My Tips For Staying Sober During Isolation

Times are tough at the moment and with meeting venues closed and alcohol easily available in a few clicks (from companies like deliveroo) it’s a trying time for us sober folk.

I myself have faced tremendous struggles and challenges during this time. The past few weeks have been very tough and lots of things have been going on in my life that have made not putting that bottle of whisky in my cart difficult to say the least.

Being so distant and removed from the purchase and physically picking up that bottle blurs the line of responsibility somehow. It doesn’t feel as wrong and bad as it normally does. But of course the result is the same. It’s all a slippery slope. One rabbit hole that I’m not prepared to go down again.

Online meetings

I’ve heard people are doing zoom meetings and things like that so you don’t have to miss out on that support because you can’t physically be at a meeting. Find a meeting.

Talk to friends/family

You have friends and family who I’m sure want to support you so lean on the when you need to. That’s what they’re there for.

Find some great af drinks

For me one of the biggest helps that helps me stay on track is the selection of incredible alcohol, free drinks out there. It’s like the whole vape thing.. having something to keep your hands busy and also giving the illusion that you’re still doing it.

When the cravings are getting bad and I’m just feeling stressed and overwhelmed with everything I’ll go make myself a gin or whatever af drink I have in.

It might seem silly but it honestly helps me a lot. And this year I’ll be celebrating 7 years so hopefully, I have a bit of wisdom to pass on.

Af tipples I’m drinking during Isolation: Left to right: Zera af Chardonnay. Seedlip spice, Noughty sparkling wine & coop af g&t.

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Be kind to yourself

You’re allowed to fucking wallow a bit. It’s a crazy time and people have lost a lot. Jobs, loved ones, money, financial security, freedom, there’s a lot to unpack and emotionally digest. So don’t punish yourself and think your feelings aren’t totally normal and valid.

Check out online resources

Zoom meetings aren’t all there is out there, for example, Queers Without Beers provide an online weekly meetup for the sober and mindfully drinking LGBTQI+ community. Check out more great online events by Club Soda here.

Set boundaries

Imagine setting up an invisible fence around yourself, so when you run into a tempting person, place, or thing, you can stay sober and not be tempted enough.

When you drive past a pub you used to drink at etc keep your eyes ahead and focus on the sober present and your future instead of your unhealthy past.

Thoughts may creep in like, “I can handle it, I’ll meet people at the pub like I used to, I’ll just say no.” This is dangerous thinking that can lead to relapse.

Do things you love

Reading, watching stuff on netflix, baths… whatever it is do it! You deserve some self care and joy.

Keep your mind occupied

I find the negative thoughts creep in when I’m not busy and sometimes I find I have to be busy at all times just to survive. Whatever gets you through. Distracting yourself can be a simple but powerful tool.

Learn something new

Again this is like distracting your mind. Keeping yourself busy and learning something new will shove out the space for thinking about negative thoughts/urges.

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I hope you enjoyed this post and that you find it useful.

Let me know what you think in the comments or tweet me @veganbabelife

Thanks for reading! Stay safe & stay sober!

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