Whether you're a recovering alcoholic or you're experimenting with living sober, social gatherings, especially ones involving alcohol, can fill you with stress, anxiety, and even a fear that you're missing out.

Getting together with friends, family, or co-workers doesn't have to be taxing. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption has become the norm at large gatherings, but it's important to not isolate yourself due to the worries or fears you may have. Isolation can lead to more struggles down the road.

The best thing you can do when you're ready is to plan ahead and find ways that you can stick to your living sober while also having fun with friends. Check out the 5 tips below for staying sober while at a social gathering.

5 Tips To Staying Sober While At A Social Gathering

1. Have a Game Plan

Having a plan in place before you go to a gathering will help prepare you for what's to come. Uncertainty can be overwhelming, so try to get as much information as you can, so can you feel fully prepared. Ask questions like:

• Who else will be there?

• Will there be alcohol?

• Will non-alcoholic beverages be available? 

Getting answers to some of the questions you may have will put you at ease. Plus, you'll be able to plan ahead by bringing your own beverages, so you won't be tempted or persuaded into trying something there.

2. Get a Support Person

Another great way to stay sober while at a social gathering is to bring a trusted friend who can also be a support person for you. This person can look out for you. If they know you're trying to stay sober and avoid drinking, you'll hold each other accountable. Maybe they'll even decide to stay sober with you so you don't feel lonely by not participating. If not, you can also tell yourself that you're their designated driver, which can also help you to avoid a drink.

3. Be Prepared to Answer Questions

Drinking at social gatherings can feel like the norm, which can lead some people to ask invasive questions that you may not want to answer. Keep in mind that you don't have to tell anyone your life story. If someone asks you why you're not drinking or if you want a drink, you can always just say no. If you feel uncomfortable with that, try out one of these responses:

• "I have an early appointment in the morning."

• "I'm the designated driver."

• "I don't feel like drinking."

If at any point during a conversation you feel uncomfortable, it's okay to walk away and remove yourself from the situation.

4. Grab Your Own (Non-alcoholic) Drink

Feeling like you're missing out can cause added stress and anxiety. Just by holding your own non-alcoholic drink, you may feel more at ease. Make sure to bring or prep your own drink. It's probably best to grab and prepare your own drinks just to be 100% sure that no alcohol has made its way into your cup. There are plenty of great non-alcoholic options out there that can help maintain your status of being in charge of what you're consuming.

5. Have a Plan B

Always have a backup plan, just in case. Don't stay longer just because of your fear of missing out or because you're worried someone may think you're rude for leaving early. If you start feeling uncomfortable, you need to prioritize yourself and your sobriety.

Overcoming alcohol or substance abuse can be overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to begin your journey with a trusted support who understands addiction and what you may be going through.