That means you’ll need plenty of patience when supporting your loved one’s recovery. Attending a 12-step program or other support group is one of the most common treatment options for alcohol abuse and addiction. AA meetings and similar groups allow your loved one to spend time with others facing the same problems. As well as reducing their sense of isolation, your loved one can receive advice on staying sober and unburden themselves to others who understand their struggles firsthand.

So you might find yourself redefining your friendships, relationships, and boundaries. Accepting that putting yourself first will change who you surround yourself with is an important part of recovery. Sometimes people feel like they are abandoning their family, friends, and loved ones when they begin their recovery journey. It’s ok to miss these people and grieve the loss of these relationships.

Curious Elixirs No. 1 Booze-Free Cocktail

Or how do you first start dating someone who drinks when you don’t? Here are some of our top strategies for overcoming these challenges in an established or new relationship. As a therapist and sober curiosity guide, I see the pitfalls of focusing solely on abstaining from alcohol. True change lies deeper than mere behavior—it’s being sober around drinkers about our beliefs, thoughts, and emotions. For instance, if I drink socially, believing it’s the only way to enjoy myself, it’s this belief that fuels my drinking habit, not the social setting itself. Increased interest in moderation has led to a wealth of non-alcoholic options at cocktail bars across the country.

• For many people with a substance use disorder, it’s simply a matter of never having learned the appropriate way to manage anger.
• As the spouse wanting to get or stay sober, having a partner that still drinks can lead to temptation, resentment and sometimes relapse.
• Look for social events or activities that don’t revolve around alcohol.
• Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how to avoid repeating mistakes and build better habits.
• Healthy movement also helps you heal your mind and body from the damage often caused by addiction.
• During my 15 months off, I was constantly asked if I was pregnant and was expected to explain my choice to stop drinking in the middle of a Wetherspoons to people I barely knew – and it can get exhausting.

If the person is incapable of even being honest with themselves, it may not be reasonable to expect them to be honest with you. Substance use disorder is a primary, chronic, and progressive disease that sometimes can be fatal. No matter your background or expertise, your loved one will likely need outside help.

Drunk people become experts—and want you to know it.

Don’t expect your loved one to overcome a drinking problem alone. Even if they don’t require medical supervision to withdraw safely, they’ll still need support, guidance, and new coping skills to quit or cut back on their drinking. You may also experience what is commonly called sobriety fatigue, which refers to the overall exhaustion that may occur as a result of the emotional and physical stress of staying sober.

Exploring new and diverse activities can provide alternative avenues for socializing, creating memories, and connecting with others. The question is — how do you quit alcohol if all your friends want to do is drink? When you decide to become sober, some friends may feel wary or suspicious of your motives or think you’re not as fun. Peer pressure surrounding drinking and sobriety can be intense.