Sobriety is a huge accomplishment, but living a sober lifestyle with friends and family who still enjoy alcohol can be a challenge. If you are going to a social outing soon, and are concerned about being around alcohol and people drinking, here are some helpful tips to still have fun while keeping up all of the hard work you have done.

Bring Someone Who is Also Sober

One of the most difficult parts of being sober at a social outing where there is going to be alcohol is feeling like an outsider. Even if you aren’t the only person not drinking, walking into a situation where most people besides you are going to be drinking can be very intimidating. To alleviate some of this pressure it can be really helpful to bring a friend who is also sober.

In addition to having the support of someone who knows what you are going through, having a sober friend with you will help keep you accountable. Being in an environment where there is going to be alcohol and possible pressure from others to drink can be a real test of your sobriety. No matter how confident you feel in yourself, it is always good to have an extra layer of protection.

Bring Your Own Drink

You may not realize it, but holding a drink in your hand at a party can alleviate a lot of awkwardness you might feel about being in a crowd of people without any alcohol. Holding something in your hand and being able to sip on it might not seem that important, but it can serve as a helpful prop.

Additionally, having your own drink already will reduce the number of people who may ask you if you are drinking or if you’d like something. If you aren’t ready to be so open about your sobriety, especially with people who are just acquaintances, bringing your own drink will keep people from questioning you.

Prepare Your Answers

Depending on who is at the event and how well you know them, it is possible that someone will ask you about your sobriety. This can be an awkward conversation to have especially if you are early on in your journey, so preparing a response can make you feel a lot more confident. Try to think of something that is simple, but will still answer their questions.

If you really don’t want to discuss it at all, you can also be prepared to tell people that you aren’t ready to talk about it. The truth is that you don’t owe anyone an answer or explanation about your sobriety or addiction treatment, so don’t feel obligated to go into great detail so that they understand.

You can practice with a friend or just in a mirror, but having an answer already prepared will help you go into the situation feeling much more confident and comfortable.

Remind Yourself Why You Are Sober

When you are going to a social gathering where alcohol is going to be present, it can be very easy to think that just one drink won’t hurt. However, your sobriety is a great accomplishment that you worked really hard for, for a reason. Before going to the event take a few moments to remind yourself why you got sober in the first place.

It can be very helpful to write the reasons down so that you can look at them. If you are feeling really nervous, bring the list with you so that when any temptation arises you can take a quick look at it to remind yourself why drinking is a bad idea.

Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey.