There was a time when you knew all of the best spots in Cleveland to drink and party. But now that you’re in recovery or trying to improve your health, being around people who drink is a real threat to your sobriety. That might leave you with no choice but to avoid bars and all your usual hangout spots.
In doing that, though, it can feel like your sobriety is nothing but isolation. While you might feel left out when your friends and family go out, there is a solution. You may be in alcohol addiction recovery or trying to cut back on your drinking on your own, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop being social.
Sober bars have started to surge in popularity across the country to help those in recovery continue to socialize and connect with others. In this post, we’ll explain what sober bars are and how they can help your sobriety.
What are Sober Bars?
Sober bars offer you the opportunity to make social connections in a welcoming environment without alcohol. Alcohol is banned at sober bars, giving you peace of mind knowing that there will be no pressure to drink.
Before alcohol became a problem, the atmosphere of a bar was important when deciding on where to go. Instead of focusing on alcohol, many sober bars make atmosphere their specialty. Plus, many offer interesting “mocktails” that make the environment that much more engaging.
How Sober Bars Help with Your Sobriety
1. You’ll Learn How to Have Fun Being Sober
When you’re in recovery from an alcohol addiction, it’s easy to think you can’t enjoy yourself without drinking. But you’re not alone in this mindset. One of the benefits of a sober bar is that it helps you learn how to have fun without drinking. That’s why many sober bars have great activities to enjoy. From karaoke to dancing and trivia nights, you’ll have a chance to find new passions to get involved with.
2. Make New Friends and Expand Your Support System
Isolation and loneliness are the leading causes of relapse for those recovering from an alcohol addiction. When you go to a sober bar, you’ll meet others in recovery who share your experience. But people in recovery aren’t the only ones who enjoy sober bars. Non-drinkers, students under 21 and people who are interested in having a good time without alcohol can all benefit from sober bars.
Once you go to a sober bar, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people who already share a common interest. From there, you can expand your support network and have more opportunity for social interaction.
3. A Safe Place to Escape from Alcohol
Between everything you see on TV and social media posts, it can be tough to escape alcohol. Once you see a video of your friend drinking downtown, it’s natural to feel left out. But having your own experience lined up can help you cut through any temptation.
Going to a traditional bar where you could be offered a drink can cause unneeded stress during recovery. At a sober bar, you won’t have to worry about any of it. Think about how nice it would be to enjoy a social setting without having to explain your sobriety.
4. Socialize Without Drinking
Part of what makes regular bars so appealing is the act of going out on the town and meeting new people. But that benefit comes at a cost. Bars are often filled with peer and social pressures to drink more than you should.
And if you used to drink, you might not know of a way to regularly socialize without going to a bar. Sober bars give you that same opportunity without having to worry about alcohol. And if you’re worried about how to interact with people without drinking, start by talking about avoiding alcohol.
If You Think You Need Alcohol Addiction Treatment, You Do
Alcohol went from being a social aid, to emotional crutch and finally a full-blown need. No matter where your alcohol addiction has taken you, there is a way out. If you’re suffering from alcohol addiction or worried about relapsing, Silver Maple Recovery can help.
We offer expert alcohol addiction treatment in Cleveland and take a personalized approach to your recovery. Our staff has an average of 25 years of local experience with addiction. There’s no judgment, lectures or shaming, only healing. You have the potential to break free from the cycle of addiction that alcohol has caused.
At Silver Maple Recovery, we know that it’s common to avoid treatment because of withdrawal symptoms. That’s why we offer alcohol detox services in Cleveland. We use medication-assisted treatment to help ease your withdrawal symptoms.
If You Want to Heal, Silver Maple Recovery is Here for You
Contact Silver Maple Recovery today and speak with one of our professional caregivers. We’re here to answer any of your questions and hear your story 24/7. You don’t have to be alone on your journey to lasting recovery, let us help you get there.
