A time for joy, introspection, and goal-setting, the New Year is upon us. This can also be a challenging time for people trying to maintain sobriety in social settings where drinking is common. Here are several ways to stay sober while having fun with loved ones, as well as a rundown of Denver hotspots for non-alcoholic beverages and activities.
Tips for Maintaining Sobriety with Non-Sober Friends and Family
It can be difficult to maintain your sobriety during New Year’s celebrations when you’re around loved ones who aren’t on the road to recovery. In order to stay sober during these meetings, consider the following:
Communicate Your Needs
Make sure your friends and hosts are aware of your sober commitment before you go to any event. By doing so, you can lessen the chances that they will give you alcohol and create reasonable expectations.
Bring Your Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks to make sure you have something nice to drink. This might be sparkling water or a classy mocktail. People are less likely to give you alcohol if they see you with a drink in your hand.
Have a Support System in Place
Having a sober family member or friend by your side who can relate to your journey and provide encouragement is always a good idea. When you’re on your own, it’s helpful to have a support system that you can reach out to for advice or emotional support.
Plan Your Responses
Before you answer any queries or accept any offers related to alcohol, prepare yourself. These encounters can be less nerve-wracking if you have some prepared responses. Just saying you’re not going to drink tonight is just as effective as being outspoken about your sobriety.
Stay Engaged in Activities
Pay attention to what the event is all about, whether it’s dancing, playing games, or just chatting. You can avoid overindulging in alcohol and have a better time at the gathering if you keep yourself occupied.
Know Your Limits
Know what sets you off and how much you can handle. The right thing to do is to remove yourself from the situation or even leave the gathering early if you feel uncomfortable or pushed.
Practice Self-Care
Take care of yourself, mentally and physically. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat healthily, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness in the days leading up to the event.
Have an Exit Strategy
Make preparations to exit the event in the event that you find yourself overwhelmed. This can involve getting a ride or driving yourself so you’re free to depart whenever you like.
Celebrate Your Sobriety
Keep in mind that this is a celebration of both the new year and your recovery. Recognize your strength and take pride in the progress you’ve achieved.
Seek Professional Support if Needed
Consult a therapist or a support group for further advice and encouragement if you’re struggling to handle social situations.
You may comfortably celebrate the New Year with loved ones without letting alcohol or drugs get the best of you if you prepare ahead of time and use these techniques.
Sober Activities to Ring in the New Year
It is possible to have a wonderful and unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration without alcohol. Some interesting and entertaining alcohol-free ways to welcome in the new year are as follows:
Host a Themed Sober Party
Set the mood for a themed party at home, such as a masquerade ball or an 80s throwback. It would be great if guests could dress in a theme-appropriate way. In addition to organizing some themed games or activities, make sure you have a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, such as sparkling ciders and handmade mocktails.
Outdoor Midnight Picnic
Get the whole family or a large group of friends together and go to a beautiful place. Gather some blankets, non-alcoholic beverages (such as spiced apple cider or hot chocolate), and a calm way to ring in the new year outdoors.
Attend a Sober Countdown Event
On New Year’s Eve, several sober communities and neighborhoods hold parties without alcohol. The type of these events might vary from lively dance parties to more low-key get-togethers. To find sober community groups or local listings, look for events near you.
New Year’s Eve Movie Marathon
Gather your loved ones around the screen for a night of new releases or old favorites. Prepare a comfortable seating area with blankets and cushions, stock up on popcorn, and non-alcoholic beverages.
DIY Craft Night
Arrange a craft night for a less flashy party. Pick an activity that the whole family can get behind, like painting, creating vision boards for the coming year, or any other do-it-yourself craft that gets people thinking creatively.
Host a Game Night
Any number of interesting games, whether they be board games, card games, or interactive video games, can be sure to keep everyone entertained for the evening. For added fun, you may even make a tournament with little rewards.
Attend a Concert or Local Event
On New Year’s Eve, several cities hold a variety of events, such as street festivals and concerts. Try to find gatherings that don’t provide alcohol or are specifically marketed as such.
Plan a Nature Retreat
Spending New Year’s Eve outside is a great option for those who want to celebrate in peace and quiet. A rejuvenating approach to begin the year is to rent a cabin or go camping, weather allowed.
Cooking or Baking Party
On New Year’s Eve, get everyone together in the kitchen to whip up a spectacular dessert or prepare a memorable dinner. With a tasty dinner at the conclusion, this may be an entertaining and educational way to spend the evening.
