If you’re hanging out with friends who drink a lot, alcohol free social events might be just the ticket. I wrote here about how I ended up with a hangover because of pressure to drink and the research shows we tend to follow our friends behaviours.
One won’t hurt
But if your whole social scene is about drinking with friends, it’s difficult to cut back on the drink. How often have we heard?
“One won’t hurt”
Or “you’re no fun without drinking”
Or arrived back at the table to find another yet drink beside your already full glass.
Or as Sinead found when she stopped drinking
The pressure to drink from friends can lead to us drinking more.
A social life without drinking is difficult
So having a social life without drinking can be difficult, and as Irvine found he was much more creative when he did n’t live in Ireland, because he drank less. But things are changing.
Alcohol free social events becoming popular
Alcohol free events can be useful to get you started in developing a new social life without the hangovers and meet a new bunch of friends who like you want to drink less.
And no, it does n’t mean joining AA. A whole new alcohol free social scene is developing in Dublin and is moving throughout the country.
Some examples include
Funky Seomra
Funky Seomra has alcohol free dance events in Dublin, Cork and Galway. Over 37,000 people have attended events so far. They have no events planned at the moment, but sign up for their newsletter to hear about their next event.
Sober Slice
Sober slice can be found here. They welcome all types of people, male, female, Irish, International and the aim is to do fun activities sans alcohol.
They do everything from Yoga, interactive cinema where the audience gets to direct the story and board games.
Club Soda
Well established in England, Club Soda is a mindful drinking movement which has many Irish members.
Dublin member Kathryn is hosting their very first lunchtime event in Dublin on the 3rd of September. More details here
Now it can be intimidating going to these events on your own, but the very nice Club Soda people will arrange to meet you in advance so you don’t have to walk in to the venue on your own.
Their website has great help on managing your drinking –everything from low alcohol beers and wines to drink suggestions. Worth checking out. You can also sign up for their newsletter here.
Irish culture is changing
Irish culture is changing, alcohol free social events are now becoming popular. So you don’t have to become a social outcast if you want to reduce your drinking!
Finally check out our anonymous free online course to see if you’re a social drinker or if you’re drinking in a way that will harm you.
