Recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) involves making significant lifestyle changes. Individuals in recovery often worry about how to approach the topic of their sobriety with friends, peer groups, and loved ones. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Changing unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, overeating, or drinking too much can take a lot of effort.” Maintaining sobriety involves changing social routines to avoid alcohol and people or locations that might trigger a relapse. West Coast Recovery Centers provides clients with guidance and tools for navigating relationships and difficult conversations during recovery.
Should I Tell People I Don’t Drink Anymore?
Everyone has a unique recovery journey. Some people may never feel comfortable speaking to others about their struggles with alcohol abuse. Other individuals may find that sharing their stories is integral to long-term sobriety. Experts at West Coast Recovery Centers assist clients in deciding if, when, and how to discuss their sobriety with others.
Some of the benefits of being open with friends about AUD and recovery include:
- Fewer misunderstandings
- Reduced exposure to triggers
- Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
Hiding a diagnosis of AUD or choosing not to disclose sobriety with close friends and family may cause emotional distress for some people. Chronic stress is one of the leading causes of relapse. Being open and honest about sobriety can significantly reduce stress and may create a stronger network of social support.
Each client must decide if, when, or how to discuss recovery with friends and loved ones. This decision is often made on a case-by-case basis. Clients have control over who knows about their condition and how much information they choose to share.
How Do I Choose if or When to Tell People I Don’t Drink?
Choosing to disclose sobriety is a big step and may take time. Opening up about personal struggles could also leave some clients feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed. Clients cannot know how friends or loved ones may react to their diagnosis, and the uncertainty can cause added stress.
Planning for the conversation in advance is an important step. Preparing a physical or mental script of possible responses can help individuals maintain emotional stability and experience less anxiety when they have a conversation about their condition. Clients in treatment often collaborate with their therapist or other members of the care team to develop a strategy for approaching these discussions. The timing and how much information a person discloses about their condition often depends on the type of relationship they have with their friends.
Who Should I Tell?
Clients often choose to disclose their sobriety to the following individuals:
- Their immediate family
- Close friends
- Social groups
- Acquaintances
- Coworkers
- Managers or supervisors
Many factors impact when and how clients tell friends about being sober. Some people feel disclosing their condition may negatively impact their social standing, career, or close relationships. Instead of being open about their diagnosis, treatment, and sobriety, some people may only want a small number of trusted individuals to know about their recovery. Navigating conversations about no longer drinking without disclosing why can feel tricky. However, many people find using a simple script and setting clear boundaries make those conversations easier to navigate.
How to Communicate That You Don’t Drink Anymore
Friend groups that have previously involved social drinking may wonder why a member has abruptly stopped drinking. However, most people are willing to respect changes in behavior, including abstinence, if clients clearly state their boundaries.
A few simple ways clients communicate their desire to no longer drink include:
- “No, thank you.”
- “I am sober.”
- “No. I would rather not.”
- “No. I don’t drink anymore.”
Most people respect a clear refusal without a need for additional context. However, this also provides an opportunity for people to discuss their sobriety with friends if they feel comfortable disclosing their condition.
How Will My Friends React if I Tell Them I Don’t Drink?
The type of relationship a client has with their friends impacts how they approach the topic of sobriety. Often, it is harder to explain sobriety to close friends and family who still actively drink or abuse substances.
People’s reactions may include:
- Surprise about the change in behavior
- Support and encouragement
- Empathy and compassion
- Curiosity about what might have prompted the change
- Admiration and respect
- Concern about how the disorder may impact various aspects of their life
Some people may have more than one reaction to learning someone they know no longer drinks and has been diagnosed with AUD. West Coast Recovery Centers encourages clients to be patient and understanding with their friends and loved ones. It may take some time for people to accept the change and show their support.
West Coast Recovery Centers Provides Clients With Skill Development
Clients have a supportive community to help them navigate challenges in recovery, including relationship conflict or tension. Individuals in treatment often feel more comfortable discussing their sobriety with friends if they have a strong support system. The care team guides clients through establishing peer, family, and clinical support throughout treatment and aftercare. West Coast Recovery Centers offers clients the necessary tools for navigating discussions about sobriety. Skill development is an important part of the treatment process. Clients learn to improve their communication skills, making it easier for them to have meaningful conversations with friends and loved ones.
Discussing sobriety with friends, especially ones who actively drink, can feel overwhelming. Not knowing how a friend or loved one may react can make some people put off necessary conversations. For some people, moving forward and regaining control of their lives involves setting clear boundaries with others. Clinicians guide clients through the process of establishing healthy social boundaries. West Coast Recovery Centers understands how important relationships and social support are to ongoing sobriety. Discussing sobriety with friends and loved ones can help support recovery. The clinical team ensures clients have the social skills to navigate these critical conversations. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (760) 492-6509.