Sobriety is NOT boring!
Sober and Social, who would have thought these two words could ever work together? Well, they do and all thanks to Emily, who founded an alcohol-free movement in London called Sober & Social. Since I started my sober journey I was always looking forward to places like this.
Whether you are looking to learn more about sober options, meet new sober friends or simply give a sober night out a trial run, Emily’s parties are perfectly suited and welcome for all.
I’ve also enjoyed her mocktail making insta-stories and cannot wait to attend the next party post lockdown. I was very curious to learn more about Emily, her sobriety journey and what she has been up to during this lockdown in London.
I asked, she answered…
Hello Emily, how long have you been sober for? Sober birthday?
I have been sober for two years and about one month. My sober Birthday is the 6th April.
What was your drink of choice?
Lyres Vermouth Rossi and Aromatic Fevertree tonic water
Three words that describe you prior to getting sober?
Chaotic, messy and unreliable.
What was your rock bottom?
I didn’t have a massive rock bottom but I did have years of the same destructive cycle that led me to feel very depressed and anxious. As an all or nothing person I very much never knew when to stop which became unmanageable by the end of my drinking.
Who/What inspired you to get sober?
I went to therapy, read various books including Annie Grace – The Naked, Unexpected Joy Of Being Sober by Catherine Grey, William Porter Alcohol Explained and Jason Vale How to Quit The Drink easily. Exercise became my night out I would regularly go to Barrys bootcamp and do yoga to keep me on track and really invested in my daily meditation. I also set up Sober & Social which really gave me the accountability I needed to stay on track.
“I also set up Sober & Social which really gave me the accountability I needed to stay on track.”
What was your greatest challenge in the first year of sobriety?
Learning to be with myself and doing everything for the first time without a crutch.
How did you deal with PAWS?
I didn’t have massive withdrawals but I do remember feeling more tired and using cigarettes to help me through the early months of being sober.
How did former drinking buddies react to your sober journey?
I was really lucky with my friends that there were very understanding and supportive.
What advice do you have for those among us that are sober curious?
That any amount of sobriety is good sobriety. By not drinking for any period of time you will feel benefits and hopefully this will encourage you to explore for longer each time you do it. I feel there we can always learn about ourselves and there is no better space to do this then when we stop drinking.
What excites you now that you never would have imagined would excite you before you got sober?
Just getting out of bed every morning without a hangover. I don’t dread the day which is truly magical.
What advice do you have for anyone who has recognised that they are perhaps drinking a little more than usual during lockdown and would like to get sober?
To get a strong morning routine in place which not only gives a reason to get up in the morning but means you have done something good for yourself before the day has even started. Getting this in place will hopefully discourage you from drinking as much if you know you have something non – negotiable to do in the morning.
“Any amount of sobriety is good sobriety.”
Last question, how are you staying sober and sane during this lockdown period?
By starting my podcast Sober Sips and doing my morning routine – I like to meditate, read a chapter of my book, 20 minutes of yoga and a 20 minute run.
Thank you for the lockdown conversation, Emily!
Learn more about Sober & Social & don’t forget to follow Emily on Instagram
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Sober Sips podcast!
