As someone who works in a social, alcohol-fueled industry, I faced immense pressure to drink. For years, I conformed to keep connections and dull my anxiety. But health issues from Irritable Bowel Syndrome took their toll. By age 39, I knew I had to leave drinking behind.
My consumption steadily increased through my 20s and 30s, fueled by life changes and scene-heavy Los Angeles social circles. What began as special occasion drinking morphed into a weekly habit. By 34, divorce and dating a heavy drinker pushed me farther.
That summer marked a turning point. Reactions like vomiting and fainting showed my gut simply couldn’t handle alcohol. Diagnosis of IBS confirmed it as a trigger. While eliminating alcohol didn’t cure my digestive distress, it did stop making it worse.
Going sober in an industry surrounded by open bars wasn’t easy. Some friendships fell by the wayside as social plans centered on drinking. However, countless non-alcoholic options exist to bond over besides “girls nights out.”
Now over two years sober, I’ve found my way as a socialite without substances. Sparkling water and kombucha fill empty hands at weddings. Declining a drink politely ends inquiries. Focus stays on real connections rather than a distraction.
While I don’t judge others’ alcohol enjoyment, my health and happiness come first. Saying no frees me from dependence on a dubious social lubricant. Sobriety proves social skills exist beyond what’s in any glass. For those seeking to quit or moderate drinking, this introvert shows it’s possible to stay social without substances. My journey shows the personal freedom and well-being to be found on the other side.
