Socializing Sober
Socializing sober doesn’t mean missing out on fun. Sober gatherings offer a chance to create meaningful connections without the distraction of alcohol. Whether hosting a small sober girls get-together, going out with friends or a date, attending a workplace event, or participating in a larger event, there are countless ways to socialize and have a great time while staying true to your sobriety journey. Socializing and being around other people are crucial components of addiction recovery. It’s something you shouldn’t miss out on just because you no longer drink alcohol or use drugs.
What Are Some Sober Activities?
Choosing the right sober activities can be filled with laughter, humor, excitement, and memorable. Alcohol doesn’t always have to be involved. Below are some activities that encourage a focus on bonding and relaxing:
- Movie night
- A wellness retreat
- Group yoga
- Painting
- Mocktail making
- Cooking or baking
- Gardening
- Flower arrangement
- Pottery class
- Marathon
- Volunteering
How To Build A Sober Support System?
A sober get-together can be more than just a fun night—it’s also a powerful way to strengthen your sober support system. Surrounding yourself with friends, family, colleagues, and aquaintances who respect your recovery helps reinforce your commitment to sobriety. Whether you’re in early recovery or have been sober for years, having a solid support system in place is key to maintaining your progress.
Building a strong sober support system is crucial to maintaining sobriety and thriving in recovery. Your support system consists of the people, communities, and resources that encourage and help you stay on the path of sobriety. These connections provide emotional support, accountability, and guidance, making them an essential part of a successful and lasting recovery.
Here are a few tips to help you build and strengthen your sober support system:
The foundation of a sober support system starts with surrounding yourself with people who respect your recovery journey. This includes friends and family members who understand and support your decision to stay sober. It’s also important to seek out new friendships within the sober community. Attending sober events, joining support groups, and participating in sober activities can help you build meaningful connections with others who are also living a sober lifestyle.
> Tip: Look for sober meet-up groups or recovery-based social clubs in your area. These can be great places to meet new people who share similar values and goals.
Joining a recovery community is one of the best ways to build a reliable sober support system. Whether it’s through 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other recovery groups, regularly attending meetings can help you stay connected to people who understand the struggles and triumphs of sobriety. These groups offer a space to share experiences, receive encouragement, and build lasting friendships with others in recovery.
> Tip: If in-person meetings are difficult to attend, many recovery programs now offer online support groups or virtual meetings, making it easier to stay connected no matter where you are.
Part of building a sober support system involves maintaining open lines of communication with the people closest to you. This means being honest about your feelings, challenges, and progress in recovery. Let your friends and family know how they can support you, whether that’s through regular check-ins, attending sober activities together, or simply being there to listen when things get tough. Having a support system that is well-informed and empathetic makes a big difference when you face difficult moments.
> Tip: Consider designating a few “accountability partners”—trusted individuals who can offer encouragement and support if you ever feel your sobriety is at risk.
Engaging in sober social activities is a great way to reinforce your support system. Hosting or attending sober events with like-minded people provides a safe space where everyone can have fun without the temptation of alcohol. These social gatherings are important for maintaining a sense of connection and belonging, especially during challenging times. Being proactive about organizing sober get-togethers ensures that you’re consistently surrounding yourself with positivity and support.
> Tip: You can create sober events such as a game night, hiking trip, or cooking class, making sure everyone feels included and supported.
Therapists, counselors, and addiction specialists can also be a crucial part of your sober support system. If you’re struggling with your recovery, seeking professional help can give you the tools and guidance necessary to navigate difficult emotions or triggers. Regular check-ins with a therapist or recovery coach can provide extra accountability and insight into your progress. It’s important to remember that your sober support system isn’t just limited to friends and family; professionals trained in addiction recovery play a key role as well.
> Tip: Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support if you feel you need it—therapy, counseling, and recovery coaching can help you maintain long-term sobriety.
Building a sober support system takes time, but the key is to stay connected and consistent. Attend recovery meetings regularly, nurture relationships with supportive people, and continue engaging in activities that reinforce your sobriety. Consistency in your efforts will help strengthen your network and provide a solid foundation that you can rely on during difficult times. Over time, your sober support system will become an integral part of your recovery journey, helping you navigate challenges while celebrating successes.
> Tip: Schedule regular catch-ups with your support network, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Your system of support will grow stronger with continued attention and effort.
Building a sober support system is about surrounding yourself with the right people, engaging in recovery communities, and being proactive about maintaining healthy relationships. Whether it’s through friends, family, professionals, or new connections made in recovery groups, having a solid support network is essential to maintaining sobriety and leading a fulfilling life in recovery.
Why Should Women Support Women in Sobriety?
Women supporting other women in sobriety is a beautiful thing, and something we focus on at Anchored Tides Recovery. Having a safe place where women can feel free is one of the keys to being happy and maintaining long term sobriety.
It’s not uncommon for a woman before getting sober to feel distraught or uncomfortable, especially in social situations. A coping mechanism a lot of women use to ease these feelings is drinking alcohol or doing drugs. Now that you’re in recovery, or about to pursue a path to recovery, you may find yourself wondering “what will I do for fun now when I go out with friends?”. Please know you aren’t alone in this, and it should by no means be a reason to not quit drugs or alcohol.
In essence, no one knows what it feels like to be a sober woman except for other sober women. Having a group of people who understand your struggles and has been in your shoes, is incredibly therapeutic and encouraging. Never undervalue the power of a good ‘ole fashioned girl get together! And if you’re going to plan one, use these tips to plan a memorable party without risking your recovery!
Choose the Guest List for the Sober Event
Your guests can potentially make or break your get together. When making your guest list, make sure to invite women you feel safe around. They don’t necessarily have to be sober, they just have to understand that you’re sober and have boundaries.
Make Plans for a Sober Saturday Night Activity
Planning a get-together can feel a bit stressful. As a host, you probably want to make sure you plan something that all of the guests will enjoy. An easy way to ensure everyone will be engaged is to place the sober event around an activity. This will also help encourage conversation amongst the guests, especially if they don’t know each other.
One fun activity that almost everyone enjoys is bowling. It’s fun if you’re good at it, it’s still fun if you’re bad at it (a not so good bowler usually makes everyone laugh), and there’s always good fried food at a bowling alley.
Another fun activity is a game night. Most game nights these days don’t even require having the physical game, you just need a cell phone and reliable WiFi. Heads up is a great game because it moves quickly and requires the group splitting into two smaller groups. It also requires everyone to get up off the couch at one point.
Focus on the Food
Don’t want alcohol to be the focus? No problem! You can shift the focus from alcohol by making sure there is a tasty meal or snack when the girls get together. If you’re going to gather a large group, feel free to ask other people to bring some snacks.
Have Fun!
Most importantly, if you’re planning a social gathering, make sure you have fun. Your life isn’t over now that the “partying” has stopped. Your new sober life in recovery will be fulfilling and fun. Below are just some tips to follow when throwing a girls get-together without putting your sobriety at risk.
Build Your Sober Support System at Anchored Tides Recovery
Anchored Tides Recovery is a female owned and female client based addiction treatment center, with rehab programs specifically designed for women by women. We also offer women dealing with alcohol addiction a safe haven.
Located in Orange County, CA, Anchored Tides is committed to providing you with a treatment experience that leads to lasting recovery. Contact us at 866-329-6639 to begin your journey to recovery!
