How to celebrate with those who don’t drink alcohol

As festive events follow one another during the holiday season – at the office, with friends and family – how do you celebrate with those who wish to stay sober during these occasions?

Éloïse Léveillé began a month without alcohol in November after a rather boozy trip to France. “Disgusted with drinking”, she wanted to “give herself a break on her return to Montreal, she explains. Although she was tempted a few times to have a drink, she felt supported by her friends who understood her decision.

Between someone who does not like alcohol, someone who wants to reduce their consumption or a former addict, there are many reasons to stay sober. Whether with friends, family or office colleagues, a few principles must be put in place so that the person feels comfortable. First of all, we must “respect her in her choices”, simply says the psychologist Katia Bissonnette, who gives conferences on addictions.

Indeed, actress and author Éliane Gagnon, who founded Soberlab, a digital platform that promotes sobriety, believes that not consuming alcohol should not be taboo. “We don’t have to say everything, but if we feel the need, we can talk. It allows to open the dialogue and it can even help some people, ”she believes.

However, beware of inappropriate comments. “You shouldn’t emphasize loud and clear, for example, that the person doesn’t drink,” she says. Already it can be difficult for a sober person “to take his place and be part of the minority”, underlines Katia Bissonnette.

Why do some people react badly to the sobriety of others? “It will confront some who have not begun to reflect on their relationship with alcohol. These people will feel attacked,” says Katia Bissonnette.

Non-alcoholic options

In order to include our loved ones who do not want to consume alcohol, we can think of offering non-alcoholic options at our next party. “These are attentions that are really the fun, advances Eliane Gagnon. It allows the choice of sobriety not to be stigmatized. »

We can offer sparkling water, juice, mock tailor choose another non-alcoholic drink, be it beer, spirits or even ready-to-drink – now plentiful in grocery stores and specialty shops.

Rose Simard, who is behind the 1 or 2 cocktails website, suggests offering a non-alcoholic punch or sangria to our guests. A practical idea, “especially during the holiday season, if we receive several people who do not drink”, she underlines.

The mixologist strives to offer a new non-alcoholic cocktail recipe per month on her website with non-alcoholic spirits, but also products that are not alcohol imitations. “I try to vary, and I also want to allow people who don’t like the taste of alcohol or who are in a situation of addiction to find their account,” she says.

You can also turn to activities that do not involve alcohol, such as doing an outdoor activity, going to the movies or having a coffee. “It could be stuff self-careto give each other love,” suggests Éliane Gagnon.

Things

Éloïse Léveillé took to social media for advice from her friends ahead of her alcohol-free month. A practice that she advises people who choose sobriety. “It made me feel less alone in there,” she says. Do not be embarrassed to ask how others have experienced this and how they have handled social situations. »

We can also avoid events where there will be people who drink too much if we think it will exceed our limits or “there is a risk of relapse for a person with an addiction,” explains Katia Bissonnette.

“We can have an ally, advises the psychologist, and we choose the people with whom we want to spend our time. Éloïse has developed another trick: keeping her hands occupied by holding a glass. This dispels discomfort and acts “like a physical crutch,” she says.