Does anyone have suggestions for approaching sobriety with friends that

Recovery
#1

Does anyone have suggestions for approaching sobriety with friends that I used to go for drinks with several times a week?

I don’t want to cut them from my life, as we are also coworkers and I do greatly enjoy their company and wouldn’t consider them “drinking buddies” (had plenty of those, trust me).

But, just suddenly not drinking or going out to places with alcohol with them (a decision I think is best for now, in the beginning) is a subject I have no idea how to approach. I don’t want to make up an excuse for not drinking, but the subject of sobriety is still a deeply personal one for me in these early stages.

Anyone have some words of advice?

#2

Be open and honest with them. Let them know you will no longer be drinking and could use their support. The unfortunate thing is that you may have to distance yourself from them. It sucks to leave friends but two people cannot walk down different roads at the same time, and still do it together.

#4

Good point! Thank you for the advice :slight_smile:

1 Like
#5

Yeah I’ve experienced that before for sure. I just was so lonely last time, I had no social life whatsoever outside of my s/o. I’m not sure how to prevent that from happening and also distance myself from the first few actual friends I’ve made in the years I’ve lived in this city.

#6

When they see your not drinking or you tell them.usually they separate from use .if you let them go.they may comeback. Try meeting aa .or any other meetings.will help the friend problem.we need people like use to talk to. Aa. Org for meetings

#7

All my family and close friends know and understand. I simply told them I have a problem and need to stop drinking. That was it. Some asked questions in private but nothing more and know prompting to have a drink. I'm now sober 5 months and feel better than I can remember. I think going to meetings and telling my friends help me stay accountable. Best of luck