How to Handle Drink Pushers
Some people keep pushing after we say no. A short answer usually works better than a long explanation, especially if they want to argue with every reason we give.
by Brent C
Latest posts
The Sober Time Factor: Delay After Relapse
After drinking again, we can still want sobriety while putting off the day we stop. That delay is dangerous because alcohol only needs us to keep choosing “not today”.
Staying Out of the Hole Is Easier
The thought of drinking again can make us forget how hard it was to stop. It's much easier to protect the progress we have than go through all of that again.
Sobriety: When the Hard Way Is the Easy Way
Quitting can feel like the hard option at first. But continuing to drink means going through the same problems, recovery and broken promises again and again.
Reframing Setbacks in Sobriety
A setback doesn't need to become a full return to drinking. We can look honestly at what happened, act quickly and use the information without pretending the drinking gave us something.
Habitual Action Follows Habitual Thinking
We often think about the first drink long before we pour it. And when we keep repeating the same story about alcohol, following that thought becomes much easier.
Complacency in Sobriety: The Mistake of Feeling Fine
Feeling better is one of the benefits of stopping. But it can make the drinking problem seem like a long time ago, and that's when alcohol can start looking safe again.
Why One Drink Often Isn't Enough
We can honestly mean it when we say we’ll only have one drink. But after that first drink, we’re no longer making the next decision with a clear head.
Being Careful with Music in Sobriety
A song can bring back a drinking memory before we've had time to think about it. We don't need to avoid music, but some songs might need a break while we give them some new memories.
The Growth Mindset in Sobriety
We don't need to be naturally good at sobriety. We can learn what catches us out, practise different responses and get better at living without alcohol.
Mindfulness in Sobriety: Present Moment Thinking
One drinking thought can have us worrying about tonight, next weekend and the rest of our life. Coming back to what is happening now makes the next decision much smaller.
Time Blocking for Mental Clarity
Planning proper breaks during the workday can stop pressure building until alcohol looks like the only way to switch off.