By Amy Morin, LCSWAmy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong,” is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Our free, confidential telephone consultation will help you find the best treatment program for you.
Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder
“Many spouses or partners will voluntarily stop drinking,” Willenbring says. “I don’t think it’s fair to require it, but there’s nothing wrong with asking.” Even if you’re not Alcoholics Anonymous drinking, it’s better to have a non-alcoholic drink in your hand.
Keep a support system
- Again, you don’t have to do this and could go with another option, but may also decide it’s the best choice for that night.
- People will be less likely to offer you a drink if you’re already holding a beverage in your hand.
- Game or craft nights, bowling, museum-exploring, and pottery are all things that can be done sans-alcohol (though your friends might bring some anyway).
- Younger people can be worse about doing all of the above, but older adults often aren’t much better.
- They might have fun exploring new places and trying new things with you.
You might make some mistakes—like drinking when you didn’t intend to or arguing with someone who offers you a drink. But you also might discover that you are happier when you aren’t drinking, or that you really enjoy conversations with people more when you’re sober. You might find that one of the best parts about not drinking is that you don’t waste away the next morning sleeping and feeling hungover. So make the most of the time you gain by doing something enjoyable or productive. To be better prepared, it’s important to develop some go-to responses ahead of time for how you’ll politely turn down a drink or handle questions about why you’re not drinking.
How to not drink alcohol when everyone else is?
You may also be setting an example for others that you can socialize and have fun without drinking. On the other hand, often one of the biggest hurdles to shifting your relationship with drinking is peer pressure or even judgment from friends or family who might not accept the change right away. Figure out a plan for what you want to do or what you want to say ahead of time.
‘Don’t be boring!’ How to cope with the social pressure to drink during Dry January
It’s not right to make another person feel they’re not fitting in because https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of this preference. For those of you who are not interested in drinking at parties, this article will help you to both keep your resolve and find ways to keep others off your case. 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? This usually happens when you’re in a bar or restaurant with friends and the waiter takes everyone’s orders. If you just casually toss off this line without any assertiveness at all, you might not even be noticed.
The word “tonight” can be powerful when turning down a beer. Maybe tonight you are the designated driver, have to wake up early tomorrow, or are taking cold medicine – keep them guessing. Although it may seem intimidating to face a familiar social situation without the comforting familiarity of a cocktail in your hand, you can survive. Whether or not you are a journaler, try to find ways to acknowledge the changes you’ve made, however incremental.
- Doing a dry challenge with a friend gives you a built-in support to vent to and cheer you on.
- Whenever possible, ask a friend or relative to attend a social event with you sober.
- Even if your friends are not outwardly pressuring you to drink, being around everyone as they’re drinking can spark internal pressure to cave.
- For others, being the only sober person in the room can be awkward, and being responsible for getting other people home may be too much pressure.
- Is there a way to do this without looking stuck-up and uptight?
- 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.
Gone are the days of the sad mocktail — the cranberry cocktail topped with a bit of seltzer or a blend of every juice behind the bar. A growing number of bartenders are paying just as much attention (or more) to their spirit-free drinks as their boozy ones. Keep in mind, however, that you don’t have to explain to anyone if you don’t want to drink. If you already gave an excuse and people are still pushing, it’s not your obligation to give them a full story about your life choices. One of the most obvious methods is to stick to non-alcoholic beverages. But how do you stop people from offering you a drink or worse, forcing you to take a shot?
- Burning Tree Ranch is a specialty program dedicated to the treatment of chronic addiction and mental health.
- If you’re newly sober but have to be the best man at your brother’s wedding, you may want to ask your doctor about medication that can help you fight the urge to drink.
- Since alcohol is high in calories, another white lie that may work for your situation is to say that you’re on diet.
- Establish clear intentions and goals for the gathering, such as connecting with others, having meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying the company.
- Compliments also work well, such as saying you love someone’s shirt and asking where they purchased it.
- 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.
It feels awkward not drinking at social functions.
A considerate hostess will even omit a dessert with alcohol such as rum cake. NA options are also great for the times you habitually reach for a drink. If you like to have a beer while watching a football game, maybe try having some NA options chilled in the fridge or to move on to after you’ve had a couple of alcoholic ones. If you like a nightcap, try a cup of herbal tea before bed instead. Enter “sober-curious,” a trend that’s about bringing a more mindful approach to drinking.
They don’t want to drink with someone who’s stiff and miserable. If you’re not drinking, avoid sulking in a corner because that will only make how to not drink alcohol when everyone else is people notice. Be a part of what’s going on…network, have engaging conversations, dance! If you’re having the time of your life, some people will just assume that you’re drinking too.