A few years ago, I declined a drink at a friend’s birthday celebration. The host met my decisions with a sneer, looked me up and down, and said with obvious disappointment, “Oh—we thought you’d be fun!” Ouch! It can be hard to find alternatives to social drinking, especially in tough social situations where you don’t want to be left out.
Wine down Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Sunday Funday… if there’s a day of the week, then there’s a reason to drink. In a society that equates sobriety with “stick in the mud,” being a non-drinker feels a lot like being banished from the cool table in the high school cafeteria. It can also lead others to uncomfortably speculate “why.” Over the years, I’ve been asked if I was pregnant, on medication, or a recovering alcoholic. For many people, it’s unfathomable that I just don’t see the value in drinking. There is nothing in my life that has been made better or more exciting because of alcohol — but there are a few things that have been made worse.
Why I Found Alternatives to Social Drinking
For me, one of the biggest reasons I abstain is because I lead a healthy and highly active lifestyle as a fitness instructor. Staying out all night drinking tequila doesn’t really fit that narrative. Alcohol can be incredibly hard on your body and mind, plus it is among the leading causes of cancer.
A second, and less lofty, reason why I found alternatives to social drinking is because of my vanity. I am a 52-year-old woman, and that bottle of wine doesn’t do anything to help with the aging process. On the contrary, alcohol can make you appear puffy and bloated, which is not a good look for anyone.
Additionally, it can dehydrate your skin, adding to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Then there are the calories. Yes, alcohol calories count, and they can add up to some pretty significant pounds on the scale and inches on your waistline. Studies show that all these adverse effects of alcohol on a woman’s body increase as she gets older. No, thank you!
Sober Social Trends!
Giving up alcohol is a personal choice that, once made, can be difficult to stick to—especially when you are the only one in your family or friend group who orders the club soda. But there are ways to navigate the alcohol-free world without resorting to living like a hermit.
Thanks to a movement experts call “sober curious,” it’s much easier to find alternatives to social drinking than it was when I gave up alcohol a couple of decades ago. Spurred by the uptick in alcohol consumption caused by the pandemic in 2020, many people are now taking a long, hard look at their relationships with alcohol and their health and wellness in general. Things like “Dry January,” “healthy happy hour,” and “buzz-free beverages” are gaining traction among those attempting to abstain. If you are looking for ways to socialize while staying sober, here are a few alternatives to a night of alcohol that let you have fun without the hangover.
Play Pickleball or Another Sport
Pickleball is one of the hottest trends out there because it is easy to learn and ideal for all fitness levels. It’s also a great alternative to social drinking because you can play this fast-moving game with a whole group of family and friends. Facilities like the popular Chicken and Pickle are like family-friendly playgrounds with plenty of courts, a restaurant, live entertainment, and both indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.
Not only are you staying away from toxic alcohol, but you’re also engaging your body and mind!
Group Yoga Class or Spa Day
One of the biggest reasons for an after-work happy hour is to unwind and relax. For a similar effect without the alcohol, invite your co-workers to a yoga class instead. This can help you relieve the day’s stress without a drink, while improving your balance and flexibility. Yoga strengthens both your body and mind.
Alternatively, you and the girls could hit up the spa for a day! Spend time chatting it up and getting a facial or pedicure. Enjoy some tea or a healthy drink while soaking in the hot and cold pools. Contrast therapy and other spa treatments will help ease tensions in your muscles and your mind. You can even get a nice dose of feel-good endorphins and eliminate toxins in your body just from plunging in a cold pool.
Have a Mocktail Meetup
According to the Cocktail Trends Report, the number one trend in 2020 was the no-to-low alcoholic beverage, and the report forecasts that it will continue to grow. Known as “mindful consumption” in the industry, it is a trend embraced by non-drinkers as well as the sober-curious looking for more options. As a result, many bars and restaurants now offer a mocktail menu filled with delicious combinations of ingredients that don’t make you feel like a child ordering a Shirley Temple.
Another popular trend is to host a mocktail party and game night! Everyone can create their own mocktail mix and compete for who’s is best. People get very creative and even assign themes for these parties. Everyone comes up with a wild new drink to match the theme. Just remember to have fun with it!
Join A Club
Whatever your interest, there’s a group for that! From book clubs to Mah Jongg, knitting, cooking, and gardening, there are plenty of groups where you can participate in something you enjoy—or learn something new! Either way, you are sure to meet new people, and the best part is you will already share a common interest. Not sure how to find groups in your area? Click here for resources.
Other Tips to Avoid Social Drinking
If you still find yourself feeling forced to engage in social situations that revolve around alcohol, try to plan ahead. Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages to a party. Have an escape plan if things become too uncomfortable for you. You could even offer to be the designated driver.
Above all, don’t feel pressured to imbibe if you don’t want to. The role that alcohol plays in your social life is entirely up to you. However, if you find that you want to cut back and can’t, that may be a bigger issue. Therapy, medications, and online programs like Monument (where you can participate in counseling sessions from the privacy and comfort of your home), can help you determine what’s right for you.
Remember, at the end of the day, your choices are your business, no one else’s. If someone thinks you aren’t “fun” because you don’t drink, that’s saying a lot more about them than it is about you.
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