I’m Millie Gooch, founder of the Sober Girl Society, here to bring you some brilliant tips on tackling Sober Spring – the three-month break from alcohol.
When I stopped drinking, I didn’t know a single other sober person and although my friends and family were supportive – they just didn’t get it. I often liken being the only sober person to being the only single one when it feels like everyone else is in a relationship. People give you well-meaning advice but when they’re not actually going through it, it’s hard for them to really understand.
The reality is that not drinking can feel lonely at times so finding people you can relate to on whatever path you’re taking can be so important, especially if you already feel like you’re part of a minority. Today we have a fantastic blog from Yasmin on her experience of navigating sobriety as a person of colour but in the meantime, here are my top-tips for finding your people!
Instagram and Facebook are absolutely packed to the rafters with groups and community support around not drinking. Start by using search terms such as ‘sober’ or ‘alcohol-free’ and see what pops up. Not every page or club will feel like the right fit so try a few different ones and start engaging.
Although it’s great to meet other teetotallers or non-drinkers, you might find just meeting people whose lives or activities don’t revolve around alcohol equally as fulfilling. Running, rock-climbing, crafting or even choir – there are plenty of clubs out there where drinking is definitely not the focus.
If you’re struggling to find a community – start your own! It’s how I came to create Sober Girl Society in 2018. Websites like meetup.com are great for getting started and although we all wish the pandemic hadn’t happened, it does mean that virtual platforms like Zoom have grown in popularity and organising virtual group meet-ups is easier than ever.
