5 Ways to Find Sober Friends

5 Ways to Ditch the Booze Buddies & Score Sober Friends. You’ve decided to get sober and realise you know no one that doesn’t drink… Don’t worry we have you covered.

Okay, let’s be real. Suddenly sober-curious or fully committed to the alcohol-free life? Awesome! But… crickets… where the heck do you find people who aren’t perpetually attached to a wine glass or know the bartender by name?

Yeah, swapping your usual crew for a posse of non-drinkers can feel like trading in your trusty car for a unicycle. It’s gonna take some balance, a little practice, and maybe a few face-plants along the way. But trust us, building a sober squad is totally worth it! Here are 5 surprisingly fun and effective ways to ditch the booze buddies and score some seriously awesome sober friends:

1. Hack Your Happy Place: Find Your Sober Sanctuary

Forget the bar scene. Your new happy place is anywhere that isn’t soaked in alcohol and regret. Think:

• Rock Climbing Gym: Sweat out the stress, challenge yourself physically, and bond with fellow climbers who are more into peak performance than peak intoxication.
• Art Collective: Unleash your inner artist, get messy, and connect with creative souls who see the world in a different light.
• Volunteer Hub: Find a cause that ignites your passion and team up with people who are genuinely trying to make a difference.
• Co-Working Space (After Hours): Many coworking spaces host cool events after hours that aren’t centered around drinking – think workshops, movie nights, and networking events with a focus on innovation and collaboration.

The Vibe: Authentic, energetic, and focused on growth. You’ll find people who are passionate about something other than their next drink.

2. Ditch the Drunk Texts, Embrace the Sober DM: Find Your Tribe Online

The internet isn’t just for cat videos and doomscrolling. It’s a powerful tool for connecting with like-minded humans across the globe.

• Instagram: Follow sober influencers who inspire you and engage in the comments. Slide into the DMs of people who seem cool and relatable. (Pro tip: be genuine, not salesy).
• Discord Servers: Join servers dedicated to specific interests (gaming, music, art, etc.) and find sober communities within those niches.
• Reddit: Explore subreddits like r/stopdrinking, r/sober, and r/recovery to find support, share your experiences, and connect with others on a similar path.
• The Phoenix: This national non-profit fosters a sober active community and is a great way to connect.

The Vibe: Supportive, accessible, and global. You can build connections at your own pace and find your tribe from the comfort of your couch.

3. Channel Your Inner Rec-League Rockstar: Get Your Game On

Remember how easy it was to make friends in elementary school? Reclaim that carefree spirit by joining a rec league or sports club.

• Kickball: Seriously, it’s way more fun than it sounds.
• Volleyball: Beach volleyball + sunshine + sober high fives = winning.
• Ultimate Frisbee: Channel your inner athlete and make friends who are just as competitive (but without the booze-fueled arguments).
• Bowling League: Strike up some friendships and show off your bowling skills!
• Run Club: Its not secret that at Sober Standard we LOVE running. Stay tuned for the Sober Standard Run Club.

The Vibe: Playful, energetic, and focused on teamwork. You’ll find people who are more interested in high-fives than highballs.

4. Own Your Awesome: Rock Sober Events with Confidence

Sober events aren’t lame – if you don’t let them be. Embrace the opportunity to connect with people who are intentionally choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle.

• Go see a Band: Yeah! There are bands that really lean into the sober music scene and straight edge lifestyle which are some of the greatest bands in the world. Get out there amongst it!
• Sober Raves: Yes, they exist! Find alcohol-free dance parties where you can let loose and express yourself without the social lubricant.
• Mocktail Classes: Learn to craft delicious and sophisticated alcohol-free drinks (and impress your friends with your newfound skills).
• Sober Comedy Shows: Laugh your ass off without the risk of spilling your drink (or making a fool of yourself).

The Vibe: Intentional, supportive, and judgment-free. You can be yourself without feeling pressured to drink or conform to expectations.

5. Level Up Your Skills (and Your Social Circle): Take a Class or Workshop

Learning something new is a fantastic way to boost your confidence, expand your horizons, and meet people who share your interests.

• Cooking Classes: Master new culinary skills and bond with fellow foodies.
• Coding Bootcamps: Learn to code and connect with tech-savvy individuals.
• Creative Writing Workshops: Unleash your inner storyteller and share your work with a supportive community.
• Foreign Language Classes: Expand your cultural horizons and connect with people from different backgrounds.

The Vibe: Stimulating, engaging, and focused on growth. You’ll find people who are curious, open-minded, and eager to learn.

The Bottom Line: Building a killer sober squad is about more than just avoiding alcohol. It’s about creating a life that’s so awesome, you don’t even need it. Ditch the boring routines, embrace new experiences, and connect with people who inspire you to be your best self. Your sober social life is waiting – go out and grab it!

Disclaimer:

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Individual experiences may vary. It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified therapist, counselor, or support group for personalized guidance and support on your sobriety journey.