How to Embrace a Sober and Sober-Curious Lifestyle: Tips from Bartenders - Daddy Tv

It may seem that relapse is the last thing that could happen to you, but the truth is they are very common for people new to recovery. 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. We’ll delve into the importance of honesty in your sobriety journey, and how transparency can lead to gaining supportive allies. We will also discuss ways of preparing for social interactions as a non-drinker and the benefits of having go-to responses ready. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

• Making new friends is the most difficult part for people who want to quit drinking and lead a sober social life.
• No one asks me why I’m not binging and purging because, thankfully, it’s not a socially acceptable thing to do.
• Luckily, being sober around drinkers is possible — even if they are your friends.

It all felt normal, even the terrible parts like awful hangovers and hangxiety. Alcohol robs you of the ability to feel naturally motivated and inspired. Those feelings don’t come back immediately when you quit. If you want to explore your relationship with alcohol, it can be helpful to cut it out and note any changes in your life caused by its elimination. “If you want to maintain the friendship, see a movie or do an activity with them that does not involve alcohol,” says Hafeez. “Most people find more power in themselves as they grow confident handling stress, sleep, and social situations without relying on alcohol,” he says.

How Do You Become Sober?

This subreddit is a place to motivate each other to control or stop drinking. We welcome anyone who wishes to join in by asking for support, sharing our experiences and stories, or just encouraging someone who is trying to quit. Please post only when sober; you’re welcome to read in the meanwhile.

• It’s a great way to boost dopamine and endorphin levels naturally.
• By removing the alcohol and making those necessary lifestyle changes, we increase the chances of becoming people who can enjoy the simple pleasure of life once again.
• There are hundreds of sober houses and halfway houses in New York that can provide stable housing for the men and women who are in recovery.
• It all felt normal, even the terrible parts like awful hangovers and hangxiety.

Attend a book launch, and there are almost certainly going to be drinks. A structured routine will help you achieve other goals in your life, whether they are short-term (like being on time for work) or long-term (like going back to school and changing careers). If PAWS is severe or if you’re experiencing prolonged symptoms, a medical professional can help you work through them and remain in recovery without relapse. Some definitions of sobriety call for complete being sober around drinkers lifelong abstinence while others focus on developing coping mechanisms that can reduce harm with the understanding that setbacks are common. However, research suggests that while 12-step groups are effective, people often don’t continue their involvement at beneficial levels over the long term. It is helpful to be sensitive about this issue, as so much is at stake, but to also remember that it is that person’s own responsibility to manage their recovery.

Seek Alcohol-Free Activities

These are the types of people that you’ll be able to talk with about the unique feelings and challenges you face, not just in developing a sober social life, but in being sober, in general. It may help to pick a quit date, or a day when you choose to discontinue use of alcohol or drugs. It’s also helpful to change your environment—for instance, avoid going to bars. There are also resources such as 12-step groups and recovery groups. Joining a gym, taking fitness classes, or going to a yoga studio is another fantastic way to make friends. The connections you make from these activities will likely be with people passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.

So now comes the arduous task of learning how to manage the tough stuff without a chemical crutch like alcohol. Your doctor may even prescribe you supplements to correct vitamin deficiencies, which is why I always encourage them to visit their doctors and have an honest conversation about their alcohol consumption. It’s especially important to eat foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. I over-identified with every negative feeling in my body. We are stressed-out, overstimulated, tech-obsessed creatures. Pile on some sobriety struggle, and it’s a recipe for madness.