Not sure how to have a fun gathering that isn’t alcohol-centered? I was spoiled living in New York City, where you could see a play or musical performance any day of the week. But you don’t have to live in a major city to take advantage of the arts. If you’re introverted or hate the idea of trying to make new friends as an adult, you will have to put yourself out there a little bit. If your goal for exercise is to find a new tribe (which is a GREAT idea by the way), keep that in mind as you explore different options. It’s not about looking a certain way or fitting into a particular size.
How to Stay Sober
Sometimes, you may not realize your symptoms are due to withdrawal and detox. Creating structure in your daily life helps you stay on your plan daily. Structure helps to mitigate old habits and can bring purpose to your days. The term “staying sober” means different things to different people. It is most often related to avoiding alcohol, but it can pertain to using any substance.
Plan Regular Exercise
In such instances, it may be best to make no special accommodations for the individual; doing so would only increase a potentially unwelcome focus for that person. In other cases, it will be very much appreciated to offer alternatives in both focus and activity to create a fun and inclusive environment. One patient told me that his father — who he knew liked a drink — always abstained when they were together in drinking situations out of solidarity and support for his son. Yet, the patient reported that having at least one other supportive “abstainer” with him made him feel better and more comfortable. That sounds a little intense, but that’s because (sometimes) it is.
Create Structure in Your Life
- These could be notes on your phone, a piece of jewelry with special significance, or even a specific image set as your phone’s wallpaper.
- Don’t let your alleged friends pressure you into thinking that you’re being dramatic or silly for asking them to stop doing things threatening your sobriety.
- Depending on the severity of the addiction or substance being used, a medically supervised detox may be necessary to safely help you.
- Having a drink in your hand can make social interactions easier.
- Unfortunately, figuring out how to handle summer parties when you don’t drink is far from simple.
Well-documented studies have demonstrated the restorative benefits of spending time outdoors and interacting with nature. Unfortunately, too many of us grow up in cultures that teach us to equate grown-up fun with drinking. For some, it can feel downright boring and torturous.
Practice Healthy Living
Choose a friend you’d love to reconnect with or someone who made an impact in your life. Go for a classic “Dear Diary” approach or start a bullet journal to get yourself organized. Journaling prompts can help you being sober around drinkers get started if you’re stuck. There’s something super satisfying about seeing all those healthy lunches waiting for you in the fridge. Get started with a phone call home or join Ancestry.com to dig deeper. If you live in a big city, take a day trip to the closest forest preserve or explore urban hikes in your area.
Why Aren’t You Drinking? 10 Confident Responses to This Common Question
Lasting recovery requires lasting effort, but relapse is not failure or weakness; it takes more than willpower to maintain sobriety. This article discusses the meaning of sobriety and arms you with information and strategies to smooth—and stay on—your path to wellness. But with some preparation, you can go anywhere and have a great time, sober. If you have it in your head that nothing will ever be fun again, you will be 100% correct. If you want to enjoy life without booze, keep an open mind (notice a trend with this sobriety stuff?). In many of our cultures, we’ve learned that having “fun” as an adult is hanging out and drinking or having dinner while also drinking.
- Be that as it may, true friends should respect your decision.
- Whatever the case, don’t take any of it personally.
- It’ll allow you to get outdoors, dirty your hands, and meet some cool people.
- After all, you can’t hang around your drug dealer or old drinking buddies and expect to remain sober for very long.
- Here are some tips that experts recommend often.
Always have an escape plan.
People who reach certain sober milestones receive pins or chips, acknowledging their achievements. These people can understand your experiences better and give you the support you need in your recovery. One of the most important things you can do to achieve sobriety is to recognize what triggers your drinking or drug use. Some studies find that this structure, along with a start date for sobriety and milestones, is important to some people in recovery. This gives you a quick and easy explanation for why you aren’t drinking.