More people are embracing a sober lifestyle at the moment, and there are several reasons behind this trend. Whether you’re teetotal temporarily or going cold turkey indefinitely, you’ll likely end up at events with other people who are still indulging in mind-altering substances. This can be a tricky experience to cope with, especially if you’re not used to it.
With that in mind, here’s a look at what it takes to go to gigs, concerts, and other public gatherings as the sober friend, and not risk your enjoyment or your sobriety in the process.
Seek Help First
Getting sober and staying sober are rarely goals we can achieve on our own, so before you even think about attending events without partaking in drink or drugs, you need to ask yourself if having professional help is a necessary initial step.
The type of help you seek out depends on the challenges you’re facing. If you tend to self-medicate through inebriation at events because of social anxiety or other mental health challenges, speaking with a therapist is a priority. If you have substance addiction issues, detoxing at a specialist facility may be a priority.
For instance, attending a ketamine detox clinic to cope with initial withdrawal symptoms and get advice on moving on from your particular patterns of misuse is better than trying to beat it solo.
Also, it’s essential to destigmatise these types of problems. Research shows that 16.6% off adults drink to excess regularly, while 3.1% have drug dependency issues, meaning millions of people are in the same boat. And even if you don’t see your sobriety journey in this way, it’s good to know that you’re not alone.
Be Decisive & Direct
The next step is to commit to attending a live event sober and make this decision clear to anyone who’s joining you. This clarity prevents awkward questions and also gives you time to prepare mentally for what’s to come.
It’s a good idea to think through what you’ll say to anyone who’s at the event with you who doesn’t already know you’re staying sober. Whether you choose to explain you’re taking a break from intoxicating substances, or you just settle on a firm ‘No thanks’ in response to being asked if you’d like a drink, this prior planning helps strengthen your resolve.
Stay Occupied & Focused
Decisions to stay sober at an event can wane if you’re not properly engaged with what’s happening once you’re actually there, or you have space to be distracted. Something as simple as having a non-alcoholic drink in your hand and keeping one there as long as possible is enough to keep temptation at bay.
Likewise, being mindful about the focus of the event itself, whether it’s music, comedy, or theatre, is a good way to stave off cravings and avoid caving. And if it all gets too much and your resolve is wearing thin, walking away is your best option. A little time away from the crowds, or a decision to leave altogether, can preserve sobriety in flashpoint moments.
Move Forward Positively
Last of all, remind yourself that going it sober in 2026 is a process you need to take on one event at a time. With each gig and gathering you get through clear-headed, you’ll find it becomes easier. Surrounding yourself with people who support this journey is also a must. Eventually, you’ll look forward to being the sober friend, and might cause others to change their lifestyles as well, which is its own reward.
Comments are closed.