How to Handle Social Events Involving Alcohol or Drugs

A person who is in recovery may find the idea of going to a social event where alcohol or drugs are offered overwhelming or frightening. Worrying about how to turn down alcohol at social events can be stressful. However, there are many ways to stay sober at parties, have fun without drugs and ensure that your sobriety is not at risk.

Prepare Mentally for Events Where Drugs or Alcohol Will Be Present

Learning how to handle parties with alcohol is as much about self-control as it is about understanding why you are tempted to reach it in the first place. Ask yourself the following:

Do social events cause you anxiety?
Do you feel like you simply won’t fit in unless you are drinking or partaking in drugs?
Do you fear negative judgment or feedback from those you are around?

Refusing alcohol at parties can set off a volley of questions from those around you. However, it is entirely up to you whether you tell them honestly why you are not drinking. Remember how hard you have worked and how far you have come to get free from alcohol or drugs. Young adults might find it more difficult to refuse alcohol at parties due to peer pressure and a lack of understanding about addiction among this age group. However, standing firm and strong and staying clean and sober will help you get through the event. You always have the option of leaving the event to talk with supportive loved ones or to find a support group meeting that will help to provide you with the strength that your resolve requires.

Avoiding Alcohol at Social Events with Open Bars

Those who are aware and are supportive of your sobriety would try not to put you in uncomfortable situations where your sobriety and your friendships could be put in jeopardy. However, there are a few ways that you can avoid open bars and alcohol or drugs at parties in order to ensure that your sobriety and your personal relationships are not at risk. These include the following:

Just say no. As an adult, even an adult dealing with recovery, you have what it takes to stand up for yourself and turn down drugs or alcohol.
Walk away from uncomfortable situations or situations where people are getting out of hand with their behavior.
At some events such as corporate social events it is perfectly acceptable to tell those around you that you are the designated driver. This doesn’t have to be a lie, as you can offer to drive your friends, coworkers or family members home after the event.

As part of your sobriety you should sever ties with those who used to drink or do drugs with you or who currently drink to excess. This will minimize your exposure to negative influences. You can have fun in recovery, and social events do not need to be dull events simply because they are lacking in alcohol or drugs. Spending time with good friends and family members is a sure way to have fun. Going to the beach, going for a hike or even spending a night out on the town can be accomplished without the inclusion of drugs and alcohol.

Manage or Find Addiction Recovery

If you are questioning your current state of sobriety, don’t put off talking with someone. Call our toll-free helpline and have a discussion with one of our compassionate counselors. Calls are confidential, and one call may offer just the help you need to stay sober or get sober. Please call today.