How to have a sober social life

Whether you’re a recovering alcoholic, on a health kick, pregnant or you simply prefer to be tee-total, social occasions can feel like hard work. Not only is there constant temptation all around you, but persuading other drinkers that you don’t want an alcoholic beverage is a common frustration. Here are some great tips for how you can still have a great social life whilst staying sober.

Pre-warn friends

If you’re a recovering alcoholic then your friends shouldn’t even question your decision not to drink and if they do, it’s time to make new friends. If you have other reasons for staying sober, then let your friends know beforehand that you won’t be drinking. This avoids inevitable questions and peer pressure.

Do things that don’t revolve around alcohol

If you’re always meeting your friends at the local pub or going out for dinner, then it’s going to be difficult to avoid alcohol. Why not suggest something where there are other distractions? Go to the cinema, take a class, go paint-balling, swimming, ice skating, play football, meet at a coffee shop or go to an art gallery.

Make other sober friends

We’re not suggesting you ditch your friends who drink but it would be nice to have an additional set who are also tee-total. This way, you don’t have to feel like the odd one out and they will be there to cheer you on and give you the support you need to stay sober. You never know, you could even merge your new group of friends with your old group so you know you always have at least one other person there with you who isn't drinking.

If you think that you or someone you know may have a problem with alcohol, please feel free to visit our alcohol addiction treatment and rehabilitation page for more information about the signs, symptoms and treatments that are available at Life Works.