How to Stay Sober AND Social

Attending social events can be one of the biggest triggers for those struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Many people used when they were with friends, and that association can create a strong urge in them to use again, even if they have been sober for years. If you are in the early days of finishing your Phoenix addiction treatment, you likely will find it even harder to resist these urges.

Get ongoing Mesa addiction counseling to help you stay successful on your recovery journey, and use these tips to stay sober while also maintaining your social life:

Drink a Mocktail

Some people feel pressured to drink when there is alcohol around because that’s what everyone else is doing. In fact, if you don’t have a drink in your hand, several people are likely to ask you why you aren’t drinking and pressure you to get a drink.

You can divert attention from yourself by ordering a “mocktail” – which is made just like a cocktail but without the alcohol. If anyone else looks at the drink, they won’t know that there is no alcohol in it. You can also order non-alcoholic beers.

Volunteer to be the Designated Driver

Most people will choose a designated driver when they go out drinking for the night. They plan ahead to ensure they have a safe ride home. You can volunteer to be the designated driver, and no one will pressure you to drink throughout the night. Most people will even buy you mocktails or other drinks and snacks throughout the night in support of your efforts.

Choose Sober Activities

A lot of adults head out to the bar or another place where alcohol is served to hang out with friends. But there are many other things you can do to spend time with friends that don’t involve alcohol at all. You can go see a movie, meet up for coffee, have dinner together, go for a hike, or even take a class together.

Be mindful of activities like grilling out or going to a sports game, as these often come with alcohol, even if they do not specifically revolve around alcohol.

Invite Friends to Your Home

In your home, you can control all the elements of your social gathering. You don’t have to worry about showing up for one activity and having friends suggest you go somewhere else or that you order drinks. You can create the menu for dinner or snacks, and you can set the agenda for what happens.

Consider inviting friends over for a movie or game night, dinner, or even a barbecue. Just make it clear that guests should not bring alcohol or other substances into your home. Ideally, your friends would know that you have undergone addiction treatment in Gilbert and would be understanding about this request.

Get Plenty of Support

Despite your best efforts to control your environment, there are going to be times when you are still tempted to use drugs or alcohol in social situations. Someone might bring something unexpectedly, or you might see others in the location drinking or using. Or you might have another trigger for using.

It’s important that you have as much support as you can get to help you through times like these. Have a sponsor that you can call when you need to, and continue going to support groups and addiction counseling. The more support you have, the more likely you will be to overcome your temptation and remain sober.

You don’t have to give up your social life to remain sober after your Chandler addiction treatment. You just need the right support and the right strategies for success. These tips will help you enjoy spending time with friends and family while also resisting the urge to use. If your friends or family are not supporting your efforts to remain sober, know that it is also ok to build a network of loved ones who are more positive and supportive of your healthy way of life.

Call Corebella Health and Wellness if you are ready to start your addiction treatment or if you are struggling in your recovery and need additional addiction counseling to help you stay sober. We offer services in Glendale and Tempe, including addiction therapy and medication treatment from a suboxone doctor. We also offer services to promote general health through our wellness clinic. Call us today to learn more about our services in Glendale and Tempe.