Sober Living: Strategies For a Fulfilling Life Without Alcohol
Alcohol is a part of everyday life. People head out for happy hour after work or have a drink on a date. Most social events now have alcohol at them. When a person doesn't drink, they may feel uncomfortable and left out. Today, however, more people are taking on a sober social life. They find they can have fun even without a drink in hand. The following tips will help them do so.
Have Confidence in This Decision
A person who chooses not to drink should feel confident with their decision. They don't need to explain to others why they don't want to drink. Choosing to remain sober is always better than checking into alcohol rehab because they can't control their habit.
Have a Prepared Response
Have a response ready when someone offers a drink. People can blame it on being the designated driver or an early morning the next day. However, they can also say they don't want to drink.
Non-Alcoholic Options
People often feel more comfortable when they have a glass in their hand. This glass doesn't need to contain alcohol. They may choose water or ask for a mocktail. Many beverages can replace alcoholic ones.
Be the Designated Driver
An easy way to avoid questions about drinking is to offer to be the designated driver; nobody can argue with somebody offering to get others home safely. The designated driver must avoid alcohol, and others will appreciate that this individual is willing to sacrifice drinking so they can get home safely.
Suggest Alternative Activities
Play activities that don't involve alcohol. For example, consider visiting a museum to check out a new exhibit. Outdoor activities like swimming or hiking turn the focus from alcohol. Look for activities that are more about enjoying being together rather than drinking.
Leave Early
People often start drinking as the night progresses. An easy way to avoid alcohol is to leave before the evening reaches this point. Doing so allows someone to have fun with friends without having to have an alcoholic drink in hand. They don't miss out on time with their friends, but they also don't feel pressured to drink alcohol.
Find Someone Else Who is Sober
Find another friend who doesn't drink and have them go to events as part of the group. When two people aren't drinking, it's easier to resist temptation or pressure from others to have alcohol. This sober individual will provide support and make the event more enjoyable.
Be Assertive
Many people prefer to drink with others. They will pressure friends to drink with them even when these friends say they would prefer not to. If someone continues to pressure others to drink, it is time to become assertive, firmly tell them no, and reassess the friendship. This individual may not have others' best interests at heart. Find new friends who don't drink alcohol regularly. They have shared interests and don't need alcohol to enjoy those interests.
Many good things come with not drinking. An individual who chooses to remain sober will never have to worry about having a hangover. They will have more energy, won't need to worry about weight gain, and feel healthier. Whenever the urge to drink arises, remember the reasons for not doing so. Men and women who take the time to stop and think about why they don't drink will recognize that they have made a wise choice.
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