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Although the workforce has embraced wellness practices, workplace drinking culture is still a major part of many professionals’ lives.
Social drinking has existed for decades, just watch a clip of Mad Men to see the three-martini lunch at its heyday in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Workplace drinking cultures can feel challenging when navigating life in and after recovery, but they don’t have to prevent you from staying sober and connecting with colleagues.
Here are several ways to talk about your alcoholism with curious coworkers and people who might not understand why you avoid social drinking.
How to Say ‘No’ to Alcohol
One of the easiest ways to explain why you don’t partake in drinking culture is honesty. Being open about your sober turning point is positive reinforcement for others who might be shy about their drinking.
Sharing your story can help reduce stigma around alcohol addiction and support long-term sobriety.
If you don’t feel comfortable talking about your sobriety journey in great detail, you can simply say that alcohol doesn’t make your body feel good. Here are other explanations you can try:
- I’m not in the mood tonight.
- No thank you, I have to be up early tomorrow.
- I’m fighting off the flu.
- Drinking makes it harder for me to stick to my gym schedule.
- I’m trying to save money.
Tips for Staying Sober in Social Work Settings
If your sobriety makes you feel conspicuous, remember that most people pay far less attention to what you’re drinking than you might think. It’s especially true among members of Gen-Z who use TikTok to support sobriety.
It’s becoming more normal to say, “I don’t drink alcohol,” without offering any further explanation.
Lisa Smith, who experienced drug and alcohol abuse while navigating drinking culture at her former workplace, says that setting boundaries and avoiding overexplaining yourself is key.
She urges people to remember that “No” is a complete sentence and you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
In her recovery, Smith noticed that her coworkers didn’t pay her non-alcoholic drinks any mind.
She also saw several others who joined her in sobriety, whether for religious, health, or substance use disorder reasons.
Find AA Meetings Near You for Ongoing Support
Just as saying “No, thanks” has an increasingly permanent place during workplace pick-me-ups, those in recovery can find spaces to connect with their peers.
Fortunately, sobriety groups like AA have multiple locations. Just call
800-948-8417
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or search Sober.com’s directory to find a local AA meeting near you.
Hayley is a freelance writer with a heart for people. She’s also a Biomathematics graduate who specializes in writing about mental health, addiction recovery, and overall wellness. She’s dedicated to helping people learn more about themselves and change their lives with that knowledge. When she’s not working, you can find her teaching Pilates, reading fantasy novels, or hanging out with her cats.
View ProfileEric Owens is a writer and editor with a bachelor degree in Philosophy, which has helped him with presenting complex information in a simple way that all audiences can understand. He specializes in the mental health and addiction recovery space. He’s also passionate about the environment and has extensive experience in creating content related to sustainability issues
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