https://www.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/comments/1j78nbt/i_could_get_used_to_this_sober_thing/
created by YourMirror1 on 09/03/2025 at 14:22 UTC
168 upvotes, 16 top-level comments (showing 16)
Just over a month here. I wrote yesterday about my marathon day with anxiety about sitting in thr hair salon and not drinking at a society fundraiser thing last night.
I'd be lying if I said thst when I first got to the event and approached the open bar that I didn't get a twinge of jealousy from everyone else with their wine and cocktails. I was nervous to begin with, sitting with unfamiliar people, and the anxiety was humming in the background.
I am happy to say they had Athletics so I felt part of the crowd without having to explain anything or come off as self righteous.
I also truly enjoyed the night as everyone got drunker and more relaxed. It helped me relax by proxy and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, was able to drive home, and am now one of the few people in town without a hangover! :) i had such dim hopes for the evening but it turned out to be great. It's kinda fun being around drunk people when you're not drunk. You feel kinda like you have the upper hand.
Comment by Ok_Refrigerator_932 at 09/03/2025 at 14:33 UTC
38 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Plus, you wake up refreshed and ready to do the day! I feel like I have a whole extra day in my weekends sometimes.
Comment by Tryna_TGS at 09/03/2025 at 14:37 UTC
12 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I’m so glad you are starting to see the benefits of sobriety! I was anxious about a holiday get together in the same way, but then had so much fun hanging out with the drunk people! It was way more fun sober!😁 IWNDWYT
Comment by sittingontheroofjust at 09/03/2025 at 14:30 UTC
9 upvotes, 0 direct replies
that is awesome that you were able to stay strong
Comment by jupitercruise at 09/03/2025 at 14:58 UTC
10 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Congratulations to you on one month! 👏👏👏 So hard to relax when anxiety hums naturally. Won’t lie, being sober around drunk folks irks me though lol (makes little sense when I was one of them).
Comment by Tess_88 at 09/03/2025 at 15:04 UTC
9 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It truly is a superpower 💪🏼 Great job not drinking and on 30 days!!!! 🥳 IWNDWYT 🦋♥️
Comment by Its_me_T_ at 09/03/2025 at 15:12 UTC
8 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Being able to drive home worry free is such a fun unexpected benefit!
Comment by PinkMorningSky at 09/03/2025 at 15:08 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Congrats on a sober evening and enjoy your non hungover morning! 🎉
Comment by mixingmilo at 09/03/2025 at 15:43 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You know now, how many bartenders feel 👍✊
Comment by Safe_Dragonfruit_160 at 09/03/2025 at 15:39 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Congrats on 30 days! And it definitely does feel good. 😊
Comment by MBAminor12 at 09/03/2025 at 16:03 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
30 days!! 🎊 Being sober and waking up fresh is the best! You got this! IWNDWYT
Comment by Odd_Eye_1915 at 09/03/2025 at 16:12 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
THIS! Exactly! I always call ahead to see if they will offer an NA option. If not, I arrange ( actually I inform) them I will be bringing my own and ask how they want me to handle that discretely. Never once had an issue. I bring a bottle of my favorite NA and hand it to the bartender with a nice tip and they manage my bottle during the event.
Comment by TellySkier at 09/03/2025 at 16:40 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I had that same feeling because I really enjoy the taste of beer. I tried my first Athletic NA, and said to myself “hell yeah, I can do this”!
We recently went on ski trip and I found additional NA beers to enjoy and was pleasantly surprised to see how many people on the mountain were enjoying apres with NA beer. I had several people give me the “knowing nod” and big smiles.
Comment by ostensiblyzero at 09/03/2025 at 17:10 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
From my experience, you only feel socially nervous until everyone else starts their second drink.
Comment by PotentialTomato at 09/03/2025 at 18:53 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You’re doing great! Every day is a little easier. Just focus on this moment. IWNDWYT!
Comment by jake_cdn at 09/03/2025 at 18:11 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You get a natural high when out and socializing. It takes longer to get there, but once in the zone, you can have fun, be funny, and make connections. It also lasts longer, and as the drinkers get tired and hungry, you are still at a 10/10 and can drive them home. If you don't like being around drinkers, don't go, but is nice to have the ability to go to the club and get free drinks as the designated driver. 👍
Comment by AdLow2430 at 09/03/2025 at 19:48 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Congrats on the month!