Most people who have abused alcohol for many years go through a difficult detoxification period. Withdrawals vary from person to person from mild to severe and last for different periods of time for each individual. Even after the physical withdrawals have eased, there are usually some mental withdrawal symptoms that tend to last longer.
Living an alcohol-free lifestyle is different than simply not drinking. Many of a person’s life choices may have revolved around the use of alcohol. New choices need to be made in the absence of alcohol.
For the Social Butterfly
Parties, bars and drinking buddies may no longer be comfortable to be around. Even if your sobriety is not threatened in these environments, you may find they are simply not much fun anymore. The real key in this situation is to initiate a meaningful social life. Check online for a meetup.com group in your area. There are groups interested in cooking, dining out, movies, pets, kids, writing, spirituality, hiking, business, coffee, etc.
The great thing about meet up groups is that most are free and if you don’t enjoy yourself then you don’t need to go back. Your local paper or online sources will provide a vast variety of movies, car shows, concerts, art openings, craft fairs, monster truck rallies, theater and other special events. Finding something interesting to do is rarely the problem. The real problem is initiating the action. Going out to a bar was never a problem, just decide to choose a healthier diversion and do that instead.
Because alcohol lowers inhibitions, it was probably easier to make friends after tossing back a few. Following some time of sobriety you might find those same friends to be uncomfortable or even obnoxious to be around. If you are used to finding your friends in a bar it can be a little confusing to figure out where you might meet new folks with whom to hang out. First and foremost follow your personal interests.
For Book Lovers
If you enjoy reading, set aside some time to visit your local bookstores. Some bookstores have a coffee shop attached. This offers a fairly quiet atmosphere to read, sip a cappuccino, and potentially meet some interesting people. Find a local book club where you will actually meet people who are interested in the same type of reading material that you enjoy. Keep an eye open for book signings or special events around your favorite authors. Book readings by local authors can open the door for new interests and the opportunity to meet new people.
For Animal Lovers
If you have a friendly dog and a local dog park, you and your canine companion can both make new friends. There are also breed-specific clubs in most cities. One of our local veterinary clinics offers a weekly lecture series on a variety of pet health topics. These are very informative and a great place to meet other animal lovers.
Also consider volunteering your time at a local shelter. Volunteering to a worthy cause is rewarding on many levels. You can join the zoological society as well. Check for an equestrian rescue facility that may need some volunteer help. I recommend making a commitment to volunteer every Saturday morning. This assists in strengthening your resolve to wake up sober and without a hangover.
For the Artistically Inclined
The list of classes available is endless. You can choose from drawing, painting, pottery, stained glass, basket weaving, quilt making, metal arts, jewelry, and scrap-booking, just to name a few. These are available at your local community college, parks and recreation department, and private entities. Local arts and craft fairs offer an opportunity to view a variety of art and gather with other creative people. If you have a talent that has been drowned in alcohol, now would be a good time to bring it back to life.
There is no question that living an alcohol-free lifestyle will lead to a more enriching, more fulfilling, and more appreciated social life.
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