Stopped drinking a year ago, having trouble to have friends and go out

[Madridista93]

I stopped drinking alcohol a year ago (I'm 23), I had serious anxiety with panic disorder and used alcohol as a relief for my anxiety, it worked for a around two years but then it got out of control and I started having serious negative effects. I had many close friends and group of friends with who I used to go out and of course at this age have a drink. However; when I stopped drinking on a personal matter things got much better but in regards to my friends I have lost a lot of contacts and friendships because I would find an excuse to not go out to the bar or club, I kept on giving excuses so it came to the point they thought I was ignoring them, , it is quite sad that I have to give an "excuse" for not drinking, what has happened to our world?

Because I stress on my excuse I tend to avoid going out with friends and I end up alone, it is hard to find people in their twenties not drinking when going out even though I would love to go for a nice dinner or do other activities that do not have to involve drinking. Whether going out with a guy a girl or just a group of friendsit always involves alcohol and I am starting to get stressed on how to deal with this situation. Whenever I Go out and see young people like me enjoying a couple of beers with friends I always think why I can't be a normal person like that! I know it sounds weird but it's negative thoughts, I just feel I could blend in and have much more fun like people around my age

The problem is everything involves drinking nowadays and I don't want to lose friends as well but I do not want to be open about my past problems. What would you do in a similar situation? I would love to hear your advice and experiences

[amberkx]

First of all well done on stopping drinking you should be proud of yourself!
I know it's not the same but I had a baby withing the last 7 months and I'm 19 so I've lost a lot of friends because they have jobs and they want to spend nights drinking and partying. I would suggest seeing if your friends have similar hobbies and make plans to these also see if there is any activity groups in your area and try make some new friends good luck

[ibizan]

I got sober at age 28!I'm 60 now!i found new friends thru AA and other kinds of support groups.I also have a passion for animals,and volunteered at our local dog shelter and have been involved w/retired racing greyhounds since 1993!there's a lot more in this world to be passionate about minus alcohol and drugs.You can find it if you seek it out!i found out that if i put as much energy into a sober activity as I did consuming alcohol,I could...and have accomplished a great deal!