Are you tired of the same old routine of drinking at every social gathering? Are you looking to prioritize your health and wellness without sacrificing your social life? Then you might want to consider adopting a sober curious lifestyle.
The sober curious movement has been gaining momentum in recent years as more and more people reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. Essentially, being sober curious means being more mindful of your alcohol consumption and making intentional choices about when and how you drink.
For some, this might mean taking a break from alcohol for a set period, to evaluate how alcohol affects their life and well-being. For others, it might mean choosing not to drink at all or only drinking on special occasions.
But how do you host a party that includes your sober curious friends and family? Here are some tips:
Offer a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. Make sure to have a range of non-alcoholic options, such as sparkling water, juice, mocktails, and herbal tea. Providing various options ensures that everyone feels included and can enjoy a refreshing beverage.
Create fun activities that don’t involve drinking. Plan activities that don’t revolve around alcohol, such as games, karaoke, or a craft station. This can help shift the focus from drinking to having fun and socializing.
Serve delicious food. Offering a variety of delicious and healthy snacks and appetizers can be a great way to create a festive atmosphere without relying on alcohol. Consider offering a charcuterie board, vegetable platters, or other finger foods that all can enjoy.
Be mindful of language and attitudes. When planning your party, be mindful of the language you use and the attitudes you convey. Avoid using language that implies that drinking is necessary for having a good time, and make sure that everyone feels welcome and included, regardless of their drinking choices.
By taking these simple steps, you can create a party that is inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of their drinking preferences. Whether you’re sober curious yourself, or simply want to create a more inclusive space for your friends and family—hosting a party that doesn’t revolve around alcohol can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
So why not give it a try? You might just be surprised by how much fun you can have without relying on alcohol to do so.
Laura Petracek, PhD, LCSW is a certified DBT therapist who, as a recovering addict herself, uses her own experiences with recovery and treatment to help others. Dr. Petracek received her Master of Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She has worked in the field of psychotherapy for more than thirty years, twenty-six of which have been spent as a practicing Clinical Psychologist in California. Dr. Petracek is an LGBTQ+ member and ally. She believes that mental illness can feel like you’re in a freefall because you’ve lost control of your mind but emphasizes that it’s okay not to be okay. She is committed to providing the highest quality psychotherapy services, as a psychologist and author, that honor where individuals are on their personal growth journeys. Dr. Petracek is the author of The Anger Workbook for Women and The DBT Workbook for Alcohol and Drug Addiction.
