Alcohol is a prevalent part of daily social life. For millennia, people have enjoyed drinking alcohol together. Because alcohol is legal, easy to get, and part of countless social traditions, we often think alcohol is more benign than other substances. Unfortunately, alcohol is just as addictive and damaging as illicit and prescription drugs. For those in recovery, it can be hard to transition from life in an alcohol detox center to enjoying sobriety at non-sober social events.
If you or someone you love is struggling with sobriety, an alcohol detox center can help. Call DetoxLA for help. Our luxury alcohol detox center provides clients with evidence-based and holistic outpatient care. Reach our staff now at 818.616.7341 to learn more about our alcohol detox center.
Can I Have Fun While Staying Sober?
The short answer to this question is yes. During addiction and recovery, it can be hard to remember times you’ve enjoyed socializing without alcohol. In today’s stressful world, social gatherings, from dates to after-work social hours, involve alcohol. The prevalence of drinking can make it hard to realize it’s possible to enjoy the company of others with a drink. An alcohol detox center can help make this transition easier.
What Happens in an Alcohol Detox Center?
An alcohol detox center helps clients focus on detox, mental health, and strategies for long-term recovery. Detox is the most challenging step of recovery. During detox, clients undergo withdrawal and often receive medical treatments to mediate withdrawal symptoms. They also begin dual diagnosis treatment and therapy. Dual diagnosis treatment is a holistic approach to recovery that treats mental health and addiction at the same time.
Today, at least half of people struggling with addiction have mood disorders like anxiety or depression. For many people, social anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder lead to self-medicating with alcohol, especially in social situations. Therapy programs during alcohol detox help clients uncover the root cause of addiction and treat mood disorders. This can reduce alcohol cravings and provide clients with the tools they need to have fun while sober.
Tips for Having Fun While Sober
Many things can lead us to social drinking. Understanding addiction triggers, mental health, and being prepared for various social situations can help. Here are some ways to enjoy sobriety at social events:
- Plan your own gatherings — For many people, drinking can stem from feeling out of control at a gathering or from social anxiety. Planning and hosting sober events can help empower you to enjoy socializing without alcohol.
- Have a sober buddy — Bring a sober friend with you to parties where you know there will be drinking. This can make you feel less alone.
- Start with outdoor, active social gatherings — Time outside and physical activities can be a fun way to return to social gatherings and avoid drinking.
These are only a few ways to enjoy sober socializing. An alcohol detox center can also provide a wealth of fun, sober community activities.
Find Your Sober Community in Los Angeles at DetoxLA
Transitioning back into a vibrant social life can be difficult. Let the team at DetoxLA give you the support you need. Our luxury alcohol detox center provides greater LA with outpatient alcohol rehab programs. With a balance between innovative neuroscience and leading holistic therapies, we have the tools you need to enjoy sobriety without missing out on life in LA. Our programs focus on education and empowerment, helping clients feel supported throughout recovery. If you and your loved ones are ready to learn more about the benefits of alcohol detox at DetoxLA, call us today at 818.616.7341 to start your journey to sobriety.