How To Find Sober Friends If AA Isn’t Your Thing

By Karolina Rzadkowolska

Ditching alcohol completely changed my life. It delivered the happiness and confidence I always assumed came with drinking. I thought drinking made me gregarious and quieted my introvert insecurities, but I realized how disconnected it actually made me feel and made me feel even more insecure (hello do I have wine teeth?).

Most people are scared that quitting or even questioning the role of alcohol in their lives will make them a social pariah. I was. And that doing something good for yourself and mental wellbeing means uninviting yourself to all forms of social connection.

How unrealized this fear has been for me. I find more connection with my friends and family, now that I’m able to be authentic, present, and intune with myself. And my yearning for more like-minded connections has given me friends in the sober community that have made the real difference between a simple lifestyle change to a completely empowering and inspiring place I call home. I feel so lucky.

Though it’s true that some people might feel really insecure about your not drinking and could slowly fall off the radar. You also might find that you don’t really enjoy wine + book club anymore. Being alcohol-free can definitely feel like being the odd one out.

That’s because you are defying societal conventions and not following the herd. You might find yourself the only one in your group of friends or general vicinity that is embarking on this lifestyle change. And in order to not feel alone or isolated, it takes deliberate and intentional action to find your new lifestyle reflected in other inspiring women.

So how do I make alcohol-free friends? Of course there is AA—the ubiquitous one-size-fits-all solution to quit drinking and find community, but it’s not really my thing and it’s okay if it’s not yours either.

So here are eight other ideas to get you out of the house and meeting other inspiring trailblazers:

Meetups
This is the widest and broadest way to start your search. Meetup is a social network website that let’s the community organize their own events. In my hometown of San Diego, I’m part of groups like the San Diego Recovering Women’s Social Club. Together we go to brunch, play arcade games, go on hikes, and do cycling classes. This is how I met my podc ast co-host! You literally have no idea what the world could bring you if you open your mind to it. See what’s going on in your hometown or county by visiting meetup.com and searching for groups with keywords like: sober, alcohol-free, recovery, etc.
Bars and Raves
Who would have thought? Yes, there’s a growing trend of 100% alcohol-free bars and pop up raves that are more about dancing and expanding your mind than losing your mind. See if morning dance parties Day breaker or Morn ing Glory visit your town.
And sober bars? Imagine the vibe of meeting new people, singing your favorite song or playing pool while sipping on deliciously crafted mocktails. These new bar owners are activists. We don’t need to numb, or damage our health and wellbeing to enjoy nightlife and going out. Check out MindBar in San Diego, Sa nsBar in Austin, Texas, or their p op-ups around the nation. You’ve got Listen Bar if you’re in New York, Re demption if you’re in London, and Virgin Ma ry Bar if you’re in Dublin.
Sober Movements
Not drinking is a radical act of self-love and new movements are moving past the traditional paradigm that drinking is an issue for only a small portion of the population. Instead they’re questioning the norm that alcohol is requisite for a fun and fulfilling life, creating communities, and offering tons of support and resources, from conferences, sobriety schools, and hangouts in real life. Every quarter my friends and I host a hip mocktail party and meditation experience downtown called MindBar—a Friday night of intention and connection without a side of hangovers. Check out Hip Sobriety’s roster of events near you, S HE Recovers meetups, and Club Soda NYC events.
Other Community Meetings
Ok yes, you may luck out if you live in a big city with some of the aforementioned ideas. But if there’s no sober revolution happening in your town yet and going to AA is just not aligned with your inner values, why not check out other widespread community meetings? There’s SMART Recovery, which has meetings all over the world just like AA but is founded on modern science, positive psychology and empowerment. Or Refuge Recovery, also a growing community of meetings based on Buddhism. Or Women for Sobriety, a female empowerment and healing program with meetings all over. There’s also plenty of spaces that encourage growth, learning, and development away from alcohol like yoga workshops and personal development seminars. For example, Shi ne is an inspirational variety show based on crafting an alcohol-free experience of learning and growth.
Retreats and Travel
Meeting new like-minded people while also getting out of your comfort zone is the recipe for lasting friendships. Sober-minded retreats encourage you to work past your adversity, embrace your vulnerability and find connection with soulful searchers. Come to my Bali Retreat, the Sober Glow Adve nture retreat, or Bigger Life Adventures yoga retreats.
And how about meeting other like-minded women while exploring a new city or scuba diving? You know, one of the harder myths about alcohol for me to debunk was that it was necessary for a good vacation or to experience the local culture. And yet drinking while traveling always left a dark cloud on the trip and didn’t leave me in the mood to be fully appreciative of my new surroundings. Sober Outside is a travel company that organizes co-ed and women’s trips for people who are looking for meaningful interaction while discovering a new locale.
ONLINE
This is still the 21st century and a lot of community can be built online, not to mention growing bonds there first until you actually do meet in real life! On Facebook, we’d love to have you join the Euphoric Alco hol-Free private group. People share their challenges and epiphanies allowing you to offer advice and get inspired. An amazing connection of mine Lori created getconnectedaf.com with a friend finder tool! Add your deets and see who lives in your area and wants to connect. The alcohol-free-sphere on Instagram is huge with a wide range of influencers and newbies embarking on their journeys. Search sober or alcohol-free and follow people who inspire you or who you relate to. Comment on their posts. Engage in their stories. It won’t be long until you have an AF following.
If You’re in the Commonwealth
The scene that’s going on around sober living and mindful drinking in the UK makes me jealous. With outstanding organizations and conversations being made mainstream about how awesome it is to not drink, they’re forming a new definition of normal. Dry Jan uary, Dry July, and Sober October were all birthed in the UK as public health campaigns, de-stigmafying the quest to drink less or quit. Club Soda is a huge movement there, with festivals, meetings and socials. And there’s also One Year No Beer, for fitness and growth minded challengers. If you’re in Australia, check out Hello Sunday M orning for community events and conversations.
Create the Community You Want To See
If these ideas don’t work out for your location, why not create the community you so deeply wish existed? Go on meetup.com and start a sober social group. Plan alcohol-free book clubs, kombucha tastings, hikes or brunches. There’s bound to be others around you discovering a happier alcohol-free life that want to connect. My friend Danielle did exactly that and has created a community of almost 500 sober sisters! If she wasn’t brave enough to put herself out there like that, we probably wouldn’t have met. Crazy how the world works when you actively go forth towards your dreams.

As Goethe said, “Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it.”

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