Five tips to survive the festive season without booze

December can be a daunting time if you’re changing your relationship with alcohol. Whether someone is experiencing their first sober festive season, taking positive steps to cut down on alcohol or just doesn’t fancy a drink on a particular night, attending an event can feel difficult when drinking is off the table.

According to findings by Drinkaware, almost two-thirds (64%) of drinkers intend to drink more during the festive season. On top of this, 24% of workers said they sometimes felt pressured to drink (survey by Institute for Public Policy Research).

How to navigate party season sober

Life Coach Directory speaks to Christine Coulson, a sobriety and well-being coach. Christine shares her tips for those concerned about alcohol over the festive period.

Research the venue

Know what the alcohol-free drinks are. Whether they’re 0% alternatives to the boozy version or flavoured tonics (without the gin!) – if you know what you’re going to drink, you won’t have to spend time scouring the fridges with all the temptation they bring. 

If their drinks menu isn’t available, drop them a DM through their social media. Most businesses will be happy to help, especially as being sober curious becomes more and more popular. The really good places are proud of the options they have for people who aren't drinking

Plan your exit

Chances are, you’ll hit a point in the evening where you don’t want to be there anymore.  As friends and colleagues drunkenly repeat the same stories at increasing volume, your bed will become more and more appealing. 

If you’re driving, don’t arrange to give a lift to someone who will want to stay until the end. If you’re on public transport, know the times of the buses and trains.

Know what you’re going to say

It’s no one’s business why you have decided not to drink, but that doesn’t stop them from asking. You don’t owe anyone an explanation, and you don’t need to go into details.  Planning what you’re going to say can really help, and don’t be afraid to lie.

"I’m on medication" - "I’m driving" - "I have a really early start in the morning" - "I’m not drinking tonight".

And if they come back with the inevitable “one won’t hurt”, “but it’s Christmas” or, my personal favourite, “don’t be boring” – stand your ground. "Does it matter to you what I’m drinking?" often stops the questions, but keeping firm and changing the subject works well.

Have a friend

Even if you’re keeping your decision to change your relationship with alcohol private, it can help to give someone you trust a heads up that you’re not drinking before the event. 

You can send them to the bar if you’re worried you’ll be tempted to order your old favourite; they can help you deflect the intrusive questions, and they can be the person you let know you’re leaving. Again, they don’t need to know the ins and outs of your decision, but having someone on your side can really help you get through the night.

Enjoy the experience!

Being sober in a room full of people who aren’t can be very strange, especially if you’re used to leading the charge to the bar. If you’re used to relying on alcohol to provide relief for social anxiety, it’s not only strange, but it can be really uncomfortable. 

Assuming you’re not drunk at work, you are used to engaging with people in conversations without alcohol – so remember that as you walk into the room.

You may notice that you start to relax as others do, and you’ll become aware of the conversations flowing and the good times to be had! Who knows, you might even make it onto the dancefloor. 

You will also enjoy the best bit of the night – the morning after!  Waking up without the fear of what you said or who you snogged, full of energy and ready for a full day ahead.  Enjoy that smugness!