Can I Still Go to the Bar With My Friends After Joining AA?

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Why Shouldn’t I Go to the Bar?

First, it’s important to acknowledge that every individual who attends AA meetings and joins the program is unique. The journey you go through with AA may be completely different than someone else’s. Still, it isn’t the wisest decision to spend time in a bar while in AA for several reasons.

Twelve-step programs like AA teach members that drinking in moderation or trying to control one’s drinking is not a safe or valid choice after alcohol has become a danger to them. Going to a bar when you have committed to abstinence will test your strength in a way it does not need to be tested, especially not early on in your recovery.

Your friends need to understand that you have truly made a change, whether they support your decision to attend AA or not. Showing them that many different things about your lifestyle are changing, including things that affect them, makes them more aware of the commitment you’ve made.

The main reason people go to a bar is to drink. You would be going to one of the most triggering and tempting places possible in the midst of your recovery.

You should absolutely make the decision that’s best for you. However, it is much safer and conducive to your sobriety to not go to a bar once you join the program.

How Will I See My Friends If I Can’t Go to the Bar?

You can arrange many other ways to see your friends and spend time with them that do not include going to a bar. Start by thinking of common interests that you share, and using that as inspiration. You can also think of the things that you like best about seeing your friends––playing games, talking, etc.––and try to incorporate these aspects into another location.

If your friends truly care about you, they will be willing to give another meeting place a try, at least while they’re with you. But it will always be a safer option for you to spend your time in a place that will not trigger cravings for alcohol or memories of your substance use.

Examples of fun sober activities that you can do with friends include:

Hiking or enjoying nature
Attending a play or musical performance
Volunteering together
Hosting game, craft, or puzzle nights
Trying a new restaurant or bakery
Attending a group fitness class

These are only a few options! Get together with your group and discuss the possibilities. Create an ongoing list, so you always have sober activities to consider when it’s time to hang out!

How to explain not Drinking during the Holidays to your Friends and Family

The holidays are a time for drinking and merriment and many people will encourage you to drink during this time. If you know you have a problem with alcohol or are a recovering alcoholic, then you will need to find a way to explain or at least refuse the numerous offers of alcohol. The holidays become a time of temptation for you rather than a time of celebration. There are many ways that you can explain not drinking, refuse a drink, or hide the fact that you are not drinking. Tell the Truth Although not necessary, with close friends and…

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