Understanding the stages of alcohol misuse and recognizing our patterns can be the first crucial steps toward a better relationship with alcohol. A simple “No, thank you” usually works fine. If people try to persuade you, you can explain that you’re not drinking tonight, simply don’t drink alcohol, or choose not to elaborate further. Be direct and confident in your response to help show your decision isn’t up for debate. Navigating social pressure while maintaining a decision not to drink alcohol can sometimes feel challenging.
Be ready to respond to triggers
Getting sober was a lonely journey at first, but finding community has made all the difference. Yeah, and there’s a universally people out there who’ve chosen not to drink and really cool men and women that you would love to know. And we and we also have chapters, because I felt it was really important.
Support Group: Knowing and loving your authentic self
So, we were given two weeks to read the book. And I remember really clearly thinking the minute I looked alcohol free lifestyle at this title, the sober diaries. I thought oh, wow, wow, this is probably kind of meant to be.
Building Resilience Amid Transitions: Overcoming Depression Without Alcohol
And I also like, when I talk about this, I really feel like I’m talking about like America, because I know other countries are, some are worse, some are better. But you know, a lot of my research is stemmed in like American society, because that’s where I’m from, that’s where, you know, I live, but I feel like, you know, we’re targeted from the beginning, you know, and we’re brainwashed. The social trends of “Dry January” and “Sober October” have challenged people to stop drinking for a month to decrease their tolerance, improve their health, and get a different perspective on their drinking.
- Alcohol was making me sick, quite literally.
- Older adults are at particular risk for stress and stress-related problems.
- Two years ago, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism changed its definition of recovery, and it no longer requires abstinence.
- I get my students to take a picture at the beginning of their 6 week course and another at the end.
- If you want to socialise, go out with your friends for either breakfast or brunch.
- April is Alcohol Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to talk about how to quit drinking safely and what to expect if you’re going alcohol-free.
What is sober-curious?
This is not a bad thing, it’s a good thing! Being able to socialise without alcohol is an excellent skill to have. The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge. Abstaining from alcohol can reverse many of these mental and emotional effects.
- As alcohol is broken down and metabolized by your body, toxins get released.
- And, but what kind of freaked me out in a good way?
- But you know, if I’m in the wrong, I’ll apologize.
- He once dropped a bottle of gin and then sucked the spilled liquid off the floor with a straw, desperate for the alcohol.
Give back is like, How can I be of service to others in recovery today? And, but what kind of freaked me out in a good way? I was noticing that, you know, like, so many people in the rooms had lost so much. You know, like, they’d come in and they’d lost their families, they’ve lost all their friends, they’ve lost their job. Really, you know, because I was not a gray area drinker, I was, you know, like we talked about before, you know, I was drinking, I was bringing vodka to class, I was drinking and driving, I was getting arrested. You know, I was getting hospitalized, like, there was really no chill.
COVID lockdown drinking habits led to a rise in deaths from alcoholic liver disease
- Because how can we we’re not authentic when we’re putting poison into ourselves.
- But when it came to the booze, or that didn’t count, because everyone did that.
- It’s like, sometimes it’s just as automatic as brushing your teeth.
- But there’s not much guidance on how to quit drinking safely, particularly for people who don’t seek treatment because they think their drinking isn’t severe enough to warrant “detox” or “rehab” programs.
- Listen actively and get to know people on a deeper level.
Going alcohol-free can reverse many of these effects. Over time, the brain regains its natural capability to regulate emotions. When this happens, our anxiety levels drop, our mood stabilizes, and our overall sense of emotional well-being is restored.
- Craft beers and specialty cocktails may have a higher ABV, and restaurants and bars may add more alcohol or pour drinks in larger glasses.
- We kind of want to compartmentalize everything and you know, if we’re feeling happy, well, that’s good.
- Now that you’re alcohol free, you’ll be waking up earlier and with fewer hangovers.
- But not only that, I did a number of different, you know, diets throughout the year that removed alcohol, and pretty much I was like, Oh, I’ll get skinny, and I won’t drink this will be fabulous.
- You know, because, one back in the day, I didn’t even know that the reason I woke up at 3am, every night was not because I had insomnia was because I was drinking.
Embrace the power within you to cultivate a balanced and fulfilling life. For me, sobriety meant a much improved relationship with work. For a long time, I was performing jobs that I was capable of doing, but I didn’t really love. Since quitting drinking, I have aligned with what is right for me. No more ‘Sunday Scaries’ when going back to work on Monday. And so it’s breaking up that cycle, and telling your body, okay, I’m going to try something different.
