11 Ways to Navigate Your First Sober Company Holiday Party
It can be tough to attend a social event when you’re new to sobriety. It’s hard enough navigating the holiday season without alcohol, and now we have the added pressure of navigating an office party with people who might not know about our change in lifestyle. If this is the first year you are attending a company holiday party sober and you’re feeling awkward about going, here are our best tips to help you enjoy yourself and stop feeling nervous about attending your first sober holiday company party.
1) Bring a Sober Companion
If you’re feeling anxious or nervous about attending your first sober company holiday party, bring a friend who is also sober. This will help ease any tension or awkwardness and make the night more fun.
If you don’t know anyone who is also sober, reach out to your local Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous chapter and see if anyone is available to come with you.
2) Bring Your Non-Alcoholic Drink
A great way to make sure you never have an empty glass is to bring your drink.
Bringing a bottle of sparkling water, juice, or soda (or any other type of alcohol-free beverage) will ensure that you stay sober, hydrated and keep track of how much you are drinking throughout the night.
3) Arrive Early and Leave Early
One way to ensure that you have a good time at your first sober company holiday party is to arrive early and leave early. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or out of place. If you arrive early, it will give you time to relax and mingle with people before the party starts in full force, while leaving early will also give you a chance to avoid any unintended drinking or uncomfortable conversations and situations.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, tell your boss or co-worker that you are not feeling well and need to leave early. This will be the perfect excuse to escape without making anyone feel awkward.
4) Avoid Drinking Games
Drinking games are never a good idea, especially if you’re new to sobriety.
Avoiding drinking games is also a good way to stay in control and make sure you don’t drink.
5) Talk to People
One of the best ways to enjoy yourself at a company holiday party is to talk to people.
Talk to your co-workers, bosses, and other people at the party. This will help you feel more comfortable and make the night more fun. A great way to network and socialize with people at your first sober company holiday party is by talking about hobbies and interests that have nothing to do with alcohol. Obviously, don’t mention anything that will make it obvious that you’re new to sobriety (if you’re not ready to talk about your sober life), but this is also the perfect opportunity to be your best self.
6) Hang Out With Someone Who Is Also Sober
If you’re feeling uncomfortable or out of place, find someone who is also sober and hang out with them. This can be a great conversation starter and save you from being bored.
7)Tell the Bartender That You’re Sober and To Keep the Mocktails Coming
If you’re attending a sober company holiday party, let the bartender know that you don’t drink.
This will help them make sure to keep your glass full and avoid any potential awkwardness throughout the night.
If the bartender doesn’t know that you don’t drink, they might keep serving alcohol to your glass.
A great way to avoid this is by approaching the bar yourself and asking for a mocktail. Most bars will be more than happy to accommodate your requests.
8) Tell People the Truth
If you’re feeling really anxious about attending your first sober company holiday party, the best thing to do is tell people the truth. Tell them that you stopped drinking and why.
This will help break the ice and make it easier for you to socialize throughout the night. People are usually really understanding and supportive when it comes to sobriety, and it might even make you feel better about yourself.
9) Take a Break
If you find yourself feeling anxious or overwhelmed throughout the night, step outside for some fresh air. This will help you take a break from the party and clear your head.
10) Don’t Be Afraid To Say No
If you don’t want to drink, don’t be afraid to say no.
There is no shame in that, and people will respect your decision.
Remember that you are in charge of your sobriety, and no one can make you drink if you don’t want to.
If people pressure you to drink or if the temptation to drink becomes too strong, take a break from the party and go outside for some fresh air.
11) Have Fun
The most important thing to remember is to have fun. This is your first sober company holiday party, so enjoy it.
Talk to people, dance, and laugh. The night is yours to enjoy, so make the most of it.
Saying goodbye to drinking alcohol doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on all of your favorite activities and hobbies. In fact, there are now more opportunities than ever before to have fun and enjoy yourself without alcohol.
Be Part of a Community That Support Sobriety
If you’re attending a company holiday party sober this year, it can seem like a daunting task. But sobriety doesn’t have to suck, and you don’t have to miss out on anything as long as you stay positive. Just remember to take care of yourself, have fun and be yourself.
At The Phoenix, we aim to help people like you find strength and a community that can support you in your sobriety journey. We offer a variety of group activities and exercises, all led by peer recovery individuals and our team supporters. We believe there’s strength in numbers; that’s why we rise, recover, and live together. Be part of us, and let us together make this journey a success.
