This is the cover art for 'Socializing Without Drinking Alcohol', an episode of the To 50 and Beyond Podcast. Lori Massicot, a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, smiles in a foyer. She is wearing a navy blue blazer and light blue blouse.

Episode 169

Do you feel like you can't socialize without drinking?

This episode is all about the anxiety that can come with socializing, and how to feel more comfortable at social gatherings without drinking.  

Since 1st grade I can remember being uncomfortable in groups and around others, and as I got older, drinking became the #1 way to fight that anxiety.  Since getting sober, socializing has been a completely different experience for me, and it can be harder to deal with the anxiety.  

Having a good time without drinking is entirely possible, it’s just about redefining what fun means to you, and doing the things you want to do with the people you want to do them with. 

From setting boundaries for yourself to visualizing what you want to go right, there are so many things you can add to your social toolbox to help you enjoy yourself alcohol-free. 

Topics Discussed:

  • What socializing really means

  • My social anxiety story and how it began

  • My drinking story and how it began

  • Feeling like I had to drink to socialize 

  • Using alcohol to tolerate someone

  • How to redefine fun while sober

  • Setting a boundary for yourself rather than other people

  • Not feeling guilty for choices you make

  • Coping mechanisms for you socializing toolbox

  • Visualizing what will go right

  • Telling other people your intentions

  • Distancing socialzing and alcohol  

Related episodes: 

How to Create a Daily Plan to Help You Stay Alcohol-Free 

5 Essential Ways to Manage Cravings and Urges Without Drinking

5 Practical Tips to Help You Stop Drinking in Midlife and Beyond

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