Reflective Journaling or Meditation
An evening of contemplation might be just what the doctor ordered for a more reflective party. Some meaningful ways to celebrate the new year include writing in a journal, meditating, or just talking about what you want to accomplish in the next year.
Make sure you have a fun, memorable, and sober New Year’s Eve by choosing one of these events from our variety of possibilities.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Denver- Best Places to Visit
There are a number of great places in Denver to have tasty non-alcoholic drinks:
Death & Co
At 1280 25th St. in RiNo, you’ll find Death & Co., a spot famous for its North American cocktails, beers, and wines.
El Five
Featuring a selection of nonalcoholic cocktails, located at 2930 15th St. in Highlands.
Honey Elixer Bar
Unique mocktails and Jun drinks are served at Honey Elixir Bar, 2636 Walnut St. in RiNo.
Punch Bowl Social
Bowling and nonalcoholic beverages are available at this Baker establishment at 65 Broadway.
Hudson Hill
You can have a nonalcoholic drink of mystery at Hudson Hill, 619 E. 13th Ave., Capitol Hill.
Improper City
Located at 3201 Walnut St. in RiNo, Improper City is a popular spot for non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails.
Upstairs Circus
Located at 1500 Wynkoop St. in LoDo, Upstairs Circus offers DIY workshops alongside NA drink options.
Lady Jane
You may find Lady Jane’s carefully selected list of nonalcoholic beverages at 2021 W. 32nd Ave. in Highlands.
Uncle
Located in West Wash Park at 95 S. Pennsylvania St., offers a changing selection of cocktails without alcohol by volume. Uncle is predominantly a Ramen restaurant.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Located at 1525 Blake St. in LoDo, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant is famous for its Strawberry “Marg” NA margarita.
Le French
The Southmoor Park location at 4901 S. Newport St. serves a variety of mocktails.
These venues were verified as operational as of the latest information available. Checking their current status before organizing your visit is always a good idea, though.
If you choose to celebrate New Year’s sober, there’s no need to sacrifice enjoyment. It is possible to celebrate the New Year without relapsing if you have the correct attitude, have someone to lean on, and participate in one of many sober events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrating New Year’s Sober
Can I still have fun on New Year’s Eve without alcohol?
In a heartbeat! Being sober on New Year’s Eve allows you to completely participate in festivities, have meaningful conversations, and reflect on the wonderful times had the following day. Enjoy a wide variety of sober activities and events.
How do I deal with pressure from friends or family to drink?
When you decide to stay sober, be tough yet courteous. An example of a prepared response could be, “I’m not drinking tonight.” Another option would be, “I’m concentrating on my health and choosing not to drink.” Do not feel obligated to provide an in-depth explanation to anyone.
What are some good non-alcoholic drink options for New Year’s Eve?
A wide variety of tasty non-alcoholic beverages are available, such as herbal teas, flavored sodas, sparkling juices, and mocktails. Beers and wines, which typically contain alcohol, have alternatives that you can try.
How can I politely decline a drink at a New Year’s party?
A polite “No, thank you” usually suffices. If questioned, you can always bring up the fact that you’re driving, refuse to drink tonight, or choose non-alcoholic beverages. People will generally honor your decision.
What should I do if I feel tempted to drink at a New Year’s event?
Make a strategy to deal with temptation, including contacting a supportive friend, taking a short break, or even leaving the event altogether if you feel the need. Keep in mind your sobriety goals and the benefits of your decision to stay sober.
Are there any sober New Year’s Eve events?
On New Year’s Eve, several groups and localities provide activities that are free of alcohol. To find events near you, check local listings, visit community centers, or contact sober groups.
How can I host a fun sober New Year’s party?
Game night, a music festival, a movie marathon, or a themed celebration should take center stage. Stock up on delicious food and non-alcoholic beverages. Making people feel at home is the most important thing.
What are some ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve alone and sober?
Do something nice for yourself, like meditate, take a bath, watch a movie, write in a diary, or prepare a special dinner. A quiet, contemplative celebration is possible when you’re by yourself.
How can I support a friend or family member who is sober this New Year’s?
Make sure they have access to non-alcoholic beverages, avoid pressuring them to drink, and plan activities that do not include alcohol. Acknowledge and value their decision to abstain from alcohol.
Is it normal to feel anxious about celebrating New Year’s sober?
Feeling nervous is very normal, particularly if this is your first sober New Year’s Eve party. One way to deal with this anxiety is to plan ahead, surround yourself with supportive people, and focus on the positive parts of being sober.
