Sober Isn’t Boring

One of the most commonly spoken fears people utter when they’re sober-curious is, “But how can I still have fun? Won’t people think that I’m boring if I don’t drink?”

An alcohol-free life isn’t boring; it is the lacklustre choices that are made within it.  Alcohol misleads us into believing drinking is the only way to have fun, but that is not the case.

We’re looking at the ways that sobriety is often misconstrued and highlighting how it can function as a rich, fulfilling state when it’s given enough time and respect.

Has our perspective on alcohol been romanticised?

Whether we’d like to admit it or not, we have been through decades of depictions of alcohol in a positive and often unrealistic light.

If we were to survey the majority of characters in films and modern media who make a point of not drinking alcohol, most depictions would show a character who is boring or is “disconnected” from the larger group who enjoy drinking. By contrast, drinkers in movies and TV shows are often more charismatic, attractive, confident, sexually active, rich and successful. Characters who drink are often high-flying go-getters, unafraid of asking for that raise or challenging the status quo.

Yet, the status quo in our civilisation is indeed to drink. In the UK, more than half of all adults drink every week. We don’t often see the hangovers, blackouts, emotional outbursts and broken families that are so common in alcohol addiction.

Parties without booze are sadly seen by many as “dry,” and many of us joke that a night out without alcohol is “pointless.” Not only could this be a dismissive oversight, but it may do great disservice to the physical and mental health of our friends, families, loved ones and the younger generation who are expected to carry our torch forward. It should never be the case that a person is bored when they don’t have alcohol, though we understand the forces that commonly drive this outlook.

The benefits of prolonged sobriety

For the sake of those struggling with alcoholism and those on the precipice, it is worth taking a deep consideration of the benefits of prolonged sobriety and how it may lead to a more fulfilling life.

Some of the prevailing ways sobriety may slowly become something to be deeply proud of include:

Steadily improving physical health

First and foremost, prolonged abstinence from alcohol will simply put you in a better physical condition. The absence of alcohol in your system will revitalise and rejuvenate you physically, if you give it time. Research resoundingly agrees that cutting alcohol out of your system will lead to:

• Weight loss (as alcohol is high in calories and doesn’t provide nutrition)
• Lower blood pressure
• Stronger liver function
• Clearer skin
• Improved sleep

Leading on, you’ll feel much more energetic and alert for more days across a week. With this energy, physical exercise may put you into the best shape you’ve ever been in. We understand that not everyone strives to be in peak physical condition, but sobriety becomes an enabler for greater overall physical strength and health for many people who do.

Your brain “creates your reality”

Every person in the world has likely struggled with how frantically their brain processes and filters information, makes judgements and seeks meaning. It can feel impossible to “switch off” and get into a better state of mind when we are frequently under the influence of alcohol.

Consider how two people can go to the same party, one feeling bored and awkward, while the other feels connected and appreciative of their friends. When imagining this scenario, some of us may assume the first person is remaining sober, while the second is drinking. However, that simply does not need to be the case.

In addiction recovery, this concept becomes even more important. If a person believes their life without alcohol will be empty or dull, the brain will likely filter experiences to confirm what they believe. But when we’re able to shift our mindset and see sobriety as an opportunity rather than a loss, then our brain starts to look for evidence that supports that, too.

A person who commits to sobriety and strives towards making positive changes will reap rewards that mostly come later in the addiction recovery journey. Mindfulness exercises can become second nature in a mind that keeps itself clear. Other mental exercises found in CBT and recovery therapies can help you recognise and appreciate moments in life that may slip you by, if you weren’t sober.

Is it harder to socialise while remaining sober?

This is one of the biggest worries people have when they stop drinking: Will I still be fun? Will I still belong?

The truth is, the connection you make with others, including your social circle, doesn’t depend on a drink. True friends will support your decision for a healthier change and you may find that your relationships with them actually deepen.

Not every social setting and activity will feel right anymore, which is okay, too. Sobriety can help you figure out what guides your spirit, what shapes your life decisions and what drives you to wake up in the morning. We hope you find yours, because we all truly deserve that.

I need help with an addiction in my life

Being sober doesn’t mean missing out. It can reconnect you with the most important things in your life. If you’re ready to make the change, we are here to support you.

Our personalised treatment includes medical detox, therapy and relapse prevention to help you build a life that feels fulfilling without alcohol.

We’re here for you. Reach out to us and take the first step on the journey of recovery.