How to Maintain Social Life as an LGBTQ Person in Addiction Recovery

How to Maintain Social Life as an LGBTQ Person in Addiction Recovery

If your LGBTQ+ loved one has struggled with addiction and is currently in recovery, you may at one point be wondering how they can have a sober social life. Social circles and experiences tend to change for LGBTQ+ people following addiction. These experiences can be very difficult during recovery, as adjusting to new behaviors and expectations can be a struggle. Their social functioning is impaired by substance abuse or drug addiction, so they will likely lack many real connections. It is important that they learn how to navigate social settings and maintain healthy relationships in addiction recovery. They must filter people and places that no longer serve and support their new lifestyle. Discover ways to shift to a healthier social setting and manage cravings for your LGBTQ loved ones in addiction recovery, all while preserving valuable connections!

Tips for LGBTQ+ People in Maintaining a Sober Social Life While in Recovery 

When an LGBTQ+ person is first starting their alcohol or drug addiction recovery journey, they’re probably already aware that it’s best to steer clear of people and places that could fuel their risk of relapse. But if they’re the social type, there’s a good chance they’re going to be around others drinking alcohol or using drugs sometime in the future. So how can you help them maintain a sober life then? Here are some helpful tips to help them to maintain a social life while in alcohol or drug addiction recovery:

1. Social Circle Shift. Having a social life without alcohol or drugs doesn’t necessarily mean that the LGBTQ+ individual must replace all of their old friends with new ones. But it is a good idea to distance themselves from “friends” who aren’t going to support them. Their new sober life can include supportive old friends, but it can also be a good idea to develop new friends, friends who don’t drink alcohol or use alcohol. When they surround themselves with like-minded people, they can normalize living life without alcohol or drugs. They should consider attending alcohol-free events, finding fellow sober-life individuals on social media, or connecting with individuals they meet in alcohol or drug rehab. 
2. Open and Honest Conversation. LGBTQ+ people can find it difficult to inform their close friends and family that they’ve given up drinking or using drugs. But being open and honest about it and setting clear boundaries is only going to help them live the sober life they so desire. Unfortunately, they may lose some friends, which will be hurtful, but if there are people in their lives who can’t support them in their sobriety journey, it’s better for them in the end. Start by telling them to let in those friends and family members they feel will be most supportive of their sobriety efforts. These are likely friends who aren’t solely drinking or using buddies. Then, if others with whom they frequented bars reach out and are unsupportive, they’ll already know they have trusted friends to lean on for support.
3. Healthy Boundaries. While the LGBTQ+ individual might not want to attend a lot of social gatherings and parties where alcohol or drugs are served early on in their recovery journey, eventually, it’s going to happen. They don’t have to become a hermit when recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, after all. When they feel ready to attend gatherings, encourage them to set healthy boundaries on which to attend and understand their triggers before they go. Once they've set their boundaries, they'll be more prepared to stick to them. Another aspect of setting healthy boundaries while in recovery is understanding their triggers. If they are going to an event with people who are unsupportive of their sobriety or where they may be triggered emotionally, tempting them to drink or use drugs, they should be proactive in knowing if they should go and who they should avoid. 
4. Hobbies and Social Activities. There are a lot of social activities that revolve around drinking and using drugs. But there are also a lot of things an LGBTQ+ person can do that have nothing to do with alcohol or drugs. They can consider taking up hiking, volunteering, taking an art class, going to the movies, taking a dance class, or finally delving into an entrepreneurial venture they’ve been considering. The list is endless! 
5. Non-alcoholic drink substitute. Encourage them to find a fun, non-alcoholic drink to sip on. Many venues serve mocktails that the LGBTQ+ person in recovery can enjoy while out with friends. When they have a delicious mocktail in their hand, they can feel less anxious about their sobriety efforts and pressured to drink alcohol. And, as a bonus, they can stay hydrated!

Q Space Detox will Teach You How to Enjoy Your Social Life in Recovery

If you or an LGBTQ+ person you love need supportive substance abuse treatment, please reach out to us at Q Space Detox. We offer a range of programs designed to help them overcome their addiction and stay sober for the rest of their lives. We believe that every queer person should live the life they choose, not the one their addiction chooses for them. If you are ready for life-changing treatment, call us today at 305-745-7768.