Episode 251: Parties, Weddings, and Work Events:
How to Handle Peer Pressure To Drink When You’re Quitting Alcohol

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"Every time you say no to a drink, you say yes to self-trust
— and that is what will turn you around."

Here’s a glance at this episode:

If parties, weddings, and work events feel stressful now that you’re not drinking, you’re not alone. Social pressure is one of the biggest obstacles people face when trying to quit drinking, and today’s episode gives you real support, real scripts, and real confidence to walk into any event alcohol-free.

In this episode of the Sober Vibes Podcast, I delve into how to navigate the awkward moments, uncomfortable questions, and internal pressure that arise in social settings when everyone around you is drinking. Whether you're early in sobriety or navigating coping without alcohol, this episode gives you the tools you need to stay grounded and empowered.

What You’ll learn:

•  How to handle comments like “You’re not drinking?” with confidence
•  The psychology of peer pressure (and why their reaction isn’t about you
• What to say when someone pushes a drink on you
•  How to create an exit plan that protects your peace
• Why having support to quit drinking makes social situations easier
• Strategies from an alcohol recovery coach to help you stay strong
•  How to redefine fun without letting alcohol steal the moment

Skip the reading & watch the YouTube video instead: 

Have you ever walked into a party, wedding, or office shindig and instantly felt that wave of pressure hit you in the face?
Everyone is drinking. The booze is flowing like it's sponsored. And there you are, standing with your water, wondering:

“What do I say? What do I do? How do I not make this awkward?”

You’re not imagining it, social events in early sobriety can feel like a whole minefield.
But the truth is: you absolutely can handle them with confidence, calm, and zero alcohol.
I've done it. My clients do it. And by the end of this post, you’ll be ready, too.

Let’s walk through it together.

You’re Not a Weirdo for Feeling Anxious.
Society Is

When I quit drinking, one of the first things I noticed was how embedded alcohol is in literally everything. Weddings? Booze. Work events? Booze. Networking? Booze. Holidays? You guessed it — booze.

And you don’t fully see it until you stop drinking. Then suddenly you're like:

“Wow… society is the problem. Not me.”

You're not strange. You're not awkward. You're not a killjoy.
You're simply choosing clarity and peace in a world that normalizes self-numbing.

That’s brave as hell.

Why Social Events Feel So Intense in Early Sobriety

Before sobriety, alcohol was your crutch for social anxiety.
That glass of wine? It was your “I can do this” pass.

But now, you’re building a new association with these events — one that doesn’t include alcohol.

And yes, that takes time.
Yes, it feels uncomfortable at first.
But discomfort doesn't mean you're failing — it means you're healing.

Prepare What You’ll Say (So You Don’t Panic in the Moment)

You don’t need a speech. You just need a couple of calm, confident responses when someone inevitably asks:

“You’re not drinking?”

Here are a few of my go-tos:

• “I’m good, thanks — sticking with this tonight.”
  
  
• “Not drinking these days, but I’m all about the snacks.”
  
  
• “I feel way better without it.”
  
  

Keep it short. Keep it light. Humor always wins.

And this is important: you don’t owe anyone your life story.
Not Sally from Accounting. Not your cousin. Not your boss.

Some people simply cannot hold your vulnerability with care — and you don’t need to hand it to them.

Control What’s in Your Hand

This is one of my favorite sober tricks:

Walk in with something already in your hand.
A mocktail. Soda water with lime. NA beer. Coffee. Coca-Cola Classic. Whatever.

It eliminates the constant offers and conversations about alcohol before they even start.

If you’re at a wedding or venue with a bar, ask the bartender to make you something fun. Bartenders love being creative — especially when you tip them. And if you’re going somewhere without NA drink options, decide your two go-to mocktails ahead of time: one without spirits, one with NA spirits (if you use them).

Options = power.

Handle the Inner Pressure Too

Not all pressure comes from other people.

Sometimes the pressure comes from that old voice in your head saying:

“Maybe just one won’t hurt.”

But most of the time?
It’s not even about the drink…
it’s about wanting to fit in.

Alcohol used to be your shortcut to belonging.
But here’s the truth:

You don’t need a drink to belong. You need self-trust.

And self-trust grows every single time you choose yourself.

Have an Exit Plan and Protect Your Peace

Listen… you don’t have to stay all night.

If the vibe shifts, if people start getting sloppy, if you’re bored, tired, overstimulated, or just done — you can leave.

Drive yourself.
Set a time boundary before you show up.
Text a sober friend or someone inside your support circle.
Tell the host ahead of time: “I’ll stay for an hour.”

Your peace > other people’s expectations.

Always.

Redefine What Fun Looks Like for You

Fun without alcohol is not boring.
Fun without alcohol is real.

You actually remember conversations.
You connect more honestly.
You wake up proud of yourself instead of anxious, ashamed, or piecing together the night like a crime scene.

The truth is — alcohol wasn’t “fun.”
Alcohol was an escape, a coping mechanism, a mask.
Fun is being present in your own life.

And that takes a little time to grow into, but once you do?
It’s unbeatable.

The First 30 Days Are the Hardest — but They Aren’t Forever

I’m never going to sugarcoat it: the first month of sobriety is not rainbows and glitter.

You’re detoxing physically, mentally, emotionally.
Every feeling is loud.
Every social situation feels huge.

But you won’t always need a 60-minute rule.
You won’t always feel this on edge.
You won’t always feel like the odd one out.

With time, you build confidence.
With confidence, you build peace.
With peace, you build a life you don’t need to escape from.

Final Reminder Before You Walk Into That Event

The pressure is temporary.
Your peace is permanent.

You don’t need alcohol to enjoy your life.

You just need to show up as your real, grounded, present self — and give yourself the chance to experience what sober fun actually feels like.

And if social events still feel overwhelming?

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Get Support Inside The Sobriety Circle

If you need help building confidence, handling cravings, or navigating tricky social situations…

The Sobriety Circle is for you.

Inside, you’ll get:

• Daily accountability
  
  
• Live meetings
  
  
• Workshops
  
  
• Emotional support
  
  
• Tools to handle cravings
  
  
• A small, powerful community of women
  
  
• Strategies for sober travel, holidays, boundaries, and more
  
  

Whether you’re 7 days sober or 700, you’ll be supported, seen, and celebrated.

👉 Join The Sobriety Circle
(Link in show notes or CourtneyRecovered.com)

And I’d love to welcome you inside.

Good people of the world…
stay safe out there — and keep on trucking. 💛

Thank you for listening!

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This helps me continue to make episodes for you. 

★★★★★

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Resources Mentioned:

PODCAST SPONSOR:

This episode is sponsored by Soberlink, a trusted accountability tool for anyone navigating early recovery. Whether you're rebuilding trust with loved ones or want more structure in your sobriety, Soberlink offers a discreet and empowering way to stay on track.

Sober Vibes listeners, sign up HERE and claim our $100 Enrollment Bonus