were drinking alcohol, even after quitting drinking.
- You might search for groups based on sobriety, interests, or location on Facebook and engage with their discussion posts and events.
- Let’s address another reason life without alcohol feels boring.
- I didn’t know them very well but we had such a great time together that I’m sure we’re going to become good friends.
Ultimately, however, communicating directly and planning ahead will help avoid problems later. The recovering person has a responsibility to take care of themselves, but family and friends can definitely help. So with the three-fold trilogy of the holiday season upon us, as many reach for a drink, let’s also remember to reach out to each other, especially those in recovery. Drinking is a holiday tradition for many families, but traditions can also transform and change over time. Many may not know that about one-third of U.S. adults report consuming no alcohol at all in the past year.
