Polite but firm responses like “No, thank you,” or “I’m good with my drink” can help what is alcoholism you decline offers without feeling awkward or pressured. Get enough rest, eat nourishing food, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being. Caring for yourself will help you feel more present and connected in social settings. The day is done, you have nothing to worry about, you just get to relax… I can’t believe I missed it for so many years.
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Although it’s difficult, it will be better in the long run to let go of relationships that will bring you back to a life of substance abuse and all the problems that come with it. Distraction works best on people who are already a bit tipsy or at a very crowded party. In these cases, even just a few minutes of discussing something else is likely to be enough to make the person forget about your sobriety.
Have an Emergency Plan
This isn’t a practical tip so much as something that may make you feel better and strengthen your resolve. It’s a point that will often be told to university students who feel they can’t relate to the drinking scene on campus. When you don’t drink it can feel like everyone else in the world cares about nothing else than getting hammered and passing out on bathroom floors. In reality, a lot of people don’t drink at all, or only in moderation. They just don’t make as much noise about it, and aren’t as represented in the media.
- It can be quite disheartening though to have a deep conversation with a friend only to not have them remember a word you said because they were drinking.
- Socializing without alcohol can help build stronger, more authentic friendships.
- Having the tools and tricks of the trade to stay safe and stick to your resolve will help you continue to march to your own drummer and understand why teens drink alcohol.
- 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.
- Let your friends know well in advance that you won’t be drinking during social gatherings.
- It’s important to surround yourself with those who will be supportive.
Know When to Leave
But how do you stop people from offering you a drink or worse, forcing being sober around drinkers you to take a shot? Is there a way to do this without looking stuck-up and uptight? Staying focused on the reasons why you’ve decided not to drink can get you through difficult moments. «Really think about your payoffs for not drinking,» Cornett says. «You won’t have the hangover in the morning. Maybe when you drink too much you behave like a fool, so your reputation and self-esteem will be intact the next morning.» It’s important to surround yourself with those who will be supportive.
How Do I Have Fun When Everyone Else is Drunk?
There are many resources offering support and ideas for sober socializing. Exploring these resources can help you build a network of support and find new ways to enjoy socializing without alcohol. Keep in mind all the good things that come from not drinking, like waking up without a hangover, having more energy, and feeling healthier overall. Remind yourself why you made this choice whenever you need to strengthen your resolve. If someone asks why you’re not drinking, have a few responses ready.
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A few friends staying in and watching TV while having a glass of wine each wouldn’t make for a very exciting scene in a raunchy college comedy. Visit Talk It Out NC to get more information on underage drinking, or to get tips on how to Start the Conversation about alcohol. You can also learn more about how to live and lead with positive values and morals by visiting Rise Above the Norm, an alcohol abuse education program. At least 8% of teens feel pressure to have sex, and 6% face pressure to drink alcohol, a Pew Research Study reported.
Strategies for maintaining your decision
When you’re not under the influence of alcohol, you may find that you’re able to connect with people on a deeper level. This can lead to friendships that are built on mutual interests, respect, and understanding rather than shared drinking experiences. From office happy hours to dates over drinks, it can seems that nearly every social event revolves around alcohol. But choosing not to drink while you’re out socializing might make you feel uncomfortable, anxious, and even left out. Avoiding the boozy scenes may mean that you’re doing some earlier-in-the-day small group or one-on-one meetups with your friends, and that’s okay. There is no law that says your social life is only valid if it’s happening at night.