Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on April 5, 2021.
After a long week at work, you deserve a fun evening with friends. If you don't drink or want to hold back on drinking, that means you are specifically looking forward to a sober night out. Alcohol isn't required for you and your friends to unwind and make some memories together.
If you're nervous about going out with friends while avoiding alcohol, we have a few tips to set yourself up for a great evening.
While drinking may seem like the main event of a social outing, there's no reason it has to be. Here are a few ways to prepare yourself for a sober night out.
There's nothing wrong with an evening out with old friends. Just remember that you and your friends go way back, so they may expect you to drink with them as you may have in the past. If they ask you what you want to drink and you reject the offer, they may have a few questions.
You don't have to explain yourself, but remember that you made a decision that you believe is better for you and the life you live. Work on building yourself up so you can confidently and politely respond to your friends without feeling guilty. Their reactions may not be favorable at first, but real friends should respect your decision not to drink.
If you are wondering how to avoid drinking when going out, one of the best things you can do is choose your association wisely. Getting together with your college drinking pals or high school friends may bring back old memories, and your friends may encourage you to have just one drink that can then turn into more. Instead, maybe it's time to hang out with different or newer friends.
Whoever you choose, ensure you are surrounding yourself with people who will understand your decision and won't add unnecessary pressure to your evening. You may find that the right friends won't even order drinks from the bar. Instead, they'll join you and indulge in a soda or water with fresh lemon.
When you think of sober activities, the bar and most clubs are out of the picture. If you and your friends do want to spend time in a club, consider looking for an alcohol-free one where you can avoid the pressure to drink.
That said, it might be better to choose a whole new atmosphere that doesn't remind you of previous nights spent drinking. Consider some of the following ideas for going out without drinking:
If you're not sure how to have fun without drinking, Diamond House Detox can help you build the life you want. All of our clients receive individualized treatment and aftercare plans for the best chance at a successful recovery. Browse our programs and contact us today if you have any questions.
