A Local’s Guide to Sober Socialising in the North East
Living a sober lifestyle in the North East isn’t for the faint of heart. Here’s a statistic that speaks for itself: Alcohol harm costs the North East nearly £1.5 billion per year. So, what does that mean for the sober? On one hand, sober socialising in the North East will always come with its challenges. However, if you’re ready to dive into the sober scene, or even step a toe in to get a feel for it, there are countless exciting activities waiting for you.
Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration
Times are changing, and even though the majority of the North East don’t live a sober lifestyle, there is a much greater understanding of what it means to be sober and why someone might choose to not drink.
In fact, more and more people are drawn to the idea of giving up alcohol, whether temporarily or permanently, and some even describe themselves as “sober curious”.
As a North East local, I’ve done my research, and I’m now an expert in sober spots! Join me as I talk you through building an enviable sober social life in the best part of the UK (I’m not biased, of course).
Times are Changing
From student nights in Durham to pub crawls in Newcastle, the North East has maintained a solid reputation for nights out.
Yet, while I can’t see the entire region going sober any time soon, it’s clear that the spotlight on alcohol is gradually fading over time. With the sober curious movement trickling into many friendship groups, including mine, we’re seeing the subtle promotion of a sober lifestyle through the rise in sober social events, Dry January stints, and mocktails galore.
A key lesson from this is that alcohol isn’t a prerequisite for fun. The more people enjoy nights out or days out without alcohol as their crutch, the more they are realising that so many of their best memories were mostly fuelled by fun and friendship as opposed to drinking.
What Counts as Sober Socialising?
Does sober socialising require a complete abandonment of alcohol, or can the odd glass of wine slip in every now and then?
The answer is different for everyone. Some people make a decision to stop drinking alcohol completely, which means all of their socialising will involve full abstinence. Others integrate sobriety into their life in a more flexible way, perhaps lowering the amount they drink or going sober for short periods of time.
Generally, when you see sober social events advertised, it means there will be no alcohol at these events. However, don’t feel obliged to give up alcohol forever if that’s not something that appeals to you; you’d be welcomed at these socials even if you were just abstaining for one night.
The appeal of these events lies in their ability to connect people without relying on substances, as well as the creativity of the activities, the cost-saving advantage, and the way people feel at the end: happy, healthy, and hangover-free.
Sober Adventures in the North East
The North East provides the perfect backdrop for sober socialising. With its impressive coastlines and stunning castles, there’s no need to stay shut indoors to enjoy a sober lifestyle.
Just take a walk on your local beach on a Sunday morning, or venture out on a hike, and you’ll witness many others appreciating the natural beauty of the North East on their doorstep. Much easier done without a sore head from Saturday night…
Whether you join friends or find a local group to get involved with, here are some spots I’d highly recommend to appreciatethe great outdoors in all its glory:
● High Force waterfall
● Raby Castle
● Long Sands Beach
● The Alnwick Garden
● Kielder Forest
● Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens
● Farne Islands
If you’re fully sober for the first time, don’t be surprised if you feel more connected to nature on these adventures. Many people feel more present, meaning they are better able to relax in nature, and notice the smells, sights and sounds around them.
Local Sober Spots in the North East
One sober group I’ve only ever heard good things about is Newcastle Sober Socials.
With regular events including hiking, picnics and dancing, they offer something for everyone. Active on both Instagram and Facebook, they have helped build a warm community of likeminded individuals who welcome in new sober and sober curious people!
The North East’s music and theatre scene is impressive, and you certainly don’t have to drink to enjoy it. From the O2 City Hall to the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, I’ve had many an enjoyable night watching a show or discovering a new artist here in the North East.
The North East boasts many unique museums for all to enjoy. Beamish Museum, the first regional open-air museum, is one I’d highly recommend.
If you’re interested in exploring life in the North East in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, nothing will bring it to life quite like Beamish. People travel from all over to visit, and for good reason!
How to Handle Peer Pressure to Drink
Even with so many sober activities around every corner, most people will deal with peer pressure at some point, especially in the North East. If it happens to you, what can you do?
1. Decide what your boundaries are
This is crucial. Decide ahead of time what your boundaries are, and it will be much harder for anyone to push you to cross them.
Are you tee-total, sober curious, or just setting down the alcohol for one night to avoid a next-day hangover? Whichever it is, decide for yourself to avoid folding when pressured.
2. Rehearse a standard response
Sometimes, the most nerve-wracking aspect of being sober is knowing how to explain it to someone. Ultimately, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your sobriety.
However, if you feel more at ease providing a quick explanation, settle on a standard response you feel comfortable with, such as “I’ve been drinking less and feeling better for it” or “I don’t fancy drinking tonight, would rather avoid the hangover”.
3. Remember why you chose sobriety
This is common advice for anyone who has chosen sobriety following an alcohol addiction. When undergoing the alcohol detox and intensive therapy in alcohol rehab, patients are encouraged to focus on their drive behind getting sober, from health and relationships to work and finances. Here’s some tips from the experts when it comes to alcohol rehab in Newcastle.
Shifting your mindset in this way is incredibly helpful for staying sober, regardless of where you are in your journey.
Planning a Sober Night Out in the North East
Believe it or not, a night out lacking in pre-drinks and hangovers can still be the best night out you’ve ever had, and the best thing is you’ll even remember it all the next day!
My top tips for planning a sober night out in the North Eastwould be:
1. Choose an activity you love to do
For your first sober night out, it’s often best to stick with something you know you’re going to enjoy. Some people feel comfortable going clubbing or pub crawling while sober, but others prefer to go for a very different vibe such as a cinema night, a three-course meal, or even a unique experience like a rage room.
2. Go with a fellow sober friend(s)
Not being the only sober person on a night out takes some pressure off and helps you to stay encouraged to have a great night without drinking.
3. Eat before you go
Just because you’re not drinking doesn’t mean you won’t be dehydrated. Particularly if you’re going on more of a traditional night out, in bars and clubs, always have a meal beforehand to avoid flagging early.
4. Stay positive
It’s easy to fall into the FOMO trap and focus on what you’re losing out on by staying sober. The best nights out will start with a positive mindset, so think about how much fun you’re going to have minus the headaches and hangxiety!
So, there we have it. Plenty of lessons learnt about the North East, but if you take one thing away from this, I hope it’s that you really can live your best sober life in this wonderful part of the world. All it takes is a bit of motivation and caring less about what people think, and you’re well on your way.
If the sheer amount of activities sounds daunting to you, why not start with just one? Who knows, committing to one sober social or one day reconnecting with local nature may kickstart your vibrant sober social life.