Quitting Drinking Felt Lonely — Here's What I Did About It
One of the things I didn’t expect when I stopped drinking was how lonely it would feel.
Not because people weren’t supportive — most were.
But because I felt like I was suddenly doing life differently.
I wasn't sure of who I was becoming, and that was uncomfortable.
📸 Three months in, two days before my 38th birthday, it felt a bit weird... 4 August 2020
Yes, I love being different. I don’t follow trends, and I’ve never been one to blend in. I love doing things differently, living boldly, speaking my mind..
But when everyone around you is drinking — after work, at parties, on holidays — it sometimes feels weird to be the one saying “No thanks.”
And then what?
"I don't drink.", or "I'm sober.", or "I don't drink anymore I've been sober for four months and I'm doing great but it's been hard sometimes but anyone can do it I mean I was drinking a lot. So yeah, no thanks."
I wasn’t trying to be better than anyone. I just wanted better for myself.
Still, I sometimes felt like the odd one out.
And that’s the truth for so many people who start questioning their drinking and experiencing with saying no when they would usually say yes.
So I created Mindfully Sober for people like that — People like me.
People who:
Overthink everything... ok, most things
Use alcohol for stress or to feel included.
Want to be different, but also hate standing out.
Are scared to say no, even when their body screams yes.
What I did about it
First, I connected with others on the same path — in real life when I could, but mostly online at the start. I joined an online community, and I listened. I shared when I felt like it. Just knowing I wasn’t the only one choosing this different way of living made a huge difference.
I also let go of the friendships that only revolved around drinking. Some naturally faded, others evolved into something that worked for both of us. But it created space for more aligned connections.
I started journaling (still do) to process what I was feeling, and I began reminding myself that loneliness is just a feeling — not the truth.
I wasn’t actually alone.
I had beautiful friends, family, and so much to be grateful for.
That mindset shift really changed everything.
If you’re feeling lonely on this path or even just the idea of sobriety, try one of these:
– Join an online group or sobriety program... like mine! 🙊
– Start a gratitude journal
– Research the stats on how many people are sober these days!.. it's pretty impressive!
– Send a message to someone you care about (nothing to do with sobriety, just friendship and connection!)
– Get outside (nature helps!)
– Remind yourself that choosing differently doesn’t make you less — it makes you courageous and daring!
You're ready
You don’t need to have a “problem” with alcohol.
You don’t need to wait for a wake-up call.
You don’t even have to explain yourself.
You just have to want more.
And be willing to be on your own side, for once — and stick to it.
If that’s you, I see you. You’re not alone anymore.
This program was built for you.
One Last Thing…
Loneliness is just a feeling. It’s not the truth.
The truth is we can feel lonely in crowds. We can feel lonely sitting right next to our partner.
You’re just waking up to a better version of yourself, and it feels different.
And that can feel like loneliness — but only for a little while.
And on the other side of that discomfort is connection. Joy. Pride. Peace.
And a whole community of people doing life differently, just like you.
You’re not alone in this. Not even close. 🧡
🧡 Join the program: www.mindfullysober.net
You’ve got this.
And I’ve got you.
Be on your own side,
Sophie 🌿
Mindfully Sober is not about perfection — it’s about possibility.
It's a coaching program built for the high-functioning, sober-curious people who want to live on purpose — aligned with their values, not society’s expectations.
I believe you deserve to feel good in your life, proud of your choices, and clear about your future.
Every time you choose to listen to your inner voice, you come back to yourself.
And that’s where real freedom begins.
Be on your own side,
Sophie 🌿
Sophie Anderson is an ICF-certified coach, wellness expert, and founder of Mindfully Sober. Completely alcohol-free since 2020, she empowers others to step into their potential by creating a life they don’t need to escape from. With a compassionate, practical approach, Sophie helps clients break free from drinking culture and live with clarity, confidence, and purpose.