My friends and I got together for happy hours after work. During the day, there were all-inclusive brunches. It all felt normal, even the terrible parts like awful hangovers and hangxiety.

Why You Get Sugar Cravings After Quitting Alcohol

Especially in the early days, it is perfectly fine to say no to events and activities you would normally be all about. One of the hardest parts of sobriety is learning how to separate these things. It’s why so many people in the beginning of sobriety stay in the house and avoid going out.

Know Your Reasons For Quitting

When I was a heavy drinker, everything involved alcohol. If I was hanging out with friends, we were getting drunk. When you look at the statistics, it’s something like only 10-15% of people who struggle with their drinking fall into the category of severe alcohol abuse. That leaves 85-90% of people who have more mild or moderate concerns about their drinking with nowhere to turn, right? So despite our vast numbers, we are a group that is overlooked by medical professionals and researchers. It is not being sober around drinkers just for people who have a “problem” with alcohol.

Real Stories of Sobriety

Recovering from alcoholism can create special challenges, since alcohol is a common feature at social gatherings. Learning how to turn down a drink can take some practice, but there are a number of strategies you can use to make sober socializing a bit easier. If your friendships were predicated entirely on getting wasted together, then perhaps they weren’t real friendships. Or maybe they’re not right for you now, but in the future, they will be. Whatever the case, don’t take any of it personally.

• In a lot of circles, alcohol is a big part of the social scene.
• It is not just for people who have a “problem” with alcohol.
• Because although society tells us, and we get this message from a very young age that over-drinking is different.
• Yet, there is never a good reason for any person to force another person to have a drink they don’t want.
• Remember, your responses can evolve as your circumstances change.

Check-In Questions For Stressful Moments

If you know the person well, asking about a common interest or a mutual acquaintance is another good way to avoid talking about why you’re not drinking. That sounds a little intense, but that’s because (sometimes) it is. Whenever you question whether you made the right choice by giving up drinking, remember your reasons for choosing sobriety. Plan hiking trips, what is alcoholism brunches, fitness classes, or weekend markets. These activities provide social engagement without the pressure to drink. Maintaining a network of supportive friends or participating in support groups can provide encouragement, advice, and understanding when navigating alcohol-centric social situations.