Helpful Tips for Sober Socializing

Finding ways to connect with others is an essential part of the addiction recovery process. Sober socializing, however, can sometimes be challenging for individuals who have struggled with drug or alcohol addiction. A few helpful hints can go a long way toward learning how to socialize when sober especially for those that are new to the sobriety lifestyle. Here are some strategies that could provide real assistance for sober socializing during the recovery process.

Be Honest

While it is probably not a good idea to announce that you are in recovery to everyone you know, confiding in your closest friends about your previous addiction and current sobriety can provide you with much-needed support during challenging times. You can also rely on others who are going through recovery with you to provide you with moral and emotional support when you need it most.

Stay Away From Drugs and Alcohol

Although it may seem obvious, it is critical to your ongoing sobriety to avoid the triggers that fueled your previous addictions. For most people, this means staying out of bars and other establishments in which alcohol is served or drugs are often present. Sober socializing can include trips to coffee shops, theaters and other entertainment venues that do not serve alcohol. While it may not be possible to avoid all incidents of exposure to alcohol or drugs, minimizing this contact is a great way to maintain sobriety for most recovering addicts.

Practice Your Responses

The chances are that you will eventually be faced with a question about why you are not drinking at a party or work event. Planning your responses in advance can help you feel more confident in explaining your choice not to drink. Taking a turn as a designated driver or explaining that you are cutting back or taking a break from drinking can often be enough to prevent uncomfortable questions in these types of situations.

Plan Your Exit Strategy

Finding a way to leave gracefully if you are no longer having fun or if you are feeling tempted to drink in certain environments or situations can help you navigate the world of sober socializing more effectively. You can reference an early morning appointment, a planned activity or even a headache when making your excuses and heading home. Once again, practicing your responses in these situations can make it much easier for you to extricate yourself from environments that could jeopardize your sobriety.

Seek the Right Help

At Sober Living America, we offer faith-based programs to help those struggling with addiction to improve their chances of recovery. We offer help with addiction that encompasses housing, career assistance and transportation services for individuals in all types of financial situations. Our team can help you learn how to socialize when sober and can provide the support necessary to begin your sobriety journey. To learn more, visit us online or give us a call today at 877-430-0086. At Sober Living America, we are here to help.