If you are in recovery from alcoholism, you might be worried about staying sober at a wedding or other social events. It can be difficult to be around others who are drinking heavily when you are trying to stay sober. It’s perfectly fine to skip social events if you think it will be hard to avoid alcohol. However, if you feel ready, make sure to have a plan in advance for maintaining sobriety. Bring a supportive date or friend along with you who can be an accountability partner. You can also drink mocktails without alcohol so that you still feel like you have a drink while socializing. Finally, have an exit strategy and remember that if things get too difficult for you, you can leave at any time. It’s perfectly fine to prioritize your health over a social event.
Staying Sober at a Wedding: Social Events in Recovery
Plan Ahead
Staying sober at a wedding is much easier if you make a plan ahead of time. Try to figure out who all will be attending so you’ll know what type of crowd to expect. If you know the event will cater to heavy drinking, it might be best just to skip it. If you do want to attend, plan what you’ll say in case anybody offers you a drink or asks why you aren’t partaking.
Bring a Supportive Date
It can also help to bring a supportive date if you are staying sober at a wedding. They can act as an accountability partner for you and help you stay on track with your goals. Hopefully, they’ll be fine with avoiding alcohol as well so that you won’t feel like you’re the only one sober.
Drink a Mocktail
Sometimes it’s hard to socialize at events like weddings without feeling a drink in your hand. Any bartender will be happy to make you a non-alcoholic cocktail. They can even make them in fancy glassware so that nobody will realize yours is a virgin. This way, you can still enjoy an indulgent and delicious drink without risking your recovery.
Have an Exit Strategy
Finally, if you are staying sober at a wedding, have an exit strategy in case you need to make a quick getaway. Sometimes, it just gets too difficult to be around others who are drinking heavily. Remember that it’s perfectly fine for you to leave early before things get too out of hand. Even if others think you are leaving too early, it’s better to prioritize your sobriety.
Staying sober at a wedding can be difficult if you are in recovery from alcoholism, especially if you have just started your journey. It’s perfectly fine to skip social events entirely if you think the drinking might get out of hand. And it’s fine to leave early as well if things get too crazy. Just make a plan ahead of time for how you’ll handle staying sober, including what you’ll say if people ask why you aren’t drinking. Bring along a date or a friend who can keep you accountable and who is supportive of your recovery. You can also ask the bartender for a virgin version of a cocktail so that you still feel like you’re joining in the socializing. Your recovery is the most important thing, so don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and take whatever steps you need to take to maintain your sobriety.
