Key Points
I quit drinking two years ago and used work and renewed interests to build a sense of community..
But I felt somewhat awkward meeting new people without alcohol, and I soon realized that I had been using drinking as a crutch to make friends in adulthood...
Health experts Insider previously spoke to agree that replacing drinking with healthier habits like spending time with friends can help you enjoy life without alcohol...
Two years later, I've made several new friends at work across teams and meet up with them at the office now that it's open again...
Joining a martial arts gym in the fall of 2021 gave me a stress-relieving outlet and another reason to leave my apartment on weeknights while engaging in a somewhat social, alcohol-free activity...
