Duff McKagan Says Before Sobriety ‘I Wasnt Planning on Living Past 30’

The conversation was lively, funny, serious, interesting and engaging. I met so many new people and came away feeling energised and happy. Everyone but me was drinking beer or wine and they were definitely getting drunk. I drank an alcohol-free gin and tonic followed by a lime and soda.

• Scores of Native Americans who sought help are still struggling with untreated addiction — and some died in rehab.
• Before I quit drinking, I never really used to care about dividing the bill down the middle with a group.
• When you’re trying to adjust wavelengths, but are still surrounded by booze-centric events (ahem, Zoom happy hour), it’s easy to cave.
• Not only drinkers easier to make laugh, they won’t remember if you bomb.
• Any mental health issues like anxiety and depression improve dramatically.

For a period it was, “I’m an alcoholic,” and that tended to silence anyone (for clarification, I no longer identify as an alcoholic). These days, unless I’m feeling generous, I simply say, “I don’t drink,” and leave it at that. Acknowledging and celebrating the hard work of recovery is helpful for keeping you motivated being sober around drinkers and reminding you why you took this brave step toward sobriety in the first place. Just be sure that your rewards don’t involve drugs or alcohol. Instead, focus on things, experiences, and activities that will support your new, healthy lifestyle. When you decide to quit drinking, honesty becomes your greatest ally.

Get Comfortable With Confrontation

Understanding the relationship between your old drinking environment and your own behavior is essential. Almost everyone can think of something they have fun doing while sober. Nothing makes me feel better at a social gathering than not having to figure out a ride to get home, knowing I’ll go to sleep in my own bed in my right frame of mind, and wake up hangover-free. Mark Willenbring, MD, former director, division of treatment and recovery
research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Staying focused on the reasons why you’ve decided not to drink can get you through difficult moments. “Really think about your payoffs for not drinking,” Cornett says.

“The group can accept them in a different way; they don’t have to expel them.” The word “tonight” can be powerful when turning down a beer. Maybe tonight you are the designated driver, have to wake up early tomorrow, or are taking cold medicine – keep them guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

“The goal with the funding is to catalyze this movement of mindful drinking, to break through into the popular wellness conversation. We’re up against players that are coming from this lens of recovery and sobriety,” Allen said. Sunnyside’s new AI mindful drinking coach aims to support coaches by answering simple questions from members. For instance, if you are going to a party yet want to stick to only one alcoholic beverage, Sunny can provide tips on how to stay committed to your goal. Rather than Sunny responding to members directly, the AI coach generates recommendations that a human coach reviews before being sent as SMS. While alcohol is less triggering for individuals in long-term recovery, you should only consider drinking in front of an individual if they have a solid recovery foundation.

• People will assume you drink and will be very curious about why you don’t have a drink in your hand when they do.
• Your decision not to drink is your own business, and no one else’s.
• One of my new favorite non-alcoholic beers is produced by a company named Gruvi.
• I started spending more time with my friends individually over coffee rather than in group settings at the bar, and it made a huge difference in my life.
• Campral is another drug that is approved for treatment of alcohol dependence.
• My unique position has afforded me a rare glimpse into the behavioral patterns of the plastered, plowed, tipsy, smashed, buzzed, blottoed, and otherwise inebriated.

Many 12-step programs suggest that sobriety means total abstinence—never using the substance ever again. Enjoy life beyond alcohol consumption, utilize the buddy system, celebrate the benefits of sobriety, and carry reminders. Embrace honesty in your journey, prepare for social interactions, identify triggers, and avoid temptation.