Welcome to Episode 5 of Life After Last Call
Socializing without alcohol—does it have to be awkward? In this episode, Rich and I tackle one of the biggest challenges people face in sobriety: how to enjoy social events without drinking. Whether it’s a wedding, a work gathering, or a casual night out, being the only one without a drink in hand can feel weird at first. But trust us—it gets easier, and spoiler alert: it’s still fun.
We break down the strategies we’ve used to navigate social life without alcohol, how to handle peer pressure, and why sobriety is actually a superpower.
The Awkwardness of Saying "No"
When you first stop drinking, social situations can feel strange. People ask questions like "Why aren’t you drinking?" as if you just admitted to hating puppies. The truth is, most people don’t care as much as you think. But having a go-to response ready can help ease any awkwardness.
💡 Pro Tip:
Have a simple, confident response ready:
✔️ “I just don’t drink.”
✔️ “I feel better without it.”
✔️ “I’m good with my Diet Pepsi.”
Most of the time, people will accept it and move on. If they don’t? That’s a them problem, not a you problem.
Confidence is Key
One of the biggest shifts in sober socializing is changing your mindset. Instead of thinking, "I can’t drink," reframe it as "I choose not to drink." It’s not about missing out—it’s about showing up fully present, having real conversations, and actually remembering them the next day.
Rich still goes to a bar every week for a card tournament, completely alcohol-free. He doesn’t feel like he’s missing out—he just orders seltzer with lemon and enjoys the company. Sobriety isn’t a limitation; it’s freedom.
Setting Boundaries & Choosing Your Circle
Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the social event—it’s the people. If you’re constantly feeling pressured to drink, it might be time to reevaluate your social circle. Surround yourself with people who respect your choices.
For me, I naturally distanced myself from people whose only connection with me was drinking. The friendships that remained were the ones that didn’t rely on alcohol. Now, when we host Super Bowl parties or game nights, we tell guests to bring alcohol if they want—but most don’t even bother. Turns out, fun doesn’t require a buzz.
Redefining Fun Without Alcohol
Let’s be honest—when we were drinking, most of what we called “fun” was just drinking. But once you strip away the alcohol, you realize:
✔️ The best moments come from meaningful connections, not from what’s in your glass.
✔️ You don’t need alcohol to enjoy a party, a game, or a night out.
✔️ Being present is a better buzz than anything alcohol ever gave you.
One of the biggest realizations I had? Alcohol was never fun—it just numbed the experience. Now, my idea of fun is different. It’s about who I spend my time with, not what I drink while I’m there.
Takeaways: Socializing Sober is Totally Doable
If you’re worried about navigating social events without alcohol, here’s what we’ve learned:
✔️ Confidence is everything. Walk into a room like you own the place.
✔️ Set boundaries. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choices.
✔️ Redefine fun. The best memories aren’t the ones you have to piece together the next day.
✔️ Find your people. Surround yourself with those who respect your sobriety.
Most importantly, it gets easier—and, dare I say, even better—over time.
Join the Conversation
How do you handle social situations sober? Do you have a go-to response when people ask why you’re not drinking? Let us know in the comments!
📌 Listen to the full episode:
🔗 Link to Episode 5
Until next time—stay strong, stay confident, and remember…
We do recover.
