At Nexstep Medical Detox, we understand that staying on the path of sobriety can be difficult, especially when your friends and family usually include alcohol consumption in their definition of “having fun.”
8 Ways To Have Fun While Staying Sober
- Choose Non-Alcoholic Beverages At Parties
- Have An “Accountabilibuddy”
- Set Boundaries
- Find New Friends
- Be The Designated Driver
- Explore New Hobbies
- Get Involved In The Community
- Attend Sober Events
1) Choose Non-Alcoholic Beverages At Parties
If you do find yourself in a situation where alcohol is being served, remember that you do not have to drink it. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options available, such as sparkling water, juice, or iced tea. If you’re feeling self-conscious about not drinking alcohol, bring along your own non-alcoholic beverage and pour it into a wine glass so you’ll have something to hold and sip on throughout the night.
2) Have An “Accountabilibuddy”
It can be helpful to have a buddy who you can rely on to help you stay accountable during social events. Ideally, this person should be a friend or family member who is also choosing to remain sober all night. You and your pal can choose non-alcoholic beverages, stand up for each other if others are pressuring you to drink, and provide each other with moral support if the temptation is strong.
3) Be The Designated Driver
If you’re worried about being around alcohol, one way to avoid the temptation is to be the designated driver. This way, you won’t have to explain why you aren’t drinking, and you can focus on having fun without alcohol.
4) Set Boundaries
It’s important to know your triggers and have a plan in place for when you’re around them. If you feel like you can’t say no when someone offers you a drink, then it’s best to avoid situations where alcohol will be present. Communicate with your friends and family about your sobriety and let them know that you’d appreciate it if they refrained from drinking around you.
5) Find A New Friend Group
Limiting contact with toxic people goes hand in hand with setting boundaries. If your current friends keep pressuring you to drink even though they know you’re trying to stay sober, it may be time to cut ties with them and find new people to hang out with. There are plenty of other folks out there who will understand and respect your choice to abstain from drinking.
6) Explore New Hobbies & Activities
Summer is the perfect time to try new things. There are plenty of fun activities that don’t involve alcohol, such as hiking, biking, swimming, or going to the beach. Find an activity that you enjoy and make plans to do it with your friends and family.
7) Get Involved In The Community
There are many ways to get involved in your community without drinking alcohol, such as volunteering at a local park, helping clean up your neighborhood, working at a food bank, or helping other people who are in recovery. Although it may not strike most people as “fun” per se, community service can bring about a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment while also keeping your mind off alcohol.
8) Attend Sober Events
One way to have fun without alcohol is to find and attend sober events in your area. These events are usually hosted by recovery organizations, and they provide a safe and welcoming environment for people in recovery to have fun and connect with others.
Alcohol Detox Centers In Utah
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, we offer medical detox services at our state-of-the-art facility. Our caring and professional staff will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. We also offer a variety of aftercare services to help you maintain your sobriety after you leave. Contact Nexstep Medical Detox for more information about our intake process.
