If you live in Asheville, you may understand the temptation that comes with living in a town that loves to party. The question is, how does one remain sober in such a fun and often wild environment? Some people may find themselves worried about coming across to their peers as boring or uninteresting just because they have chosen not to drink, or are in recovery from a substance use disorder.
We at Asheville Detox want to talk to you today about ways that you can come up against peer pressure, and also how you can still have fun in a party atmosphere without giving in to drinking or taking drugs.
How to Not Give Into Peer Pressure
It is completely normal to want to feel accepted by people that you know, and even sometimes by people that you don’t know. However, it is just important to understand that in life you are never going to please everyone. Making yourself happy has always got to be priority number one.
If you know in your heart that you shouldn’t be drinking or doing drugs, then follow your heart! Do you want to be a sheep or a lion…a follower or a leader? Make no decision without thinking twice about it.
Are you concerned about how your so-called friends will react to your decision to stay sober? When it comes to friends, remember to choose quality over quantity. A true friend will have the utmost respect for you when you decide to stay true to who you are.
Whether we are talking about staying sober, or living life in general, make certain that you own the choices that you make. Your decisions should never belong to someone else. This is one way to help build the self-confidence that you need to succeed in life.
If by chance you have gotten yourself into a situation where you are uncomfortable and you need to exit, don’t feel bad about having to reach out for help. For example, never accept a ride home from someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If someone is pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol with them, just act cool and politely say no. Staying level-headed will help to let them know that you are unaffected by their opinions and influences.
All of the above won’t make peer pressure cease to exist, but it will help you to rise above it.
How to Stay Sober and Still Have Fun in Asheville
So, let’s say that you want to go out and have fun with your friends in Asheville, but still stay sober. You can do it! Don’t worry about being a party pooper. You can still have a social life even if you have given up drinking.
1. Let go of worrying about what other people think.
When you walk into a party or an event, realize that all eyes are on how great you look, not on what kind of drink you are holding in your hand. Let’s face it. Most people are concerned with themselves and don’t have the time or effort to worry about what other people are or aren’t doing.
2. Bring your own drinks
Make your night more enjoyable by bringing your own drinks. Instead of sipping on tap water or the last Diet Coke in someone’s fridge, come prepared with something that you really enjoy drinking. If you want to bring a bottle of wine to give as a gift to the host, that may be considered a nice gesture that may make you feel more comfortable.
3. Focus on the food
Many parties, particularly work gatherings feature a nice spread of finger foods and other delicacies. Instead of downing drink after drink like many of your coworkers will, why not chill near the food table? It’s a great place to start a conversation since people tend to congregate in the kitchen. Enjoying good food and great company may make you forget all about tying one on.
4. When going out, find something worthwhile to attend
Instead of just heading out to a bar where there is not much else to do except drink, find an event that you can attend that really means something to you. This could be a celebration of some kind, a music concert, or something else that you know you will enjoy whether or not you are drinking alcohol.
5. Choose your friends or companions wisely
Going out with friends who share your like interests is helpful in maintaining your sobriety. As mentioned earlier, they should always respect your decision to not drink, and never try to pressure you or make you feel bad about it. No matter where you go, spending the evening with your true friends is sure to be its own reward.
6. Always be ready with Plan B
If you are the one who took the responsibility of driving everyone for the evening, you can be in charge of when it is time to leave. However, if you decided to catch a ride with someone else, you should always have an alternate plan available. This is because perhaps your driver has decided they might like to indulge in a few drinks after all, and they have assured you that they are okay to drive. You should never feel bad about making the choice to get a safer ride elsewhere. Getting an Uber or a ride from Lyft can save your life.
Staying Sober in Asheville with the Help of Asheville Detox
Staying sober in a party town like Asheville is an achievable goal, with a bit of planning and self-confidence. However, for those who are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it can be more complicated. If you or a loved one are struggling with staying sober, we at Asheville Detox are here to help. We can help you lose your addiction and learn to live life freely again. Contact us today and allow us to guide you down a better path.