Just because you’re living an abstinent lifestyle doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! In fact, spending time with friends and family is a great way to establish a new life of satisfying sobriety. Here’s how to have a great time without alcohol and drugs. See or Host a Concert Is there anything more fun than seeing your favorite band play at a big arena, or catching a great act at a small, local venue? Having fun with family and friends is easier when the focus isn’t on standing around and drinking, and live music is a great way to be social while keeping the spotlight off alcohol and drugs. If music isn’t your thing, see a play, go to a gallery opening, or get tickets to a ballgame. Get out, get social, and put the focus on something other than drinking. Run a Race From color runs to bike tours to obstacle courses that go for miles, amateur racing is hot. Don’t worry if you’re not ready to run a marathon — most races start at around 3 miles, also known as a 5k, and they welcome walkers! Most importantly, they almost always feature large, cheering crowds whose enthusiasm is contagious. Get a group of friends to sign up together, and when the race is over, go out and grab breakfast at your favorite greasy spoon! It won’t be long before you’re ready to try something new, and you’ll feel great for the rest of the day. Have a Barbecue If you enjoy cooking, why not host a barbecue? From Grandma’s famous pulled pork recipe to ribs you’ve prepared a special rub for, this is an event that everyone can get behind. Not a chef? No problem — get some frozen hamburgers and hot dogs, and call it a day. Ask your friends to bring sides and desserts, and spend some quality time together outside. If you’re worried about entertaining without alcohol, start by entertaining friends and family members who won’t mind an alcohol-free event. You can even serve a signature non-alcoholic cocktail, such as sparkling punch! Sparkling Fruit Punch Freeze this Better Homes and Gardens punch and keep it handy! Play around with the ingredients for a fresh non-alcoholic option that uses the best of what’s in-season all year long!
- 3 cups water
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 3-oz package peach gelatin
- 1 29-oz can of peach slices in light syrup
- 4 11-oz cans of peach nectar
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 8 10-oz bottles of ginger ale or club soda
- In a saucepan, dissolve gelatin in water and combine with sugar. Heat to boiling; stir until dissolved.
- Blend undrained peaches until smooth.
- Combine blended peaches, gelatin mixture, peach nectar and lemon juice in large bowl. Separate into 4 1-qt containers and freeze until firm.
- Defrost before serving and break up remaining chunks with a fork. Stir ginger ale or club soda into peach mixture in a large bowl.
Just because you don’t party the way you used to doesn’t mean you can’t have fun — sober. Surround yourself with supportive friends, and try new activities! You may be surprised how much fun a sober life is! (photo via Lisdavid89)
