Read the latest and greatest from our team
of incredible specialists.
Beach House Recovery Center » Blog » The Recovering Alcoholic’s Guide to Dealing With Social Drinkers
Whether you’re at an office happy hour or a family Christmas party, it can be a trying experience to have an alcohol use disorder and be surrounded by cheerful cocktail-sippers. Especially when others, never having experienced problems with uncontrollable drinking themselves, don’t understand how your problem could be all that bad.
Sometimes, the best solution is to avoid alcohol-serving parties altogether. But that’s not always a feasible or permanent solution, nor one that will guarantee immunity from all exposure to “social drinkers.” So here are a few tips for when you meet people who consider alcohol just part of normal life.
KNOW YOUR PERSONAL TRIGGERS
What seriously pushes your “Come on, you deserve one drink” buttons? It may be:
Besides avoiding these potential relapse triggers whenever possible, keep a mental list of subject-changers and alternate suggestions for when conversation turns toward a trigger.
LET THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR PROBLEM
Hopefully, your immediate family is actively involved in your recovery and understands the best ways to support you, including not drinking in your presence. As for others: you don’t necessarily have to broadcast “My name is Tammy and I’m an alcoholic” to everyone on your social network, but it’s a good idea to share the basic details with those in your closest spheres:
That way, those with the most influence over you and your peers will know not to offer you alcohol, and to back you up if someone else does.
And if these people fail to understand? Or if past experience with them hints that your professional future, reputation or even sobriety would be at risk if they knew?
With more casual acquaintances:
JUST SAY NO
A simple “No, thanks” is sufficient to turn aside most offers of a drink. You don’t have to go into details about your problem, or even say, “I don’t drink.” If you’re in a situation (such as a dinner party) where offers seem likely to be repeated, turn your wine glass upside down, ask for it to be removed or fill it with water.
Occasionally, you may run up against someone who stubbornly keeps urging you to “have just a little.” Stating your original “No thanks” in a decisive tone may help head off that danger. Otherwise, you’ll have to get firmer and more creative. While many teetotalers who have never drunk rely on a repeated “I really don’t care for any” to wear down pests, trying to outlast the other party is risky when you have alcohol use disorder. Try one of these approaches instead:
Finally:
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOUR SOBRIETY JOURNEY
Having alcoholism disorder doesn’t make the whole “you” weaker or more stupid than anyone else. Including those who take a drink every day and never develop problems. Seeing them as your superiors will only make it easier for you to be swayed into doing as they do. Guard your self-respect, and you’ll find it easier guarding your sobriety!
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
"*" indicates required fields