Any tips on maintaining sobriety when around friends/family that drink

Any tips on maintaining sobriety when around friends/family that drink on a regular basis? It’s not realistic to avoid these scenarios so I need ways that have helped you all navigate this situation without temptation.

1 Like

That's a tough one. Sometimes it helps to keep yourself accountable by either informing the people that drink around you that you don't want to, maybe go further and bring another sober friend to keep you accountable. Sometimes setting boundaries with these family members and letting them know you'd rather avoid being around it can help- depends on how they are, I guess.

1 Like

Realistically, most of us have to avoid it as much as possible, especially early in recovery. Kind of the price we pay. I don’t like to be around drunk people. They are just usually dumb and not fun.

3 Likes

I agree, my first attempt was a month ago and I made it one week but then I met up with friends in Chicago for a weekend and it was just too much. I just know it will be inevitable at some point. I don’t want to feel like I’ll miss out on fun nights out, birthdays, dinners, football sundays etc.

You will and you will get better at it. Just give yourself some time. Patience is so important in recovery. If you feel a bit uncomfortable, don’t do it. Play it safe. Follow your gut. Is your sobriety worth risking it for whatever fun you might (or might not) be missing out on? :slightly_smiling_face:

1 Like

Find sober friends,tell your family about your situation,if you don't, you'll probably fail at soberity.TRUTH!

1 Like

it's tough, but as long as at least one person there knows your situation, that can be helpful. i set up a code phrase with a good friend to let him know i'm getting overwhelmed and need to move away from the scene for a little bit.

1 Like

Hi Brittany-is there one person who you can connect on a sober level that can help you during these times. Maybe stick to them like glue the first couple times until you get your legs (kind of like a new fawn learning to walk). This is our new walk with drinking people-right?

1 Like

Went out to dinner with friends with 35 months of sobriety. Several friends had wine. I didn’t. If I felt uncomfortable I would have excused myself and went home. Knowing I have an escape plan and staying connected with my sober friends, fellowship, sponsor and HP has resulted in immense spiritual and mental growth. I had fun, sipped on seltzer and enjoyed my veal with gnocchi. 2 years ago this wasn’t fun. Learning how to celebrate and enjoy friendship sober is a surprising tool I didn’t think I would develop in sobriety. When dealing with friends that drink I have a simple solution, if it makes me uncomfortable, I remove myself from the situation.

1 Like

Stay a way for a year. Safer.:dromedary_camel: