Steely

Just heard on ABC Radio National the start of 'non-drinking social groups. Called NON-TOXICATED, and kicked off by a woman tired of having her social life dominated by alcohol. Says she didn't feel like the 'rock bottom' alcoholic, but knew alcohol was becoming a problem for her. What a great idea. Hope it works.

Thought LessGravity might like to read this, and naturally all of us who would like to mix socially, but not necessarily drink. If nothing else shows how alcohol is losing favour amongst a lot of people.

Lets see how it develops.

kittencat

How wonderful! Keeping my fingers crossed for you! x

least

Sounds like a great idea whose time has come.

tufty13

What a brilliant idea. I hope it gains traction

Mizz

Wonderful!
Are you joining this group?

Aellyce

I love to hear about initiatives like this, especially that they are promoted on mainstream media. There are various sober social places and groups where I live, but there is just not enough publicity for them and one needs to do extensive online search or be referred by someone to find them. These things are very important, because many people get tired of participating in recovery-oriented communities and just want to meet and make friends with like-minded folks and do regular things with them, but don't know how to even start. I plan to get in touch with some similar places/initiatives in my city, not only to have company for myself, but also want to help generate more publicity for them through some of my work. Sadly, there is still way too much perception in the general public that sober people and activities are boring, stuck up or something... which could not be further from the truth.

Part of the reason I like to talk with recovered addicts (also true for many people with various chronic illnesses) is because we tend to have a lot more self-awareness than the average population, often more realistic, putting more emphasis on living a meaningful life. So even when such people do ordinary, simple things, the quality of the interaction can be quite different. I personally desire that quality much much more than any of the superficial and supposedly fun things drinkers do. I have always been interested in the above stuff, so the same thing also drove my interest in socializing with people much older than myself when I was a kid and young adult - the features that can only be developed from life experience. That's no longer relevant much as I'm now older myself, but there is always a different level .

Surrendered19

I notice the last few years that many people, who are not necessarily addicts like many of us, are starting to group up and address the harmful effects of alcohol in any amount. It is a straight up health and wellness approach and it is really exciting to see. I love that name Steely: NON-TOXICATED. I want to join!!!!

Scd619x

Great idea for those who have gotten in trouble with alcohol and struggle to socialise without it

Lots of people don't drink and socialise so they holy grail would be to use the group as a stepping stone i guess?

biminiblue

What a great idea.