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. That being I am infinitely more happy, calm and grounded now that I am no longer necking wine like it’s going out of fashion. It’s everything you’d imagine a big family gathering to be. Chaos and fun and laughter and catching up and lots of chats and entertaining kids and activities and stuff.
How journaling helps beyond boredom.
I promise it will do wonders for your mental health, which, in turn, will help you feel motivated to do more things. Exercise is critically important in early sobriety and for ongoing mental health and wellness. It’s a great way to boost dopamine and endorphin levels naturally. I kept a notebook and pen beside my bed in case I woke up in the middle of the night with a brilliant song lyric or poem. It’s important to have the right mindset about sobriety. I have gone to bars with people I genuinely like as a sober person, and I don’t stay for longer than an hour or two if nothing is happening.
To Drink or Not to Drink Around Sober People
- For example, alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) are known to be linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism.
- As humans, we tend to surround ourselves with people who share common interests, ideas, and hobbies.
- Seeking therapy or counseling can provide a safe space to process emotions and gain insight into your triggers.
- When you decide to become sober, some friends may feel wary or suspicious of your motives or think you’re not as fun.
- Many may not know that about one-third of U.S. adults report consuming no alcohol at all in the past year.
- People who are supportive and healthy for you to be around will apologize.
- To unpack some of the underlying reasons you feel bored right now, it helps to understand what alcohol does to your brain.
However, the DRUNK version of your friends can be a little fuzzy with the boundaries. The SOBER version of your friends may be cool with this. You like hanging out with your friends at happy hour, eating discount wings, and talking shit about anything and everything. I, too, can order off the Skinnylicious menu at The Cheesecake Factory and feel good about it at the time. But I also know that at some point, I’m probably going to cave and get the nachos, for which I will hate myself immediately (once I’ve recovered from my food coma).
Sobriety can feel lonely, but you are not alone.
Sarah Allen Benton, M.S., LMHC., LPC, is a licensed mental health counselor and author of Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic. Still, if you’re worried that people seeing you ordering a non-alcoholic beverage might judge or ask questions, talk to the bartender privately. Dr. Fernández says that you can tell them that you won’t be consuming alcohol, so if you order a cranberry and vodka, for instance, they should hold the vodka. People suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder do not change their behavior even if they’re fired, wind up in the hospital, or suddenly become a parent. They do not see a problem with their drinking, so they continue to pursue it. In the meantime, the Soberish community is here to support you and help you get there.
Alcohol fades from main stage into the background
And the more I felt them, the more intense and blinding they would get. I found myself planning little outings when I got sober because I needed to figure out what it meant to have fun again. Plus, you might meet some cool people, and that’s always a double win. Staying busy is a great way to stave off boredom and create space for healing the parts of your brain that took a walloping from drinking. It’s particularly therapeutic Sober living house to find something to do with your hands.
2) I pre-plan my non-alcoholic drinks and make sure that I make an effort to fix myself something nice. For my 5pm drinks ice cubes are a must, as is sliced lemon. I also travel with my own tea bags so I can make sure I have https://ecosoberhouse.com/ my favourite hot drinks in the mornings and evenings.
Drinking After Being Sober: Exploring Abstinence vs. Moderation in Long-Term Recovery
It is very common for people to replace alcohol with sugar in the beginning, which is detrimental not only to your waistline and physical health but your mental well-being as well. It also opens up space to approach your internal world being sober around drinkers differently. One of the biggest impediments to my sobriety during my relapse days was my inability to avoid getting consumed by emotions.
I know because there’s always some drunk friend that says it any time she’s had a couple of margaritas. However, I am the only person that ever remembers she said it. After a few drinks, all my best friend wants to do is give hugs and cuddle—doesn’t much matter who. Once he locks onto you (we are still trying to figure out what triggers him), he will quickly and relentlessly violate anyone’s definition of personal space. Socializing without alcohol can open up new possibilities for connection, fun, and personal growth. Embrace the opportunity to experience social interactions in a different light and create meaningful relationships that go beyond alcohol.
- Sure, there are many youths globally who do drink and then indulge in reckless behaviours.
- It all felt normal, even the terrible parts like awful hangovers and hangxiety.
- These verses show the importance of sobriety in maintaining healthy relationships and serving others with a clear, Christ-centered perspective.
- It’s important to surround yourself with those who will be supportive.
Abstinence vs. Moderation: Which Path is Right?
By exploring these alternatives, individuals can confidently navigate social situations and maintain their commitment to a sober life. Genetics can play a significant role in the development of alcohol use disorder, with variations in many genes increasing the risk. For example, alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) are known to be linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism.
