A 2014 study found that moderate alcohol consumption significantly decreased sleep quality. When individuals abstain from alcohol, they often report falling asleep faster and waking up less frequently during the night. People who are sober curious often experiment with alcohol-free periods. Your decision not to drink is your own business, and no one else’s. Your sobriety doesn’t have to be something you feel like you need to justify if you do choose to attend drink-filled occasions.

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Establish clear intentions and goals for the gathering, such as connecting with others, having meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying the company. Setting goals can help you get the most out of the gathering and navigate tricky situations. Have an exit strategy if needed, such as checking the nearest bus stop, pre-booking transport, or calling upon a sober friend. Moreover, the disruption of routine and structure that typically comes with the holidays can throw off recovery plans and make it harder to maintain healthy habits.

Ripple Effect Of Being Sober Curious

• A mental health professional can help you cope with some of the challenges you’ll face on your path to sobriety.
• The term “dry” typically refers to the absence of alcohol but can also extend to the event’s overall atmosphere.
• I met so many new people and came away feeling energised and happy.

For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “If other people tell you what to do, there’s always going to be that kind of judgment and there’s going to be that kind of resistance. And that’s why when someone offers you a drink, you say, ‘Hey, no thank you,’” said Wilder. “In fact, even just having a glass of seltzer with some chopped up lemon in there, it makes you feel like you’re social,” said Wilder. “Give yourself that opportunity to be social, be present, and most importantly, be responsible,” said Wilder, a life coach.

Improved sleep quality

So, when it comes down to it, social support and smart coping tactics can make =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ all the difference during turkey time. A touch of planning and a rock-solid support crew let you take the holiday season in stride. As pointed out by Peace Valley Recovery, Thanksgiving is one wild weekend in terms of drinking and impromptu driving adventures, so being aware of the power of peer influence is even more important. Connect with supportive resources like the tips in headed home for holidays and staying clean, which can help guide you through the tricky waters. Using these mindful moves helps you glide through holiday gatherings pretty smoothly.

Decide Which Friendships to Keep

If drinking was the being sober around drinkers only reason to hang out, then you might be better off deciding to make sober friends. If you don’t already, you could start going to self-help support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to find a different crowd of people. Those you meet at recovery meetings may know what it’s like to be in your shoes. If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. These professionals offer evidence-based personalized treatments tailored to individual needs and are equipped to provide the support needed during tough times.

How to Stay Sober When Your Friends Are Drinking

• Here are some important things you can do to be a supportive friend.
• To stay sober when your friends are drinking, you might develop and practice coping strategies to navigate any discomfort or peer pressure.
• Any mental health issues like anxiety and depression improve dramatically.

Here’s how to keep it together and have a good time without sidling up to the punch bowl. De Soi, a non-alcoholic aperitif, can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with alcohol. You could also check out non-alcoholic or low-ABV beers like BERO, Partake, and Athletic Brewing. Chewning also recommends “Not Drinking Tonight,” by Amanda E. White, which again helps to reframe our connection to and potential dependence on alcohol. “Sober Lush,” by Amanda Eyre Ward and Jardine Libaire, is another excellent read that offers ways to live “a decadent, adventurous, soulful life — alcohol-free.”

Embrace the Joys of Sobriety

They’re the ones who’ll cheer you on and help you dodge temptation like it’s dodgeball. Sharing your goals with them can keep those “harmless” drink offers at bay. A chat about addiction might even strengthen your bonds and form a solid support net. If facing family during the holidays feels like walking on eggshells, peep how family triggers relate to addiction to keep your cool. While the goal is to ultimately avoid relapse, it’s important to realize that relapse is a part of recovery.

Look for mocktails, alcohol-free beers or wines, herbal teas, flavored sparkling water, or creative concoctions made with juices and sodas. Having a flavorful and refreshing drink in hand can enhance your social experience. If you’re attending an event where alcohol is present, call ahead to ensure the venue has alcohol-free options. Explore the risks of Halfway house drinking alcohol every day, from social effects to cognitive impairments.