Ask Amy Dickinson: My friend’s lies put me in a tricky situation

When people understand why you’ve chosen sobriety, they are more likely to respect your decision and offer their support. Plus, being honest with yourself about your struggles and progress can help you stay motivated and accountable. It’s a subversive, hardcore choice to take your life into your own hands.

• Any alcohol detox program’s ultimate goal is to return the affected person to a healthy state safely.
• Staying sober around drinkers can be tough, but with the right mindset and strategies, it’s possible.
• Finding out who you really are, without drinking, is one of the scariest and most beneficial parts of recovery, Dr. Heinzerling says.
• Our brains don’t like imbalance and will work very hard to correct it.
• Set a reminder once or twice a day to look through your list and share it with a supportive person in your life if you feel comfortable.

When You Don’t Drink But Your Friends Do

Fried and overly sugary foods will also artificially spike your dopamine levels and cause your brain to overcorrect, leaving you feeling irritable, depressed, and cranky. These are all things you’re trying to overcome from drinking. It is very common for people to replace alcohol with sugar in the beginning, which is detrimental not only to your waistline and physical being sober around drinkers health but your mental well-being as well. Getting sober is like learning to walk again after a terrible accident. You should be able to go about living your life without drinking alcohol, but you feel utterly useless and have no idea what to do with yourself. If you’re ready to start on your path toward sobriety, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help.

Ways to Enjoy Being Sober When Everyone Else is Drinking

Consider reaching out to a vocational rehabilitation counselor or career coach to help you update your resume, practice job interview skills, and locate jobs that match your skills and experience. For example, you may have developed a co-dependent relationship, or a family member, friend, or employer may have been enabling you without even knowing it. Depending on the type of dependency, PAWS can last from six months to two years after you stop using drugs or alcohol.

Physical Health

2) I pre-plan my non-alcoholic drinks and make sure that I make an effort to fix myself something nice. For my 5pm drinks ice cubes are a must, as is sliced lemon. I also travel with my own tea bags so I can make sure I have my favourite hot drinks in the mornings and evenings. 1) I tell myself to CHILL THE FUCK OUT about other people drinking and don’t let my thoughts start endlessly looping about how hard it can be to be around people whose brains are under the influence. I  don’t judge any of my family for drinking, I get what the appeal is. That being I am infinitely more happy, calm and grounded now that I am no longer necking wine like it’s going out of fashion.

If these emotions become excessive, they can hold you back from recovery. If you are trying to maintain a sober lifestyle, those feelings can become toxic and contribute to relapse if you don’t deal with them properly. You may also experience what is commonly called sobriety fatigue, which refers to the overall exhaustion that may occur as a result of the emotional and physical stress of staying sober. So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it.

• So now I’m sober, and I have zero choice but to be me in all situations.
• One of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re feeling bored in sobriety is to find a way to serve others.
• By recognizing potential triggers, you can take the necessary steps to avoid temptation.
• Luckily, being sober around drinkers is possible — even if they are your friends.

Embracing sobriety can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling social life. Choose to spend time with friends and acquaintances who support your decision to socialize without alcohol. Seek out individuals who appreciate and respect your choices. Being in a positive and nonjudgmental environment can make the experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Addiction Treatment Programs

• From being seated at a table near the bar in a restaurant to the toast at a wedding, drinking is everywhere, and being social means being unable to avoid these occasions.
• For many recovering alcoholics, it’s too difficult to be the only nondrinker in the room.
• Recovery from addiction is a highly personal journey that varies in length for each individual.
• Whenever possible, ask a friend or relative to attend a social event with you sober.

To Drink or Not to Drink Around Sober People

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• Some say that the biggest struggle begins once the former alcoholic leaves the alcohol rehab center.
• That latter experience feeling like everything is gray and dull and lacks meaning?
• Support groups can include 12-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or non-12-step groups like SMART Recovery, which has a more secular approach.
• They connect individuals with certified therapists who specialize in addiction counseling via secure video calls or text messages, making professional assistance readily accessible whenever required.
• Healthy movement also helps you heal your mind and body from the damage often caused by addiction.