Alcohol Rehab: How to Not Drink When Your Friends Are Drinking
Trying to quit drinking is a difficult task, especially if most of your friends and family drink around you on a regular basis. There seems to always be a temptation to have a drink or two yourself – thinking “why does it matter” or “If they can, why can’t I?” But if you are reading this post, you have reasons you have decided to quit drinking and know that just having “one or two” will lead to more.
It can feel very isolated being the only one not drinking. Before, you were used to being part of the party, but suddenly everyone seems to be having a great time, while you feel left out.
This feeling is normally accompanied by concerned friends or relatives, pressuring you to just give up.
This will probably sound familiar:
• “What’s wrong with you?”
• “Come on, you can have just one…”
• “You’re a lot more fun when you are drinking…”
These comments make it even harder to refrain, and your fun evening can just turn into a stressful event. Of course this all depends on the company you’re with. If you’re just with your family or your partner in a restaurant then obviously the pressure won’t be so awkward, going to but pubs, bars and clubs where most people are drinking and will take some getting used to. It’s best to simply avoid these places for a while (or all together) once you’ve made the decision to quit drinking.
In situations where the temptation cannot be avoided, it helps to get a friend on your side. This would be someone who doesn’t drink, has also decided to stop drinking is prepared to be sober for the evening to keep you company. This way you won’t feel quite so alone and you’ll have somebody else who’s on your level and provide support for you if/when you feel like giving into your cravings for a drink. This won’t be necessary forever and it will get easier the longer you are sober.
Fairwinds Treatment Center is a dually licensed psychiatric treatment facility helping those recover from alcoholism and live sober, healthy lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with a drinking problem, Fairwinds Treatment Center is here to help. For more information, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today.