“It’s really thinking about the ‘why’ — why you’re making the choice and really centering that and being proud of it,” says Carr. Remember, you don’t owe anyone a drink, and it’s OK to turn down that invite and make time for yourself, Mann wrote. You don’t have to go to that party, said David Dorschu, then-CEO of Recovery Centers of America at Raritan Bay in South Amboy, N.J., said in a 2021 interview with NPR’s Brian Mann. Here are five common social conundrums you might encounter in a no-alcohol month — and how to cope.

How Do You Force Yourself to Stop Drinking?

• It’s kind of like exposure therapy for not drinking for longer periods of time.
• They are not there to track how many beers or shots you’re going to have.
• While some of your friends may be totally supportive of your decision, others may seem indifferent or respond in a negative way.
• Overall though, you can keep drinking out of your life most of the time if you try.

Ask open-ended questions, actively listen and show a genuine interest in getting to know people. Engaging in meaningful discussions can create how to not drink alcohol when everyone else is memorable connections that go beyond the need for alcohol to loosen up. On the link below you’ll find a training series focused on how to feel at ease socially, even if you tend to overthink today. This strategy tends to work best for one-off encounters with people you don’t know that well.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Relapse and What NOT to Do

This makes it difficult to tell at a glance what you’re drinking, which can eliminate the need to constantly explain why you’re abstaining from alcohol. A residential treatment program can help you develop tools and strategies for a successful life in recovery, including how to handle triggers and temptations. Also, an https://ecosoberhouse.com/ aftercare program and 12-step meetings can provide continuing support after alcohol rehab to make it easier to avoid relapse and maintain your recovery. Think about which friendships will be supportive of your sober life going forward.

Have a Sober Support System

• Sometimes, when you’re caught off guard or you’re being pressured to drink, it can be hard to remember why on earth you’re doing this.
• When you decide to become sober, some friends may feel wary or suspicious of your motives or think you’re not as fun.

It goes without saying that if you used to be — or currently are — a big drinker, then your friends likely are too. Sometimes these white lies succeed, the person leaves you alone, and you can continue not drinking and hope they don’t notice for the rest of the night. They may not believe your excuse, or insist you have a drink anyway.

What are the health benefits of drinking less alcohol?

If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you might leave the gathering or practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing to keep yourself centered. Be confident in your decision, and remember that you have the right to make choices that align with your values and well-being. That way, you can suggest fun activities that don’t involve alcohol or ensure that where you’re going has an alcohol-free drink selection. You’ll help out your friends by relieving them of planning duties, and you can ensure the destination is somewhere you feel comfortable.

Engage in Meaningful Conversations

Visualizing positive outcomes can help you stay focused on your goals and fuel your determination to stay sober. Joining a support group is an excellent way to find sober friends. Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, has more than 2 million members in the United States, making it one of the most well-known groups for people recovering from addiction. As humans, we tend to surround ourselves with people who share common interests, ideas, and hobbies. We’re hard-wired to seek similarities in others because it makes us feel heard, comfortable, and safe.

• Chances are pretty good they will remember that you were there and not that you left.
• Also, an aftercare program and 12-step meetings can provide continuing support after alcohol rehab to make it easier to avoid relapse and maintain your recovery.
• A related article has some broad advice on how you can have a social life that doesn’t involve alcohol to begin with.

How To Decenter Alcohol From Your Social Life

• Seek out individuals who appreciate and respect your choices.
• What if you’re put on the spot and you don’t have a choice but say that you’re not planning on drinking alcohol?
• Be self-assured, but in a casual, friendly way, like your not drinking isn’t a big deal at all, and you’re pushing their question aside.

Avoiding the boozy scenes may mean that you’re doing some earlier-in-the-day small group or one-on-one meetups with your friends, and that’s okay. There is no law that says your social life is only valid if it’s happening at night. Let your friends know well in advance that you won’t be drinking during social gatherings. This way, they’ll be less likely to offer you alcohol, and it can also help prevent awkward situations or questioning. Seek out like-minded friends or family members who understand and support your decision not to drink. Their presence can provide encouragement and make it easier for you to resist peer pressure.

Embrace the opportunity to experience social interactions in a different light and create meaningful relationships that go beyond alcohol. Get enough rest, eat nourishing food, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being. Caring for yourself will help you feel more present and connected in social settings. It also covers how to avoid awkward silence, attract amazing friends, and marijuana addiction why you don’t need an “interesting life” to make interesting conversation. Be self-assured, but in a casual, friendly way, like your not drinking isn’t a big deal at all, and you’re pushing their question aside. A mistake some people make when using this approach is they act overly-firm, or over-assertive, which may be seen as rude or confrontational.

Apply now for the AARP Purpose Prize awards, which recognize nonprofit founders 50 or older who use their knowledge and life experience to make a difference. Mark Willenbring, MD, former director, division of treatment and recoveryresearch, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Campral is another drug that is approved for treatment of alcohol dependence. Antabuse (disulfiram) blocks the breakdown of alcohol in the liver.

Learn From Your Experiences

You can share that you’re in recovery if you feel comfortable doing so, but you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choice. Developing strategies to handle friendships with those who drink can improve the odds of continuing to live successfully with your sobriety. Let your people know that you’ll need to leave if you start to feel too tempted or if it gets past (whatever time) in the evening.