5 ways to cope with alcohol temptation by Drift’s Sober Cheerleader, Sarah Stewart.
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Have an exit plan 🚪
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Have an ally 🧑🤝🧑
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Try non-alcoholic alternatives 🍹
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Practice saying no ⛔
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Celebrate the positives 🤗
You’ve taken the steps to go take a break from alcohol or be sober. You’ve got the support of family and friends, but how do you deal with temptations that will inevitably come your way?
1. Have an exit plan.
If you’re going to an event with friends, and you think you might get tempted to have a drink, then have an exit plan in your head. If you feel comfortable doing so, tell the host beforehand that you will come for a couple of hours but then you will need to leave at a certain time. Take your car so you can leave when you want, or arrange a taxi or a lift so you definitely leave when you said you would. It also helps to have something fun planned for the next day that you don’t want to miss and wouldn’t be able to do with a hangover.
2. Bring an ally.
If you really feel that you might get tempted to have an alcoholic drink when you’re heading out, bring a friend with you or someone from your support network, tell them your concerns and in turn, they will keep you accountable and encourage you to turn down a drink. If you can’t bring someone with you then have someone on call. This could be a friend or a family member that you can call or text for moral support if you get uncomfortable.
3. Try non-alcoholic options instead.
Alcohol-free drinks are a good option for individuals transitioning away from alcohol. I’m proud of my sobriety but still, no one likes feeling like the odd one out in a group. Plus, when tap water and Diet Coke are the only non-alcoholic beverages it’s nice to have more options. For any people in recovery who don’t want the taste of beer because it might be a trigger, try kombucha or mocktails.
4. Practice saying no.
As you start to attend more outings or branch out more with your sobriety, you’ll need to learn how to say ‘no.’ When you’re direct and assertive, people won’t question your decision. Practice in the mirror and then with your loved ones. Family and friends may be aware, but strangers will most likely be unaware and may even offer you a drink so at least this way, you will be ready with your response.
5. Celebrate the positives!
Focus on those things that you “get back” and all the new endless possibilities that will come your way now you are not spending your weekends with a hangover.
Don't know where to begin in the world of alcohol-free? Here's a selection of my favourite non-alcoholic drinks:
Mavrik Dark & Stormy Cocktail 0.5% 250ml
£2.70
A fiery, tongue tickling, low calorie, alcohol-free version of this classic & spicy Bermudan rum cocktail. Best served in a tall glass over ice, serve with a slice of lime and added ginger for an extra kick.… read more
Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA 0.5% 355ml
£2.75
Refreshing IPA craft. Brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops, it has an approachable bitterness to balance the speciality malt body.… read more
Drynks Smashed Berry Cider 0.0% 330ml
£2.70
Smashed Drynk's Berry Cider is pure refreshment in a can. A dark berry coloured sparkling cider with a fruity, fresh aroma and a hint of English apples gives the perfect balance of sweetness, sharpness and fruitiness.… read more
Read Sarah's blog on tips to survive your first alcohol-free night out here
Written by Sarah Stewart @sobersare_
Hey, I'm Sarah and I've been sober for over 18 months. Giving up alcohol completely changed my life, from the endless health and lifestyle benefits to the improved relationships. I am here to prove being sober is FUN. For endless support, sober tips and encouragement, please follow me on Instagram @sobersare_
If you would like to be a Sip & Share contributor, please email us at hello@driftdrinks.co.