Look for social events or activities that don’t revolve around alcohol. Attend concerts, art exhibitions, sporting events, or volunteer activities focusing on shared interests or experiences rather than drinking. Look for cultural festivals, fitness classes, or hobby-based groups. Exploring new and diverse activities can provide alternative avenues for socializing, creating memories, and connecting with others. To learn more, read our article about how to have fun without alcohol.
What resources are available for those looking to explore sober socializing?
- Bring a pal along and make it a social call.
- This is a great way to have fun and jump into a new world while maintaining your sobriety.
- There are exceptions to this, like if someone alludes to their own struggle with alcohol, and then I might offer up a bit more of my personal experience.
- To loosen up without alcohol, focus on building genuine connections with others through conversation.
- It’s perfectly okay to say, “No.” If someone continues to pressure you to drink alcohol, it might be time to assess whether this person has your best interests at heart.
You can keep yourself busy, grow fresh herbs for your kitchen, and interact with people around a topic that has nothing to do with alcohol. If you enjoy cooking, you can try starting a little herb garden. I guarantee you there are plenty of online communities centered around this activity.
Sobriety Is Not The Ultimate Goal. A Good Life Is.
Forming healthy connections with other people is an important being sober around drinkers of this process. It’s one of the many ways you will relearn how to enjoy life again without alcohol. This is probably new for your friends and family, too.
Can socializing without alcohol lead to stronger friendships?
On the weekend, we went to bars and clubs. During the day, there were all-inclusive brunches. It all felt normal, even the terrible parts like awful hangovers and hangxiety. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. It is also responsible for regulating movement and emotional response. Dopamine depletion can cause apathy, boredom, and lack of motivation.
- Choose locations where alcohol isn’t the main attraction.
- You’ll get access to various gyms and classes in your area.
- There are many great things going on with this organization if you’re blessed to live in an area with a program.
- Invite your guests to bring their favorites and discuss the experience together.
- When someone inquires why you’re not drinking, express that you’re “sober curious” or note that you can’t handle the hangover.
- Going to events with a friend who also doesn’t drink can provide mutual support and make the experience easier and more enjoyable.
To loosen up without alcohol, focus on building genuine connections with others through conversation. Ask open-ended questions, actively listen and show a genuine interest in getting to know people. Engaging in meaningful discussions can create memorable connections that go beyond the need for alcohol to loosen up. 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. It goes without saying that if you used to be — or currently are — a big drinker, then your friends likely are too.
I don’t know how to be around drinking people sober
I hope these help someone struggling with their addiction as well. If you want to enjoy the taste of a cool lager, stout, or an IPA, but you’re no longer a drinker, I highly recommend trying their lineup. Use discount code Ed10 for a 10% discount. Me enjoying a nice cool non-alcoholic beer by Gruvi. Non-alcoholic beer is one of my go-to favorites in this regard as well.
How to have fun without alcohol: 24 sober activities for a fulfilling, alcohol-free life
Or, host brunch at your home with elaborate fixings. You can make a waffle bar, offer fresh-squeezed orange juice, and finally break out that good coffee you’ve been holding on to (better to share with friends, no?). Participate in a community cleanup and meet your neighbors. Here is a resource for our Los Angeles friends, but here is a handy guide to planning a cleanup no matter where you’re at. Alcohol is a tricky bag to unpack for me, and for others that I know and love.